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HOW TO SPEND 4 DAYS ON YOUR MAUI VACATION - COMPLETE ITINERARY WITH MAP
How do you spend 4 days in paradise?! Come check out our 4-day vacation itinerary in Maui with our favorite things to do! Where to go and what to do when traveling to Maui, our favorite island to visit in Hawaii #maui #hawaii #itinerary
Kaanapali Beach - Black Rock
Updated: January 12, 2026
What to do for 4 days in Maui, Hawaii - FULL ITINERARY AND MAP
Maui is our absolute favorite place in the world! We got engaged, then married there a year later. Now, we return EVERY year to celebrate our anniversary and relive our favorite memories.
This itinerary is part of our Ultimate Maui Travel Guide, where we cover hotels, food, activities, and travel tips.
Hawaii is calling and I must go sign in our apt!
Do as our sign in our apartment says, "Hawaii is calling and I must go!" We got this sign at Sand People in Maui, my favorite shop!
There are so many different things to do in Maui, but here is our favorite itinerary! Whether this is your first trip to Maui, or tenth, we hope you love our suggestions.
This post may contain affiliate links of services that we love! If you book anything through these links, we get a commission at no cost to you! Help support the blog by saving and using these links.
Before you go, check out everything you need to pack for Hawaii here: Packing Checklist for Hawaii - includes a helpful list of items you can buy straight from Amazon!
Here is a map made with the Wanderlog Travel Planner, so you can follow along, add to your Google maps account, or create your own personal map! Wanderlog allows you to create great maps and guides for any vacation!
DAY 1
FLIGHT & CAR RENTAL
Front Street - Lahaina
We take the 8:30a American flight from LAX and the airport to fly into Maui is known as OGG. It's about 5 hours to get there and with the time difference, we arrive at the hotel around noon and have almost a whole day to do something fun on the island.
It's hard to get around the island without a car. We always rent a Jeep through Costco Travel to save money and get the best car to tour the island. We love the ones with the removable roof!
Don't have a Costco membership? That's ok, Booking.com also has great deals on car rentals or you can get a fairly decent rate on an airport transfer (if you don’t want to drive)!
What does Maui mean? Fun fact: This name belongs to a trickster god in Polynesian mythology!
RELATED POST: How much does it cost to go to Maui? - Itinerary, budget, and more!
Maui Rainbows are everywhere!
BEST MAUI RESORT HOTELS
We like to stick the Kaanapali stretch of hotels mainly because there is a lot to do and you can walk (or swim) everywhere. We love the Sheraton Maui Resort, which is located at the end of the Ka’anapali hotel stretch, against the black rock. We ALWAYS find THE BEST rates through Booking.com. See deals of up to 50% off! You can save a bunch of money if you book a bundle flight+room+rental car! If you are looking for a place to stay with more people, they even have offers for apartments and houses you can rent, just like AirBnB or VRBO!
Before you go, check out everything you need to pack for Hawaii here: Packing Checklist for Hawaii
Sheraton Maui Resort Pool - Lagoon
Check out our entry for more on the Sheraton: Hotel Review: Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa
Check-in is normally 3p, so we try and check-in to see if our room is ready early, and if not we head to get lunch at one the pool bars (Cliff Dive Bar or Mai Tai Bar) and a Mai Tai! YUM!
Usually, our room is ready right after lunch, giving us time to move in and get ready for our first adventure.
AFTERNOON: SNORKELING
The best part about the end of the Kaanapali beach is the Black Rock, in front of the Sheraton Resort. Where it might seem like a hideous black lava rock, under the sea you can find gorgeous coral, tons of fish, and usually see a turtle or two. We’ve even seen a few octopuses but you have to look hard for them! Also, try a different spin on snorkeling and take sailing and snorkel trip to Honolua! Their catamaran is a BEAUTY!
Snorkeling in Maui - Turtle sighting
Another great spot is Kapalua Bay. Even though the clarity isn't as great as around Black Rock, there are still plenty of fish to see. On one of our swims, we saw 6 turtles! We parked in a free beach parking lot (or there is street parking) next to Merriman's, and walked through the tunnel near the valet for beach access.
RELATED POST: See more in our 5 Best Snorkel Spots in Maui
Kapalua Bay
Don’t forget to pack a hat!
EVENING: DINNER AT MAUI BREW CO BREWPUB
NEW Location: 2525 Kaanapali Pkwy, Lahaina, HI 96761
Note: the Maui Brewing Company Kahana Gateway Shopping Center location permanently closed in 2025.
This is a perfect place for good brews and bar food especially if you are coming back from a swim in Kapalua! The Maui onion dip and buffalo chicken wings are our favorite items on the menu! They put all of their beers on menu chalkboards in the restaurant and switch them out occasionally. You can also purchase beers there and take them home! We had them package up a few cans of beers we couldn’t buy on the mainland - all beers made it home just fine in our checked bag. There are also TV's throughout the restaurant if you are looking to root for your favorite sports team.
Fun fact: Did you know Maui Brew Co is independently owned? Garrett Marrero is a Poway native and the owner and found of the Maui Brewing Company, with local production on Maui itself! You can even tour the brewery for $20 in Kehei.
RELATED POST: Want more dinner options? Check out our post for our Top 10 Restaurants in Maui, Hawaii
DAY 2
ROAD TO HANA - FULL DAY TRIP
We’ve done the Road to Hana a few times since there are so many different things to do and see along the way. Some of our favorite stops include:
Black Sand Beach
Lava Tubes
Red Sand Beach
Coconut Glen's ice cream
Haleakala National Park (2 hours - if you do the long hike)
Don’t want to drive the windy roads? I don’t blame you! Book a seat with this Road to Hana Tour as recommended by a local!
Pro Tip: Check out our complete guide with a map of our favorite stops: Guide to the Road to Hana
Don't forget to stop to try some of Coconut Glen's homemade ice cream! They serve organic, vegan, dairy free ice cream, using coconuts from the jungles of Maui. Don't let "organic, vegan, dairy free ice cream" scare you. TRUST ME, you won’t regret it.
