Do you only have one day in Maui? Unfortunately, we were in the same boat! I wish we could have spent a lot more time exploring this amazing island. We had to narrow down exactly what we wanted to do to make the most of our one day in Maui!
Our top choices were snorkeling and hiking. Let’s explore some options of how to make your one day in Maui the best day ever!
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Hiking in Maui
My husband and I love to hike and trail run. We did some extensive research before we got to Hawaii on what trails we wanted to hike. Some of the amazing hikes are actually on the road to Hana or close to Hana. With only one day in Maui we did not have time to experience the Road to Hana. We decided to focus our attention on the opposite side of the Island.
Nakalele Blowhole & Sweetheart Rock
Distance 1 Mile
Location: West Maui
We decided to hike to Nakalele Blowhole. It is a short hike down a rocky path. One thing I think is important is to check the tide calendar to see when the tide is high or low. We hiked early in the morning and the tide was low. This meant the blowhole was not as strong as it would have been during high tide. Around the blowhole there were hundreds of crabs crawling around. It was really cool! I recommend this hike but be careful not to drive on the road of death to get there.
Choosing The Best Hikes in Maui
One day in Maui is not enough time to hike all the amazing hikes available. I thought it would be good to list some of the hikes we researched and hopefully give you more options to choose from. One reason we love hiking is it is a free thing to do in Maui.
- Kapalua Coastal Trail 3.5 miles – almost like walking in a park.
- Mahana Ridge Trail – 20 + miles round trip – obviously, you don’t have to hike the entire thing!
- Waihee Ridge Trail – 2.5 miles – West side of Maui.
Most of the hikes that looked incredible are on the Road to Hana.
Snorkeling in Maui
We did not get to snorkel at all of these locations but I think mentioning your options here will be helpful for you as plan out your one day in Maui. We had time to do one location and decided to do a afternoon boat tour that took us out to a spot and included a lunch.
Molokini Islet
The most famous place to snorkel at is Molokini. You can charter a boat to take you to this point, unfortunately for us, you have to do it early in the morning! We arrived to the area later in the afternoon and were told that the conditions of the ocean were not suitable after the morning hours. I wish we could have experienced this area because the water in this area is possible the clearest in all of Hawaii.
Honolua Bay and Kapalua Bay
Both of these snorkeling spots are relatively close together. I would spend a few hours at both locations to get some good snorkeling in. Kapalua is more of a sheltered cove.
Kaanapali Beach and Black Rock
Kaanapali has been voted one of the best beaches in the world. So you can enjoy white sand beaches and be able to snorkel out to the Black Rock.
Turtle Town
Is a really popular place to snorkel in Maui. If you are snorkeling from shore you will start at Makena Beach. There are many tours that kayak out to Turtle Town so you have many options to choose from.
Beaches in Maui
The beaches in Maui are incredible. Honestly, we could have spent our entire one day in Maui on the beach. The water was unbelievable. It was crystal clear and warm. We pretty much swam the entire time and if we hadn’t booked a snorkeling excursion we would not have left.
If you only have one day in Maui you will probably have to just pick one beach to enjoy. I would pick one that is close to your location or plan a trip to one of the most famous beaches. We went to Kamaole Beach and I really can’t describe how wonderful it was.
The Top Beaches In Maui
- Kaanapali Beach
- Napili Bay
- Makena Beach (Big Beach)
- Baby Beach
- Keawakapu Beach
In the comments below let us know what your favorite beach in Maui is! Or if you only had one day in Maui, what was your favorite activity?!
What You Will Not Be Able To Do In One Day in Maui
The Road to Hana is something you probably won’t have time to do if you only have one day in Maui. I wouldn’t recommend putting this into your itinerary unless you were going to be staying on Maui for a longer time period. There are some amazing hikes and waterfalls on your way to Hana and it is worth keeping this on a bucket list for when you return.
One Day In Maui - Tours and Activities
Submarine Tour of Maui
Have you ever wanted to go on a submarine tour? This is a great tour that takes you 100 feet under the Pacific Ocean to view all the amazing sea life you could image. This tour is located in Lahaina, HI and last 1 hour. Tours are available every hour. This would be a once and a life time opportunity.
