The Best 7 Day Maui and Oahu Itinerary

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Last Updated on April 21, 2024 by sydabroad

Are you looking for the perfect one-week Maui and Oahu itinerary? Then keep reading!

Welcome to Hawaii! If you are visiting Hawaii anytime soon and need some tips for your trip, this one week Maui and Oahu itinerary is for you. This article covers a 3 days in Oahu and 3 days in Maui itinerary. (Plus a travel day!)

I’ll share how to get around the islands, the best places to eat in Oahu and Maui, and more to help you plan your perfect Hawaiian vacation. 

I’ve now visited Hawaii a couple of times and I’ve fallen more in love with this state each time. Hawaii really does have it all – from the deep blue water, scenic hikes, incredible surfing, and amazing food – there is something here for everyone. Alright, let’s get into the article!

Looking for more Hawaii itineraries?

• 10 Best Things to do on Hawaii Island 
• 15 Amazing Things to do in Oahu, Hawaii 
• A Perfect Guide to the Road to Hana 
• Kona to Hilo: How to Roadtrip The Big Island
• The Best Things to Do in Hilo, Hawaii

This post covers the perfect Maui and Oahu itinerary.  

Traveling to the Hawaiian Islands 

If you are flying into Maui you will likely fly into Kahului Airport (OGG). Alternatively, if you fly into Oahu, you will likely fly into Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL). 

If you are flying from the states, you will likely connect somewhere in California. From California, in-flight time ranges from 5 to 6 hours.

Alternatively, cruises are also an option to hop from island to island. Cruises will depart from various cities in California including Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco. You can also take cruises from Honolulu. 

How to get from Maui to Oahu

The best way to travel from Maui to Oahu is by flight. There are very affordable flights from island to island and the flight will take around 40 minutes. 

Both times I’ve visited Hawaii, I have flown Southwest Airlines, and they offer many flights from island to island daily at affordable prices. I paid less than USD 40 for my flight from Maui to Oahu. 

Breakdown of Your One Week Maui and Oahu Itinerary 

Day 1 – Travel day, arrive in Maui

Day 2 – Explore Lahaina, Kaanapali Beach, and Sunset Cruise

Day 3 – Road to Hana and Maui Wine 

Day 4 – Snorkel Trip and Haleakala National Park

Day 5 – Oahu North Shore, Kualoa Ranch, Byodo-in Temple

Day 6 – Ho’omaluhia Botanical Gardens and Waikiki Beach

Day 7 – Tantalus Lookout Point, Makapu’u Tide Pools, and Makapu’u Beach

This 7-day Maui and Oahu Itinerary covers 3 days on Maui and 3 days in Oahu (plus a travel day!). Use this itinerary as a rough guide for your next trip to Hawaii. Pick and choose what activities you would like to do and what restaurants you would like to visit and then create your own personal Hawaii itinerary.

RELATED POST: Island guide: 10 of the Best Things to do on the Big Island

Maui Itinerary: 3 Days on Maui 

Where to Stay in Maui

There are plenty of accommodation options on the island of Maui. I stayed near Kaanapali Beach and absolutely loved this area. There were plenty of beaches and restaurants around. 

If you are looking for a quieter area in Maui, stay in Paia town. You also have the option to stay near the south end of the island near Wailea. I’ve listed a few accommodation options below

Budget: Paia Inn (click here to book) and Tiki Beach Hostel (click here to book) 

Boutique: Royal Lahaina Resort (click here to book) and Kaanapali Beach Hotel

Luxury: Wailea Beach Resort (click here to book) and Montage Kapalua Bay (click here to book)

How to Get Around Maui

I suggest renting a car. Uber is available on the island, however, you’ll want your own vehicle to go explore the island. There is so much to see! And of course for the Road to Hana. 

Where to Eat in Maui 

Breakfast and Coffee in Maui

• Kihei Caffe 
• Maui Coffee Roasters
• Island Vintage Coffee 
• Sunrise Cafe 
• Bad Ass Coffee

The Best Restaurants in Maui 

• Sansei Seafood & Sushi Bar: some of the best sushi I have ever had! 
• Paia Fish Market: An amazing restaurant. They have a location in Waikiki as well.  
• Mama’s Fish House: The most popular spot on the island, make reservations!
• Kimo’s 
• Cheeseburger In Paradise 
• Lahaina Fish Co
• Thai Food by Pranee: located in Hana town – the most amazing Thai food.

Day One Maui and Oahu Itinerary: Travel Day, Arrive in Maui 

Typically, day one will be a travel day. Whether you arrive in the afternoon or evening, I suggest picking up some essentials at an ABC Store (they are everywhere around the island and have all that you need – food, drinks, souvenirs.) 

