48 Hours In Maui Covering Places To Stay, Eat, And Explore

Subtlety never signed up for this island. Mountains show off, the ocean glows on purpose, and even breakfast comes with a view worth pausing for.

Stay somewhere that makes mornings easier, eat like every meal is part of the adventure, and explore just enough to feel the island working its magic before the sun clocks out.

Note: This article is intended for general travel inspiration and planning. Details like addresses, reservation requirements, and operating practices can change, so travelers should confirm the latest information directly with each hotel, restaurant, and park agency before visiting.

1. Places To Stay: Andaz Maui At Wailea Resort

Arrival feels instantly vacation-ready at Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort, where contemporary Hawaiian design blends seamlessly with five-star comfort. Infinity pools spill toward Mokapu Beach, paired with adults-only zones that create calm pockets between excursions and ocean swims.

Trade winds flow naturally through an open-air lobby, keeping temperatures comfortable while panoramic Pacific views stretch in every direction.

Families gravitate toward the shallow lagoon pool and daily activities, while couples discover quiet corners made for sunset watching and unhurried evenings.

Spacious rooms complete the experience with deep soaking tubs, private lanais framing the ocean, and a setting anchored at 3550 Wailea Alanui Drive, Wailea, HI 96753.

2. Places To Stay: Wailea Beach Resort, Marriott, Maui

The local rhythm here balances relaxation with adventure, making it ideal for families who want everything in one place.

Wailea Beach stretches right outside your door, perfect for morning snorkeling or sunset strolls. The resort’s tiered pools wind through lush gardens, creating private pockets for everyone.

Kids love the waterslide and activity programs, while parents enjoy the spa and beachside dining. Rooms showcase island-inspired décor with most offering ocean or garden vistas that capture Maui’s natural beauty.

You’ll find it at 3700 Wailea Alanui Drive, Wailea, HI 96753.

3. Places To Stay: Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui

Secluded courtyard energy shapes an all-suite retreat where every accommodation includes separate living spaces designed for real comfort.

White architecture pops against blue skies as three lagoon-style pools wind through 22 acres of tropical gardens at Fairmont Kea Lani.

Easy access to Polo Beach puts swimming and snorkeling only steps away, making ocean time feel effortless. Spacious suites feature full marble bathrooms and private lanais, giving families room to relax while still feeling refined.

Small indulgences like an on-site gelato shop and attentive poolside service round out afternoons at 4100 Wailea Alanui Drive, Wailea, Maui, HI 96753.

4. Places To Stay: Maui Coast Hotel

Morning light hits this Kihei gem differently, revealing a budget-friendly option that doesn’t sacrifice comfort or convenience.

Two pools and a hot tub provide plenty of splash space, while the central location puts you minutes from beaches, restaurants, and shopping. Rooms offer mini-fridges and microwaves, perfect for families watching vacation budgets.

The property feels less resort-fancy and more home-base practical, which many travelers prefer. Kamaole beaches sit just a short walk away, offering excellent swimming and sunset viewing.

Find it at 2259 South Kihei Road, Kihei, Maui, HI 96753.

5. Places To Eat: Mama’s Fish House

That winding path along the North Shore leads to Maui’s most celebrated seafood destination, where every fish comes with a story.

Menus list the fisherman’s name and where your catch was landed that very morning. The Polynesian-inspired dining room overlooks Kuau Cove, creating picture-perfect meal memories.

Reservations book weeks ahead, so plan early for this bucket-list experience. Coconut-crusted fish and macadamia-crusted preparations showcase island flavors beautifully, while the beachside setting adds magic to every bite.

Located at 799 Poho Place, Paia, HI 96779.

6. Places To Eat: Monkeypod Kitchen By Merriman, Wailea

Farm-to-table spirit sets the tone at Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman, where island-grown ingredients anchor a menu built for easygoing enjoyment. Open-air seating fills with live music most evenings, pairing naturally with fresh fish tacos, wood-fired pizzas, and a crowd that lingers.

