3 perfect days in Maui

Every day in Maui is like cracking open the spine of a Choose Your Own Adventure novel. A perfect 24 hours in Maui could be as simple as relaxing on a beach lounger and sipping a chilled mai tai while watching humpback whales breach in the distant horizon. This is especially true if you've checked into one of the luxury resorts that dot the miles of Maui's legendary white-sand beaches. From oceanfront infinity pools to sunset yoga classes to curated cultural experiences, many of Maui hotels' thoughtful amenities and programming are designed to keep their guests entertained on the property throughout their vacation.

But for those who want to accept the call to adventure, we recommend renting a car to explore all the island has to offer, from cascading waterfalls and picturesque bamboo forests to charming beach towns and local grindz (delicious food). Our three-day itinerary is organized by geography—west, east, and upcountry—and traverses across the 735-square-mile island. While it's jam-packed with activities, you can pick and choose how much you want to do each day. Note: It tends to be rainier on the east side of Maui, so check the weather before you head out in that direction.

Maui has dozens of great snorkeling spots, but my favorite is conveniently located in front of the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa at the northern end of the world-famous Kaanapali Beach. The ocean is calmer in the morning, making it the best time to wade into the crystal-clear water with a pair of fins and snorkel. Commonly known as Black Rock, Puu Kekaa is teeming with turtles and various fishes weaving through the coral reefs. Watch out for the cliff jumpers, who like diving from the black lava cliff that juts into the ocean. When you're ready for breakfast, walk half a mile south on the paved beach path to Whalers Village, an outdoor mall with an eclectic mix of island-themed shops, restaurants, and cafés. For your morning caffeine fix—either a simple Kona coffee or a Hawaiian honey latte with a dash of cinnamon—head to the popular Island Vintage Coffee, which also serves a breakfast menu of avocado toast on cranberry-walnut bread and refreshing açaí bowls chock-full of local fruit and organic granola. While at Whalers Village, you can get your souvenir and aloha-wear shopping done by perusing the ubiquitous ABC Store and local boutiques, such as Blue Ginger, Hilo Hattie, and Tori Richard. On select days throughout the week, the Whalers Village hosts free activities, including hula and ukulele lessons, as well as naturalist-led sessions on humpback whales, turtles, and endangered monk seals.

Nicknamed the Valley Isle, Maui comprises two volcanoes: Haleakala and the West Maui Mountains. You can explore the latter by either ziplining or horseback riding across its terrain. For ziplining, the journey starts at the Fairway Shops, a retail center less than a mile from Whalers Village. From there, you hop in a 4x4 van and take a scenic drive up to Skyline Hawaii's 8-Line Kaanapali Zipline Adventure. During the three-hour adventure, you'll hike to eight different zipline platforms, soaring over the 1.7-million-year-old extinct volcano, and take in panoramic views of the neighboring islands of Kahoolawe and Molokai. Or, if you prefer a more down-to-earth experience, consider horseback riding at the Ironwood Ranch. This beginner-friendly ride treks through forests, pineapple fields, and trickling streams, while experienced guides talk story about the history of the region. For lunch, belly up to the bar at the Maui Brewing Co., located within the Outrigger Kaanapali Beach Resort, and cool off with an ice-cold Bikini Blonde or citrusy Big Swell IPA. Pair the sudsy brew with a hearty jalapeño bacon burger made with Maui beef or a seared ahi tuna salad with local greens, avocado, and fried wontons.

Cap off the evening with a toast to the sunset on a luxury catamaran cruise around Kaanapali Beach. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the West Maui Mountains and sister islands Molokai and Lanai as the sun kisses the horizon. From December through April, you might even glimpse a pod of humpback whales swimming in the ocean. Sunset cruises typically include appetizers and cocktails, but if you're still hungry after the boat docks, make your way to Monkeypod Kitchen at Whalers Village. Founded by chef Peter Merriman, one of the pioneers of Hawaii Regional Cuisine, Monkeypod is a crowd-favorite with live entertainment and a menu that focuses on locally sourced ingredients, such as Kauai shrimp, Maui pineapple, and produce from nearby Waipoli Farm. If you look around, you'll notice that almost every table orders the lobster deviled eggs and the banana cream pie.

The Road to Hana is a bucket-list road trip along the Hana Highway, a serpentine two-lane road with more than 600 turns. Although the entire route from Kahului to Hana is less than 65 miles long, an excursion can take eight to 12 hours, depending on how many stops you make. The scenic route takes drivers through eucalyptus forests, waterfalls, and several outlooks. If you plan on driving, download the Shaka Guide, an audio GPS driving tour offering great tips and recommendations. (Note: The route is not a loop, so our recommendation is to set a maximum drive time, and when you reach the halfway point, turn around and head back.) First up is Twin Falls (Mile Marker 2), where you can see a duo of gushing waterfalls tucked in a verdant forest. Weather permitting, you can dip in one of the natural swimming holes. Other highlights along the Road to Hana include the Huelo Lookout (MM 4), where you can purchase banana bread, sugarcane juice, and shave ice from the fruit stand, and Honomanu Bay Lookout (MM 14), where you can see Hana Highway's winding roads and the picturesque bay below.

