Amount of time to do it all

Question

We are a couple in early 60’s traveling to Maui for first visit, so of course we want to do it all. We arrive March 10 and stay 6 nights on west side and then 2 nights by road to Hana. Leave late on March 18. We want to do a snorkel trip and a whale watch trip, also snorkel from shore at Black Rock and see/snorkel beaches on west side and south, hike the Kapalua cost trail, and just relax on beach by our condo. The last two days we will see upcountry and visit Haleakalā for sunset, spend night in Paia and then drive Road to Hana, doing all stops and a hike or two. On 18th, before flight, see surfers and turtles on North Shore. My question, is this enough time? Could add another night on west side if needed. Also is there anything I’m missing? Thanks for reading my long post.

Answer

Your current plan is strong, well-balanced, and absolutely doable — but it will feel busy. With 6 nights on the West Side and 2 nights in Paia/Hāna, you can fit everything in, though adding 1 extra night to the West Side would make the trip more relaxed and allow you to enjoy your beachfront condo time without feeling rushed. Below is a breakdown of what you can comfortably accomplish, where the itinerary might feel tight, and what you are (or aren’t) missing.

Overall timing

Six nights on the West Side gives you five full days there. That is enough for:

One snorkel boat trip
One whale watch trip
Snorkeling from shore at Black Rock
Exploring 2–3 West Side beaches
A half-day to explore South Maui beaches
Hiking the Kapalua Coastal Trail
A half- or full-day of condo/beach relaxation

It all fits, but you will have to be mindful about planning the order of activities and giving yourselves downtime. Your last 2 nights on the north/upcountry side for Haleakalā sunset + Road to Hāna is ideal — many visitors wish they had split their stay this way.

Where the itinerary may feel tight

You have multiple ocean activities (boat snorkel, whale watch, shore snorkel). March is peak whale season, so whale watching should be easy to schedule — but try not to put ocean tours too close together, especially if you are sensitive to seasickness.
Exploring both West and South Maui beaches plus the Kapalua Coastal Trail is doable but takes time — that’s where adding one more West Side night could make your trip feel smoother.
The desire to “see it all” is completely normal on a first visit, but Maui is spread out — you’ll enjoy it more with small built-in rest windows.

Strong parts of your plan

Choosing Paia for Haleakalā sunset helps avoid a long return drive to West Maui after dark.
Staying 2 nights near Hana is absolutely the right way to enjoy waterfalls, Waianapanapa, beaches, and hikes without stress.
Leaving North Shore sights for your departure day is smart — watching surfers at Ho‘okipa and looking for turtles is a perfect last impression before the airport.

Suggested itinerary structure

West Side (6 nights — Day 1 through Day 7 morning)

Day 1: Arrival, beach by condo, sunset.
Day 2: Whale watch (morning), relax or beach afternoon.
Day 3: Snorkel boat trip (Molokini or Lanai), easy evening.
Day 4: West Side beach day + Black Rock snorkel.
Day 5: Kapalua Coastal Trail + Napili/Kapalua beaches.
Day 6: Optional South Maui beach day (Keawakapu, Ulua, or Wailea Beach) OR keep as a recovery / slow day if you add a night.

Paia / Upcountry + Hana (2 nights — Day 7 afternoon through Day 9)

Day 7: Drive to Paia, explore Makawao or Upcountry, Haleakalā sunset.
Day 8: Start Road to Hana early, stopping at waterfalls, red/black sand beaches, and doing a hike (Pipiwai Trail is the best). Overnight in Hana.
Day 9 (your departure day): Drive toward Kahului, stop at Ho‘okipa to see surfers and turtles; relax before your flight.

Should you add one more West Side night?

Highly recommended but not essential. With an extra night, you could:

Dedicate one full day to relaxing on your home beach.
Give yourself a flexible open day for weather, ocean conditions, or just breathing room.
Avoid stacking too many ocean activities close together.

Are you missing anything major?

Your plan is already incredibly thorough, but here are a few optional items you may consider depending on interest:

Iao Valley — a short and easy scenic stop for lush mountain views.
Napili Bay — one of Maui’s prettiest calm beaches if conditions allow.
Maui Ocean Center — excellent indoor option if weather turns windy or rainy.
Lahaina Historic Town (if open during your trip) — parts reopen gradually; check closer to March.

Bottom line

You have enough time — but your schedule is full, so adding one extra West Side night would give you a more relaxed pace. Your plan covers Maui’s most classic experiences, and nothing major is missing. You’ve built in smart logistics with your Paia/Hana split and the timing of Haleakalā and the North Shore. With or without the extra night, you’ll have a memorable first Maui trip that hits the best highlights, with room for rest built in.

Amount of time to do it all

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