4 Day West Maui Itinerary & Guide
UPDATED 8/13/23
Use my self-traveled 4 day west Maui itinerary and guide, with top tips on getting there, getting around, what to do, where to stay and eat, and more, to plan an unforgettable visit to Maui.
As you’ll notice from the tips throughout, this Maui itinerary is intentionally written for the first time Maui solo traveler and/or older traveler (I am over 50 and have been traveling solo FOREVER). Yet, anyone can use this travel itinerary it to plan and book 4 days in Maui, Hawaii.
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All You Need for This 4 Day Itinerary
Here are all of the sites you need to successfully book these perfect 4 days in Maui.
I even give you my suggested Maui hotel as a sustainable hotel in a great west Maui beach location that won’t break the bank on solo travel.
I recommend you bookmark and use these sites early to lock in your Maui 4 day travel itinerary and get the best Maui travel deals.
The Ultimate Hawaii Travel Guide
If you’re a first-time traveler to Hawaii, also use my ultimate Hawaii Solo Travel Guide full of interesting facts on Hawaii and travel planning tips you need to plan your first trip to Hawaii, including travel entry requirements, tipping, using electronics, safety, budget travel, eco travel, and a whole lot more.
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Why West Maui?
This Maui 4 day solo trip is focused on West Maui. Despite Maui being an island, it’s still large enough to waste a lot of time in a car trying to see and do all of the amazing things Maui has to offer. That can be a lot of wasted time in a car.
So, if you’re wanting to do the Road to Hana, lie on the Black Sand Beach, discover the Seven Sacred Pools (Pools of ‘Ohe’o), or hit the red sand beach of Kaihalulu, you’re going to want to stay in East Maui or South Maui.
Or you could make your single trip a 5 day Maui itinerary, or spend 6 days in Maui, to add a day trip or two to the other side of Maui. That’s up to you.
For now, indulge me. I’ve got your fabulous four days in Maui on the west side taken care of.
If this is your first time to Maui, this entire post will certainly be helpful. If you haven’t been to Maui in quite a while, like me, then this Maui itinerary and travel tips will serve as a nice review.
Best Time of Year to Visit Maui
The best time to visit Maui is from mid-April to mid-June or mid-September to mid-December in order to avoid the high tourist season, enjoy better prices, and still have great weather.
For whale watching, the best months to go to Maui are December through April.
What to Bring to Maui
For four days, pack light. Go for carry-on only, like I do, for breezing through the airport and reducing airplane weight for eco-friendly flying.
Mix and match your clothing for multiple outfits. I wouldn’t bring more than one pair of nice, eco-friendly flip flops, or sandals, and pair of walking shoes. One day bag and a stylish, eco-friendly purse, ladies, should also do just fine.
To be honest, you’re going to be mostly in your swimsuit. Be kind to the marine environment by bringing the right swimsuit. Try one of my 10 eco-friendly and sustainable swimsuit brand suggestions. I have two swimsuits from Summersalt and love them.
Besides your personal snorkel or dive gear and marine and reef safe sunscreen, here are some other top items to bring to Maui to get the most out of your beach time on your over 50 travel to Hawaii:
Maui Travel Packing Essentials
Getting to Maui
If you’re going in the spring, booking your airline ticket to Maui in January could provide you cheaper airfare to Maui. The Maui arrival airport for the best deals is the Kahului Airport.
Hawaii Covid Tip 2023
Hawaii no longer requires Covid-19 testing for domestic travelers entering Hawaii. International travelers flying direct to Hawaii must still adhere to U.S. federal requirements and consult the CDC.gov for updates.
All travelers should still bring masks when traveling to Hawaii as some establishments may still require one. Just be prepared.
Eco-Travel Tips
Skyscanner provides a ‘Greener flights’ filter highlighting flights that emit less CO2. Additionally, you can purchase carbon offsets through your airline to lower your carbon footprint.
More Eco-Travel Tips & Ideas
- 25 Must-Have & Eco-Friendly Solo Beach Trip Essentials
- How to Marine Conservation Volunteer in Belize
- 15 Eco Long-haul Flight Essentials for Solo Travel
- Top 10 Eco-Friendly Carry On Luggage
- 10 Best Eco-Friendly Personal Item Bags for Flying
- 10 Amazing Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Swimwear Brands
- 15 Eco Friendly Products for All Travel
Where to Stay in West Maui
Kahului Airport is only a 45-50 minute drive to the northwest side of the island, which is where this itinerary is best served.
You can stay anywhere on the west side of Maui for this itinerary, like Kaanapali, Lahaina, Kihei, or Wailea, to be honest. The west side has large, beautiful beaches, many activities that don’t require too much driving, and the best sunsets.
I prefer Kaanapali because it’s quiet with a big, white, soft sandy beach (it’s not rocky at all), and some activities below are walkable. Whenever I go, I almost feel like I have the beach to myself. Since I stayed in Kaanapali, I’ll write this 4 day itinerary as such.
West Maui Hotels
There are multiple beachfront properties to choose from that include all of the amenities you would need, including activity booking, equipment rentals, and on-site bars and restaurants so you don’t have to drive if you don’t want to.
Accommodations in Maui can vary widely in price, so I leave it to you on where you would like to stay on the west side.
However, my hotel recommendation for singles traveling alone that checks all of the boxes, including being a “Travel Sustainable” property, is Ka’anapali Beach Club By Diamond Resorts.
Additional sustainable hotels to choose from include:
- Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa
- Westin Nanea Ocean Villas, Ka’anapali
- Napili Shores Maui by Outrigger
Eco-Travel Tip
In addition to Booking.com Sustainable Travel properties in Maui, Green Globe and Green Key Global also have eco-friendly certified lodging options.
