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Maui Activities: The Best Way to Spend 48 Hours on the Island

If you don’t have a week to spend on Maui, you can still enjoy a few great Maui activities.

In 48 hours you can enjoy the island’s stunning waterfalls and stunning beaches, nightlife, local island haunts, and spectacular scenery before heading back on your travels.

Here’s our 48-hour guide to Maui activities:

Getting Around Maui

No matter how long you’re on the island, one of the best ways to get about the island is to rent a car.

A car gives you the freedom to drive wherever you want, when you want. You don’t need to necessarily rent a large 4×4 for the short time you are here, unless you plan to go off road. But if you can get a slightly more durable car you will appreciate it.

Top Maui Activities to Try in 48 Hours

Here are some of the best Maui activities to check out if you’ve only got 2 days on the island:

  • For an authentic Hawaiian experience, stop by a traditional Hawaiian Luau. There are a number to choose from in Maui, but one of our favorites is The Grand Luau at Honuaula in Grand Wailea.
  • Drive Maui’s most famous road – Hana Highway. It’s a must for anyone visiting Maui. Alternatively, if you don’t fancy making the drive yourself you can opt for a guided tour on the Road to Hana Tour with Polynesian Adventure Tours. This is one of the most scenic drives in the country and will take you along winding coastal road with views of the largest rainforest in the United States.
  • After the tour, stop off for lunch in the city of Hana, before enjoying a quick dip in the black sandy beach of Wainapanapa State Park. In Hana you can find a number of local establishments, including road-side sellers that serve up traditional Hawaiian lunch plates. This is a quick and easy way to try to some real Hawaiian food, that you can eat at one of the picnic spots in Hana. If you prefer to lunch at a sit down meal then you can try Hana Maui Hotel, a five-star hotel that offers delicious locally-sourced three-course lunch at around $20.
  • If you have time you can also head to Haleakala National Park, a park with a number of exceptional waterfalls, jungle landscape and a series of natural rocky pools. Some days you are able to swim in the pools, but if there has been heavy rain it is usually not possible. You can visit the park on your own, but if you prefer the guidance of an expert you can take a full-day guided tour with Hike Maui that includes the Hana Highway, the Hana Waterfalls and rainforest hike and lunch.
  • Don’t forget to spend time wandering around the beautiful and historic city of Lahaina, a port town with plenty of local shops, bars and restaurants. Front Street is the main street for things to do and see. Try to have an early night if you can, though, as you will have an early start tomorrow.
  • There is no better way to see the Maui than at dawn from the dormant Haleakala volcano, a great way to complete your stay in Maui. However, this does mean a very early start, as it takes about an hour an a half to drive to the top. If you don’t feel like driving at this time of the morning, opt for a guided visit on the Spectacular Haleakala Sunrise Tour with Polynesian Adventure Tours. The tour includes entry to the National Park, complimentary coffee, and views from the Pu’u Ula’ula overlook, as well as a pick up from your hotel!

Hawaii Discount offers the internet’s largest selection of Hawaii tours, Hawaii activities, and Hawaii travel packages. Please make sure to book your activity well in advance of your trip, since tours fill up quickly.