Maui Cruise and Dolphin Spotting Tour
This Maui Cruise and Dolphin Spotting Tour is available Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. It last 4 hours and departs in the morning. You will board a 70 foot catamaran in Lahaina and head out to the private island of Lanai. Breakfast and lunch are included and transportation to two separate snorkeling spots are included. Snorkel equipment and instruction, boogie board, and water slide are also included.
Downhill Volcano Bike Tour
The Volcano Bike Tour is for adventure seekers! Racing down Mount Haleakala will give you incredible views of Maui. As you venture down this 38 mile trail a team leader will guide you down. There are two times available 2:15 am and 7:00 am. All equipment is included and a light breakfast is served.
Whale Watching Tour in Maui

The Whale Watching Tour in Maui is only available during mid-December through April. This is when the whales are migrating and you are sure to spot some. This tour starts in Lahaina and is offered daily.
Maui Helicopter Tour
Helicopter Tour of Maui begins in Kahului. There are actually five different helicopter routes available to choose from. Each tour last about 1 hour and is lead by a certified pilot.
Luau at The Royal Lahaina Resort
If you are looking for a Luau to attend Laua at Royal Lahaina has amazing reviews and will give you an authentic Hawaiian experience. The Laua last about 3 hours and starts at 6:00 pm daily.
Enjoy your One Day in Maui
If you only have one day in Maui it probably means you are spending more time on another Island. We spent most of our time in Oahu and loved our time there. I am looking forward to Kauai and Big Island on my next trip.
If you are planning on a trip to Oahu and are looking for the best places to snorkel in Oahu or the best hikes in Oahu check out my other post for Hawaii.
Hawaii really is a dream vacation. One that I plan on going on many more times! Hopefully, this helps you plan your time in Maui! I know you will have so much fun!
Facebook Community
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Susan
February 6, 2020 10:47 amIt looks like you can do quite a bit even if you have only one day to see Maui. We didn’t get to Maui on our Hawaiian vacation, but hope to explore it when we go back.
Lisa
February 6, 2020 5:31 pmSo many choices!
Shirley
February 6, 2020 12:55 pmThis looks absolutely stunning! I would love to visit one day.
Lisa
February 6, 2020 5:30 pmIt is so amazingly beautiful!
Tricia Snow
February 6, 2020 1:46 pmYou got a lot accomplished in one day. It looks like a blast!
Lisa
February 6, 2020 5:29 pmThe Beach was the best.
Lee Anne
February 6, 2020 2:01 pmYay! I love Maui. We did Molokini and Turtle Town snorkeling! And we also had a dinner cruise. I’m currently begging my husband to go back 🙂
Lisa
February 6, 2020 5:29 pmSo fun, I wish we had more time!
Leeanne
February 6, 2020 3:09 pmMaui is such a fun island. The waterfalls and snorkeling are my favorites though.
Lisa
February 6, 2020 5:28 pmMe too! So beautiful!
LaurenGlobe
February 6, 2020 3:20 pmI wish I had one day in Maui! 😀
Lisa
February 6, 2020 5:28 pmMe too, and I wish it was right now since it is snowy!
Stacey Billingsley
February 6, 2020 4:07 pmMaui looks lovely. I can’t wait to go someday. It’s on my list!
Lisa
February 6, 2020 5:27 pmHawaii is paradise for sure!
Jordin
February 6, 2020 4:39 pmI LOVE Hawaii! I went to the Big Island this past fall. I am so in love I can’t wait to go back one day. Maui would be wonderful to visit this time. I would take a helicopter tour and some kind of water excursion.
Lisa
February 6, 2020 5:27 pmI am in love too! I am already planning another trip!
Beth
February 6, 2020 8:47 pmGreat post and pictures.!
Lisa
February 7, 2020 1:14 pmThanks!
kmf
February 6, 2020 11:33 pmI love Maui…been there 3x and all were very different experiences (as a family, as an emptynester with my husband and a solo trip). Such beautiful beaches and hiking trails. We did do the Road to Hana, but we were staying a week. It’s definitely worth it, but is an all-day adventure. After reading your post, I want to return again!