See my full review here: Coconut Glen's Homemade Ice Cream
Mai Tai at Mama’s Fish House
EVENING: MAMA'S FISH HOUSE
799 Poho Pl, Paia, HI 96779
On our way back from the road to Hana adventure, we stopped at Mama's Fish House for dinner. Make sure you make a reservation in advance, we used Opentable. Parking is valet only.
I'm not a fish person particularly, but I did try some of our friends Mahi Mahi dish and it was the best fish I’ve ever had. I enjoyed their short rib and a couple of Mai Tai's (love that it's served in a tiki glass)!
DAY 3
MORNING: SCUBA DIVING
Since we are scuba certified, we love to go diving at different locations in Maui.
We loved the company, Extended Horizons in Lahaina, they go to the best spots and have amazing diving instructors. The dive site, Cathedral II, was one of my favorite dives! We went through a lava tube which was basically a cave with holes in the back, creating a fun place to explore! Check out the weird-looking slipper lobsters we found on the dive in our video! Some other great spots include Molokini Crater, the Carthaginian shipwreck, and Olowalu Reef, also known as turtle reef!
Extended Horizons trips depart from Lahaina, which is very convenient for staying on Kaanapali beach! Whale season runs from November to May, which you can often see the humpback whales breach above water and you can often hear them while diving underwater.
They lost their shop and their boat in the Lahaina fire but still offer dives!
Want to set sail but not scuba? You can always rent a boat from our friends at Get My Boat, which is like Airbnb for boats!
Related Post: BEST SCUBA DIVE SITES IN MAUI
AFTERNOON: MASSAGES
We book our massages at the hotel typically the day we check-in, and look forward to them every day.
We love getting our annual couples massage at the resort, especially after a few scuba dives or doing a trip to Hana. We usually get a basic full body massage for 50 mins, but this last time we went for the 80 mins and it was worth every penny. The rooms are patio like with natural sunlight peaking from the top, complete with soothing Hawaiian tunes. Ahhh.. relaxing just thinking about it.
POOL SIDE
Grab your flip flops! We like to bring a book, a magazine, cards, or scroll through Instagram by the pool. This is where I started my research to start a travel blog! I may have ordered a few drinks to think it was a GREAT idea!
Various colors and prints available on Amazon.com
Before you go, check out everything you need to pack for Hawaii here: Packing Checklist for Hawaii
EVENING: SHOPPING & DINNER
We walked down to Whaler's Village for some shopping and grab dinner at the Barefoot Bar.
The Barefoot Bar is more casual ($$) serving burgers, fish and chips, pizza. The fun part about the bar, your feet are in the sand. Usually, they have live music and entertainment.
I love their Mai Tai's which are served in tiki glasses topped with the umbrella! Presentation is everything to me. You MUST try the Hula pie! It’s vanilla or macadamia nut ice cream with an Oreo crumble pie crust, with whipped cream and fudge on top! OR try their enormous brownie ice cream sandwich. It’s a hard choice… just get both!
Need more options? There is also the Monkeypod Kitchen Restaurant in Whaler's Village that opened from the owners of Merriman's. We’ve literally tried everything on the menu and can’t recommend it enough - don’t skip out on the chicken wings or the mai tai with the honey foam! Check out our full review for more on Monkeypod: Restaurant Review: Monkeypod Restaurant
DAY 4
MORNING: HALEAKALA SUNRISE
Sunrise at Haleakala
Parking: Haleakala Summit Parking, Kula, HI 96790 - You MUST make a reservation in advance as parking is limited! Reservations can be secured two months in advance and up until 6pm the day before your visit. See more information and tips on visiting Haleakala here: HALEAKALA CRATER
We got up at 2am and hit the road by 3am to drive about 2 hours to the top of Haleakala Summit. Check the sunrise times and try to arrive about an hour beforehand for a spot in the lot.
It gets pretty chilly at almost 10,000 feet. I wore layers including exercise clothes with sweatpants and sweatshirt on top. Bring snacks and water (and coffee) too!
If you don't want to drive (the roads are very windy up and down the mountain at very early hours), take this guided tour with Roberts Hawaii where they will pick up, take you to the top, feed you 2 meals, and bring you back. You can rest easy and even take a nap!
Since the sunrise viewing in atop of a mountain, there are many spots to watch the sunrise from and not a bad view. As the sky starts to change cameras come out, and the sun rises through the clouds. It's one of the best sunrises I've ever seen in my life. Fun Fact: Josh proposed to me here!
Mauimosas at Kula Lodge
BREAKFAST @ KULA LODGE
15200 Haleakala Hwy, Kula, HI 96790
On the way down from Haleakala, we stopped at Kula Lodge for spectacular views, a delicious breakfast (eggs benedict was my fave), and a Maui-mosa - they use pineapple instead of orange juice.
AFTERNOON: NAP AND POOL-TIME
By the time we got back to the hotel, it was time for a nap and relaxation. We took a quick nap, then went to hang out by the pool and snorkel in the ocean.
Black Rock Jumpers
EVENING: DINNER AT MERRIMAN'S KAPALUA
Address: 1 Bay Club Pl, Lahaina, HI 96761
We made a reservation about a month in advance to make sure we could get there for some cocktails and sunset.
This fine-dining restaurant ($$$$) is the perfect spot in west Maui for sunset drinks and dinner. Located right on the water, you’ll overlook the waters of Kapalua Bay. Their cocktails are superb, made with fresh ingredients. The farm to table menu has a variety of Hawaiian fish and my favorite is the chimichurri savory steak.
Don’t forget about ordering some dessert! I enjoyed their homemade ice cream and cones (of course). It's about a 15 min drive from the Kaanapali resorts.
Wwoof, what a trip. But how amazing did it look?! :) Let us know what you think or if you have any suggestions in the comments below!
We ALWAYS find THE BEST rates through Booking.com. See deals of up to 50% off! You can save a bunch of money if you book a bundle flight+room+rental car! They even have apartments, lodges, and houses you can rent, just like AirBnB or VRBO! By booking through this link, I receive a commission at no additional cost to you! PLEASE support our blog and bookmark this link!
