Photo: dronepicr, CC BY 2.0 on Wikimedia Commons
Nine easy days for a family or a group of friends, based on the south shore: calm beaches and a coastal path, an aquarium, a boat day, then car days to the west side, Iao Valley, Upcountry, the Road to Hana and the mountain. Plenty of open afternoons.
A gentle first day on the south shore. Short walks on a paved path, a swim at a calm beach, and the afternoon left open for naps and sand castles.
A wide, golden beach with gentle water on a calm day. A good place for the whole group to start, with sand for the children and shade nearby.
Go when Morning, when the water is calm and the sand is cool.
Local tip Swim where the water looks calm and a lifeguard is on duty, check the surf before you go in, and never turn your back on the waves.
A paved walkway that follows the shore past small beaches, lava rock and the resorts. Easy with strollers and for little legs, and with a view the whole way.
Go when Late morning or around sunset, in the shade.
Local tip The path is paved and flat, so a stroller works. Bring water, because there is little shade in the middle.
A small beach at the north end of the path. On calm days there are fish close to the rocks at the edge, and the water is a good place to practice snorkeling.
Go when Morning, when the water is clear.
Local tip Stay in the shallows near the shore and let children use a mask and a life jacket. Look at the fish near the rocks from a distance.
Fruit, sandwiches and cold drinks from a grocery store, eaten in the shade at the edge of the beach. Easy for a whole group and gentle on the budget.
Local tip Bring a cooler and a trash bag, and take everything away with you.
A quieter beach at the south end of Wailea. The late light on the sand is lovely, and Molokini and the other islands can be seen from the shore on a clear day.
Go when Late afternoon, as the light softens.
Local tip The surf can be strong at this beach, so wade and watch from the sand, and keep the youngest children well back from the water.
Finely shaved ice with sweet fruit syrups, a favorite island treat. Share one big cup and let each person pick a flavor.
Local tip Ask for the ice cream or the sweet beans underneath, the way locals do.
A day sized for children. A morning at a lifeguarded beach, a picnic lunch in a shady park, and a big aquarium for the hot afternoon hours.
A family beach in Kihei with a grassy area, picnic tables and a playground close by. Sand and shade make it easy to stay for the morning.
Go when Morning, with a picnic.
Local tip Look for the flags and the lifeguard tower, and swim near them. The grass behind the beach is the place for lunch.
A long, shady park beside the water in Kihei, with a playground, lawns and picnic tables. Let the children run and the grown-ups sit.
Go when Midday, for a picnic lunch in the shade.
Local tip There is plenty of shade and grass here. It is a good place to bring a late snack and let everyone rest.
A classic island meal of a scoop of rice, a scoop of macaroni salad and a main such as chicken or fish. Plates are large, so share.
Local tip Order a few plates for the group and pass them around.
An aquarium of Hawaiian sea life, with sharks, turtles and a tunnel of fish. It is indoors and shady, which makes it a good choice for the hot hours of the day, and it suits every age.
Go when Early afternoon, when the sun is high and the beach is hot.
Local tip Go through the tunnel of fish slowly, and let the children lead. Check ahead for feeding times and shows that you might not want to miss.
Poke is cubed raw fish dressed with soy sauce and sesame, usually served over rice. Shops sell it by the pound and many have a mild version.
Local tip Choose a spot where the fish is kept cold, and ask what is freshest.
A day with one big outing. A morning boat trip to the crater of Molokini, then the afternoon open for a rest or a visit to a beach on the south end.
A small crescent-shaped island, the rim of an old volcano, that sits in the sea off the south shore. Snorkel trips go out by boat in the morning, when the water is calmest. Choose a trip that suits the youngest swimmers, and ask about life jackets.
Go when Morning, when the sea is calmest.
Local tip Choose a boat trip that suits your youngest swimmer, ask about life jackets and seasickness, and take a sun shirt. A boat day is long, so keep the afternoon free.
