Maui: beaches Pearl Harbor 1 wk plan Where to stay?

Question

Planning eight nights flying in and out of Maui. Want to see Pearl Harbor, experience, beautiful beaches, and take some great hikes. Trying to figure out where best to stay and how to arrange at all. I'm thinking 4 nights in Lahaina, two nights in Hana, and two nights in Wailea- with a day trip to Oahu to see Pearl Harbor while staying in Lahaina. Alternately, we could spend one or two nights on Oahu. What would you recommend?

Answer

It sounds like you're planning an incredible trip to Hawaii! Eight nights is a great amount of time to explore Maui and Oahu. Based on your interests in beaches, hikes, and a day trip to Pearl Harbor, I’d say you’re on the right track with your initial idea of splitting your time between Lahaina, Hana, and Wailea. Here’s my detailed recommendation for your itinerary:

1. Maui Stay (Lahaina, Hana, and Wailea)

Lahaina (4 nights): Lahaina is a great base for your first four nights. It's an historic town with great beaches, dining, and proximity to many of Maui’s best activities. From Lahaina, you’ll be able to explore beaches like Kaanapali Beach and Napili Bay, and enjoy some easy hikes in the area (like the Iao Valley State Park). Lahaina is also a good jumping-off point for a day trip to Oahu.
Hana (2 nights): Spending two nights in Hana gives you time to slow down and enjoy the beauty of this more remote part of Maui. The drive to Hana is one of the most scenic in the world, with waterfalls, lush greenery, and beautiful coastal views. Staying overnight allows you to explore attractions like Wai'anapanapa State Park (black sand beaches), Hana Lava Tubes, and the Kipahulu area of Haleakalā National Park without rushing. You'll also have time for hikes like the Pipiwai Trail to see the famous Bamboo Forest and Waimoku Falls.
Wailea (2 nights): Wailea is a resort area on Maui’s south shore, known for its luxury resorts and stunning beaches. It's a great place to relax and unwind after your Hana adventure. Wailea is also close to good snorkeling spots like Molokini Crater and Turtle Town, and the Wailea Beach Path provides a beautiful coastal walk. The beaches here are perfect for swimming and sunbathing.

2. Day Trip to Pearl Harbor (Oahu)

Oahu is about a 45-minute flight from Maui, so a day trip to Pearl Harbor from Lahaina is definitely doable, but you’ll need to plan carefully. Since you’re staying in Lahaina, I recommend an early morning flight from Maui to Honolulu, so you have enough time to see Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial, as well as the Pacific Aviation Museum and USS Missouri. You’ll need to book a flight in advance and consider transportation options from the airport to Pearl Harbor (roughly a 30-minute drive). If you're up for it, you can visit other nearby landmarks such as the Iolani Palace, Diamond Head, or Waikiki Beach, but given your time constraints, I’d keep the focus on Pearl Harbor.

3. Alternative: Spending One or Two Nights in Oahu

One Night in Oahu: If you'd like to take a deeper dive into Oahu, you could spend one night there after your visit to Pearl Harbor, which would give you more time to see the island’s highlights, such as Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head, or the North Shore. However, one night can feel a bit rushed, especially with the time spent traveling.
Two Nights in Oahu: Spending two nights on Oahu would give you more flexibility and time to explore. You could see Pearl Harbor, enjoy some beach time in Waikiki, hike to the top of Diamond Head, and experience the nightlife or cultural sights. If you choose to stay in Oahu, you’ll have the added convenience of not having to rush back to Maui the same day. But remember, this will cut into your Maui time, and you might miss out on some of the island’s quieter, less touristy spots.

4. Additional Tips

Flights: Be sure to book your inter-island flights early, especially if you’re planning to travel between Maui and Oahu during peak times.
Car Rental: Renting a car is essential for getting around both Maui and Oahu. In Lahaina, Hana, and Wailea, you’ll want to have a car to explore beaches and other attractions. On Oahu, a car will also be helpful for getting to Pearl Harbor and sightseeing beyond Waikiki.
Hiking: Maui offers some incredible hikes, including the aforementioned Pipiwai Trail in Hana, and the Sliding Sands Trail in Haleakalā National Park. For easier options, the Kapalua Coastal Trail is an easy, scenic hike in Lahaina.

In summary, your plan of staying in Lahaina, Hana, and Wailea works well. If you’re committed to seeing Pearl Harbor, a day trip from Lahaina is feasible but requires careful planning. Alternatively, spending one or two nights in Oahu gives you more time to explore, but keep in mind that it will cut into your Maui itinerary. Both options are great, but if you’re mainly focused on Maui’s natural beauty and beaches, I’d stick to your original plan of splitting time between Maui and a short day trip to Oahu. Enjoy your trip!

Maui: beaches Pearl Harbor 1 wk plan Where to stay?

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