Don’t forget some of our favorite packing essentials:
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Here are some other posts we have about Maui:
Top 9 Reasons why you MUST add Bora Bora to your Bucketlist!
9 Reasons to Visit Bora Bora on your Honeymoon or in your Lifetime! We spent a few days in Bora Bora in French Polynesia on our Honeymoon and see what our favorite things were to do! Definitely bucket list worthy!
9 Reasons to Visit Bora Bora on your Honeymoon or in your Lifetime!
We went to Bora Bora in French Polynesia to bookend our honeymoon and it was worth every penny and mile it took to get us there! I was surprised our occupied our days were when I was expecting to not do anything! Check out what to expect with our 9 reasons below:
Overwater Bungalows InterContinental Bora Bora
1. Overwater Bungalows
We stayed at the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort Thalasso Spa and WOW, just being able to walk out into the water from your own porch is a dream. Its location has the best view of the center island, where the sun will set right behind the mountain.
Overwater Bungalow Sunset Bora Bora
In the guest room, there is a glass coffee table that lets you look down at the water below. We loved watching fish swim under our room! The bed faces a floor to ceiling window that makes you feel like you're just floating in the aqua lagoon. It’s literally heaven on Earth!
2. Infinity Pool with a Perfect View
This infinity pool is just gorgeous and the InterContinental Thalasso has the PERFECT view of the mountain! I don't think I need to add anything else here. Maybe a drink...
Infinity Pool InterContinental Bora Bora
3. Stingray Feedings
I was apprehensive about feeding stingrays at first but as long as you have their food, they are like little puppies that brush up against you begging for food.
Feeding Sting Rays in Bora Bora
The man with the bucket came out blowing a shell like a horn, getting the stingrays ready for a feeding!
Warning, watch out for the seagulls. They are food stealers.
4. Book a relaxing Massage at the Bora Bora InterContinental Thalasso Spa
The Bora Bora InterContinental Thalasso spa is top-notch! They even have a room where you can watch the fish through the hole in the table while getting a massage. How peaceful is that?
5. Scuba Dive in Bora Bora
The colors are beautiful deep below the surface, with thousands of fish along the gorgeous colorful coral reef. We even saw a 7 foot lemon shark swim through.
Scuba Dive in Bora Bora
6. Rent Jet Skis and tour around the Island
The jet ski tour was my favorite activity! We went around the entire island, and our guide showed us how to break open a coconut on the shore with our bare hands! It was delicious!
Jet ski in Bora Bora
7. Rent Paddle boards, Kayaks, and Other Activities
Paddleboards and kayaks were provided by the hotel (InterContinental Bora Bora) at no extra cost. Just ask the pool boy for permission and float your cares away in the lagoon.
For a price, you can also go on a rainforest tour, ATV safari, or even go parasailing!
8. RELAX, You’re literally in paradise!
There's not a lot of pressure to do anything but hang out in your swimsuit for 24 hours. That's actually what we did for 4 days.
9. Fruity Drinks & Ice cream by the pool
Brownie sundaes are always acceptable, even at the pool. Other food and many drinks can also be indulged poolside. Much like Hawaii or any tropical destination, they have all the fruity poolside drinks you can think of. Delicious and refreshing!
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More to do in French Polynesia:
10 FUN things you must do in Wailea - Maui, Hawaii
Wailea is a great place for pretty much anything! See our top ten things to do and see in Wailea, Hawaii, including hiking, finding secret beaches, snorkel around turtle town, golf, shop, and more! Free things to do and things to do with kids in Wailea.
Top Ten Things to do and See in Wailea, Hawaii
First or sixth trip to Hawaii? Doesn’t matter, check out these fun things to do in Wailea! It’s a pretty coastal drive if you’re staying in Lahaina or a great place to stay for a few nights! We stayed at the Grand Wailea and fell in love with Wailea!
Not sure which area is right for you? Our Ultimate Maui Travel Guide compares Kaanapali, Wailea, and other regions.
Here’s a list of what to do in Wailea, Maui:
Go for a Hike in Wailea
Wailea hikes are the best way to start the day! At the end of Makena Road just past Wailea, there is a trail to hike around old lava fields. We were lucky enough to find a Hawaiian Monk Seal that had just given birth days prior and was on the shore with her pup. We took the Haopili Trail to Hanomanioa Light where at the end of the trail is one of those natural pools that you often see influencers float in on Instagram. If you’re lucky, you’ll come across some black mountain goats along the way!
Hike to the natural pools in Wailea
2. Find a Secret Beach in Wailea
Maybe it’s not such a secret if I’m telling you. Again, At the end of Makena Road just past Wailea, if you’re not in the mood to hike (see #1), there are little beach coves that only fit a few people so you can jump in the water, do yoga, read a book, have a picnic lunch, or take a nap! It’s a private beach all to yourself! Pro Tip: Claim your spot early.
Secret Beaches in Wailea
3. Enjoy a day by the beach!
Beach chairs are provided by most hotels, you just have to get there early to nab one. We stayed at the Grand Wailea and would grab a few chairs around 8am to be in the front row.
4. Snorkel around Turtle Town
Wailea has some great spots for snorkeling, but you have to check out Turtle Town. Turtle Town is where the turtles come to have the cleaner fish pick off the algae and other parasites living on their backs! We also saw quite a few turtles right near our hotel (Grand Wailea).
Related posts: Best Snorkel Spots in Maui and Best Scuba Spots in Maui
Snorkel around Turtle Town in Wailea
5. Visit the Turtles in Wailea
Right off the back of a Makena Landing parking lot (5083 Makena Alanui, Kihei, HI 96753), you’ll often find turtles resting in the sand/rocks. Don’t disturb them, but admire them from the trees! Also, there were tons of chickens chasing each other in the parking lot.
