Total Days: 5 Days | Accommodations: Resort in Kaanapali | Transportation: Rented a car | Traveled With: Girlfriend | Type of Trip: Relaxing and reveling in natural landmarks | Highlights: Haleakala Sunrise, Surfing, Waterfall exploring on Road to Hana, Old Lahaina Luau
DAY 1
At a glimpse: Rent a car at the airport and drive to accommodation. Spend the first day exploring the nearest beaches.
Travel Agenda: Check out Kapalua Bay Beach or Kaanapali Beach with endless soft white sand on the northwest coast. When the sun starts to dip, catch the sunset cliff diving scene at Puu Kekaa aka Black Rock. Then drive 5 minutes to Joey’s Kitchen for Filipino-Hawaiian fusion food at Whalers Village.
DAY 2
At a glimpse: Early morning drive to a national treasure
Travel Agenda: Get up 2am(!) and drive to Haleakala National Park Summit Entrance, the largest dormant volcano in the world. Wind your way to the summit and bring blankets and hot coffees/cocoas to fully enjoy the most epic sunrise of your life. An hour into the drive back, grab seafood favorites at A Saignon Café. It was an early morning so grazing, napping and sunbathing by the pool are in order.
Book tickets ahead of time to the Old Lahaina Luau. Head there by 5:45pm for a traditional ceremony with award-winning dancing, music and dinner with Hawaiian specialties and fascinating activities and performances. Go in with an open mind and a willingness to learn the hula!
Tip: Reservations are now required for vehicles entering the Haleakala park so plan accordingly!
DAY 3
At a glimpse: Local day in Lahaina and Kihei
Travel Agenda: Drive to the Lahaina Banyan Court, walk around and check out the local art and goods. Ask residents about surfing and book an hour lesson with a local! Walk 10 minutes to Eating Local on Wainee Street for lunch, but save room for hot Portuguese doughnuts at Maika’i Lani Malasadas, a 15-minute walk away on Waine’e Street. At dinner time, drive 30 minutes to Kihei for half price sushi and karaoke at Sansei, a local spot with great people watching.
DAY 4
At a glimpse: One-road attractions in Hana
Travel Agenda: Prepare for a full day on the Road to Hana (bring water, snacks and towels!) Some recommended stop include lush gardens and scenic overlooks at the Garden of Eden, waterfall swimming at Upper Waikani Falls aka Three Bears, snacks and banana bread at Aunty Sandy’s or Halfway To Hana fruit stand, and lava rocks at Ke’anae Peninsula. Park whenever there are turnouts available!
Once you’ve reached your cliff-driving limit, head back and take in the sights from the other direction. Back in civilization, check out the hippie surf town Paia, with a nap at Paia Beach, if required. Get dinner at local favorite Mama’s Fish House. Round out the day with live music at Charley’s Saloon, a favorite for local homeowner Willie Nelson.
DAY 5
At a glimpse: Unique snorkel excursion
Travel Agenda: Drive to Maalaea Harbor to board the 5-hour Molokini Crater and Turtle Town Snorkeling Adventure boat trip. Savor the views on the cruise and explore one of only three volcanic calderas in the world, with crystal clear water and 250 different species of fish. Post snorkel, get lunch at 808 Grindz Café if you’re hungry. Bask in a final beach day at Lahaina Shores (look for seals and other wildlife!) Then head to Betty’s Beach Cafe for the happ(iest) hour.
A ‘o ia! – And there you have it!
