48 Hours in Maui: Where to Stay, Eat, and Explore the Island

Explore Maui’s Unique Districts

Maui is home to golden sands in Kāʻanapali and Wailea and black-sand coves in Waiʻanapanapa State Park. Snorkeling with sea turtles or hearing humpback whales swimming in calm, turquoise water is magical.

Climate

The windward side of the island has more rainfall than the leeward side. Upcountry provides an elevation change, creating cooler temperatures, especially up at the summit of Haleakalā volcano, with its unique ecosystem.

South Maui

This is a popular home base for a wide array of ocean activities. Kihei to Wailea provides miles of sandy beaches and has some of the island’s best swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking opportunities. The town has an eclectic mix of places for ocean-view dining and shopping. Visit several popular businesses that relocated to this area after the Lahaina wildfires. Further south is the picturesque and secluded Mākena State Park. There is an entrance and parking fee at this park.

Morning: Walk the Wailea Beach Pathway

This pathway stretches along the white sand Mokapu Beach, next to the Andaz Maui Resort, to Polo Beach in the south near the Fairmont Kea Lani Resort. Sit at an open-air restaurant for breakfast with ocean views. Yoga classes take place on the grassy knolls.

Afternoon: Discover Marine Life at The Maui Ocean Center

It’s the largest living tropical reef aquarium in the Western Hemisphere. This ideal activity for families is about a 15-minute drive from the South Maui resorts. Learn about marine life found in Hawaiian waters at the different vibrant exhibits. There are coral reef habitats, sea turtles, stingrays, sharks, fish, and other sea creatures. General admission includes access to the “Humpbacks of Hawaiʻi” movie in the Sphere Theater. Tickets can be purchased at the center or in advance through various tour providers.

Sunset Hour: Visit Lahaina Brewing’s Koholā Brewery Taproom in Wailea

Lahaina Brewing Co. burned down during the Lahaina fires, and the owner relocated to Wailea. She collaborated with Kona Brewing to make all of her beloved beers that are served here. The chef makes tasty elevated bar food.

Dinner

Splurge at Morimoto Maui at the Andaz Resort in Wailea. Celebrity Japanese Chef Masaharu Morimoto, of “Iron Chef” fame, has a restaurant at the Andaz Maui Resort’s lowest swimming pool. The menu blends Western and Japanese traditions that include sushi, ribs, and beautifully crafted grilled proteins.

Where to Stay

Experience island luxury at Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort, where ocean views, infinity pools, and authentic Hawaiian hospitality await.

North Shore Maui

Visit Pā‘ia, the gateway to Maui’s world-renowned north shore surf spots and beaches. It’s where Hawaiian sea turtles bask in the sun on warm, golden sand. The sugar plantation-era storefronts are home to small boutiques, eateries, juice bars, ice cream shops, local bars, ocean activity companies, and surf gear shops.

Morning

Visit Ho’okipa Beach Park to see sea turtles during certain times of the year. It’s a popular wading in the water and chilling on the sand spot. View pro and amateur windsurfers and foil boarders skimming the ocean surface.

Lunch

PAIA Fishmarket Restaurant for fresh catch: Ono, Mahi-Mahi, Opakapaka, Ahi, and Salmon plates with crunchy coleslaw or as a charbroiled burger.

Afternoon

Visit Maui Dharma Center and Gardens. A place for the study and practice of Tibetan Buddhism. The 14th Dalai Lama gave his blessing here on April 24, 2007, for the land here to be used to further the cause of peace and love throughout the world. It’s a pretty spot to sit and reflect in the garden or inside in the colorful meditation room.

Dinner

Splurge and dine at the oceanfront Mama’s Fish House. Family-owned since 1973, the menu reflects the family’s travels throughout the South Pacific. Their team of fishermen is named on the menu under the fresh fish they caught that morning. Each dish dazzles with a gourmet spin. It’s pricey, but the quality, service, views of Ku’au Bay, and hospitality are worth it.

Where to Stay

I recommend staying at the Inn at Mama’s Fish House, a charming oceanfront inn on Maui’s North Shore with a relaxed island feel.

West Maui

Morning

Forever the home district of Lahaina town, West Maui offers scenic coastline views on the way to the Kā‘anapali resort area. Explore Ka’anapali Beach and park in a public lot to stroll along the scenic Ka’anapali Beach Walk. It’s a 3.1-mile walking path with a boardwalk and a packed dirt path. Wear or pack your bathing suit, sunblock, a towel, and sandals for a beach day.