Resting Turtles in Wailea
6. Go Shopping in Wailea!
I always love shopping! The Shops at Wailea have everything you need from high-end stores like Louis Vuitton to the ABC Store! Lappert’s ice cream can be found here and you’ll smell the fresh waffle cones wafting in the air when you get close! Soha Living has the cutest coastal decor, which makes great souvenirs! The Island Gourmet Markets is the best Wailea grocery store and their coffee shop brews a delicious coconut macadamia nut latte!
7. Pineapple Wine Tasting
There is a vineyard on Maui and it’s not far from Wailea! Have a taste of Maui Wine’s famous pineapple wines, exclusive small production estate wines, and sparkling wines.
FUN FACT: The King’s Cottage was originally built in the 1870s to welcome King Kalākaua himself, the last reigning king of Hawai’i. He would come to ‘Ulupalakua to enjoy a little royal vacation time with lavish dinners, dancing, champagne, and celebration. Maui wine continues that celebration today, this time inviting all of you! Complimentary guided tours of the historic estate, production area, and wine cellar.
8. Golf in Wailea
Josh loves to golf and there is a fantastic course (Wailea Golf Club) with gorgeous views in Wailea. The Wailea Gold Course is not only gorgeous but one of the top 100 courses in America!
Wailea Golf Club
9. Restaurants in Wailea
Do some fine dining - you’re on vacation! Monkeypod Kitchen is a MUST, their mai tais are my favorite on the island (food is fantastic too)! We also really liked Lineage (Top Chef, Sheldon Simeon’s restaurant), conveniently located in The Shops at Wailea shopping center.
10. Spa Day in Wailea
You’re at the beach in Hawaii, RELAX! Go for a nice massage and then grab a drink by the pool. Many of the resorts have spas, don’t be afraid to try them. This is the ultimate vacation life!
Grand Wailea Luau - Best in Wailea
BONUS TIP: Don’t miss the Grand Wailea Luau!
If you walk along the pathway at night, you’ll hear the drums and luau music play. You can kinda see what’s happening on the luau stage as you stroll by, but you should experience the show along with a traditional Hawaiian dinner! The Marriott Wailea luau puts on a good show too. Get a great price on luau tickets with Activity Authority!
Maui is part of ListForAll.com’s TOP 25 TROPICAL VACATIONS and I think these are some good reasons for Maui to make that list!
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Things to do in Wailea - Maui, Hawaii
All MAUI POSTS HERE or the latest and greatest:
HOTEL REVIEW: Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino
Best part about Aruba: visiting the flamingos on Renaissance Island! Where is the best hotel to stay in Oranjested, Aruba? Our hotel review of the Renaissance Aruba Hotel shows why you must stay, and includes things to do such as visiting flamingo beach on their private island, cabana rentals, shopping, and restaurants! There is an adult hotel and family hotel, which is fun for everyone!
Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino
Address: L.G. Smith Blvd 82, Oranjestad, Aruba
Website: Renaissance Aruba Resort and Casino
Flamingo Beach - Renaissance Island
The number one reason to stay here is to visit Flamingo Beach! After we were spoiled staying at the Hyatt Regency Aruba, the Renaissance was nice but we spent more time with my new pink friends than in the room! Read all about our days spent at Aruba’s Renaissance Island - Flamingo Beach . Many ask: Is flamingo island worth it? 1000% YES!
Find the best rate to visit these flamingos by booking your room through Booking.com Not only will you find the best rate out there but by clicking this link and booking a night, I receive a commission at no additional cost to you! PLEASE support our blog and bookmark this link! :-) Thanks!
Renaissance Adult Only Hotel in Aruba
There are 2 hotels at the Renaissance property, both right across from each other. The adults-only hotel is more inland but still in the marina. It’s also connected to a very fancy, high-end mall and casino! Check out rates here: booking.com
All-inclusive rooms in Aruba!
All-inclusive room rates at Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino are available. However, these rates tend to be higher because they include onsite food and beverages in the room rate.
How to get to Renaissance Island Aruba with the Flamingo Beach
The Renaissance owns a small island just a quick 10 minute boat ride away that they have named Renaissance Island. Booking your stay at the Renaissance guarantees you access to the island, there is a small chance you can buy a ticket the morning of, but there are very few if the hotel is not sold out. Here, you will find beautiful beaches with lounge chairs, a restaurant, hammocks, and FLAMINGOS. A water taxi stops every 15 mins in the lobby to head to Renaissance Island.
Read more here: Aruba’s Renaissance Island Flamingo Beach
Things to do at the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino
Go to Renaissance Island for the Flamingo and Iguana beach
Rent a cabana on Renaissance Island - The cabana comes with 2 bottles of Voss still water, 2 bottles of Voss sparkling water, bottle of sparkling wine, refreshing food amenity, personalized cabana butler service, towels, 2 water floats, and 2 full face-snorkeling masks. Cabanas at Iguana Beach come with kids snorkels. Cabana 4001 at Iguana Beach has a water slide. Rates start at $300 - BOOK EARLY!
Go for a dip in the pool (there is a family pool and adult-only pool)!
Get a drink at the lobby bar - it overlooks the pool and ocean!
Go shopping! There is a little plaza to shop around for clothes and souvenirs!
Have breakfast on Renaissance Island! There is an amazing restaurant, called Papagoyo Bar & Grill, that serves a large breakfast that will fill you up for a day in the sun!
Go to the Spa Cove on Renaissance Island! Peaceful and serene, this spa only has ocean views!
Arrival: Parking, Lobby, and Bar at the Renaissance Aruba
Valet parking is available under the lobby. We took a taxi and didn’t need a car to get around the island. The lobby was open air and the bar was located right next to the pool. Check-in was a breeze. Literally. The staff was really nice and when our room wasn’t ready, they stored our bags and we were allowed to go to the island.
Renaissance Aruba Guest Rooms
Our room was a decent size. We booked a Guest room, 1 King or 2 Double, Limited view in the Marina Hotel. The design was fairly modern and looked like they had been renovated fairly recently.
Guest Room
The little booth was cute but not very comfortable. Our limited view was an inside view and we were located right above Starbucks. The most exciting thing that happened out the window: watching people board the boats for Renaissance Island.