House-made juices and island refreshers keep the menu feeling lively. Late-afternoon seating brings a livelier buzz as locals mingle with visitors.

Doors are open at 10 Wailea Gateway Place, B-201, Kihei, HI 96753.

7. Places To Eat: Tin Roof (Kahului)

Your comfortable shoes will lead you to this local favorite where plate lunches showcase authentic Hawaiian comfort food.

Lines form quickly at lunch, but the wait rewards you with generous portions of mochiko chicken, kalua pork, and famous mochi muffins. Everything tastes homemade because it is, with recipes passed down through island families.

Prices stay remarkably reasonable, and the casual counter-service setup keeps things moving efficiently. Grab your plate and head to nearby Kanaha Beach for an ideal picnic lunch experience.

Located at 360 Papa Place, Suite 116, Kahului, HI 96732.

8. Places To Eat: Merriman’s Kapalua

Sunset calm settles in from a terrace bench overlooking Kapalua, where Hawaii Regional Cuisine pairs naturally with sweeping ocean views.

Farm-to-table roots run deep at Merriman’s Kapalua, reflecting Chef Peter Merriman’s long-standing commitment to local sourcing and island growers.

Daily fresh-catch dishes shift with the fishermen’s haul, keeping flavors at their peak and the menu in constant conversation with the sea. Atmosphere strikes a careful balance between polished and relaxed, welcoming families without losing its romantic pull.

Advance reservations come in handy for sunset seating at 1 Bay Club Place, Lahaina, HI 96761, when the sky delivers its nightly color show.

9. Places To Eat: Star Noodle (Lahaina)

Harbor bells drift upward toward a hillside noodle house where Asian fusion blends easily with island hospitality. Communal tables set the mood at Star Noodle, encouraging conversation as ramen bowls and shareable plates arrive without fuss.

Garlic noodles hold near-mythic status among locals and returning visitors, often stealing the spotlight from an already strong menu.

Views over Lahaina Harbor elevate the experience, while a relaxed atmosphere suits everyone from beach-worn families to easygoing date nights.

Timing helps, since waits are common, but the payoff lands reliably at 1287 Front Street, Lahaina, HI 96761.

10. Places To Explore: Haleakalā National Park (Summit District)

The journey itself to this 10,000-foot summit begins in darkness, rewarding early risers with sunrise above the clouds.

Volcanic landscape stretches across the massive crater, creating otherworldly views that feel more Mars than Hawaii. Temperatures drop significantly at elevation, so layers become essential even in tropical paradise.

Sunrise entry requires a vehicle reservation for the 3:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. window, booked on Recreation.gov. The experience of watching dawn break over the crater remains one of Maui’s most unforgettable moments.

GPS address: 30,000 Haleakalā Highway, Kula, HI 96790.

11. Places To Explore: ʻĪao Valley State Monument

Travel patience pays off when you wind through this sacred valley where the iconic Iao Needle rises 1,200 feet above the stream.

Paved walkways make the monument accessible for all ages and abilities, while interpretive signs share Hawaiian history and culture. The needle itself served as a natural altar in ancient times, and the valley’s spiritual significance remains palpable.

Morning visits often catch misty conditions that add mystical atmosphere to photographs. Short trails lead to overlooks and stream access where cooling waters refresh after the walk.

Located at 54 S High Street, Wailuku, HI 96793.

12. Places To Explore: Waiʻānapanapa State Park (Black Sand Beach Area)

Contrast hits instantly as jet-black volcanic sand meets electric-blue Pacific water in a scene that barely looks real.

Drama defines Waiʻānapanapa State Park, where shifting ocean swells make swimming conditions variable but photography opportunities feel endless.

Exploration extends beyond the shoreline thanks to sea caves, blowholes, and ancient Hawaiian trails that reward curious wanderers. Planning matters now, since advance reservations are required for entry and can sell out quickly.

Arrival comes via the legendary Road to Hana, placing the park along Hana Highway, Hana, HI 96713, as one of that drive’s most unforgettable stops.