itinerary help

Question

Hello. just looking for some day planning suggestions. Open to changes or adding things. Staying on Kaanapali beach and renting a car.

Day 1: arrival late evening. if were up for it a beach walk, cliff divers ceremony etc. food places will be closed

Day 2:

AM: West Maui Forest Reserve to hike Waihee ridge trail as well as see waihe coastal dines & wetlands

PM: Honolua bay and kapalua is close by for good snorkel?

happy hour food for early dinner and then go to bed early

Day 3:

AM Drive to Haleakala national park for sunrise - leave at 2:30am- -start hiking afterwards-spend the morning/early afternoon here

PM:?? snorkel/whalers village/beach walk and early dinner to again to bed early again

Day 4: Road to Hana- thinking waikamoi ridge trail 30 mins 1 mile, Ke'anae Peninsula stop for banana bread, MM32 blow hole and black sand, and then pipiwai trail just a portion of this since its 5 hours round trip. Other options could be seven sacred pools or waimoku falls.

Day 5:

AM : check out Wailea and Kihea areas which includes Makena state park/turtle town snorkeling/makena big beach

Evening: Old Lahania Luau and the town of Lahania- thinking the 5pm time or maybe a time for sunset

Day 6: flight home

Answer

Your itinerary is already thoughtfully planned, balancing hiking, snorkeling, sightseeing, and cultural experiences. Here’s some detailed advice to fine-tune each day, along with additional suggestions and safety tips.

Day 1 – Arrival

Since you arrive late, a light evening activity is perfect. A short beach walk at Kaanapali to see the sunset or the nightly cliff divers ceremony at Black Rock is ideal. Keep in mind that many restaurants and shops may be closed late, so consider picking up some snacks or light takeout beforehand.

Day 2 – West Maui Hiking & Snorkeling

AM: Waihee Ridge Trail is about 5 miles round trip with great views of the West Maui Mountains and wetlands. Start early to avoid heat and crowds. Bring water, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
PM: Honolua Bay and Kapalua Bay are excellent for snorkeling. The water is usually calm in the afternoon, but check local surf reports. You can rent snorkeling gear nearby.
For an early dinner, many Kapalua and Lahaina spots have happy hour specials. Consider trying local seafood or poke bowls.

Day 3 – Haleakala Sunrise

Leave around 2:30–3:00 AM for sunrise at the summit. Dress in layers; temperatures are cold at the top.
After sunrise, take a short hike in the park. Sliding Sands Trail (to the first lookout) or Halemauu Trail can give you a taste of the crater without overexertion.
For PM options, you could snorkel at Kaanapali Beach or Napili Bay, or enjoy a leisurely walk around Whalers Village for shopping and sunset views.

Day 4 – Road to Hana

Start early to avoid traffic and allow stops along the way.
Waikamoi Ridge Trail is a good short hike to stretch your legs.
Key stops: Ke'anae Peninsula (famous banana bread), Nakalele Blowhole (watch surf carefully), and Pa’iloa / Waianapanapa Black Sand Beach.
Pipiwai Trail is 4 miles round trip. You could hike a portion to Waimoku Falls or just enjoy the bamboo forest section if pressed for time.
Optional: Seven Sacred Pools (Ohe’o Gulch) is a short visit, though parking can be crowded. Prioritize one major hike or stop to avoid rushing.

Day 5 – South Maui Exploration & Luau

AM: Explore Wailea, Kihei, Makena Big Beach, and Turtle Town for snorkeling. Water is usually calm in the morning. Use a reef-safe sunscreen.
PM: Attend Old Lahaina Luau. A 5 PM start gives you sunset views, or choose a slightly earlier time to enjoy daylight before the show.
After the luau, stroll through Lahaina town to explore shops and historic sites.

Additional Suggestions & Tips

Always check weather and surf conditions, especially for snorkeling and coastal hikes.
Carry snacks, water, and light rain gear for longer excursions.
Consider booking guided tours for the Road to Hana if you want to minimize driving stress and enjoy expert commentary.
If you prefer a more relaxed Day 3 after the early Haleakala start, consider swapping PM activities with a restful beach afternoon instead of additional snorkeling.
Traffic on the Road to Hana can be heavy; plan at least 10–12 hours for the round trip if you want to see multiple stops.

Overall, your itinerary balances adventure, relaxation, and scenic highlights well. Minor tweaks like adjusting Road to Hana stops and adding short guided tours can enhance the experience without rushing.

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