Lisa
February 7, 2020 1:14 pmI need to do the Road to Hana.
Jennifer
February 7, 2020 12:06 amThey are amazing waterfalls on Maui
Lisa
February 7, 2020 1:13 pmI can’t wait to go back!
Jennifer
February 10, 2020 11:43 pmYes, Maui looks very enticing.
Lisa
February 11, 2020 6:47 pmIndeed it is!~
Cindy
February 7, 2020 6:11 amsigh (a good one)…Hawaii is so on my bucket list. Your pictures make me want to go even more.
Lisa
February 7, 2020 1:12 pmYou should it is really everything amazing everyone talks about!
Adrian Pottinger
February 7, 2020 8:31 amMaui and Hawaii as a whole is such a great place
Lisa
February 7, 2020 1:12 pmIt really is! Like paradise!
Kristen W Allred
February 7, 2020 9:15 amMan, now I really, really, really want to go to Maui. Submarine tour? Yes, please!
Lisa
February 7, 2020 1:11 pmI know that sounds like a really cool adventure!
Julie Gazdecki
February 7, 2020 4:05 pmSnorkeling would be on the top of my list in Hawaii too!! Would love to see some turtles!!
Lisa
February 8, 2020 11:41 amWe loved seeing the turtles!
Hera
February 7, 2020 9:54 pmHawai’i is amazing. I could never do just one day in Maui, but this is a great post for anyone island hopping. Great pics!
Lisa
February 8, 2020 11:41 amI know right! It was cheaper to fly into Maui for us but I wanted to go to Oahu. I loved Maui and wished we spent more time there forsure!
Courtney
February 8, 2020 7:15 amNice photos! Hawaii is so picturesque!
Lisa
February 8, 2020 11:39 amIt really is!
Lori Nielsen
February 8, 2020 8:45 amWhen we went to Maui we didn’t know any better, so we did the road to Hana. It actually turned out pretty great. We rented a convertible and drove the scenic road. We did a few stops along the way, saw some waterfalls, ate some lunch, but no big hikes. It was a nice relaxing drive.
Lisa
February 8, 2020 11:39 amSounds fun! Someday I will go back and do it!
Taci- Life Beyond Zebra
February 8, 2020 8:38 pmOnly one day to spend on Maui?? It would be so hard to narrow down what to do. Everything looks so fun!
Lisa
February 11, 2020 6:55 pmIt is true! Always, need more time but it gives you a taste so you will want to go back!
heather J jandrue
February 9, 2020 6:43 amYou made the most of your day. It looks like a lot of fun and the photos are beautiful.
Lisa
February 11, 2020 6:55 pmThanks! If I knew then what I know now I think we could have done more!
Wendy Robinson
February 9, 2020 7:15 amI can’t imagine only doing one day in Maui. Never been there so I know I wouldn’t even go for less than 2 days
Lisa
February 11, 2020 6:54 pmIt was cheaper to fly into Maui but we really wanted to go to Oahu. So that is why we only did one day!
Amanda
February 9, 2020 4:16 pmThese are great ideas on what to do in Maui. I have never been, but would love to go. So beautiful!
Lisa
February 11, 2020 6:53 pmIt is such a great trip!
Missy
February 9, 2020 5:09 pmWow, that would be a lot in one day. If I had only one day, I would spending on a hike.
Lisa
February 11, 2020 6:53 pmWe did one hike, one beach, one snorkel location. It was a perfect day!
Holly
February 10, 2020 12:32 pmI love Maui and it would be so hard to spend only 1 day there..great tips!
Lisa
February 11, 2020 6:52 pmI know we only had one day and we wish we had a week!
Malia
February 10, 2020 1:11 pmWoah, a bike tour at 2:15 am?! That’s intense! Hopefully I’ll be able to spend more time there when I go!
Lisa
February 11, 2020 6:52 pmThat tour would be for the dye hards or jet lagged people!
Sydney Delong
February 10, 2020 2:01 pmOoo a submarine tour would be so cool!!
Lisa
February 11, 2020 6:51 pmI know it would be incredible!
