Enjoy Maui in Only Seven Days
What Not to Miss, Hidden Bargains, and How to Pack it All In
Feb 10, 2009
Known as "The Magic Isle," Maui's soft sand beaches, seemingly endless variety of land and water activities, mouthwatering array of food, and welcoming spirit are just some of the factors contributing to its fourteen-time status as "Best Island in the World" in the Conde Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards. From bicycling into a volcano to watching migratory humpback whales to getting a massage on the beach, there is something for every style of vacationer.
It's impossible to cram everything Maui has to offer into a one week-long vacation, so in order to get the most out of a trip to Maui, travelers should decide what they want to experience--relaxation, adventure, or culture--and their price point: luxury, moderate, or economical. Pick a category, or mix and match for a perfect week in Maui.
Relaxation: Drift, Sunbathe, and Sigh on Maui
One Week Plan: Four Days at the Beach(es), Two Days of Spa Activities, One Day on the Water
One need only step off the airplane and into Maui's warm sunlight to understand that true relaxation has no price tag. Sun worshippers will appreciate that the vast majority of beaches on Maui are public and free. The breathtaking views from Maui's shore of the neighboring islands of Moloka'i and Lana'i and pleasant weather don't cost a thing.
Accommodations, however, can impact the relaxation factor of a trip. If a couple is looking for a quiet, romantic get away, family-style resorts like the Ka'anapali Beach Hotel may not be a good fit, and a self-service beachfront condominium resort like the Outrigger Maui Eldorado may better suit their needs. If room service is a must to truly enjoy a relaxing trip, a higher end but more isolated hotel, like the Hotel Hana Maui, may fit the bill.
There are no shortage of quality spas on Maui, and prices can range from $55 for a beachside massage in front of the Marriott in Ka'anapali to $425 for the Six Hand Lava Stone massage in the 50,000-square-foot spa at Grand Wailea Resort.
The perfect end to a perfectly relaxing week: a sunset dinner cruise. From aboard one of the many sailboats departing Lahaina harbor nightly, sip a Mai Tai, dine on prime rib or roasted chicken, and, during migration season (December through April), watch humpback whales splashing as the sun sets. Prices for sunset cocktail or dinner cruises can range from $50 a person to $100 a person.
Adventure: Cycle, Dive, Hike, and Drive on Maui
One Week Plan: Two Days Hiking, One Day Biking, Three Days on the Water, on Day on the Road
Like the beaches, the majority of Maui's outdoor activities are free and available to all. For the truly adventurous, contacting a hotel's concierge and asking for maps of local hiking trails may be enough. If an extra hand is preferred, guided half-day hiking tours of waterfalls and rainforests are also available for as little as $67.50 a day.
If riding is preferred to walking, rent a bike, rise and shine at 3 A.M. and head to the summit of Haleakala volcano for a magical sunrise viewing, before biking back down into the volcano. Guided bike tours are also available for as little as $89.
Because the beaches are free, snorkeling off these beaches is too, but to add some excitement, hop aboard one of Maui Ocean Riders' powerful rigid hull inflatable crafts for a wild ride around the nearby islands of Lana'i or Moloka'i with frequent snorkeling stops and a delicious lunch included. For $110, spend your entire day on the water with Ocean Riders, and possibly see some whales, dolphins, or even sea turtles.
For a complete, day-long adventure around the island of Maui, hop in the car and drive the Road to Hana. Pack a lunch, because the blissfully undeveloped stretches offer little in the way of vendors, and a camera to capture the seaside cliffs, towering mountains, and more. Convertibles are a plus!
Culture: Dine, Dance and Delight in Maui
One Week Plan: Two Nights at Luaus, Three Days of Exploring and Shopping, Two Days of Learning
Hawaiian culture is colorful, natural, and hospitable. Many of Maui's high-end, moderate, and economical resorts offer complimentary cultural activities, such as lei-making and hula dance lessons, so that visitors can share in the traditions of the island.
There are also many resorts which offer luau dinners, complete with fire dancers, pit-cooked Kalua pork, and storytelling. Try two to sample the variety of food and dancing.
To get a sense of the rich history of Maui, the Halekii-Pihana State Monuments, Olowalu Petroglyphs, and Whalers Village Whaling Museum offer a glimpse.
The official fish of Hawaii is the humuhumunukunukuapua'a. Stop at the restaurant of the same name in Wailea and sample some delicious seafood, such as Mahi Mahi and Ahi Tuna.
Whatever your vacation preference, Maui offers something for everyone to enjoy, at any price point.
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