Soft tacos with fresh grilled fish, cabbage and a squeeze of lime, a good choice after a morning at sea.
Local tip Ask for the sauce on the side for the younger children.
BoatMolokini is reached on a boat tour only; there is no landing.
BoatLarger boats leave from Maalaea Harbor, about an hour out. Smaller boats leave from Kihei Boat Ramp, about 15 minutes out.
CheckWind and swell can change where the boat stops.
A long, soft beach between Kihei and Wailea. A good place for a picnic and a rest after the boat.
Go when Midday, after the boat.
Local tip It is a long beach, so walk away from the busiest part for room to spread out. Check the surf before you swim.
A big, wide, golden beach backed by dunes and trees. The waves can be strong at the shore here, so it suits watching and wading more than swimming for young children.
Go when Late afternoon, around sunset.
Local tip The shore break here can be strong and sudden. Wade and watch rather than swim, and never turn your back on the waves.
Chicken grilled over a fire and brushed with a sweet, tangy sauce. It is sold from roadside stands on many weekends and is easy to share.
Local tip It sells out, so go early, and eat it with your hands at a picnic table.
A first day on the west side, with a car. Lahaina is a community recovering, so it is a short, respectful stop, and the beach at Kaanapali is the main event.
Once a royal capital and a whaling port, Lahaina is rebuilding after the fire of 2023. Check ahead for what is open and where visitors are welcome, follow the signs and closures, and remember that this is a community that is recovering, not an attraction.
Go when Morning, once you have checked what is open.
Local tip Parts of the town may be closed or fenced. Follow the signs, be quiet and kind, and support the people who live and work there. Do not photograph the damage or the residents.
A simple grilled fish sandwich with lettuce and tomato. A relaxed lunch near the beach in Kaanapali.
Local tip Choose a place with a view of the water, and book ahead for a big group.
A long beach on the west coast with calm water in many months and a paved path along the back. Plenty of space to spread out for a group.
Go when Midday, with shade and water close by.
Local tip The paved path along the back of the beach is handy with a stroller, and it is a long beach, so you can find a quiet spot.
A black lava headland at the north end of Kaanapali Beach. Watch from the sand, and snorkel only if the water is calm and the youngest members have a life jacket.
Go when Afternoon, around sunset.
Local tip Snorkel only on a calm day, stay close to the shore and keep a safe distance from the rocks and the fish. Never jump from the rock.
A table on the west shore with the sun going down over the water. Go early with children, and let the evening end gently.
Local tip Arrive before the rush to get a table for the group, and ask for a seat with a view.
A day of bays on the northwest tip. Short, easy walks between small beaches, with the afternoon left open for a swim or a rest.
A small, curved bay with calm water in most conditions and soft sand. The rocks on each side are good for looking at fish through a mask.
Go when Morning, when the bay is calm and the light is soft.
Local tip It is a small bay and it fills up, so arrive early. Stay inside the rocks that shelter it.
A short, paved walk beside the sea, linking the bays at Kapalua. It is easy for small children and with a stroller, and has views over the water all the way.
Go when Late morning, in the sea breeze.
Local tip The trail is short and paved, so walk as much or as little as the children want. It is open to the sun, so bring water and hats.
Pick up sandwiches and fruit such as pineapple and papaya, and eat them in the shade near the bay. Quick and easy.
Local tip Rinse sandy hands before lunch, and bring a towel to sit on.
A broad beach with lifeguards on duty and a grassy park behind it. The waves can build up here, so swim where the lifeguards say it is safe.
Go when Afternoon, with a lifeguard on duty.
Local tip The waves here can be big, especially in the winter. Check the surf and the flags before anyone goes in, and never turn your back on the water.
A deep green bay with a sea cliff on one side, a short way along the coast. Look down from the road. The snorkeling is calm in some conditions and rough in others, so check ahead and go in only if it is calm.
Go when Late afternoon, when the bay is still.
