Including Ka'anapali and Kapalua. Initially developed in the 1960s, West Maui remains one of the most popular destinations to stay and play on the island of Maui.
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Many of the most-visited places on Maui are, not surprisingly, centered around its beach towns and volcanoes.
Staying in West and South Maui offers the convenience of being near the Road to Hana and Haleakala National Park. By the Hana Highway ('Road to Hana'), we recommend spending at least one night in Hana town, or a B&B, near the start of the drive.
For a more authentic feel, skip the mega-resorts of West and South Maui and head to the North Shore, East Maui, or Upcountry, where you're more likely to interact with locals than with tourists. Upcountry is the least touristy area.
Maui's leeward side inarguably presents the best beaches on the island—if by “best” you mean golden sand, perfectly-swimmable waters, outstanding snorkeling opportunities, lulling waves gentle enough for first-time surfers, and sunshine in spades.
The average visitor to Maui spends 8.1 days on the island. How long you should stay depends on what you want to do, but you should plan to spend a minimum of five days on Maui.
Visiting Maui for 5 days is not enough, but it is a good length of time to see the highlights, or for a first trip. In this guide, I've put together for you the perfect Maui 5 day itinerary to spend the most amazing 5 days in Maui.
Is 4 Days Enough for Maui? There are enough gorgeous beaches, adventurous hikes, and scenic road trips on Maui to keep you occupied for a week or more without ever wanting to leave. But if you're island-hopping, I advise spending a minimum of 3 to 4 days on Maui.
Avoid the crowdsSpring and fall are the least crowded times of the year on Maui. The relative lack of crowds will be more pleasant for beach-goers and sightseers alike. While there will always be tourists in Hawaii, you may find advantages to going to popular places during these times of year.
Two years since COVID-19 shut Hawaii down, Maui's visitor numbers are increasing, close to breaking even with pre-pandemic metrics. In 2022, Maui had 2.9 million visitors, compared with 3 million in 2019.
The best times to visit Maui are April through May and September through November. The spring and fall shoulder seasons provide the pleasant weather Hawaii vacationers seek without the high rates and heavy crowds that accompany the summer and winter.
While the west and south coasts are drier and sunnier, the east and north coasts boast lush vegetation and occasional rainfall. The best time to visit Maui is during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to May) and fall (September to November).
Hawaii's hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov.30. This year, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts more cyclone activity in the central Pacific than usual, due to it being an El Nino summer.
Oprah Winfrey, a part-time Maui resident for over 15 years, owns extensive properties on the island. Her 1,000-acre portfolio includes a farmhouse in Kula, southeast of Lahaina. While wildfires threaten the area, she also possesses acreage near Mount Haleakala and Hana, which are relatively far from the fires' reach.
What is Maui's South Side like? Maui's South Side is known for some of the island's most expensive real estate and its ultra high-end Wailea resorts. Nearby Kihei, just north of Wailea, is known for its relaxed beach town vibe and long stretch of sand. Both tourists and locals intermingle in Kihei.
Featured Walkable Areas of MauiAs an added bonus, the North Shore bike path runs to the West of town, through Spreckelsville and into Kahului. Paia is the one area of the island where you really could go for longer stretches without driving. Walkable Wailuku : Downtown Wailuku is the seat of Maui County Government.
Beaches of MauiOn these world famous shores you'll find white or black sand beaches, renowned surfing and windsurfing spots as well as some of the best beaches in the world to simply swim, snorkel and sunbathe. Many are easily accessible beach parks with lifeguards, picnic facilities and restrooms.