The closet was small, our suitcases didn’t fit inside. The robes were nice, though!
Bathroom
The bathroom was on the smaller side compared the Hyatt we had just stayed at, but was perfect for spending 24 hours there. SO many towels.
Renaissance Aruba Adult Pool
The adult pool was so quiet and relaxing, perfect for honeymooners. With ocean and marina views, why would you ever want to leave!
The lobby bar and the pool bar are one and the same. I love how open and bright the bar area is!
We basically paid $400 to see Flamingos, but they were worth every penny!
Find the best rate to visit these flamingos by booking your room through Booking.com Not only will you find the best rate out there but by clicking this link and booking a night, I receive a commission at no additional cost to you! PLEASE support our blog and bookmark this link! :-) Thanks!
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Find all Aruba Posts Here: ARUBA POSTS
MORE ARUBA!
Guide to Kaanapali Beach in Maui, Hawaii: Where to stay, things to do, and best restaurants
A complete guide to Kaanapali Beach in Maui, Hawaii including where to stay, things to do, and best restaurants! Debating on Wailea vs Kaanapali? See why we love Kaanapali Beach and how it is perfect for any occasion whether you are with family, friends, or going as a couple. See the best hotels that will fit your budget and activities to add to your itinerary.
Sheraton Maui Kaanapali Beach Resort
Everything you need to know about Kaanapali Beach in Maui, Hawaii: best hotels, what to do, and great restaurants
If you’ve booked your trip to Maui, I’m jealous already! We got engaged, married, and have celebrated our anniversary there every year since 2014! Maui is our favorite place and we ALWAYS stay on Ka’anapali Beach. If it’s your first time or sixth time, this guide will help you navigate the beach to make sure you have the best trip possible!
RELATED POST: How much does it cost to go to Maui? - Itinerary, budget, and more!
Not sure which area is right for you? Our Maui Travel Guide compares Kaanapali, Wailea, and other regions.
How to get to Kaanapali Beach - Map, Airport Transfers, and Parking Information
The best way to get to Kaanapali Beach from the airport is to rent a car. You’ll probably want to drive around the island at some point, it’s best to have your own vehicle. If you are planning on spending all of your time at the beach, check with your hotel to set up airport transfers. Uber and Lyft are available as well, it’s about $50-ish each way.
We ALWAYS find THE BEST rates through Booking.com. See deals of up to 50% off! You can save a bunch of money if you book a bundle flight+room+rental car! They even have apartments, lodges, and houses you can rent, just like AirBnB or VRBO! By booking through this link, I receive a commission at no additional cost to you! PLEASE support our blog and bookmark this link!
You can always park at a hotel but if you’re just coming for the day, there are a few lots but they are pretty pricy. There are 2 free parking lots but you have to get to them early - one is just before the Sheraton on Kaanapali Pkwy and the other is on Nohea Kai Drive before the Hyatt. See our Google Map for more info!
Where to Stay on Kaanapali Beach
Here are some of the best resorts on Kaanapali beach! All resorts are literally located right on the beach and walking distance from each other. We often use our travel credit card rewards for FREE nights! Check out this helpful article from Money Magazine to see which card would be best for your needs.
Sheraton Maui Room Views
Budget-Friendly:
Royal Lahaina Resort - great for your wallet and NO RESORT FEES! Rooms are spacious and a quick trot to the beach. This hotel is located north of Black Rock, so it is typically less crowded, but a bit of a walk to the other hotels.
Kaanapali Beach Club - might need an update, but the rooms are clean and the pool is huge! Located closer to Black Rock.
Mid-Range:
Flamingos and swans at the Hyatt Regency Maui on Kaanapali Beach
Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa - our favorite resort on Maui Kaanapali Beach! Located right in front of Black Rock, which is the best place on the island for snorkeling. See our full review: Sheraton Maui Hotel Review
The Westin Maui Resort & Spa - recently renovated rooms and an adult pool to have some quiet time! One of the best Kaanapali accommodations! There are multiple pools that families can enjoy as well, there’s even a waterslide! Their spa is the ultimate relaxation destination.
Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa - lovely resort with penguins and flamingos (yes, I mean it). The Hyatt also has the best Lu’au on Kaanapali Beach. Their pool is pretty great too.
Condos and club hotels are also available in the area if you are looking to house more people! See booking.com for more options in Kaanapali, HI!
Need help packing? See our Hawaii Packing List for everything you’ll need! Check the weather before you go!
Top 10 things to do on Maui Kaanapali Beach
Black ROck Jumping
Snorkeling at Black Rock Beach
Black Rock is our FAVORITE place to snorkel! We’ve seen turtles, octopus, rays, and tons of tropical fish! See more snorkel info and our video here: Best Snorkel Spots in Maui
Jump off Black Rock!
Jump from the top of Black Rock to the plunge into the depths below! Do this at your own risk as it is hard to climb up Black Rock and it is, well, rocky.
Go Shopping at Whalers Village
My favorite shop in Whaler’s Village is Sand People that is like Etsy in person, loaded with coastal decor, souvenirs, clothes, and jewelry. Other shops include Sephora, Honolua, Quiksilver, Kate Spade, and other designers.
Need a snack, beer or wine, souvenirs, macadamia nuts? The ABC Store is the best for all of those things!
Penguins at the Hyatt Regency Maui
4. Visit the Penguins and Flamingos
Yup, you heard that right! At the Hyatt Regency Maui, they have a menagerie of birds all over the resort. In the morning they have a penguin feeding and it’s just the cutest thing! You can hang out with the one-legged pink friends on the other side of the resort.
5. Go to a Lu’au
Drums of the Pacific Lu’au at the Hyatt Regency puts on a great show on Kaanapali Beach! With traditional Polynesian dances and a feast, you’ll be sure to have a great night! The Royal Lahaina Luau, Myths of Maui, will also have you dancing in your seat - it could be the music or the free drinks! Get a great deal on luau tickets with Activity Authority.