The water is warm, and the panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, and neighboring islands Lanai and Molokai add to the spectacular scenery. Three spots to stop to admire are Black Rock, a prominent lava formation at the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa. This area is very popular for snorkeling and cliff diving. Continue on to Whalers Village, a beachfront shopping and dining complex located near the central part of the trail. Finish at the Hyatt Regency Maui to see flamingos, koi fish, and African penguins.

During the winter months (December to April), humpback whales migrate through this ocean channel, providing close-to-the-beach sightings.

For a great whale or dolphin watching experience, I recommend booking this highly rated tour: Eco-Raft Tour: Eye-Level Whale or Dolphin Watching from Lahaina

Lunch and Dinner Opportunities

• Lahaina Noon, an oceanfront all-day restaurant at Lahaina Resort & Bungalow. The creative menu is by a skillful team of talented chefs who focus on the island’s natural bounty of produce and proteins.
• Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman is known for its famous Mai Tais with a foam top. The inventive farm-to-table Hawaiian-inspired menu and lively atmosphere are popular with locals and visitors.

Where to Stay

For a relaxed beachfront stay, consider the Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows on Kā‘anapali Beach.

Upcountry Maui

A road trip is the best way to discover Upcountry Maui with its rolling hills, farms, produce stands, popular bakery, zip lining, hiking, and wine tasting experiences.

Morning

Start your morning at Komoda Store & Bakery in the charming town of Makawao for fresh-from-the-oven stick donuts. Locals and tourists love their coconut turnover and guava malasadas. Established in 1916, it’s an authentic step back in time bakery.

Take your pleasing baked goods with you on your drive to the 30,000+ acre Haleakalā National Park. The volcano summit is ideal for stellar sunrise and sunset views from the 10,000-foot summit. Reservations are required for sunrise visits.

Another hike is the secret trail at the Makawao State Forest Reserve. The Kahakapao Recreation area is popular with local birders and mountain bikers. There is a canopy of shade trees along a network of easy and moderate hiking trails and a biking skills course that is a favorite of the Upcountry community.

Lunch

Be sure to stop at The Old Ulupalakua Ranch Store in the town of Kula for locally sourced beef, elk, lamb, venison, or vegetarian taro burgers. They grill them up outside on the wood deck, along with Kalbi ribs. Located on the southwestern slopes of the Haleakalā volcano, the working cattle ranch runs 2,300 brood cows of Brangus and Angus breeding. Sit outside and take in the views of lush greenery and the Pacific Ocean beyond.

Afternoon

Walk across the street from the ranch to explore the paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) heritage and artist colony at the ranch. Stroll along the wooden rustic storefronts, step inside the galleries and boutiques, and visit the Maui Wine Tasting Room.

The vineyards grow on the nutrient grassy slopes of Ulupalakua Ranch. Besides serving their white, rosé, sparkling, and red wines, they also make and serve pineapple wines. These unique wines are crafted to showcase the sweetness of the Maui Gold pineapple variety.

Dinner

Drive to Pukalani to a local favorite, Marlow. It’s known for its creative Neapolitan-style sourdough wood-fired pizzas. The chefs focus on local, seasonal, and high-quality ingredients. They offer a great list of organic wines to sip with Italian-inspired starters and wood-fired protein entrées.

Where to Stay

For a stay in Upcountry Maui, book a charming VRBO or Airbnb to enjoy local character, scenic views, and flexible accommodations.

Central Maui

Wailuku offers walkable streets and classic historic buildings that are home to modern and longtime local-owned boutiques, restaurants, bakeries, snack shops, and cafes. Stroll Wailuku’s growing collection of colorful Small Town * Big Art street murals painted by locals, and visit Kahului for Chef Kyle Kawakami’s popular Maui Fresh Streatery food truck. He prepares tasty fare representing Maui’s many cultures. Money dropped in his Aloha Tip Jar has raised nearly $1 million for resident food and post-fire relief.

East Maui

Drive or book a tour company experience to visit the famously winding 35-mile Hāna Highway. This scenic drive runs alongside waterfalls, rain-forested gorges and provides spectacular views of the Maui coastline. Taking a tour is a more relaxing and informative way to see all 600 curves and cross over 50 bridges.

Be sure to visit Wai‘ānapanapa State Park to see its beautiful black sand beaches. There are coastal and forest hikes, sea stacks, and early Hawaiian heiau (temple). Reservations required.

Need a hand planning your trip? Here are the sites and services we rely on most, from booking tools to travel products we love.

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Author Bio: Jill visits Maui twice a year. It’s one of her favorite Hawaiian Islands. She enjoys discovering new local adventures and culinary experiences.

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