Local tip Look from the lookout above. Snorkel only on a calm day, with an adult who swims well, and check ahead, because the surf can make it dangerous.
Pork cooked slowly in an underground oven until it falls apart, served with rice. A traditional dish that suits a big table.
Local tip It is rich and salty, so share it with plenty of rice and vegetables.
A cool, green day with a short walk and plenty of shade. Iao Valley is a short drive from the south, and the afternoon is left open.
A deep green valley in the West Maui Mountains, with a tall needle of rock rising out of the trees. Short, paved paths lead to viewpoints, and the clouds roll in by midday, so go early.
Go when Early morning, before the clouds close in.
Local tip The paths are short and paved, so children can manage them. The stream can rise quickly in the rain, so stay out of the water.
A shady riverside park with gardens and houses that honor the many peoples who came to Maui. Plenty of picnic tables and grass for children to run on.
Go when Midday, for a picnic in the shade.
Local tip It is a quiet place with picnic tables, and a good spot to rest after the valley.
Saimin is the noodle soup of Hawaii, a light broth with egg noodles, fish cake and green onions. Warm, simple and good with children.
Local tip Add a little shoyu, and try the fish cake.
The old county seat of Maui, with a small main street, shops and places to eat. A pleasant, unhurried place to walk after the valley.
Go when Afternoon, for a coffee and a walk.
Local tip Park once and walk the main street. It is much quieter than the resorts, which is part of its charm.
Portuguese donuts, rolled in sugar and eaten warm. A favorite across the islands, and best shared.
Local tip Eat them fresh and warm, and have napkins ready.
A cool day on the slopes of the mountain, then down to the north coast. Farms and a cowboy town in the morning, a surf town and a beach where turtles rest in the afternoon.
A farming district on the slope of Haleakala, cooler than the beaches and green with gardens and orchards. Look for a farm stop or a lavender farm and see what is in season.
Go when Morning, when the air is cool.
Local tip Stop at a farm stand or a lavender farm and ask what is in season. Bring a jacket, since it is cooler up here.
Upcountry farms sell fruit, flowers and sometimes a hot lunch from a farm stand or a small cafe. Choose what is in season and picnic at a table.
Local tip Ask what was picked that day, and buy a bag of fruit for the road.
A small paniolo, or cowboy, town with wooden storefronts, galleries and bakeries. A fine place for a coffee and a slow wander.
Go when Late morning, with time for a bakery stop.
Local tip Look for the wooden storefronts and the small galleries, and take a coffee or a pastry to a bench.
The cowboy town is known for its bakeries, with fresh pastries, doughnuts and bread. A sweet stop in the morning.
Local tip Go before late morning for the best choice.
A laid-back old plantation town on the north shore, with colorful shops and cafes along one main street. Park once and walk.
Go when Afternoon, on the way to the beach.
Local tip Parking is tight on the main street, so park once at the edge of town and walk. Bring a hat.
Paia has many small places to eat with fresh fish, salads and burgers. A relaxed end to the day before the drive south.
Local tip Eat a little early, since the road south is long after dark.
A famous beach for windsurfers and surfers, with a lookout above it. Green sea turtles, called honu, often rest on the sand. Keep a good distance and never touch them, and keep children away from the water when the waves are big.
Go when Late afternoon, when the sun slants and the turtles come in.
Local tip Green sea turtles rest on the sand here. Keep a good distance, never touch them and stay out of their way. Waves are often big, so watch from above.
The headline car day, and a long one. The road is narrow and winding, with many one-lane bridges, so leave early, take it slowly and let the faster cars pass. Check ahead for road work and closures.
A small farming village on a point of black lava rock, with taro fields and waves breaking on the shore. A good place to stretch your legs and look out at the sea.
Go when Morning, on your way out.
Local tip Walk out onto the black lava rock and watch the waves, but stay well back from the edge, because the sea is rough here.