Lucinda
February 10, 2020 2:03 pmI still haven’t made it to Hawaii. 🙁 Hiking and waterfalls for me!
Lisa
February 11, 2020 6:51 pmMe too!
Cindy
February 10, 2020 3:53 pmIt’s on my bucket list. Dreaming of warmer weather and tropical islands…
Lisa
February 11, 2020 6:51 pmI know it really is a dreamy place!
Ramae Hamrin
February 10, 2020 4:10 pmI want to do it all, especially the Road to Hana! I’ve never been to Hawaii, but Maui was my mother’s favorite place on earth. I’ve been on a helicopter tour of the Black Hills, SD, and that was amazing. I can only imagine what it would be like over Hawaii. I could easily spend one day in Maui!
Lisa
February 11, 2020 6:51 pmHawaii is magical, a helicopter tour would be incredible.
Candy
February 10, 2020 6:07 pmMaui is our absolute favorite place! We are going back in October. These are great suggestions!
Lisa
February 11, 2020 6:50 pmOh good! I want to go to more of the beaches!
Emily
February 10, 2020 6:24 pmI would wanna spend more than one day there also!
Lisa
February 11, 2020 6:49 pmFor Sure!
Lisa S
February 10, 2020 11:42 pmSo spectacular, stunning, and beautiful! Maui has been on my bucket list since 2004!
Lisa
February 11, 2020 6:48 pmMe too. My husband and I got married in 2005 and said we were going to save every credit card point and go to Hawaii someday. We had enough credit card points but didn’t go until last summer~
judean
February 11, 2020 1:42 pmI am not sure I could just spend one day in Maui! With everything that you mention, I would have to spend like 2 weeks! Hawaii is on my travel bucket list (I have many heehehe)! Thanks for sharing this information!
Lisa
February 11, 2020 6:46 pmI know you could easily spend a week just on this island!
Debbie
February 11, 2020 3:25 pmI need to go back to Maui! So much we weren’t able to do. So much to do!!! Great list!! We did the Road to Hana but misjudged getting back down. It ended up being dark and rainy. The two conditions they tell you not to drive in on that road! Lol
Lisa
February 11, 2020 6:46 pmOh no! Good to know when we go back!
Noelle
February 11, 2020 3:30 pmIt’s so beautiful! My husband and I really want to go to Hawaii some day.
Lisa
February 11, 2020 6:45 pmIt is as good as everyone says, you should go!
Christina Furnival
February 11, 2020 4:06 pmI’ll take a day in Maui anyway! Thanks for the ideas of what to do!
Lisa
February 11, 2020 6:44 pmI know we only had one day but we loved every second!
vanessa
February 11, 2020 5:39 pmI’m definitely putting Hawaii on my list of places to visit after retirement, Your pictures are amazing!
Lisa
February 11, 2020 6:44 pmIt is so wonderful! Thanks!
jen
February 13, 2020 11:12 amThe submarine tour is new to me and SUCH a cool idea!!! saving the info!
Lisa
February 13, 2020 1:26 pmSounds amazing huh?!
Lisa
February 13, 2020 11:38 pmThis is a great list of things to do! I love Maui!!
Michele
February 16, 2020 12:12 pmYour recent posts are making it very difficult for me to wait to visit Hawaii! LOL! The pictures and activities are just awesome! I want to go today!
Lisa
February 17, 2020 8:05 amI almost booked another trip this weekend to go back and see big island and Kauai!
T.M. Brown
February 24, 2020 5:38 amOh, my goodness – you make me want to jump on a plane and head out that way now. I would LOVE to go to Maui – I’ve never been, but do hope to cross it off the bucket list within the next five years!
Lisa
February 24, 2020 9:03 amYes, Hawaii is just so wonderful!
Susan
February 29, 2020 7:35 amHawaii is so beautiful and there is just so much to do. I could spend years there and not be unhappy… but I’d have to come back eventually for snow.
Lisa
February 29, 2020 9:56 amI love Hawaii, it’s nice to visit!
Alexis Farmer
December 12, 2020 6:49 amAwesome pictures! I would love to go to Maui.
Lisa
December 12, 2020 4:13 pmI want to go back!