If you’re planning a trip to Maui, I gotchu! I spent 10 days in the beautiful Island and I took notes of everything you need for your vacation to be perfect: where to stay, where to go, what to do and where to eat!

First thing first, you need a car, the island is not small and for you to take advantage of the hidden gems, it’s best if you forget about Uber. We rented a Jeep to get the full on Hawaii experience (we also did a little bit of off-roading!)  

• 

• 

Where to Stay:

We stayed at an Airbnb in Lahaina, super cute, affordable and with a little of an ocean view! Lahaina is located West of Maui (around 45min from the airpot) and we loved this area because it was not very touristy like other places of the Island.

• 

• 

What to do:

One of the main “attractions” of Maui is “Road to Hana” and it’s a MUST if you’re ever in Maui. Road to Hana is a 64.4 mile long stretch that connects the North of Maui (Kahului) to the Town on Hana which is located East of Maui. So what’s so special about this road? Well, the stops! You will be able to see the most beautiful beaches, waterfalls and greenery all in one road!

I wrote another post about all the details you need to know and the best stops to make while driving Road to Hana HERE.

• 

• 

• 

Another thing I highly recommend you to do is rent a boat and snorkel! We used SailMaui, which in my opinion, was not overpriced and they provided food. Unfortunately the sea was a little crazy that day and a few people got sea sick (including my husband, poor guy) but in the other hand, I really enjoyed it lol, we were able to snorkel and see some cute fishes. On the way back we saw dolphins and if you got around December-January you may be able to see whales!

• 

• 

• 

If your budget permits it, there are also some really cool helicopter rides. I didn’t do it but a couple of friends (who got engaged on this trip!) did it and they told me the views were breathtaking! 

Beach day is never a bad idea to relax from the other crazy days, we had two beach days but one of he beaches stole my heart. It’s called Black Rock Beach, located in Kaanapali, like 10min away from Lahaina – It is a little touristy but we really had a blast. Water is clear and we saw a few turtles but the best part is that you can rock jump from volcanic rocks! There are also some hotels nearby so you can rent an umbrella and get food/drinks.

• 

• 

Where to eat in Maui:

I’m a foodie, I would research for 45min every morning to see where we were going to eat on that day so I wrote down my favorite places for you!

• Breakfast at Cruzin Cafe: This was really closed to our Airbnb and it opens really early so for the days we did Road to Hana, we woke up early and made a quick stop here. Their breakfast sandwich on Hawaiian bread is bomb! Their coffee was also on point to start the day! (Photos below)

• General Stores around the Island: If you want to have Musubi (which I’m clearly addicted now) stop at any general store. They usually have warm and fresh musubi if you go before noon. (Photos below)

• Hawaiian Food at Okazuya & Deli Honokowai: Get the Korean BBQ Chicken, it’s SO good!! It comes with the typical macaroni salad (or steamed veggies) and rice! Bring cash because they don’t accept cards. (Photos below)

• Yummy dinner at Star Noodle: We had noodles from here and they were amazing, the Pad Thai, the salmon, and the ramen was 10/10 it’s a little pricier but totally worth it. Make reservations is you want to dine-in, the restaurant has gorgeous ocean view and it’s outdoors!

• Traditional Bento Box at Oyako Tei: Literally a hole in the wall. This place is HIDDEN behind a building and you feel like you’re walking inside someones living room. Get the Bento Box and a few musubis for the road. It was DELISH! (Photos below)

• Brunch at 808 Grinz: Call and make your order to go! I recommend the Kalua-Pork Hash Benedict and Some plain pancakes with their Homemade Mac-nilla Sauce, YUM!

And that’s it for my Maui recommendations! Hope you have the best time on your trip and don’t forget to tag me on Instagram if you try any of these places!