At around mile marker 31, you'll come across the Hana Lava Tube, where you'll hike through an underground cave to see stalactites, stalagmites, and lavacicles. Above ground, the little ones will have a blast navigating the impressive red ti plant garden maze—the only one in the world. One of the most popular stops along Hana Highway is the Waianapanapa State Park (MM 32), the only black-sand beach on Maui. (Advanced reservations are required.) You can either have a leisurely picnic at Waianapanapa or, if you prefer a sit-down affair with great ocean views, make your way to the breezy Hana Ranch Restaurant, which serves hearty American fare, like shrimp and grits and pork chops. The final destination for many roadtrippers is the Pipiwai Trail, a well-maintained path at the Haleakala National Park. The 3.8-mile out-and-back trail weaves by a massive banyan tree, crosses wooden bridges, and leads into a whimsical bamboo forest. The trek culminates at the foot of the 400-foot Waimoku Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls on Maui.

As you return from the Hana Highway, you'll drive through Paia, a small beach town with a laid-back vibe. If you're here before 6 p.m., you might be able to shop at one of the whimsical boutiques, surf stores, and galleries, such as Alice in Hulaland and Maui Hands Art Galleries, that line the town's wooden plantation-era buildings. For dinner, check out Paia Fish Market, a well-priced casual spot serving fresh seafood plates—salmon, ahi, snapper, ono, or mahi-mahi—tacos, pasta, burgers, and salads. Or, if you're looking to carbo-load after hiking all day, you'll love Flatbread Company, which has wood-fire flatbreads topped with locally sourced produce, house-made fennel sausages, free-range chicken and smoked pork. Vegan options are also available.

Set your alarm for an early morning drive to the visitors center atop the Haleakala National Park. The summit of Haleakala is one of the most captivating places to watch the sun light up the horizon and rise above the clouds. During the morning ceremony, a park employee chants "E Ala E," a traditional oli to "awaken" the sun. It gets cold at the nearly 10,000 feet elevation, so bring a jacket. Reservations are required for each vehicle entering the park between 3 and 7 a.m. After sunrise, you can hike along one of the trails around the park or head down to the nearby towns of Makawao or Kula for breakfast or coffee. If you're visiting on Saturdays, the Upcountry Farmers Market at the Kula Malu Town Center is open from 7 to 11 a.m., and dozens of vendors sell everything from jewelry and crafts to flowers, honey, tropical fruit, and plate lunches.

Upcountry Maui is a tranquil, rural destination with rolling hills, sprawling farms, and ranches dotted with grazing horses and cows. Whether you have a kid or you're a kid at heart (or you really like cheese), you'll want to visit the Surfing Goat Dairy, Maui's largest commercial dairy. You can cuddle or feed a baby goat during the "kidding" season or take a 30-minute walking tour of the farm to learn more about the goat milking and cheese-making process. End the tour with a tasting of a flight of award-winning goat cheeses. For lunch, head to Ocean Vodka Organic Farm and Distillery, nestled on the slopes of Haleakala. Purchase one of the tasty flatbread pizzas, salads, or nachos, and find an Adirondack chair to lounge in on the manicured lawn overlooking the mountains and ocean. After your meal, take a tour of the property and sample the distillery's signature vodka, rum, and gin. About 10 miles south of Ocean Vodka, the Kula Botanical Garden is a family-run eight-acre botanical gem where you'll see a variety of native Hawaiian plants alongside ferns, succulents, hydrangeas, and orchids. The garden also has a koi pond, covered bridges, an aviary, and a carved tiki exhibit.

A Maui vacation isn't complete without attending a luau, a Hawaiian feast incorporating traditional songs and dances. If you're staying in south Maui, you'll want to check out The Feast at Mokapu at Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted with a lei. During the pre-show activities, you can get a temporary Hawaiian tattoo and have your portraits taken with the ocean in the background. You'll be served a three-course menu that might include traditional poke, braised short ribs or kalua, and a dessert of chocolate haupia cake or pineapple upside-down cake. After dinner, enjoy performances that include songs, chants, hula, and dances that honor the island's great chiefs and celebrate Maui's paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) heritage. If you're staying in the Kaanapali area, consider attending the Drums of the Pacific Luau at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa. Dig into a buffet of Hawaiian-style potato mac salad, fried rice, stir-fried glass noodles, teriyaki chicken, and paniolo beef. The longest-running show in Maui, the Drums of the Pacific Luau features traditional hula and fire dancers, as well as the hip-shaking dances of the Tuamotus, the drum dances of Rarotonga, and battle-ready moves of the Maori.