Maui, one of the Hawaiian islands, is a tropical paradise and is the most beautiful place I have ever been. While Maui is a small island on the map, there is a ton to see and do. From world class beaches to jungles along the road to Hana, Maui is a special place. Maui has a strained political and cultural relationship with the mainland USA from a sensitive history and has been impacted by over tourism and wildfires, so make sure to respect the aloha and travel responsibly. Hawaiian culture is very prideful of their island’s natural beauty and desire emphasis on sustainable tourism and development to preserve the Hawaiian culture and natural beauty. Maui is a very expensive destination, and this itinerary attempts to keep costs low. Maui is not an ideal destination for budget backpackers, although it can be done: How to Travel Hawaii on a Budget. This 10 day itinerary will embark on some very adventurous endeavors and incorporate enough time for relaxing on some of the finest beaches in the world.

Day 1: Fly into Kahului airport

Where to stay: If you get in late, consider staying at the Kahului airport. If you do not want to waste any time head south down to Wailea-Makena area. We stayed at the Residence Inn Wailea. It was relatively affordable and walking distance to the beach. I recommend this hotel, the rooms have kitchenettes for those on a budget. If you’re looking for a nicer more expensive stay consider Wailea beach resort. I do not recommending a car just yet in the itinerary, but I found Turo to be the most affordable way to find car rentals for a short period. Uber is expensive, but if you’re only taking a one way ride it’s still the most affordable(besides public transit). Maui also has a public bus system, but I only used it later in the itinerary to get from Kaanapali to Lahaina.

What to do: Walk to Wailea beach and recover from a jet lag by chilling on the beach. Right behind the beach is a beautiful traditional Hawaiian church called North Hawaiian Garden Wailea Seaside Chapel. Make sure to go check out the beautiful church and garden. For dinner stock up on pre-made meals from Island Gourment Markets, close proximity to Residence Inn. Hawaiian grocery stores have great poke, sushi, and other ready to eat meals. If you are on a budget make sure to eat at grocery stores. Safeway and Foodland were my favorite- you gotta try the Spam Musubi!

Day 2: Makena Beach Hopping.

Where to stay: Residence Inn Wailea

What to do: I recommend heading down to Makena beach in the morning. It is best to Uber or try the public bus system. After relaxing at Makena Big beach head to the northern most part of Makena Big beach and follow the trail to hike over the hill into Little beach. The hill is actually a dormant volcano(Makena Caldera). Little beach is a more secluded beach with epic sunsets. We actually went to a naked drum circle here that was really interesting, but the gathering has since moved further north to Changgi beach. If you have a car, I also recommending heading a little further south to La Perouse bay to check out the Lava field beach- it’s really unique and has amazing snorkeling opportunities. However, if you are trying to keep costs low I don’t recommending renting a car this early in the itinerary.

Day 3: Rent car/van & camping gear. First section of Road to Hana

Details: I mentioned this itinerary would attempt to appease to the adventurous & budget conscious traveler, well this is the trick to saving a lot $$. I rented a converted van to do the Road to Hana and camp out of. It’s way cheaper than renting a car and also paying for hotels, because you’re renting transportation and accommodation in one. It is highly recommended you pay for camping in designated campgrounds, respect the aloha and abide by the rules- there is already a homeless problem in HI. People relocate to HI without enough money and end up living out of cars. The locals will not be happy if you try and camp for free and you will probably get kicked out. I would not recommend getting a big van or RV, the Road to Hana is a challenging drive. Drive slow and make sure to pull off and let the locals pass. Tourists get a bad rep over here because some are not respectful- one inconsiderate tourist, spoils the rest of our reputation . If you want the contact of the person I rented my converted van from reach out on instagram and I’ll pass along the contact info.

Where to stay: Camp or park your camper van at Wainapana state park (black sand beach). It’s $30 per night for a campervan, make sure to book way in advance- you can book up to 90 days in advance.

What to do: Enjoy the rode to Hana. I recommend first stopping in Paia to see the north shore, get in lunch in the quaint town, and gas up. I’m not going to list out every stop, but there is a good Road to Hana app that narrates details and attractions at each mile marker. There are so many cool stops, here are some of the best I remember from day 1 on r2h in order: Paia, tons of random waterfalls and streams/pools, Honomonu Bay, Ke’anea peninsula, Black sand beach and so many more. The later in the day or the further along the Road to Hana the less tourists. Some people try and undertake the Road to Hana in one day but it’s just too much and it’s worth a couple days to enjoy at a moderate pace. Today will be a long day of driving, pulling off, swimming, hiking, and exploring. Your final stop of the day is the famous black sand beach where I recommend having your camping spot booked way in advance. Make sure to let the locals pass and don’t stop in the middle of the road… there were unfortunately a lot of obnoxious tourists not respecting the local road rules.

Random stop along the R2H. Par for the course

Don’t get distracted by the natural beauty while driving!

Day 4: Road to Hana continued

Where to stay: Carolines campground. Just south of Hana, near Hamoa beach.This is further south along the Road to Hana. I never found it online just showed up and reserved a spot. The campground is in prime location on a flat top hill overlooking the ocean.

