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.

Maui.JPG

The View From Above

Helicopter view of West Maui: Completely worth getting up for especially if you were able to sit in the front like we did.

Day 2 - HELICOPTER TOUR, TRAVEL TO HANA

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.