Maui & Lanai: Road to Hana & Island Escape
Drive Maui's volcanic sunrise and the Road to Hana, then take the ferry to Lanai for a two-night stay.
Dedicate one day to each major theme: a volcanic sunrise, an overnight trip on the Road to Hana, and snorkeling on the South Shore, avoiding a rushed same-day return from Hana. In the middle of the trip, take the ferry to Lanai for two nights and rent a 4WD to explore the Garden of the Gods and Shipwreck Beach at a leisurely pace. This is perfect for couples and returning visitors with plenty of time, offering a moderate pace. Lahaina is not included as a major stop.
Whale watching is available from December to April. Winter sea conditions can be rough, and ferries or boat tours may be canceled.
Day by day
Day 1 · Arrival & South Shore Sunset
Maui Island（Wailea Beach & Beach Path）
Pick up your car at Kahului Airport and drive to Kihei (approx. 25 mins). Spend the afternoon walking along the beach path.
Stay: Kīhei
Day 2 · Molokini Snorkeling & Big Beach
Maui Island（Molokini Crater、Big Beach (Mākena State Park)）
Take a morning boat tour from Maalaea or Kihei (approx. half a day). Drive to Makena in the afternoon (approx. 20 mins).
Morning boat trips are recommended for calmer winds and clearer water; book weeks in advance during peak seasons.
Stay: Kīhei
Day 3 · Volcano Sunrise & Upcountry Towns
Maui Island（Haleakalā National Park (Summit Sunrise)、Aliʻi Kula Lavender、Makawao、Pāʻia）
Depart from Kihei before 3:30 AM to drive up the mountain (approx. 2 hours). Descend via Kula to Paia (approx. 1.5 hours).
Entering the park between 3:00 AM and 7:00 AM requires a reservation on recreation.gov. The summit is near freezing; bring a thick jacket.
Stay: Pāʻia
Day 4 · The Road to Hana
Maui Island（Road to Hana (Hana Highway)、Twin Falls、Keʻanae Peninsula、Waiʻānapanapa State Park、Hāna）
Drive from Paia to Hana (approx. 80 km). With winding roads and stops, it takes about 6–8 hours. Depart before 7:00 AM.
Non-residents must reserve entry slots for Waianapanapa Black Sand Beach in advance. Download offline maps.
Stay: Hāna
Day 5 · Ohe'o Gulch Trail & Return
Maui Island（Pools of ʻOheʻo & Pipiwai Trail、Hamoa Beach、Hoʻokipa Beach Park）
Drive to Ohe'o Gulch in the morning (approx. 30 mins). Return to Kihei along the same route in the afternoon (approx. 3 hours).
Return via the same route; do not take the southern loop past Hana, as rental car companies usually prohibit driving on that section.
Stay: Kīhei
Day 6 · Ferry to Lanai's South Shore
Lanai（Hulopoe Beach、Puʻupehe (Sweetheart Rock)、Kapihaʻa Fisherman's Trail）
Take the morning ferry from Maalaea Harbor to Manele Harbor (approx. 1 hour 10 mins). Walk from the harbor to the bay (approx. 15 mins).
Ferry schedules are subject to change; arrive 45 mins prior to departure. There are no rideshare services on Lanai.
Stay: Manele Bay–Hulopoe Bay
Day 7 · 4WD Adventure in Northern Lanai
Lanai（Lanai City & Dole Park、Keahiakawelo (Garden of the Gods)、Shipwreck Beach (Kaiolohia)）
Rent a 4WD vehicle to explore the north of the island. Drive to the Garden of the Gods (approx. 1 hour), then head to Shipwreck Beach. Expect mostly dirt roads.
4WD vehicles are limited and should be booked early. Dirt roads can be impassable after rain. Shipwreck Beach is not suitable for swimming.
Stay: Lanai City
Day 8 · Return to Maui & West Maui
Maui Island（ʻĪao Valley State Monument、Kāʻanapali Beach & Black Rock）
Take a taxi from Lanai City to the harbor. Take the morning ferry back to Maalaea, pick up your rental car, and drive via Iao Valley to Kaanapali (approx. 1 hour).
Iao Valley requires reservations. Lahaina Front Street is open to traffic, but the Banyan Tree Courtyard remains closed.
Stay: Kāʻanapali
Day 9 · Northwest Coast & Departure
Maui Island（Kapalua Bay、Honolua Bay、Nakalele Blowhole）
Drive north along Highway 30 to Honolua Bay (approx. 30 mins). Return to the airport (approx. 1 hour 15 mins).
The road east of Nakalele is narrow; return the way you came. Winter waves are powerful; stay far back from the blowhole.