Ultimate 10-Day Maui Adventure Guide

Are you looking for the Ultimate 10-Day Maui Itinerary? Have you been daydreaming about an unforgettable Maui vacation but worried that five days might not be enough? You’re not alone! With its postcard-perfect beaches, awe-inspiring hikes, and unforgettable sunsets, Maui is a haven for travelers looking for nirvana.

Lahaina and Upcountry Kula were devastated by fire on August 8, 2023. The residents have lost a great deal. Respect this beautiful place and its people as they begin to rebuild and heal.

However, limiting your stay to five days could mean missing out on some extraordinary experiences. So, don’t let the calendar constrain your dream vacation! Check out our 10-Day Maui Itinerary to make the most of your island escapade.

First, check out our Ultimate Maui Travel Itinerary for 5 Days, then add these ideas to your trip to get the most out of your Maui stay. We will start with Day 6 to extend your stay on Maui.

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A summary of our 5-day Maui itinerary:
Day 1: Gazebo, Honolua Bay snorkeling, Fish Market Maui, Kapalua or Airport Beach, Watch the sunset, Monkeypod
Day 2: Sunrise at Haleakala National Park, explore Upcountry
Day 3: Whale Watch or Snorkeling Trip, Whaler’s Village, Luau
Day 4: Road to Hana
Day 5: Nalu’s, Makena Beach, Maui Brewing Company, Sunset Sail

Discover Day 6: Maui Itinerary Highlights

Plan a Pool / Beach Day at The Hotel

Select a day to relax at your hotel or resort pool fully. Many resorts in Maui offer lavish pools with waterfalls, slides, and poolside bars. Spend the day lounging in a cabana, sipping fruity drinks, and taking refreshing dips.

If you are visiting during whale season, grab your beach chairs and cooler to spend the day watching for whales from the beach. This is one of our favorite activities to unwind while in Maui.

Consider booking a cabana early, as they can be popular during peak season. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen and bring a hat to protect yourself from the sun. Remeber, reef safe sunscreen only!

Some resorts offer poolside activities, like hula lessons or lei-making workshops. Check with your hotel for any special poolside events during your stay.

For dinner, choose a restaurant from our Best Ka’anapali Restaurants for Ocean View Dining Guide 2024

Explore Day 7: Your 10-Day Maui Journey Continues

Before beginning your day, choose a breakfast place from our Best Breakfast in Lahaina & Ka’anapali, Maui blog post.

Take a ride on Maui’s West Side

Nahalele Blowhole

Take a ride on the West Side of Maui to experience some truly breathtaking sights. One of the must-visit spots on this route is the Nakalele Blowhole, a geological wonder where seawater shoots high into the sky.

The views here are exceptional! It is always amazing to me to see how diverse of a landscape that Maui has within such a compact area.

Buy some Banana Bread from the Locals

Satisfy your sweet tooth and try Lorraine’s Banana Bread. Made fresh daily and sold at her little shop along the way, it’s the perfect snack to keep you fueled for further adventures.

Try the toasted coconut; it’s one of our favorite snacks, and you won’t want to miss out on it. Julia’s Banana Bread is also along this route. 

Although we prefer Lorraine’s banana bread, Julia’s is quite tasty, and we always buy some dried mango from her. Bring cash for both of these stores.

Adding this drive to your Maui travel plans will create a memorable experience. However, be cautious: This drive is not for the faint of heart or those uncomfortable driving switchbacks.

Shop for Souvenirs at Karen Lei’s Gallery

If you’re looking for some stunning artwork to take home, don’t miss Karen Lei’s Gallery. This beautiful space showcases works by local artists, including some that draw inspiration from Maui’s stunning natural surroundings.

This quaint shop is one of my favorites for buying souvenirs to bring home to friends and family as well as for myself.

Lunch in Kahului

If you drive beyond the gallery, you will end up in Kahului. If you are there for lunchtime, grab lunch at Tin Roof. It is our favorite casual restaurant on Maui. Top Chef Sheldon Simeon owns Tin Roof. We highly recommend ordering the Mochiko Chicken.

