72 Hours on Maui

Seems like a visit to the Hawaiian islands is on everyone’s travel bucket list, with Maui being the most popular choice of places to explore. There are so many things to do on Maui, it can be hard deciding where to spend your time. If you’re only there for a few days, you want to be sure you get the chance to do all the things you’ve heard about, all those reasons that you had for going to Maui. Then, if you have time left over, work on your next list. No regrets when you get home, right?

That’s the secret to having the best vacation ever: create lists of “must do” items and work on those first, then start going down the list of other things that are interesting. When you’re not in a rush, you can start spontaneously stopping by things you pass on the road or visiting those little secret hideaways that the locals tell you about. 

Fox Rent A Car has a location on Maui, so we’ve put together things to do to fill your three day stay on Maui with so much adventure and fun, you’ll feel like you were there much longer! Almost everyone who visits Maui has Haleakala National Park on their list. From the most amazing sunset to the bike ride down, Haleakala is breathtaking. The volcanic crater is indescribable and needs to be seen to be believed. It’s the world’s largest dormant volcano and the summit is 10,000 feet above sea level, visible from the entire island. Take a jacket and maybe even an umbrella, but as Hawaii weather is always tolerable, don’t let that stop you. This is something that everyone needs to fit into their schedule.

Another must-do experience is taking the road to Hana. The long, winding and sometimes one-lane road is straight out of the old story books, but it’s worth any nerves you may get from the sometimes concerning hairpin turns. (If you get carsick, be prepared!) There are places to stop off and picnic, so pack some snacks and drinks, or stop off at a roadside stand and try local produce and drinks. Twin Falls and the Wailea Overlook are popular photo opps so keep an eye out.

If you like to watch surfing, see the way the real folks do it over at Hookipa Beach. It’s not for the feint of heart so it’s a great sport to observe rather than try. If you do want to get into the water, there are numerous places to rental snorkel equipment — on other beaches — where the water is relaxed, clear and if you buy fish food, full of colorful wildlife that may get pretty close to you. 

Everyone needs to experience on Luau while on Maui, and the Old Lahaina is the most popular. From the puu puu platter to the roasted pig to the beautiful traditional dancers on the beach at sunset, including the fire dancers, you will be long entertained and you won’t go hungry. Another can’t miss Maui experience is a visit to the pineapple plantation. No photo comes close to what an actual working plantation is like, and then there’s the thing you do before you head back to your car: eat fresh Hawaiian pineapple or another pineapple treat. 

If you’re looking for a fancy restaurant for one last authentic Hawaii meal, Mama’s Fish House is the place to go. Located on the beach, you park your car and walk down a winding pathway that’s sometimes dripping with mist. Arrive on the beach, near the door to the restaurant, and watch the windsurfers in the water. With places to sit while you wait, go before your reservation time so you won’t miss a thing.

There are more parks and hiking locations and waterfalls to see than can be listed here, and many you’ll be able to see if you take a helicopter tour, but mix it up and do a little bit of everything, including picking up some Hawaiian clothing to take home. (Don’t take nature off the island though!) A visit to Maui can be a once in a lifetime trip so enjoy it to the fullest! Be sure to contact Fox and we'll save you money on your rental car!