Explore Maui in just 2 Days
Maui Two-Day Itinerary Suggestions
With only two full days (three nights) on Maui, you'll need to be prepared, and our Maui two-day itineraries should help you feel ready to tackle the Valley Isle with gusto.
Ready to escape to your dream vacation, Hawaii? With kids to carpool, a house to clean, a job to maintain, who has time to plan a vacation? Most people find it staggering, planning their dream vacation to Maui. Don't let discouragement lead you to think, "Wow, this is a lot harder than I thought it'd be... there's so much to do."
Welcome to our site, where you can find limited options and guidance to building a flexible Maui itinerary. Plan your Maui vacation with ease. Visitors commend our itineraries as user-friendly, interactive, and customizable to fit their needs. Our website provides expert insights into planning your trip and organizing your vacation goals into simple itineraries.
Proper preparation will serve you well with only two full days (three nights) on Maui. Use our Maui two-day itineraries should tackle the Valley Isle with gusto. Planning your vacation doesn't have to be a chore, and hopefully, our recommendations will help prepare for your two-day and three-night trip to Maui.
Customizing Your Maui Stay With Our Guides
Ultimately, our Maui itineraries share insider tips regarding any of our Maui itineraries: one, two (this page), three, four, five, six, and seven-day itineraries. Our guide explores how many days to spend in Maui. We list the best sights, best deals, and timesaving tips. Our guide holds it all, whether seeking an adventure, relaxing beaches, killer surfing, or a romantic getaway. With the help of our itinerary, expect to manifest your dream Maui vacation!
Find Your Way Around Maui: Google Maps for Every Day on Maui
We've provided all Maui directions via Google Maps when possible. Google Maps works on all platforms and across all devices. Search the site's address or name with your phone or tablet, and then go. To help you visualize each day's itinerary, we've also provided overview maps that help you get your bearings.
Mapping Your 2-Day Maui Trip
In this two-day Maui itinerary, we've selected West Maui, including Lahaina and Ka'anapali, for one full day of sightseeing. We recommend seeing East Maui (along the coast) for the second day. This famous shoreline takes you along the popular Road to Hana. We think you'll find both days full of special activities and sights to see.
Building the Best 2-day Maui Itinerary: Flexibility Matters
We've also provided a couple of alternate days to select from if something in our two suggested days doesn't fit your fancy. Think of our itineraries as a rough guide. Switch, swap, and exchange days or stops with our itineraries. Ultimately, build the itinerary that YOU want for your trip.
For instance, our two-day Maui itinerary below attempts to cover the top attractions on Maui over just two short days. We believe the interests and activities outlined in this Maui itinerary will provide a memorable and enjoyable experience while visiting the 'Valley Isle.'
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2023 Maui Visitor Guides
If you're visiting Maui soon, be sure to download your copy of one of our updated 2023 Maui Visitor Guides. We've updated both travel guides with a lot of new great information for potential visitors (and those who've been a time or two as well).
~ Trusted by Millions of Hawaii Visitors Annually ~
Overview of Maui - The ‘Valley Isle’
As the second-largest Hawaiian island, Maui holds many wonders. Some quick highlights about Maui:
- Trek the two major volcanic areas, from the West Maui Mountains to the very expansive, active Haleakala on the eastern side of Maui.
- Between the two volcanoes, find valleys filled with deposits.
- Visit the 'Valley Isle' lushness in the island's center. Discover a vast array of greenery and vegetation.
- Hit the sandy beaches that span the island, especially along the West Coast.
- Bask in the great climate along with. Sunny days. Maui's volcanoes block most precipitation from reaching the island's leeward side.
- Delve into the rich green terrains found in the eastern portions of the island. Discover a lush paradise boasting waterfalls in many valleys.
- Enjoy the Hana Highway (aka The Road to Hana) as it winds its way along the coast to the sleepy town of Hana in the bay.
- Explore the dry and barren terrain on Maui's west coast.
Accommodations on Maui & Where to Stay
On Maui, most people choose to stay on the west side of the island in Lahaina or Ka'anapali. In contrast, others choose accommodations on the south shore, in Kihei or Wailea. Are you still weighing your options? We can help. Check out the Where to Stay on Maui article for the best tips and suggestions. Regardless of your chosen location in Maui, you can find many accommodations scattered across the island: B&Bs, inns, resorts, hotels, etc. Let our experts offer you the best insight into planning accordingly.
Quick Tip: Read our Best time to Visit Maui article for an in-depth look at which time(s) of the year is best for your travel party on Maui.
Getting Around Maui
A rental car is the best option for getting around the island and viewing all the sights we detail in our itineraries on Maui. The rental rates in Hawaii are often some of the cheapest anywhere globally because the competition is fierce.
There is no reliable bus service on the island, and taxi services are expensive and illogical for sight-seeing purposes.
What to Pack on Your Maui Trip?