6. Have a drink at the pool bar (and maybe even whale watch)
We love to sit at the bar, have a drink, and enjoy the view! If you come between December and March, you are likely to see whales! If you look hard enough, you can usually see the whales come up and spout water. Keep a close eye because after they spout, they usually breach out of the water or you can catch a glimpse of their tales. There are tours you can take to get closer to them, and if you scuba dive or snorkel, you can often hear them!
7. Spa Day at Black Rock Spa
The massages at Black Rock Spa are my favorite. Get hot stones, and enjoy some relaxation! We usually get a basic full body massage for 50 mins (about $130 each), but this last time we went for the 80 mins (about $180) and it was worth every penny. The spa rooms are patio like with natural sunlight peaking from the top, complete with soothing Hawaiian tunes.
Water Activities on Kaanapali BEach
8. Water Activities - Go parasailing, take a surf lesson, rent a jet ski, or go paddle boarding!
You can arrange with your hotel or go to a stand on the beach to get your adventure on! Fly high in the sky and enjoy looking over Kaanapali Beach while parasailing, or skim the water with a surf board! Learn how to surf like a pro with Maui Surfer Girls. You can even learn how to scuba dive right on Kaanapali beach! See related post for scuba: Best Scuba Spots Maui
9. Golf at Kaanapali Golf Courses
You’ll pass this golf course as you arrive and want to take a swing with your club. I don’t know which one but Josh does. You can see the ocean from most holes!
10. Zipline with Skyline Hawaii - Kaanapali Zipline Tours
Just up the hill from the golf course is Kaanapali Zipline Tours! Check-in at the shop, then they will drive you up to the zipline course with breathtaking views - high in the sky! See related post, Best Maui Ziplines, for more!
Best Restaurants on Kaanapali Beach
Here are a few of our favorites right on the beach that are fan favorites! See our full list here: Best Restaurants near Kaanapali and Lahaina
Monkeypod Kitchen - Kaanapali Beach
Monkeypod Kitchen ($$$)
Kaanapali Location: Whalers Village - 2435 Kaanapali Pkwy, Bldg I-1, Lahaina, HI 96761
See our full review: Best Restaurant in Maui: Monkeypod Kitchen
We first discovered Monkeypod in Wailea and were overjoyed when they opened a second location in Whalers Village, Kaanapali! We’ve found that it is the perfect spot for drinks and dinner. Get a Monkeypod Mai Tai with their fabulous honey foam! We love the Wood Roasted Chicken Wings (kiawe-roasted free range chicken, garlic, kula farm rosemary, tzatziki sauce) and the Bulgogi Pork Tacos (handcrafted kimchee, jalapeño, asian pear, sriracha aioli, locally-made corn tortilla). Jalapeño mashed potatoes ARE A MUST. They are green, but don’t let that scare you!
Dessert is a must! We loved the rich Chocolate Cream Pie, but they have other cream pies, such as Banana, available as well. Make a reservation in advance; we used Opentable.
Ice Cream Sandwich at Barefoot Bar
2. Hula Grill/Barefoot Bar ($$$/$$)
Location: Whalers Village - 2435 Kaanapali Pkwy, Lahaina, HI 96761
Located in Whalers Village with outstanding ocean views, these two restaurants are not only owned by the same company, they are connected to each other. Hula Grill is a little more pricey with delicious traditional Hawaiian entrees including many fish dishes (crab, snapper, shrimp) and land dishes (chicken, steak, short rib, emu).
The barefoot bar is more casual ($$) serving burgers, fish and chips, pizza. The fun part about the bar, your feet are in the sand. Usually, they have live music and entertainment. Regardless of which restaurant you try, I love their Mai Tai's which are served in tiki glasses topped with the umbrella!
Also, you MUST have dessert! Try the Hula pie - vanilla or macadamia nut ice cream with an Oreo crumble pie crust, with whipped cream and fudge on top (served at both restaurants)! OR get the ice cream sandwich (pictured). No words on that one other than YUM!
3. Cliff Dive Bar and Grill
Location: Sheraton Maui Resort
Located by the pool, great for lunch or an afternoon snack. Can’t go wrong with their burger or chicken sandwich. At sunset, the cliff diver lights all the torches around the pool and along the top of black rock, then jumps into the water.
3. Ono Gelato Company ($)
Location: Whalers Village
Try some handmade artisan gelato by the beach! When in Rome… err, or Maui!
More restaurants can be found in our post: Best Restaurants in Maui
We hope you enjoy Kaanapali Beach as much as we do! It’s the perfect vacation destination for families, couples, or a group of friends. Kaanapali vacations are the best vacations! Hope you didn’t miss our Maui Hotel Map Kaanapali Beach
RELATED POST: How much does it cost to go to Maui in 2021? - Itinerary, budget, and more!
Black Rock Snorkeling with a Turtle
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ARUBA HOTEL REVIEW: Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort, Casino and Spa
The Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa And Casino is the perfect place to stay in Aruba! Located right on the beach and walking distance to shops and restaurants, there isn’t a better place to stay. See our hotel review why you should stay at the Hyatt in Aruba!
Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort, Casino and Spa
Address: Juan E, J.E. Irausquin Blvd #85, Aruba
Website: Hyatt Regency Aruba
We stayed at the Hyatt Regency Aruba for 4 nights over New Years 2019! Located mid beach of hotel row, it is the perfect place to spend the day at the beach and walking distance to everything!
Find the best rate to visit Aruba by booking your room through Booking.com and compare rates with Hyatt.com. See deals of up to 50% off! You can save a bunch of money if you book a bundle flight+room! By booking through this link, I receive a commission at no additional cost to you! PLEASE support our blog and bookmark this link!
Rooms at the Hyatt Regency Aruba
The rooms were really nice, super spacious and very modern. Lined with gorgeous hard wood floors and a soft but firm bed, we felt right at home here. The balconies were very small, not really for sitting out on but good for shaking sand off clothes and shoes.
The room was equipped with new appliances like a refrigerator and a very large TV! We work in television, but typically never turn on the TV while we’re on vacation! In Aruba we celebrated New Years an hour before the East Coast, so we came back to the room and watched the ball drop with Ryan Seacrest on our giant tv!
