Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Maui?
Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Maui?
Not sure how much time you'll need in Maui, Hawaii? Most people spend at least 3 or as many as 7 days in Maui during their visit. After all, the idyllic island will let you swim at the beach, discover the nearby hiking trails, admire the wonderful scenery, and snorkel or scuba dive.
For many visitor's, Maui is a favorite of the Hawaiian Islands. The island is home to the Haleakala National Park, with its dramatic peaks and breathtaking scenery. Another iconic experience is to drive the road to Hana. Maui also has more than 30 miles of stunning beaches and the Iao Valley State Monument. Luaus and other cultural experiences also offer a unique take on the island's history.
Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Maui? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is 3 days enough time in Maui?
Three days is usually not enough time to experience the idyllic island of Maui, so you may find yourself somewhat rushed. You don't want to miss the main attractions such as the beaches, the hiking, the beautiful scenery, and scuba diving and snorkeling, as well as Haleakala National Park. You'll likely want more than three days, as many tourists set aside around three to seven days for their visit. However, if your schedule is tight, we have a handful of recommendations to make the most of your journey below.
How to spend 3 days in Maui
When visiting Maui, you absolutely can't miss Haleakala National Park as it's one of the most famous places in the world. Make sure you allow yourself enough time to fully experience it.
Maui is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. With its dramatic mountains and beautiful blue water, this island offers stunning beauty.
A few tour suggestions include:
- 'Alihilani Sunset Sail from Ma'alaea Harbor ($113)
- Maui Hula Show: Hula and Fire Dancing at South Maui Gardens ($105)
- Original Sunset Cruise with Open Bar from Ka’anapali Beach ($113)
The beautiful beaches await you in Maui, so spend the day (or several, if you can) relaxing on the sand or swimming in the water. The island has stunning beaches and more miles of swimmable beach than any of the other Hawaiian islands. One of the best swimming beaches is Kapalua Beach, but other favorite beaches include Makena Beach State Park, Ka'anapali Beach, Baldwin Beach Park, and Wai'anapanapa State Park.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Clear Kayak & Snorkel Tour (7am-10am) ($125)
- Private Surf Lesson for Two Near Lahaina ($145)
- Family and Couple Beach Photos ($99)
Known for it's hiking, Maui sees plenty of visitors looking to get outdoors. Spend a day exploring the natural beauty and scenery on a nearby hike. There are many diverse hikes on the island that pass through different landscapes and ecosystems. Hikes range from easy to challenging and are of varying length. Some of the favorites include 'Iao Valley State Park, Haleakala's Sliding Sands Trail (in Haleakala National Park), and The Pipiwai Trail.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Hike Honolua Ridgeline ($125)
- Haleakala Crater Hiking Experience ($213)
Is 4 days enough time in Maui?
Maui offers plenty of activities and attractions and remains a top choice for tourists. So with four days, you'll probably feel rushed to see everything the island has to offer. You really need more time to swim at the beach, discover the nearby hiking trails, admire the wonderful scenery, and snorkel or scuba dive. Many visitors prefer to have at least 3 or as many as 7 days to fully enjoy the island. If you have four days or less, we still have some great ideas for what to do while you're in town.
Maui, Hawaii
How to spend 4 days in Maui
Having 4 days in Maui will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the island.
Scuba diving and snorkeling around Maui is very popular. Spend the day exploring the beauty of the surrounding underwater world. The island has excellent snorkeling and scuba diving. You can really find it anywhere on the island, but some places are more crowded than others. Some of the best beaches for snorkeling include Honolua Bay, Slaughterhouse (Mokuleia Bay), DT Fleming Beach, and Kapalua Bay.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Clear Kayak & Snorkel Tour (7am-10am) ($125)
- Intro to Scuba Diving in Kaanapali ($229)
- Pool Scuba Lesson and shore dive in Maui ($59)
Is 5 days enough time in Maui?
Five days is the perfect amount of time on Maui, as many visitors prefer to spend around three to seven days here. You'll be able enjoy the island's offerings such as the beaches, the hiking, and the beautiful scenery. We have some suggestions for what to do and where to start your adventure below.
How to spend 5 days in Maui
With 5 days in Maui, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the island has to offer.
Shopping in Maui is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. There are many shopping centers where you'll find souvenirs, Hawaiian clothing, and even handmade crafts. If you forgot something from home, you'll also find many of the major chains that are common on the mainland.
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Maui, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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