Leave as much as you can at home. As part of the USA, you can find nearly everything in Hawaii. Most likely, you will not find it ideal, schlepping around three suitcases after a long flight. Considering your travel goals and past travel experience, we still highly recommend bringing only must-needed items.
Regarding clothing, consider packing:
- A few pairs of shorts
- Several t-shirts, cotton is best
- Hats or visors to protect you from the sunny days
- Sandals or flip-flops
- Light jacket for the higher elevations
Overall, such clothing items suit most outings, including fine dining options. Unless you plan to stay in an exclusive resort, our list will meet your vacation goals.
Follow the "less is more" mindset for any additional items. We recommend bringing:
- Sunblock (the UV in Hawaii is typically 10+ in the spring, summer, and fall),
- A backpack (for any hikes) and
- A water bottle
- Slippers (flip-flops, shower shoes, zoris)
- Equipment for snorkeling/swimming: mask, snorkel, and fins (or rent locally instead),
- Two bathing suits (one to wear while the other dries) and a cover-up
- your phone or a camera
- Lightweight raincoat or poncho (for mountain/rain forest hiking)
- Bug spray with DEET (for any forest hikes)
- Flashlight (if the sun goes down before your hike ends or for night walks on the beach)
- Hiking boots and hiking rods
Lastly, leave behind all your troubles and worries. See our What to Pack When Visiting Hawaii article for more information on what to pack.
Two Day Itinerary for Maui
2-Day Maui Wayfinder Guide
We'll officially kick off our itinerary suggestions by quickly covering the arrival day. We'll also cover the departure day at the end of this page. We recommend taking easy on those two days. We like to keep them open and use them to relax after we arrive and before we depart.
Arrival Day on Maui
Use your arrival day to adjust to the islands. Grab a bite to eat, pick up your rental car, or gather supplies or groceries soon after your arrival. Eventually, enjoy your first Hawaiian sunset that evening. Then, get to bed early to prepare for tomorrow's sightseeing. If you're flying in from another island, as we often do, some light sightseeing is suitable. Yet, we advise people to take it easy the first day, soak in their local surroundings, and acclimate to Hawaiian time.
Day #1 - East Maui Coast
This day's Maui itinerary explores the incredible sights, attractions, and beaches of East Maui, including the world-famous Road to Hana. Because this region prominently features the Hana Highway (a.k.a 'Road to Hana'), we often refer to it as the 'Hana Highway' region of Maui.
When it comes to driving the Hana Highway on Maui, it's the journey, not the destination, the main attraction. Few words can describe the beauty of this drive with its cliffs cloaked in lush valleys bursting with waterfalls. Curves of this road hug the coast. Gaze over an ocean that stretches uninterrupted to the Alaskan coastline from this vantage point. This highway curves through the paradise of black, red, and white sandy beaches and beautiful gardens.
Day #2 - West Maui Highlights
This day's Maui itinerary explores the incredible sights, attractions, and beaches of West Maui. With plenty of sunshine and an abundance of rainfall (as much as 390 inches a year), West Maui was once a major Hawaiian population center and the proverbial playground of royalty (the ali'i) in old Hawai'i.
Today, west Maui has become the playground of visitors worldwide.
Along the shores of West Maui, you'll find the resort area of Kapalua (northwest), Kahana and Honokowai (mid-way), the visitor community of Napili, and course, the bustling towns of Lahaina and Ka'anapali.
Departure Day from Maui
Use this day to wind down before leaving for another island or home like your arrival day. We suggest grabbing a bite to eat from one of your favorite local restaurants near your accommodation and maybe some final souvenir shopping at some of the many stores and local shops around the island. Undoubtedly, the local community would appreciate your business. There are no "Goodbyes" in Hawaii, so we'll say A Hui Hou, which in Hawaiian means 'Until we meet again.' Aloha!
Alternative Itinerary Options for Maui
2-Day Alternate Maui Itineraries
If something in the two days we've selected doesn't feel right to you, we've provided alternate day itineraries below. Just swap the day below with the one you don't like from above. Mix, swap, and shuffle our itineraries needed to create the perfect trip for your travel party.
Alternate Day: Haleakala & Upcountry Maui
This day's Maui itinerary explores the breathtaking sights, attractions, and trails of Upcountry Maui and Haleakala, including the Haleakala National Park summit area.
The term Upcountry Maui refers to the towns, ranches, vineyards, parks, farmlands, and visitor attractions on the upper slopes of Haleakala volcano, including Haleakala National Park. Enchanting and rural, Maui's Upcountry is the heart of the island's agricultural industry and a thriving artists' community.
Many compare the beautiful landscape of Upcountry Maui to the countryside in Scotland. You can discover several unique floral gardens in this part of Maui. Moreover, you can find the best views of the South Pacific anywhere on the island. Just head to the peaks of Upcountry, Maui, for these spectacular views.
Alternate Day: South Maui
This day's Maui itinerary explores the incredible sights, attractions, beaches, and hiking trails of South Maui. South Maui is best known for its miles of white sandy beaches, spectacular coastal areas, snorkeling on its reefs, and expansive lava fields like La Perouse Bay.