In the window there was a chaise lounge where we would sit and look at the view, nap, or just hang out!
The water was so pretty in Aruba! We loved our view!
Bathrooms at the Hyatt Regency Aruba
Most hotels we’ve gone to lately that have renovated their rooms have walk in rain showers, this was another hotel to add to that list. Don’t get me wrong, they’re perfectly fine and seem to give more space in the bathroom. I like a big counter for all of my toiletries and this place checked all boxes for a perfect bathroom!
Casino at the Hyatt Regency Aruba
I’m used to Vegas casinos which you cannot compare to Aruba casinos. The casinos played in The American dollar with the options of slots in different denominations as well as tables including 3 card poker, black jack, roulette, etc. There wasn’t a fee to enter or anything, all the casinos seemed to have a players card option. If you play long enough you can get free drinks! It was so cool, on the slot machines, there was an option to order drinks once you hit the threshold!
Find the best rate to visit Aruba by booking your room through Booking.com
Not only will you find the best rate out there but by clicking this link and booking a night, I receive a commission at no additional cost to you! PLEASE support our blog and bookmark this link! :-) Thanks!
Pool at the Hyatt Regency Aruba
There were a few pools to choose from to dip into! We enjoyed sitting in the half foot pool and observing around us! They even have a water slide that is fun for all ages!
If you want a drink but don’t want to get out of the pool, you don’t have to here! The main pool has a swim up bar and also a volleyball net.
Relax on the Beach
You can rent a little hut for free if you’re staying at the hotel! Full service and beach chairs come with the rental and feel free to dip in the warm ocean! There are many places along the beach to enjoy some surf - ski doo, wind surf, sunset cruises, pirate ship cruise, anything!
Forgot your sunblock or don’t have enough room in your suitcase? No sweat! For about $2 you can get a spray on by this cool high-tech booth!
Don’t forget to pack these guys:
Restaurants at the Hyatt Regency Aruba
As the Hyatt is a resort, there were many restaurants to keep you on property for convenience and accessibility.
Ruinas del Mar
Open air restaurant with food fresh from the sea or a savory steak. Join them for Sunday Brunch!
Kadushi Juice Bar
Not only do they have a great variety of juices and smoothies, they have POPSICLES! YUM!
Palms
We ate out at the bar between the pool and the beach one day. They serve basic lunch food such as salads, sandwiches, quesadillas, etc. happy hour runs everyday from 5:30-6:30p with discounts on drinks and half price quesadillas!
At night the bar closer to the lobby opens up for the rest of the evening. We had a night cap there every night!
Starbucks/Market
Their Market had a great selection of snacks, to go items and coffee! We grabbed pastries and coffee one morning before we went diving.
Wandering around the Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort
The lobby was open aired and had plenty of little nooks to hang out in. Just connect to their wifi to plan your day or to sit and take a break!
My favorite part of walking through the resort was looking for wildlife! Parrots, swans, large iguanas, coi fish, and turtles were all over!
New Years at the Hyatt Regency Aruba
New Years Eve in Aruba
We asked our cab driver where the place to be is at midnight on New Years Eve, to which he said, “right in front of your hotel!” Perfect. He wasn’t wrong, we had a few drinks at the bar and wandered down to the beach around 11p. Fireworks are legal in Aruba so they were going off all day along with these giant firecrackers that people would set up randomly in the streets. We sat and watched as people set off sparklers and small fireworks around us. As soon as midnight hit, a bunch of barges in the water close to the beach shot off fireworks for a good 20 minutes! It was spectacular, the whole beach was lit up from this amazing display!
Please note this is not a sponsored post and based on my own personal experience, all thoughts are my own.
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Not only will you find the best rate out there but by clicking this link and booking a night, I receive a commission at no additional cost to you! PLEASE support our blog and bookmark this link! :-) Thanks!
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HOTEL REVIEW: Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa - Best hotel in Maui, Hawaii
The Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa is the best-kept secret of hotels in Maui! Not only do they have newly renovated rooms, you’ll be blown away by the best ocean front view rooms on the island! See our travel guide to the best hotel and Ka'anapali beach resort in Maui, Hawaii! #Maui #hotel #hawaii
Our Best Kept Secret, Stay at the Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa in Hawaii!
The Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa is located on the Ka’anapali Beach stretch of hotels and is the last hotel buried into Black Rock. This place has EVERYTHING: gorgeous ocean front views, the best snorkeling on the island, a great pool, a relaxing spa, delicious restaurants, what more could you need?! It’s about 45 mins to an hour from the airport with a gorgeous coastal drive and just 5 minutes away from Lahaina.
Before you go, check out everything you need to pack for Hawaii here: Packing Checklist for Hawaii
I might be a little biased on the review because two of the biggest events of my life have happened at the Sheraton Maui, first I was proposed to then we came back with our family and friends and were married on the property making this place unforgettable.
Don’t forget to wave to Oprah on your way (her pad is up on the mountain on your drive in).
Relative Post: See How to Spend 4 Days in Maui
Where to stay in Maui: The Sheraton Resort
The resort first opened in 1963, and is massive! Depending on where your room is, you’ll definitely be hitting your daily step goal. There are some pictures of what it looked like when it first opened in the hallways.
Everything you could possibly need is on the property: restaurants, spa, bars, gift shop, snorkel, and other water activity rentals. Nearby, there is access to zip-lining, snorkeling, golfing, shopping, hiking, star gazing spots, anything you can think of!
Check out what to do: The 10 Best Things to do in Maui
Parking is always available and conveniently located next to Whaler's Village, a shopping center with clothing stores, an ABC Store (good for snacks and booze for the room), and restaurants.