Caroline’s Campground- using our van as a drying rack

What to do: Wake up early and enjoy black sand beach to yourself before all the tourists start to trickle in. Then I recommend getting an early start & heading all the way down to Haleakala national park(this is the furthest south you’ll go on R2H in this itinerary) to see Ohe’o Gulch and then hike to Waimoka falls. The entrance to Haleakala is $30 per vehicle and is good for 3 days(you will use it tomorrow too). Going early will help avoid the crowds because it’s usually one of the last stops on the R2H. After your time at the south entrance of Haleakala national park it’s time to circle back north on the Road to Hana and head towards Caroline’s campground. I don’t recommend going all the way around the southside of R2H unless you’re experienced driver and have a 4X4 vehicle. On the way back towards Caroline’s campground, some of my favorite stops were Venus pools, Hamoa beach, Koki Beach, and Huli Huli Chicken.

Day 5: Final Day on R2H

Where to stay: Hosmer Grove campground at Haleakala national park. As always reserve in advance. Here is where you will use your 3 day Haleakala ticket consecutively, with a Haleakala entrance ticket, I believe it’s only $5 per camping spot… it can get very cold here at night because its over 2000m in elevation!

What to do: Wake up to a beautiful morning at Caroline’s campground and head to Hamoa beach for a morning swim. Check out the actual town of Hana for breakfast and gassing up. Then make your way north on your way out of the R2H. Stop at places you missed on your way in, or revisit some favorite stops. Right when you get to mile marker 0 on the R2H head south towards Haleakala National Park Summit Entrance Station. The rangers at entrance station will direct you to Hosmer Grove access road for camping. Head up to the summit of Haleakala for spectacular sunset, very close to Hosmer Grove. You can also hike down into the crater of Haleakala which is a really unique hike, it’s harder than you expect because it’s an easy hike down into the crater, but then a tough hike out of the crater on loose lava rock. Head back to Hosmer grove campsite and stay warm!

Day 3 Route( don’t recommend going south route unless experienced with 4X4)

Day 6: Haleaka sunrise and Japanese garden- last day roughing it in a camper van.

Where to stay: Papalaua Wayside Park- you cannot stay here on Tues or Thurs FYI. If you happen to end up here on a Tues or Thurs reserve a spot at more expensive Olowalu campground at the adjacent beach a couple miles west from here. This is a nice campground on a Papalaua beach right off the Honoapiilani Highway in west Maui.

What to do: Catch an epic sunrise above the clouds at Hosmer Grove campground. There are plenty of hiking trails for the avid hiker around Haleakala volcano, but I just did the main one into the crater of the volcano. After spending your morning at Haleakala head down the volcano towards Kepaniwai Park. Kepaniwai Park is a beautiful Japanese garden, I’m not really into botanical gardens but this place blew me away- it’s worth a stop to admire the tranquility and beauty. You can also learn a little about the Japanese influence in Hawaii. After the Japanese garden head to ʻĪao Valley State Monument, conveniently located right beside the Japanese garden. This is a nice easy hike into dramatic green cliffs. After your time hiking, head to Papalaua beach to enjoy your last night of camping.

Awesome blend of Japanese and Hawaiian culture on Maui

Day 7: Return van/car and transfer to Kaanapali

Where to stay: The Westin Maui Resort and Spa, Kaanapali. It’s not cheap, but one of the more fair priced in the area. If you have the points or $$ it’s worth splurging after living out of van. My wife was so happy to go from van life to resort life. I know west Maui was devastated by fires, but this hotel and Kaanapali area are still open and accepting tourists- I don’t know if Kaanapali area was impacted from the West Maui wildfire.

Westin Maui Resort Kaanapali. Feels so good to be in a resort after living out of van in the jungles of Maui

What to do: Drop off your van and transfer to Kaanapali. Relax, chill on the beach, get a nice dinner at one of the restuarants close by

Day 8: Relax in Kaanapali

Where to stay: The Westin Maui Resort and Spa, Kaanapali

What to do: Check out Black Rock at the north ends of Kaanapali beach, you can jump off it and there is some great snorkeling around here- i saw a ton of sea turtles. Chill on the beach and relax around the resort pools. You can rent paddleboards and kayaks.

Day 9: Molokini crater tour & Lahania Disclaimer* I went before the west Maui fire- I hope Lahaina recovers.

Where to stay: The Westin Maui Resort and Spa, Kaanapali

What to do: In the early morning join a Molokini crater boat tour. This tour is pretty expensive but I sat through a time share pitch in exchange for a free tour. If you’re on a budget you can access some great free activities if you can stomach a time share meeting. Mine lasted like 2 hours and the salesman were more pushy then the most aggressive Moroccan rug salesman lol. They will keep you there all day if you don’t put your foot down, say no, and leave. After a Molokini crater boat tour head into Lahaina town for a luau dinner and check out the famous Banyan tree. I’m not sure if Lahaina is still able to be visited, but it was the historical capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii.

Day 10: Check out of Kaanapali and transfer to airport.

How to get there: Probably gonna have to pay for a hefty uber ride. Uber’s arent cheap, nothing is cheap in Maui.

What to do: Hopefully you have a later flight so you can enjoy the resort and relax before a long travel day ahead.

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