Itinerary help

Question

Aloha TA travel gurus,

We are a group of 4 traveling to Maui and big island during thanksgiving week. We will be staying in Kihei.

Can you help me decide if the below itinerary is doable and if you have any suggestions/recommendations.

Day 0 Thursday is arrival day.

Day 1 Friday: drive towards Nakalele Blowhole on route 30 stopping at Kaanapali, honolua bay, napili bay, and kapalua bay. What is a good place for free snorkeling? Also, is the snorkeling tour to lanai or Molokai worth it for better snorkeling? Trying to decide.

Are there any other attractions on route to Nakalele blowhole? I read that the road past the blowhole is risky, so I plan to turn back and return at the blowhole spot. We have a Kia rio car for the trip.

We have a birthday celebration in the evening. Is it possible to find a place nearby for shower and changing for women so we can avoid going back to accommodation?

Day 2: Saturday Drive to ʻĪao Valley State Monument, grab lunch in Paia and spend time in Wailuku/ wailea area. What is a good swimming sandy beach in the Wailea area?

Day 3: Sunday Drive to Hana

Day 4: drive to volcano? Do I have to go during sunrise only? Can I visit during the day? How to track weather for this day?

Any other suggestions/recommendations for tours/activities. Is the plantation visit at the Maui plantation worth the visit?

Day 5: we have half day. Will spend time in the Kihei beaches nearby. Any other recommendation for this half day? We are headed to big island next.

Answer

Your itinerary for Maui and the Big Island during Thanksgiving week is ambitious but doable with careful planning. Here’s a detailed breakdown and recommendations for each day based on your outlined plans and questions.

Day 0 – Thursday: Arrival

Arriving in Kihei, it’s best to keep this day low-key. Pick up your rental car, settle in, and grab a casual dinner nearby. Avoid planning anything strenuous, as travel fatigue can be significant.

Day 1 – Friday: West Maui & Nakalele Blowhole

Your route along Honoapiilani Highway toward Nakalele is scenic. Here are some tips:

Snorkeling Stops: Good free snorkeling options include:

Kapalua Bay – calm waters, good for beginners.
Napili Bay – small, sandy beach with reef for snorkeling.
Honolua Bay – excellent snorkeling, but check ocean conditions; access is via a short walk from the parking area.

Snorkeling tours to Lanai or Molokai can be worthwhile if you want pristine reefs and larger marine life, but these tours take a full day, so plan accordingly.
Other attractions en route: Lahaina town for a short walk, Maui Ocean Center if interested in marine exhibits.
Regarding Nakalele Blowhole: Only stop at the designated viewing area; avoid climbing past the blowhole as it’s risky, especially in a small rental car.
Birthday celebration: Consider stopping at a resort or public beach with restroom facilities for changing; resorts like the Ritz-Carlton in Kapalua may allow dining reservations and use of facilities for guests.

Day 2 – Saturday: ʻĪao Valley & Wailea/Wailuku

ʻĪao Valley: Easy, accessible walk to view the ʻĪao Needle; early morning is best to avoid crowds.
Paia: Small town with cafes and lunch options; try local Hawaiian plate lunches.
Beaches in Wailea: Big Beach (Makena) or Wailea Beach – both sandy and safe for swimming. Wailea Beach has facilities and lifeguards.
Optional stop: Maui Tropical Plantation – worth visiting for a relaxed stroll, photo opportunities, and a short tram tour. If your group enjoys local plants and tropical fruits, it’s a fun stop.

Day 3 – Sunday: Road to Hana

Full-day adventure; start early to maximize stops and minimize traffic.
Popular stops: Twin Falls, Garden of Eden, Wailua Falls, Hamoa Beach.
Plan for bathroom breaks and snacks; Hana is remote, and facilities are limited.
Swimming: Some roadside pools are safe; always check current conditions and watch for slippery rocks.

Day 4 – Monday: Haleakalā / Volcano

Haleakalā Sunrise: Popular but not mandatory; you can visit during the day. Sunrise requires advance reservations.
Daytime visit: Offers hiking and scenic viewpoints without the early wake-up. Consider cooler clothing and sun protection.
Weather: Check Maui weather apps or the National Park Service website for real-time updates.

Day 5 – Tuesday: Kihei Beaches / Half Day

Beaches near Kihei: Kamaole Beach Parks I, II, III – easy access, sandy, and great for swimming/snorkeling close to shore.
Optional activities: Short stand-up paddleboarding, casual beach picnic, or explore nearby Kihei shops for souvenirs.
Consider leaving ample time for packing and travel to the Big Island airport.

Additional Tips & Recommendations:

Plan each day with buffer time; Maui traffic, especially around Hana and Lahaina, can be slow.
Carry reef-safe sunscreen, water, and snacks, particularly for longer drives.
Birthday celebration: Some resorts allow you to reserve private cabanas or poolside areas for a special meal, providing a space to shower/change.
Check rental car limitations for narrow roads (e.g., Hana Highway) – your Kia Rio is sufficient but drive cautiously.

Overall, the itinerary is feasible, though Day 1 and Day 3 involve long drives. Prioritize stops that interest your group most, and allow flexibility for weather and traffic. For snorkeling, free spots like Kapalua and Napili Bay are excellent, while tours to Lanai/Molokai offer more adventure at the cost of time.

Itinerary help

More Maui Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions