Things to do during a blissful week in Maui

Pick up your rental car, and head to your choice of accommodation.  After leaving the airport, you may want to hit up Costco to grab your supplies for the week as the only Costco location is situated near the airport.  You could do Maui with or without a car, but if you are traveling with children or want to prepare a few meals, it is nice to have the option of a car.

Take a horseback ride along the coast at Mendes Ranch.  The drive to the ranch itself is beautiful one, but the horseback ride along the coast is stunning and one that you won’t want to miss.  The ranch guides will assist in pairing you with a horse that meets your level of experience so don’t stress if you are not an experienced rider.  If you are looking for more of a thrill, they will let you run the horses for a brief section of the ride.  This is approximately a two and a half hour excursion and was a highlight during my trip.

Head out on a morning Snorkel Tour to Molokini Crater and Turtle Town.  Molokini is a crescent-shaped, partly submerged volcanic crater.  This is another excursion you won’t want to miss with an opportunity to view Molokini Crater up close and some beautiful sea turtles, as well as other marine life.  The tour is approximately 4 hours and includes a light lunch and snorkel gear.

Spend a day at Fleming Beach and enjoy lunch at the Burger Shack.  This is a public beach in the northwest region of Maui, that we enjoyed with the kids.  It’s a popular beach for surfing and bodyboarding.  After a morning at the beach, walk over to the Burger Shack to enjoy lunch with some beautiful waterfront views.  I recommend the Paniolo Buffalo Blue with a Kula Kolada.

Take a Sunset Dinner Cruise from Ka’anapali Beach.  This is a perfect option for a romantic night out if you are traveling as a couple or as part of a group.  A wonderful way to get some phenomenal photos, enjoy a delicious dinner, and catch some whale watching (most commonly sighted from December to April).  Maui sunsets are incredible and some of our favorite photos!

Attend a Maui Nui Luau at the Sheraton Beach Resort.  This is one of Maui’s best luaus, with exotic dances and an all-you-can-eat buffet with a Polynesian dance show.  The kids will love it and a truly unique Hawaiian experience!

Take a small group day trip to experience the one-of-a-kind Road to Hana.  This is another when in Maui must-do!  The Hana Highway is 64 miles of 640 turns and curves and 59 single lane bridges so I would absolutely recommend letting a Maui local do the driving and enjoy the ride, especially if you are not used to switchback type roads.  A few stops along the way include Pua’a Ka’a State Park, Wai’anapanapa State Park, Ke’anae Point, and others with picture-perfect scenery.  You’ll view waterfalls and a black sand beach with a knowledgeable guide.

Drive up to Haleakala National Park to take in the views at your own pace, or alternatively take a Majestic Haleakala Sunrise Tour with Pick-up leaving at 2:00 AM.  You’ll travel up to the Haleakala National Park summit of 10,023 ft.  If you aren’t used to driving switchback roads, it may be easier to let someone else do the driving and head up to the summit as part of a tour.  If you are traveling with small children, as I did, you may choose to head up on your own time.  It took us approximately five hours roundtrip from our accommodation to reach the summit and return so I would suggest getting an early start. 

Head out on an 8 Lines Jungle Zipline Tour on Maui – Eco Tour.  If you’ve never done ziplining, what better place to do it!  Children must be at least 6 years of age.  This was a thrilling adventure with 8 ziplines and safe for first timers.  You’ll also have the opportunity to do one quick jump free fall ride (completely optional).  Make sure to wear closed-toed shoes.

For the best views, take a 45-Minute Helicopter Tour of West Maui and Molokai.  You’ll fly over tropical rainforests, deep valleys, and vertical sea cliffs.

Dinner at Mama's Fish House — Delicious and worth every penny!  You’ll want to make reservations far in advance, like 6+ months or as soon as you start to plan you Maui vacation.  I recommend the Hawaiian Kanpachi with Lobster and Crab in a Macademia nut crust.

Lunch and a drink at the Ritz Carlton Burger Shack on Fleming Beach.  Try the Paniolo Buffalo Blue with a Kula Kolada while enjoying some ocean views.

Enjoy a delicious coconut mocha or a Kahlua and cream at The Coffee Store in Napili.

Head to lunch at Joey's Kitchen for some great Asian Fusion dishes.  The Seared Basil Island Fish was delicious!

For a yummy breakfast, head to Nalu’s South Shore Grill.  The fresh fruit and pineapple in Maui is amazing!