Pick up a wine and some snacks to bring to your accommodation. If you get in early enough to grab a proper dinner, I have a list of the best restaurants in Maui above.

Day Two Maui and Oahu Itinerary: Explore Lahaina, Kaanapali Beach, and a Sunset Cruise

Start your day early to make the most of your time in Maui. Explore the town of Lahaina, and grab a coffee. We picked up a coffee at Bad Ass Coffee and it was delicious! If you are a coffee person you’ll have to pick up Kona coffee beans to take home. The coffee is amazing. 

After exploring for a bit, grab some breakfast at the Sunrise Cafe in Lahaina and take a look at the Banyan tree. This tree is 150 years old and is massive. 

Next, spend your afternoon relaxing at Kaanapali Beach. There is a public parking lot for beach access as well as a nice grassy area with picnic tables to eat some food if you pack any. The beach is pretty big and wasn’t too crowded at all when I visited. This is a great way to spend your afternoon in Maui. 

After your full day in the sun, go back to your room, change clothes, and get ready for a sunset cruise with Sail Trilogy. This was definitely a highlight during our time in Maui. We did the Lahaina Sunset Sail and I can’t recommend it enough. The cruise was two hours long and included two drinks, appetizers (which were delicious), and dessert. 

You get the best service and experience on the Sail Trilogy Tours and the boats themselves are amazing. If you are still hungry after the cruise, go for dinner in Lahaina. There are many restaurant options.

Day Three Maui and Oahu Itinerary: The Road to Hana and Maui Wine

If you do anything in Maui, let it be the Road to Hana. This was certainly the highlight of our 3 days in Maui itinerary. On the Road to Hana, you will get to see waterfalls, black sand beaches, picture-perfect lookout points, gardens, pools, and more. 

The Road to Hana is an all-day adventure so plan on leaving your hotel at around 6 am and getting back at around 5 pm. 

Click here to check out my article on the road to Hana. This blog post covers it all. If you are planning on driving the road to Hana, definitely check out this resource. 

Once you arrive in Hana town, most tourists will turn around and drive back the way they came. However, we ended up driving around the island. If you decide to do this, the roads are pretty bad. You will need a jeep (or something with 4-wheel drive) and very confident driving skills if you plan on continuing the drive. There are points where the road is not paved and you are inches away from a massive cliff.

That being said, If you continue the drive, once you get back into civilization, you will come across Maui Wine! This is a perfect quick stop after a long day. 

You can also choose to fit this somewhere else into your 3 days in Maui itinerary, but Maui Wine is definitely worth a visit. Make sure to try the pineapple wine.

Day Four Maui and Oahu Itinerary: Snorkel Trip and Haleakala National Park

Alright, today is another long day but something that also needs to be on your Maui and Oahu itinerary. Start your day with a sunrise snorkel trip. We booked Trilogy Tours again. And no, this is not sponsored or anything they just really have the best tours! 

You can’t go wrong with whichever snorkel trip you choose to do. We did the Discover Molokini tour and loved it! The trip was five hours long and included a delicious breakfast with fresh Kona coffee, two snorkel spots, an incredible Hawaiian lunch, and two cocktails. The absolute BEST trip. We even got to swim with sea turtles!

Swimming with sea turtles was certainly a bucket list experience. After snorkeling, the crew provided lunch and we got to do some whale watching. The morning couldn’t have been more perfect. 

After the Maui snorkel trip, we explored more of Haleakala National Park. We drove to the highest point, which was literally above the clouds at 10,000-foot elevation. It was also pretty chilly up here (about 40 degrees Fahrenheit) make sure to pack a jacket. 

Tip: Haleakala National Park was incredible in the afternoon but it’s even more amazing during sunrise – if you have a free morning to wake up at the crack of dawn, I recommend going during sunrise. 

After exploring Haleakala National Park, spend your evening exploring Lahaina town and go for a delicious seafood dinner.

Oahu Itinerary: 3 Days in Oahu

Where to stay in Oahu 

If you want to be close to all the action, stay in Honolulu near Waikiki Beach. If you want fewer crowds, stay near the North Shore. I’ve been to Oahu a couple of times and I suggest staying in the Waikiki area because everything is so accessible. However, during the day avoid Waikiki and explore the rest of the island. 

RELATED POST: Kona Tiki Hotel, The Big Island of Hawaii 

Here are some recommendations on where to stay in Oahu: 

Budget: The Beach Waikiki Hostel (click here to book) and Ke Iki Beach Bungalows 

Boutique: Hotel Renew (click here to book) and The Laylow (click here to book)  

Luxury: Prince Waikiki (click here to book) and The Royal Hawaiian (click here to book) 

The first time I visited Oahu I stayed at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort, it was a great place right on the beach, however, I don’t think I would stay here again because it was extremely crowded.  

