The Ultimate Travel Guide for Maui, Hawaii

I'm not sure why we didn't book a trip to Hawaii sooner... the islands are absolutely incredible! Imagine this: beautiful blue water and beaches on one side of the road and then luscious green mountains on the other. Maui ended up being the perfect spot for Lantz and I, and we recommend it to all couples and adventure-seekers thinking of booking a trip. I received a bunch of DMs about our experience traveling during the pandemic*, where to stay, where to eat and the best hikes on the island. See below for a breakdown of all of these things from our week-long trip in Maui!

*Note: We booked our trip to Maui late February 2021 and traveled late March 2021. At this time, there were still restrictions in place for entering the state of Hawaii and a travel program in place for approval into the state. Be sure to check the state website for any travel updates or changes in requirements as the CDC releases new guidelines. See more on this below if you're planning to travel in the near future (or as guidelines change throughout 2021). If this doesn't apply to you, skip ahead to the next section!

Getting to Maui

We decided to fly with Delta for this trip to Maui — it is our preferred airline always, but they also were one of the few airlines still blocking middle seats on flights as an added safety precaution during the Covid-19 pandemic. Our flight experience was smooth and we felt comfortable the entire time while traveling. Highly recommend Delta for any trips you book! Once flights were booked, we began our process with this Hawaii's Safe Travels Program in order to be allowed into the state. Below is a brief outline of the process we needed to complete before arrival.

Step 1: Create a Safe Travels profile and fill in your trip/flight details under the "Trips" tab. 

Step 2: At the time that we booked our flight and traveled to the islands, having the Covid-19 vaccine was NOT an automatic exemption from quarantine. In order to bypass the mandatory 10-day quarantine, travelers are required to take a Covid-19 test within 72 hours of travel. IMPORTANT: the test needs to be taken within 72 hours of the last leg of your trip (the flight that actually lands in Hawaii). Be sure to take into account any time changes during your travels to make sure you schedule a test on the right day. The State of Hawaii will only accept NAAT (nucleic acid amplification test) test results from the trusted travel partners listed on their website. In order to receive the appropriate documentation, you will need to schedule a test appointment with one of these providers in advance. We decided to test with Walgreens as their rapid test option is a NAAT test and we got our results within 24 hours. If you have any questions about test types, be sure to reach out to the testing partner you are scheduling with to confirm you're planning to take the right test.

Step 3: Once you receive your results, upload the negative test result (must be in PDF form) into the "Documents" tab on the Safe Travels portal. It is suggested to have this done ASAP before you depart to Hawaii.

Step 4: Within 24 hours of your departure, you'll need to fill out the short health questionnaire within the Safe Travels portal. This form will not be accessible until 24 hours before your trip, so make a note to log in and complete before you leave! 

Step 5: Upon arrival in Maui, you will go through an airport security check to confirm you aren't running a fever and have all required documentation upload (or printed in hand) in order to be exempt from quarantine while on the island. For good measure, we also had printed copies of all test results/paperwork in case there was an issue with the online portal uploads. 

Individual island requirements: If you are planning to hop between islands during your trip, note that there may still be requirements for each island before entry (each one was different at the time we visited and some were closed to travelers). You can confirm the most up-to-date requirements for each island on the State of Hawaii website. At the time we traveled, Maui and Oahu did not require a test upon arrival, while other islands did require additional testing after arrival and testing 3 days in advance of any inter-island travel plans.

Mask Guidelines: As in most of the lower 48 states, masks are required while walking in any public areas (restaurants until you are at your table, stores, hotel grounds and around the pool until you reach your seat). They are not required when you can safely social distance outside or while enjoying the beaches. Hawaii is very serious about the mask mandate and safety precautions, so be sure to respect the guidelines in place while you're visiting the islands. 

Okay, I think that covers everything as far as entry and safety guidelines! As mentioned above, the state website is updated regularly with the most accurate information.

Where to Stay in Maui

Ka'anapali

During our visit, we chose to stay in Ka'anapali as it's a popular spot for visitors right along the beach, it's one of the drier areas of the island (less rain) and there were a bunch of beautiful resorts to choose from. Plus, it offers a prime sunset view every single night where it's located on the island. We stayed at the Sheraton Maui Resort and it was fabulous! 

Sheraton Maui Resort
The Westin Maui Resort and Spa
Ka'anapali Beach Hotel
Hyatt Regency Maui
Royal Lahaina Resort

Wailea

While we didn't stay here during the trip, we did visit a few food spots in this area along with some of the hotels and beaches. It's a great spot for honeymooners! The resorts are more upscale, there's luxury shopping and it's a bit more quiet than other areas of the island.