Getting around Maui
There is no way around it – the easiest way to see Maui is by renting a car. There are several rental car agencies at Kahului Airport. Make sure you bring all necessary ID, copies of your reservation and insurance, and credit cards. Some rental agencies will not accept debit cards.
Uber and Lyft are in Maui. These can be pricey, though. A round-trip Uber ride from Kahului Airport to Kaanapali could cost the same as a one-day car rental.
Eco-Travel Tip
If you book an Uber in Hawaii, select the Uber Green option, instead of a traditional Uber rideshare, to support the use of cleaner transportation in Hawaii.
While staying in Kaanapali, you do have additional transportation options should you not wish to drive a lot. The Kaanapali Trolley offers free rides from select Kaanapali Resort area hotels every 20 minutes to Whaler’s Village daily (10am – 5pm).
The Maui Bus operates from Whaler’s Village to Lahaina, and the Lahaina Cannery Mall Shuttle provides rides between Kaanapali and Lahaina (with stops in between) for $2 each way.
Maui Travel Tips
It can get hot and humid in Maui. Make sure you stay hydrated and wear your good marine and reef safe sunscreen all day.
For the best beach experience on your Maui solo travel over 50, check out the 25 solo travel essentials for going to the beach alone and the top tips on how to do a solo beach trip.
5 MUST DOs in Maui
Yes, you will get to do all of these top Maui things to do in this 4 day Maui itinerary. Inspired yet?
Best Things to Do in Maui in 4 Days
There’s nothing like lounging on the beach, or poolside, in Maui. If you’re anything like me, however, and get bored of laying in the sun after 30 minutes, you’ll want to get away from your Kaanapali hotel, no matter how nice it is.
Here are some fun and relaxing activities in Maui for a fun-filled 4 day Maui itinerary to break up that sun-bathing monotony on over 50 travel to Hawaii.
Maui Day 1
Your first day should be all about relaxation. After checking in, relax. Take in the ocean air with a walk along the beach.
Head down to Leilani’s on the Beach to enjoy a Mai Tai on the lanai while watching the sunset, one of the best things to do in West Maui, to the sound of live ukulele music. Then pop over to the Hula Grill for dinner.
Maui Day 2
The morning waters on the west side of Maui are calm and perfect for kayaking, a must do in Maui.
If your hotel doesn’t rent them, Maui Ocean Sports in Lahaina rents kayaks (and paddle boards) in 2-hour intervals, which is great so you’re not stuck with an expensive, all day rental. If you prefer to see more of the island, there are multiple locations to kayak in Maui.
After your workout you’ve earned some wine tasting at Maui Wine, another must do in Maui. You’ll head up the up the west side of the Haleakalā volcano, about an hour’s drive from Kaanapali, to enjoy Kings Cottage’s serene setting with front lawn sculptures. Listen to the birds and enjoy the view as you sip your way through the flights of wine.
I loved this place. The staff was very friendly and accommodating. The wines were delicious. You can also order lunch, which will be delivered from the restaurant across the street.
Reservations are recommended.
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After Maui Wine, forgo the Haleakala National Park this time. Instead it’s afternoon beach time at Makena Cove to end day 2 on your 4 days in Maui Bring snorkel gear so you can swim with the sea turtles. Enjoy the sunset. You’re not in a rush.
Maui Ecotourism Tip
Do not ever touch any marine life, especially the green sea turtles. They are a protected species. Touching or harassing a sea turtle can result in fines from $1,000 to $10,500. Plus, it’s just down right invasive.
Maui Day 3
Get up early to meet the boat in Maalaea Harbor for scuba diving in Molokini Crater and Turtle Town for an amazing half-day activity in Maui.
If you’re not up for diving, an alternative must do in Maui is humpback whale watching, provided you’re in Maui during whale migration season. For the best conservation contribution, book your whale watching through the Pacific Whale Foundation, whose mission is to protect whales, dolphins and other marine animals living wild.
Both fun and eco-friendly, these excursions are also a great way to meet people on solo travel in Hawaii.
When you’re back around noon, grab a picnic lunch and head down to Wailea Beach for sunbathing and swimming overlooking the Molokini Crater.
For evening fun, head back to Kaanapali and watch another amazing sunset with dinner and live music on the patio of Duke’s Beach House.
Maui Day 4
Start the last full day of your 4 days in Maui by bringing your snorkel gear, bathing suit, and appetite for breakfast with the locals at The Gazebo. You may even glimpse a migrating whale from here.
After breakfast, head down to Black Rock Beach, a mere 10 minute drive, for some beach relaxation and some of the best snorkeling in Maui.
When you’re good and hungry, head to Old Town Lahaina to grab a bite at any one of the restaurants or bars, like The Dirty Monkey, that dot Front Street. Explore the town’s shops not forgetting to stop at Banyan Court Park to view one of the oldest banyan trees in the world.
Save the best meal (and outfit) for last on your Maui 4 day itinerary with a sumptuous farm-to-table dinner at Merriman’s Kapalua. Merriman’s uses 90% local ingredients and freshest of Maui’s seafood, meat and vegetables. Don’t forget dessert!
Open 4:30pm – 8pm, you’re going to want to make a reservation well in advance to score that candlelit table outside so you don’t miss that panoramic ocean view. Even traveling alone, it’s the perfect setting to end your 4 days in Maui. Aloha!
Let Me Hear From You
I would love to hear if my tips and ideas for your 4 day Maui itinerary were helpful in planning your solo travel over 50. Post me your thoughts or questions in the Comments section below. Thank you!
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