Chloe & Jason
Things To Do
ʻĪao Valley State Monument
This is a state park that has swimming holes along the drive up. You can find local flowers and fruit for sale on along the road up to the park. The water comes from the mountains so it is is very cold and refreshing. Think you will be very rejuvenated afterwards! Tip, be careful if it’s rainy because flash flooding is a risk.
Waihee Ridge Trail
This is a nice hike in the Wailuku/Kahului area, and we recommend going early. 4.3 mi Length. 1,591ftElevation gain. 3–3.5hr Estimated time.
Paia
We recommend making a stop in Pāʻia, because this is the town we live in! Paia is on the way to Haiku (where we are getting married.) It’s a charming town filled with small shops and great restaurants.
Makena Beach
Kihei/Wailea/Makena Beaches There are too many great beaches here to name! Big Beach (Makena Beach) is another popular spot, and Keawakapu Beach and Charley Young are also great options (walking distance from the Maui Coast Hotel). Snorkel Spot: Ahihi-Kinau Marine Preserve is one of our favorite places to snorkel! Because it’s a protected marine area, the water is clear and full of vibrant sea life. Parking is available further south.
Haleakalā National Park
Haleakalā National Park Go for a hike and sunset! Way more chill since reservations are required to go watch the sunrise. Visiting during the day is also amazing. This will most likely be a 1/2 day excursion. There are plenty of hikes to do up there and you can also try to rent a cabin and camp! Reservations for cabin rentals book up quickly.
Hana
The Road To Hana is a 3+ hour drive to the east side of Maui. Lots of waterfalls on the side of the road and viewpoints along the way. Road is a windy so bring Dramamine for car sickness. Tip, if you see a local vehicle tailing behind you, it’s best to pull over and let them pass so you can continue to enjoy the scenic drive without them tailing you. This is a long entire day excursion! If you choose to do the entire road to hana in one day expect it to be an 8 hour journey. If you want to stay the night we highly recommend camping or renting an air bnb out there!
Waiʻānapanapa State Park
If you plan to visit Wainapanapa State Park you will need a reservation. There is a black sand beach and fresh water cave which is amazing (and very cold). You can also book a cabin here to camp overnight! (they book up quickly)
Pipiwai Trail
The Pipiwai Trail in Haleakalā National Park's Kīpahulu District (near Hāna) is a premier 4-mile round-trip hike famous for its stunning, elevated boardwalk through a towering bamboo forest. The moderate, 650–800 ft elevation gain trail features a massive banyan tree, stream crossings, and ends at the 400-foot Waimoku Falls. Tip, be very careful if you decide to swim if it’s overcast/rainy due to flash flooding.
Kipahulu Campground & Seven Sacred Pools
Seven sacred pools is a beautiful system made up of 7 pools and waterfalls that go into the ocean. It is located near the campground and the Pipiwal Trail. We would definitely recommend camping at Kipahulu. You can book a campsite on recreation.gov website or the app. Choose Kipahulu Campground. There are bathrooms and charcoal grills provided.
Kaihalulu Red Sand Beach
This is my favorite beach. It is in Hana so tie it into your Hana stops! If you camp at Kipahulu you can get to this beach early in the morning before everyone gets there so you can have this sacred spot to yourself!
Ali'i Kula Lavender
If you’d like to explore a different side of Maui, the Ali‘i Kula Lavender Farm is a wonderful place to visit. From Kula, you can also enjoy stunning panoramic views of the island. Afterwards go to Ocean Vodka Distillery! Great drinks, views for sunset, live music and food!
Makawao Forest Reserve Mountain Biking Trails
For those mountain bikers! There is a mountain biking trail in Makawao Forest! There is also a great hiking trail there as well. You can rent bikes at Krank Cycles on the way to the forest in Makawao town!