Wailea Beach Resort

Grand Wailea Maui

Andaz Maui

Four Seasons Resort Maui

Kapalua Bay

Another spot that's absolutely stunning (with great golf courses for any golf lovers out there)! Similar to Wailea, you'll find very upscale resort options in this area. Kapalua Bay Beach is also a prime spot for snorkeling while visiting.

Montage Kapalua Bay
The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua

Getting Around Maui

A rental car is a MUST! The island is much bigger than you would expect, and if you're planning to do any hikes or the Road to Hana while visiting you will need a set of wheels. I highly recommend renting a small SUV or Jeep while visiting as some of the roads are very narrow and winding — you'll feel safer as you navigate around the island. We originally reserved a smaller vehicle, but when we arrived an associate informed us of the benefits of the larger vehicle and we made the switch for a Nissan Rogue. We're beyond thankful we did, as we were able to see parts of the Road to Hana better since the car sat up higher as well. Most spots we wanted to visit were 30 minutes to an hour away, with the farthest spot (in Hana) being a 3-hour drive. We picked up our car at the airport upon arrival to make things easy.

Where to Eat On the Island

Now we're getting to the good stuff... the food! We were so impressed by the food options in Maui — they are endless! As you would imagine, the seafood is impeccable. But the beef is also local, fruits are supreme and all macadamia nut creations are mouthwatering. I took the liberty of creating a master list (even though there are a ton of places we never made it to!) broken down by meal. Make sure to check ahead as some of these spots are reservation-only and book up very quickly, as Hawaii is seeing a surge in visitors this year and capacities are limited.

Breakfast

- Belle Surf Cafe (walk-in only)

- Kihei Caffe

- Island Vintage Coffee

- Gazebo (VERY busy, be sure to line up early, no reservations allowed)

- Slappy Cakes

- Julia's Banana Bread

- Paia Bowls

Lunch

- Burger Shack (at Ritz Carlton Hotel)

- Duke's Beach House

- Paia Fish Market

- Leilani's on the Beach

- Geste's Shrimp Truck

- Leoda's Kitchen and Pie Shop (a MUST-visit for pie!!)

- Coconut's Fish Cafe

Dinner

- 5 Palms

- Mama's Fish House (reservations needed way in advance)

- Merriman's Kapalua

- Down the Hatch

- Ferraro's at the Four Seasons Wailea

- Nick's Fish Market

- Cane & Canoe

- Banyan Tree

- Fleetwoods on Front Street

Other Spots:

- Wow Wow Hawaiian Lemonade

- Ululani's Shaved Hawaiian Ice (another must-visit - ask for the macadamia nut ice cream under the shaved ice!)

- Luppert's Ice Cream

- Mana Foods (snacks on Road to Hana)

- Coconut Glens (cash only, coconut base ice cream on Road to Hana)

- Jaws Country Store

- Best Luau: Old Lahaina Luau (reservations definitely needed in advance)

Things to Do in Maui

You'll never regret a solid beach day along the water in Maui. There are a plethora of gorgeous beaches to choose from, our favorites were Makena Beach (aka Big Beach), Secret Beach and Ka'anapali Beach. Our main activities while visiting the island were hiking trails, the Road to Hana and relaxing on the beach, but below are some more activity ideas that visitors love to do. Above everything else, NEVER miss a Maui sunset — they are magical!

Sunset Cruise 

Whale Watching Cruise (whale season in Hawaii is December 15-May 15)

Ziplining

Surf Lessons

Golfing

Hit the Spa (the spa at the Grand Wailea is AMAZING)

Visit the Nakalele Blowhole

Sunrise or Sunset at Mount Haleakala

Shopping and Walking Along Front Street

Go to a Luau (reservations required!)

The Best Hikes in Maui

The best time to hike the trails in Maui is first thing in the morning while the sun is shining and before the clouds settle within/over the mountains. By 10:30am-11am the clouds are usually nestled over the mountains and can impact visibility depending on where you're hiking. We started all of our hikes between 8-8:30am, and embarked on the Road to Hana around 6:30am from our hotel.

Waihe'e Ridge Trail

The best part about Maui is that it feels like an entirely different country, but it's still in the U.S — which means you have cell service and maps can get you right to most of the trailheads without issue. This one included! The hike is about 4-5 miles and I would consider it a moderate trail. It is predominately uphill (with a steep concrete incline at the very beginning) up to the top, but after that, coming back down is a breeze. I definitely recommend hiking shoes for this trail as it can get wet easily making it muddy/slippery. When you drive up to the trailhead, you will pass a parking lot on the left — keep going, this is the overflow lot! You'll come up on the main parking lot at the end of the road and see the gate to start the trail. Squeeze through the gate entrance (it's on the side if it's locked) and head up the paved path straight ahead.