I have also stayed at Prince Waikiki and Hotel Renew – both properties were incredible. You can find more details about Hotel Renew here. 

How to Get Around the Island of Oahu

Like Maui, You will need to rent a car to explore Oahu, especially if you plan on driving to the North Shore. Uber fees will certainly rack up quickly. 

Where to Eat on Oahu

Breakfast and Coffee in Oahu 

• Arvo Cafe 
• Island Vintage Coffee
• Ali’i Coffee Co
• Kona Coffee Purveyors 
• Morning Glass Coffee

The Best Restaurants in Oahu 

• Olay’s Thai and Lao Cuisine 
• Duke’s Waikiki
• Paia Fish Market Waikiki
• Roy’s Waikiki
• Poke Bar 
• Helena’s Hawaiian Food

Day five Maui and Oahu Itinerary: Oahu’s North Shore, Kualoa Ranch, Byodo-In Temple

Hop on an early flight and head to Oahu! Pick up the rental car when you land and then head to the North Shore. I suggest doing this if you can’t check in early to your accommodation. We changed into swimsuits after landing and started exploring the island.

Pick up a fresh breakfast at the Sunrise Shack on the North Shore. They have incredible smoothies and bowls. You can eat here or walk across the street to Sunset Beach. 

Next, go watch surfers at the Banzai Pipeline. Honestly, you could spend an entire day exploring the North Shore. Check out my Oahu travel guide to find more fun things to do on the North Shore. 

After spending some time at the North Shore, keep driving along the island and make a stop along the way at Kualoa Ranch, where Jurassic Park was filmed. After that, head to Byodo-in Temple. 

We stopped for just a short time at Kualoa Ranch to use the restrooms and check out the gift shop. You could easily spend a day here if you want. They have so many different tours you can book.

On the other hand, I highly suggest stopping at the Byodo-in Temple. It is absolutely beautiful and feels as if you are in Asia. The entrance fee is $5 for general admission. 

After the temple, make your way to either Kailua Beach or Bellows Beach. These two beaches are hands down some of the prettiest you will find on the island of Oahu. Bellows Beach is on an Air Force base and only open on the weekends so make sure to check online before visiting. 

Lanikai Beach is also an incredible beach to visit in Oahu.

The Best Places to Eat on the North Shore of Oahu 

• Kono’s North Shore 
• Poke for the People 
• Haleiwa Beach House 
• Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck 
• Ted’s Bakery
• Try an ahi tuna hand roll at 7/11! 

Day Six Maui and Oahu Itinerary: Ho’omaluhia Botanical Gardens and Waikiki Beach

As the 7-day Hawaii itinerary comes to an end, there are still things to see on the island that you can’t miss. Stop at a cafe for breakfast, grab a coffee, and then head to Ho’omaluhia Botanical Gardens. They are free to enter and explore.

Also, I suggest doing one of Hawaii’s beautiful hikes if you have time one morning. A few popular hikes on Oahu include:  

• Diamond Head hike 
• Pillbox Hike 
• Crouching Lion Hike
• Makapu’u hike

During the afternoon spend some time relaxing on Waikiki Beach or take surf lessons if you are up for it. Alternatively, you can visit Pearl Harbor. The visitor center is open seven days a week from 7 am to 5 pm. 

In the evening, get ready for dinner and head to Paia Fish Market (if you haven’t already gone to Maui – there are locations on both islands). This restaurant is a favorite! Spend the rest of the evening exploring Honolulu. 

Day Seven Maui and Oahu itinerary: Tantalus Lookout Point, Makapu’u Tide Pools & Blowhole 

If you can, schedule an evening departure flight so that you have most of the day to explore. Pick up breakfast to kick off your last day in Hawaii (Arvo Cafe is amazing) and then head to Tantalus Lookout. This is a scenic viewpoint over the city of Honolulu and the bright blue ocean. The lookout point is simple to get to, you will drive straight up to the lookout point. 

Next, visit the Makapu’u tide pools and the Makapu’u Blowhole. There’s a small lot on the side of the road for parking. There is also a unique beach here (Makapu’u Beach) that you can spend time at. 

Before leaving Hawaii, you can shop around town in Honolulu for souvenirs and make sure to try mac-nut chocolate and Hawaiian shaved ice.

If you have the time, go for a bite to eat before your long-haul flight. We went to Olay’s Thai and Lao cuisine in Chinatown and it was delicious. 

Visiting the Big Island of Hawaii? Check out the best things to do in Hilo here!

Maui and Oahu Itinerary Map

And that’s a wrap on this Maui and Oahu itinerary. Hawaii was absolutely beautiful! It is the “Southeast Asia of America!” I hope this was helpful and if you have any questions, feel free to email me at sydabroad@gmail.com, DM me on Instagram, or comment below! 

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