Along the road to Hana, small stands sell warm banana bread and fruit. A sweet stop to share in the car.
Local tip Carry small bills and some patience, since stands are often unstaffed and run on trust.
A park on the coast with a black sand beach, sea caves and a shady path along the cliffs. The sea is rough here, so enjoy it from the shore. Check ahead, because the park may need a reservation.
Go when Midday, with plenty of time to walk.
Local tip The black sand is made of small stones that heat in the sun, so bring sandals. Do not swim where the waves are rough, and check ahead for any entry rules.
A simple plate or a sandwich from a stand along the road, eaten at a picnic table. Bring food from home too, since choices are limited.
Local tip Pack extra water and snacks, because there is not much food along the way.
A quiet, spread-out town at the end of the road, where life goes on at its own pace. Stretch your legs, buy something to eat and think about the drive back before the light fades.
Go when Afternoon, then start back with plenty of daylight.
Local tip Fill the tank and buy snacks when you pass through. The drive back can be tiring, so share it among the adults if you can.
A slow last day. Keep the morning for the beach, then go up the mountain in the afternoon for the sunset. It is cold and high, so bring warm layers for everyone.
A hillside garden of protea, orchids and native plants, with short paths and a few little bridges. A calm walk for all ages on the way up the mountain.
Go when Morning, when the garden is cool.
Local tip Take the loop slowly. There are small bridges and ponds, and children enjoy looking for the birds.
A forest of tall trees high on the mountain, with a short loop trail and the songs of native birds. A good place to stretch your legs on the way to the summit.
Go when Afternoon, on the way up the mountain.
Local tip The loop is short, and the trees are a change from the beach. Listen for native birds, and bring a jacket.
A hot meal before you head up to the summit, so no one is hungry in the cold. Soup, rice and noodles are good choices.
Local tip Eat before you go up, because there is no food at the top.
The top of the volcano, above the clouds, with a view down into the crater. Sunrise and sunset are the famous times to go. Reservation and permit rules change, so check ahead. It is cold and high, and the thin air can make people dizzy.
Go when Around sunset, with warm layers.
Local tip Bring coats, hats and gloves for everyone, since it is cold and the wind is strong. Take it slowly at the top, because the air is thin. Check ahead for rules and reservations.
A warm drink for the cold summit, such as hot chocolate or tea. It makes the wait for sunset much easier.
Local tip Pack it in a flask and bring a blanket for the children.
It covers 9 days in Maui, planned for late September. Each day is built around a small number of stops, with room to rest.
It was planned for most travelers. The pace and the places reflect that, so check it fits how you travel.
No. Places marked "book ahead" need a reservation. Hours, prices and availability change, so confirm before you go.
Yes. Archie drafts a day by day plan for your dates and takes your pace, the weather and who is travelling into account. You can start one from the Archie app.
Yes. It is a starting point you can change to fit your own trip: swap a place, add a day or move the pace.
Each day has about 1.3 to 24.7 miles between its stops, and 89.3 miles in all across 9 days. A short hop is a walk and a longer one a ride. Distances are straight-line estimates, so allow extra for the streets.
5 days on Hawaii's Big IslandAbout 100 miles awayAn easy add-on
4 days in HonoluluAbout 100 miles awayOther guides with a page about Maui. Each one opens in a new tab.
WikivoyageMaui, the free travel guideCondé Nast TravelerMaui travel guideTime OutThings to do in MauiThe InfatuationRestaurant guide to MauiPhoto: Ekrem Canli, CC BY-SA 4.0 on Wikimedia Commons · Photo: Richard N Horne, CC BY-SA 4.0 on Wikimedia Commons · Photo: Forest & Kim Starr, CC BY 3.0 on Wikimedia Commons · Photo: en:User:Calbear22 on Wikimedia Commons
Make it yours in a minute, then move days around and add what you want.
A trip idea · Updated October 2026
Want your own days planned like this? Plan your own trip on the web or get the Archie app.
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