Sheltered on the leeward side of the Haleakala volcano, this side of Maui is relatively drier and sunnier than the rest of the island. This side of the island additionally provides spectacular views of Lanai, Molokini, and Kahoolawe offshore islands. There is world-class golfing available in Wailea, and some of the finest restaurants and dining in all of Maui can be found in this region. South Maui includes the coastal communities of Ma'alaea and Kihei and the growing resort communities of Wailea and Makena.
In South Maui, travelers can discover the true warmth of Aloha and genuine Hawaiian hospitality.
Alternate Day: East Maui 2-Day Adventure
This day's Maui itinerary replaces BOTH days above. This two-day East Maui itinerary explores the incredible sights, attractions, and beaches along the world-famous Road to Hana and the Pi'ilani Highway beyond, over two days instead of just one.
This two-day East Maui itinerary permits you to see additional attractions, spend more time at your favorite stops, and more thoroughly explore the Ohe'o Gulch in the Kipahulu portion of Haleakala National Park. We've got an excellent trail recommendation along the Pipiwai Trail for this two-day itinerary.
Remember, you'll need to use this itinerary to replace both itinerary days above! If you were looking for a way to see more of the Road to Hana & Beyond, even if it very likely means skipping over the rest of Maui, this itinerary is designed precisely for that purpose.
Alternate Day - Central & North Maui
This day's Maui itinerary explores the great hiking trails, state monuments, and attractions in Central & North Maui. Central Maui is best known for the Iao Valley, technically in West Maui, but access is via central Maui. The Waihee Ridge Trail is also technically in northwest Maui, but we've included it here because you'll also access it from central Maui.
The proverbial 'heart' of Maui, Central Maui, is the isthmus that connects Maui's two volcanoes. Your visit to Maui will likely begin here at the airport in Kahului. Central Maui provides various attractions like:
- Residential communities
- Sugar and pineapple plantations
- County and state government offices
- Kahului Airport (OGG)
- Maui Tropical Plantation
- Golf courses, parks, shopping areas, and more
Alternate Day: Maui Tour & Activity Day
This day's Maui itinerary provides an overview of our recommended Maui Tours & Activities. We recommend a Maui tour that incorporates the hidden treasures of Maui, especially for visitors who have five or more days on the island.
Select from one or more of the tours we've listed on this page, and we're sure you'll have an incredible time. We've hand-selected these Maui tours due to their popularity and high ratings with visitors like yourself!
Here you'll find an incredible assortment of tours and activities to enjoy: whale watching, a Road to Hana tour, ziplining, boat & sailing tours, and Molokini snorkel trips are just a few of the many amazing adventures available on Maui.
Quick Tips for Your Visit to Maui:
The best length of stay in Maui: Ideally, we recommend spending a week in Maui to sample all the richness of this island. Even two to three days offer great options, too.
The best month to visit: The best time to go to Maui is between April to early October for the best weather. Visitors love the weather in Maui in July. Even the weather in Maui in September is worthwhile for the temperatures not so high but still sunny. For fewer crowds, better deals, and fantastic weather, visit April to May or September to November.
The best area to stay in is Maui: Wailea because it has a lot of activities and restaurants. It also attracts tourists with its beautiful beaches, resorts, shopping centers, spas, and golf courses, making it the perfect getaway for families looking to spend some time together. Plus, Wailea is one of the best places to stay in Maui for couples.
Best time to spot whales: Whale-watching season in Maui begins in November and lasts until May. Yet, the best times to spot a whale fall between January to March. Though still possible, your chances to spot one decline during June, September, and October.
Best way to get around: You have the option of hiring a taxi or Uber driver. Renting a car offers the best deal and flexibility. It permits you to explore the island on your schedule.
Must-see sights: Though we recommend seeing everything, we understand that some may encounter some time constraints. Don't leave Maui without seeing the Road to Hana, traditional luau feast, and Mt. Haleakala. Also, visit the shores for great water activities: swimming with sea turtles, snorkeling, whale watching, etc.
For more tips about Maui, check out our Maui Travel Tips.
Let Our Guides Help You:
Ready to see all the top sights, do all the top activities without getting bored or exhausted? We're here to help you plan a Maui vacation that will keep you coming back. Our Maui 2-day itinerary packs activities and experiences that will make your trip unforgettable. Our Maui 2-day itinerary gives you everything you need to stay active, inspired, and entertained all day long! We cover Maui's wonderful regions: East Maui, Central & North Maui, and East Maui Coast. You want to experience the best of Maui, Hawaii. We have everything you need to do it! From snorkeling, hiking, biking, and more - we can help you do it all! Click here to view our exceptional itinerary for East Maui, West Maui, South Maui, North Maui, and Haleakala & Upcountry. Click here for guides of Maui regions, more information about Maui, and the best lodging locations in Maui. Start planning your Maui vacation today!