Day 8: Unmissable Maui Experiences

Take a Boat Trip Around Lana’i for Snorkeling and Scenic Views

If you’re planning a trip to Maui and looking for a unique and adventurous experience, consider taking a cruise around Lana’i for snorkeling and scenic views. Not only will you be able to explore Lana’i’s stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters, but you’ll also be able to take in the breathtaking views of the Maui coastline.

Along the way, watch for dolphins, sea turtles, and other marine life that call these waters home. And when it’s time to jump in the water, you’ll have the opportunity to snorkel at some of the best spots around Lana’i, known for its vibrant underwater ecosystem.

Depending on the tour, you may see spinner dolphins and sea turtles or even glimpse the famous and rare Hawaiian Monk Seal. With Hawaii Ocean Rafting tours, you’re in good hands and on your way to creating unforgettable memories.

Another great cruise is the Pride of Maui Catamaran tour to Molokini Crater and Turtle Town. This trip departs from the Maalaea ramp.

Day 9: Dive Deeper into Maui’s Wonders

Hike the Pipiwai Trail in Kipahulu Valley

Maui is paradise on Earth, and it’s no secret that its natural wonders are a sight to behold. One of the top experiences is hiking the Pipiwai Trail in Kipahulu Valley.

This trail takes you through a lush jungle and offers stunning views of the valley. The main attractions are the incredible waterfalls, including the Waimoku Falls, which cascades down 400 feet and takes your breath away.

The Bamboo Forest is another noteworthy highlight that makes you feel like you’re in a dream. Besides that, keep an eye out for native wildlife and flora. Ensure you take plenty of water and wear sturdy shoes to tackle the four-mile round trip on the rocky terrain.

Trust me; adding this to your Maui travel plans is well worth it!

If you are following our 5 day Maui Itinerary, consider moving the Road to Hana day with this day. Or better yet, plan on staying overnight in Hana.

Day 10: Concluding Your Maui Adventure

Hike along the Kapalua coastal trail and explore Dragon’s teeth

When making your Maui travel plan, you won’t miss the opportunity to hike the Kapalua coastal trail and witness the awe-inspiring formation of dragon teeth. This hike offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and opportunities to see marine life, such as turtles and whales.

As you journey along the trail, you’ll come across historic sites and monuments, including the Honokahua Preservation Site, which preserves ancient Hawaiian burial grounds.

The trail is well-marked and easy to navigate, making it accessible for hikers of all skill levels. The hike’s highlight is undoubtedly the Dragon’s teeth, a unique rock formation that resembles the sharpened teeth of a giant mythical creature.

When visiting this area, stay on the walking trail and be respectful of the area. Remember, it is a sacred burial area and should be treated with the respect it deserves.

Afterward, have lunch at Burger Shack, which overlooks DT Fleming Beach. This casual eatery offers delicious burgers, fries, and shakes with a stunning ocean view. It’s the perfect spot to refuel and enjoy the scenery.

Spend the Afternoon with Leisure Time

Spend your afternoon at your leisure. Perhaps you’d like to do some last-minute shopping, hit the beach again, or relax at your accommodation.

Dinner & Drinks

Drinks at Merriman’s

Celebrate the end of your vacation with drinks on the deck at Merriman’s in Kapalua. The panoramic ocean views and exceptional cocktails make for a memorable experience, especially at sunset.

Dinner Options

For dinner, you have two fantastic choices on West Maui. Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar offers fresh, innovative sushi and seafood dishes in a lively atmosphere. Alternatively, Sea House Restaurant provides a more relaxed setting with delicious Hawaiian and Pacific Rim cuisine on Napili Bay.

Capture Memories: Book a Flytographer for Sunset Photos

Booking a Flytographer session in Maui lets you capture your memories with gorgeous professional photos during sunset.

Choose a scenic spot like Wailea Beach or Kapalua Bay for the best background.