Ioa Valley and State Park

The official hike here is short (~0.7 mile), but there are hidden trails throughout this park that lead further into the jungle that have been carved out by other hikers. We ventured our way back on some, but be mindful of the direction you're walking as there is no signage to lead you back to the start. 

Pipiwai Trail

This hike was our #1 reason for driving the Road to Hana (and seeing the waterfalls along the way) and is one of the most popular hikes on the island. It's about 4-5 miles total through the jungle, a bamboo forest, and ends at Waimoiku Falls (a 400-foot waterfall) that you have to see with your own eyes to believe.

The Best Stops on the Road to Hana

Before you set out on the Road to Hana, be sure to have purchased and downloaded the Gypsy or Shaka guide phone app to help you along the way. While driving along you will lose phone service, so these apps will notify you of stops coming up so you can prepare to pull over in advance. Spots to park and pull over along the Road to Hana are limited (and sometimes dangerous), so exercise caution while driving these winding (and in some places, one-lane bridge) roads through the mountains. If you are prone to car/motion sickness, this trip may not be for you. Parts of the drive are intimidating if you aren't used to driving steep or curved roads. NOTE: If there are cars on your tail while driving, they're probably locals as they tend to speed around this highway. Pull over to the side and let them pass — this is proper etiquette while navigating the Road to Hana. Be sure to follow road signs (some instruct you to honk while turning corners) and stay vigilant on the drive. I recommend planning out your day in advance, and leaving early enough to complete your stops* and be off the Hana Highway before it's dark.

*Realistically, to visit every stop on the Road to Hana, you'll need two days to not feel rushed. Some of the spots you can see from the car. So if you only have one day to complete, make a list of your top spots and visit those first!

Mile 10.5 - Garden of Eden

This stop requires an entry fee per person (~$15), but is home to some of the most beautiful plants and flowers you'll find in Hawaii. You'll be able to see Rainbow Eucalyptus Trees up close (they look like they're painted!) and see Keopuka Rock — popularly known as the rock featured in the opening helicopter scene of Jurassic Park.

Mile 17 - Aunty Sandy's Banana Bread

A quick detour but worth it! One thing to note about this spot is that it's only open until 2pm, so it's wise to stop earlier in the day. Plus, you'll have some amazing coastline views across the street after you grab this road trip snack.

Mile 19.5 - Upper Waikani Falls/Three Bears Falls

This is a popular spot on the Road to Hana, so I recommend visiting early before the crowds settle in. This beautiful waterfall features three drop points, giving it the nickname Three Bears Falls.

Mile 32 - Wai'anapanapa State Park and Black Sand Beach

This spot was one of our favorites!! The Black Sand Beach is unlike anything we'd ever seen, and there's a short coastal trail that offers incredible views from the top of the lava rocks. We actually were able to spot some humpback whales while up on the trail. On the right, once you're down on the beach, there's a small cave that's also a neat place to check out. NOTE: This location now requires a reservation in advance! We didn't know this until we were already on the road and had to book last-minute while driving. You'll need to download you QR code pass prior to arrival to show at the entrance.

Mile 51 - Kaihalulu Red Sand Beach 

It's a bit of a hike to get to this spot, but the views are worth it! Be sure to wear sturdy shoes as you'll be walking over some rocks and uneven areas in order to get down to the beach. As with all beaches in Hawaii, be sure to protect the natural beauty by taking any trash or items you brought back with you.

Mile 45 - Wailua Falls (once past Hana, you'll notice the mile markers start to go down)

We couldn't get enough of the beautiful waterfalls on this drive! Some of them you can spot from the road and others you can walk down and jump into. I recommend wearing a swimsuit on this trip if you're planning to dive in!

Mile 42 - Pipiwai Trail and Seven Sacred Pools

Since these two spots are within the Mount Haleakala National Park, you'll have to pay a parking/admission fee of $30/car. You can easily access both of these trailheads from the bottom of the parking lot. The Pipiwai Trail (also mentioned above in this post) is 4-5 miles total, and the hike to the Seven Sacred Pools is about one mile. At the time that we visited, the pools were not open for swimming due to strong tides. This is common, so don't be surprised if it's the case when you visit!

As you can probably imagine, we're already wanting to plan another trip back to Hawaii to tackle all of the things we didn't get to on this trip. The natural beauty on the island is something you have to experience with your own eyes, as no photos or videos do it real justice. For those of you that messaged me saying you'll be traveling there soon, have so much fun!! Maui has so much to offer whether you're looking for an adventurous vacation or a relaxing stay on the beach. Aloha!