48H: Maui in a Weekend
Partway through my MBA, we decided to try for Maui during a long weekend.
Why go to Hawaii with only 2 days? Since I was attending a part time MBA program where students worked full time along with taking classes, free time was at a premium. However since Northern California weather isn't exactly warm, off to Maui we went.
Caveat - Maui is wonderful and there's no shortage of things to do if you have more time, this is just the shortest timeline we thought would be feasible. Actual travel time varies depending on where you're flying from, this itinerary includes flight time there, but not flight time back.
Pro Tip: If you want to see the whole island in a short amount of time, prioritize your must dos before you book your hotel stays to ensure you are in the right part of the island. The "Road to Hana" is something often described as "surviving" and even locals shy away from making the trip in the dark.
Day 1 - GETTING THERE
3:30 PM - Arrive at SFO
5:00 PM - Depart for Maui
7:40 - Arrive at OGG - Pickup Car, Have dinner, Check-in
Pro Tip: If you arrive in Maui during the evening, book your hotel somewhere close by to save time. This doesn't look hectic, but the only reason we were only able to grab dinner before restaurants closed is because we asked our AirBnb host if we could check in after dinner.
Day 2 - HELICOPTER TOUR, TRAVEL TO HANA
7:45 AM - Arrival at Helipad.
8:30 AM - Helicopter Tour, West Maui
9:00 AM - Beach / Roam Around @ Kihei, Kahului
Options to Snorkel / Zipline / Bike down Volcano
12 - 1 PM - Lunch @ Geste Shrimp Truck, + Food Trucks, Hulihuli
1 PM - Costco Run for Maui Specialty Items
2 PM - Leave for Hana
4 PM - Black Sand Beach
6 PM - Hotel Check-in
Pro Tip: Don't arrive in Hana late unless you are planning to make dinner yourselves. Local eateries are limited and close early, as do the market to purchase items to book.
Day 3 - SUNRISE TOUR OF HANA, TRAVEL BACK
8:00 AM: Breakfast / Roam around Hana
10:00 AM: Leave Hana
12:25 PM: Return rental car, Arrival at OGG
2:25 PM: Depart from OGG
Pro Tip: Don't arrive in Hana late unless you are planning to make dinner yourselves. Local eateries are limited and close early, as do the market to purchase items to cook.