Your photographer will guide you on poses to ensure you look your best in every shot.

These sessions usually take around an hour, providing numerous photos to remember your trip.

You’ll get the high-quality finished photos within a few days, perfect for sharing and framing.

It’s a special way to remember your Maui vacation forever.

Exciting Day Trip Idea: Plan a Visit to Oahu

If you’re looking for a day trip that combines historical significance and natural beauty, look no further than a visit to Oahu’s Pearl Harbor and North Shore. This can easily be done if you catch an early flight and return in the evening. Inter-Island flights are quite reasonable.

Consider flying into Honolulu before or after your Maui stay to explore Oahu. Direct flights to Oahu are more frequent and can be less expensive.

Experience the history of Pearl Harbor.

Start your day early with a visit to the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, where you can pay your respects at the USS Arizona Memorial and learn about the events that led to the attack on December 7, 1941. If history interests you, visit the Bowfin and USS Missouri as well. The USS Missouri is one of our favorite sites.

Please note that if you book this day trip independently, tickets to the USS Arizona must be purchased in advance at the National Park Service website.

Explore the North Shore beaches and grab a Bite to eat

From there, head north to the stunning North Shore beaches, where you can watch surfers catch some of the world’s most impressive waves. Make time to stop at Haleiwa for lunch, a charming town with plenty of shops and restaurants.

Although it may be challenging to experience everything in a single day, do not miss out on the shrimp trucks in North Shore. These shrimp shacks are the best on the island and will satisfy your cravings.

On the way back, you can also visit a Dole Pineapple Plantation. This place is a must-visit if you’re looking for a delicious dessert. Another idea for a sweet treat is Leonard’s Malasada Food Truck for some of the best malasadas you have ever tasted!

Plan a day trip to Oahu that you won’t forget!

Music Lover? Don’t Miss Wednesday Night Performances!

On Wednesday evenings, the Napili Kai Beach Resort hosts a Slack Key show. Doors open at 5:45, and the show runs from 6:30 to 8:30. Reserved seats (the first four rows) are $60, and General admission is $40.

This show is one of a kind, and if you want to immerse yourself in Hawaiian Culture, this is the place! Four-time Grammy winner George Kahumoku Jr. hosts this weekly show. They often have other guest Hawaiian musicians playing traditional Hawaiian music during the show.

Final Thoughts: Wrapping Up Your 10-Day Maui Itinerary

Have you been dreaming of an adventurous vacation to Maui? We’ve provided a wealth of incredible experiences on and off the island with something for everyone to add to your Maui travel plan.

Visit the Nakalele Blowhole to feel the power of nature and take an unforgettable drive along West Maui.

Embark on a sailing adventure and snorkel tour to nearby islands Lana’i and Molokini crater; go whale watching; and hike the Pipiwai Trail.

Don’t forget to take a day trip from Maui to Oahu while you’re in Hawaii! From Pearl Harbor to the beautiful North Shore, there’s no shortage of unforgettable moments awaiting your arrival.

Lastly, don’t forget to schedule time to enjoy at your resort. Maui has so much to offer that 10 days of exploring will leave you yearning for relaxing beach time.

Related Travel Guides and Posts

Did you find this post informative? Check out our other post about our related posts on Maui.

• Maui Itinerary for 5 days.
• Best breakfast in Lahaina & Ka’anapali, Maui
• Maui: Road to Hana Adventure with Breakfast & Lunch
• Best Beaches in West Maui Top Guide 2023
• The Best gifts for beach lovers that will make a splash
• Best Ka’anapali Restaurants for Ocean View Dining Guide 2024
• Best Breweries in Maui -Brewing, Distilleries & Winery Guide
• Maui Whale Watching Season: A Guide to Best Tours & Viewing
• Top Things NOT to do visiting Maui – Avoid Tourist Mistakes

So what are you waiting for? Start packing your bags – Maui awaits!

Grab Life, and don’t forget always to wear sunscreen!

Happy Exploring!

FAQ About Planning a 10 Maui Itinerary