Resort fee and Parking
A resort fee of $26.04 is charged per night, per room that is in addition to our rates and that will be automatically added to your bill by the hotel. The Resort Fee provides the following:
Complimentary valet parking on the day of arrival
Shuttle service to the area Westin hotels and town of Lahaina
Adult pool floats
A resort photo session and digital keepsake
A signature tote bag
Access to PressReader
Local telephone calls on Maui
Wi-Fi access in guest rooms and public areas
Access to the fitness center and coin-operated laundry room
Access to the Maui Ocean Center educational Hawaiian marine life hale near the pool
Trolley service in Kaanapali
25% off greens fees at the Kaanapali golf courses
Cultural activities like lei-making and hula demos
In-room coffee and tea
Parking fees:
Electric car charging stations: 4, For a fee
On-site parking, fee: $24 USD daily
Valet parking, fee: $32 USD daily
How to get to the Sheraton Maui
Airport shuttle service, fee: $60 USD (one way)
Alternate transportation: Hawaiian Executive Private Car Service; on request
Estimated taxi fare: $100 USD (one way)
Uber and Lyft are available but prices can range from $50-100 depending on availability.
Guest Rooms
All the rooms were newly renovated this year giving the rooms a fresh new modern look. We like to stay in Building 6, where all rooms are deluxe ocean view rooms. Although it is located on the opposite side of the hotel, the building is on a bluff above a drop-off, leaving the area quiet and private.
The bed is a perfect balance of firm and soft, allowing for a good nights sleep.
These rooms are fairly large for 2 people, and also have an empty mini fridge and a microwave, perfect for things like wine and popcorn (my faves). There are not mini bars in these rooms, so stop at an ABC Store and stock up on your way in!
The bathroom has a shower tub combo, with a shower head that you can use as a hose, which is great for washing sandy feet! Their amenities are pretty standard with shampoo, conditioner, shower gel and shower cap. The best part of the renovation of the bathrooms is they added a bidet!
Honestly, it’s the view here that keeps us coming back. I mean, can you blame us?
Sheraton Maui Views
POOL VIEWS AT THE SHERATON MAUI
Swim time!
The lagoon-like pool consists of two big pools that funnel like a river to connect and even has a small slide. There are usually bean bag floaties available in the pool which are perfect for towing your Mai Tai around. They just added some lounges around in the pool cabanas!
You’re also a few steps away from swimming in ocean! Although it is the Pacific and thought to be cooler waters, sometimes the ocean is warmer than the pool! The Sheraton is located against black rock, which is the perfect place to snorkel! You can typically see turtles in Maui almost anywhere, but I always have the best luck when snorkeling around Black Rock. If you go in the little shallow cove, they are usually eating in there!
Although the black rock is dark and jagged above water, a beautiful reef lies below the surface where you will often see huge green sea turtles swimming around along with tons of aquatic life including butterfly fish, beautiful colored wrasse, rays and you might even find an octopus (if you look very closely). Watch where you swim, many vacationers like to jump off Black Rock into the water! If you’re adventurous, plunge away, but be careful climbing up the rocks!
Please protect the reef and get some reef-safe sunscreen:
Restaurants at the Sheraton Maui Resort
There are 5 restaurants on the property and beach access to more hotels and Whalers Village. You won’t go hungry, that’s for sure.
Before you go, check out everything you need to pack for Hawaii here: Packing Checklist for Hawaii
Breakfast views from ROCKsalt
Coral Reef Breakfast (fka ROCKsalt)
I’m not typically a buffet person but everything here is amazing! There is something for everyone bacon, eggs, frittatas, pancakes, waffles, fruit, French toast, and there is also an omelet station where the chef makes it right in front of you! Definitely try the guava juice!
Drinks at the Cliff Dive Grill
WATCH THE CLIFF DIVERS FROM THE CLIFF DIVE GRILL
Cliff Dive Grill
Located by the pool, great for lunch or an afternoon snack. Can’t go wrong with their burger or chicken sandwich. At sunset, the cliff diver lights all the torches around the pool and along the top of black rock, then jumps into the water.
Mai Tai Bar
Similar to the Cliff Dive Bar, located next to the pool and a short walk from the beach, Mai tai’s are a must here! Food is also served here, sandwiches, burgers, fries, but this bar is only open from 10a-3p. Head over to the Cliff Dive bar for Happy Hour!
Shave Ice!
A Shave Ice spot replaced the hot-dog joint and I couldn’t be happier! It’s open earlier in the day and great for taking down to enjoy on the beach, by the pool, or even on your room balcony!
See more of our favorite restaurants in our post, 10 Best Restaurants in Maui.
Maui Nui Lu’au
Discover the remarkable stories, history, and culture of the Valley Isle and Kaanapali through the songs and dances of Maui and the Pacific at the Maui Nui Luau! Pro Tip: You can get discount tickets for the Maui Nui Lu’au HERE!
ENTRANCE TO THE SPA AT BLACK ROCK
The Spa at Black Rock
We love getting our annual couples massage at the resort, especially after a few scuba dives or doing a trip to Hana (see our favorite things to do in Maui and Road to Hana posts for more on that).
We usually get a basic full body massage for 50 mins ($130), but this last time we went for the 80 mins ($180) and it was worth every penny. The spa rooms are patio like with natural sunlight peaking from the top, complete with soothing Hawaiian tunes. The spa offers a variety of massages and invites travelers to relax on the massage tables around the resort! There are a couple closer to the ocean for that soothing sound of waves crashing.
Ahhh.. it’s relaxing just thinking about it.
Perfect for a Destination Wedding
Josh proposed to me up on Haleakala at sunrise while we stayed at the Sheraton in 2013. As we started wedding planning on our balcony, we decided we wanted to get married on the lawn directly below us. A year later, we were married on that exact lawn (Moana Lounge) and hosted our reception on the ocean lawn with 70 of our closest friends and family. It was literally the best day of our lives in our favorite place.
If we weren’t already sold on the location, the ice cream bar option sealed the deal! ;-) We had a lovely coordinator for the day from the hotel and they worked with the best vendors!
Would you stay here?! Have you stayed somewhere you loved? Let us know in the comments below!
We always find the best rates on Booking.com - always check there prior to booking anywhere else!
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Looking for the best restaurants and places to eat in Maui, Hawaii? Check out our favorite Restaurants in Maui from Lahaina to Wailea! | Where to go in Maui | Where to eat in Maui | Food in Maui