Maui remains one of Hawaiʻi’s most breathtaking islands, offering golden beaches, lush rainforests, and the unforgettable sunrise atop Haleakalā. While the historic town of Lahaina is currently closed to visitors due to ongoing recovery and rebuilding efforts following the devastating 2023 wildfires, much of the island—including Kāʻanapali, Kapalua, Wailea, and Hāna—is open and welcoming guests with aloha.
We’ve had the privilege of staying at several exceptional properties along the west coast of Maui—from Kāʻanapali and Kapalua to Wailea. One standout that continues to garner attention is the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, famously featured in Season 1 of The White Lotus. This stunning resort served as the primary filming location for the show’s inaugural season. In 2025, the property introduced “The White Lotus Bar and Poolside Escape” cabana, allowing guests to step into the show’s luxurious world with a themed experience.
There is so much to do on Maui—and just as many reasons to simply relax. It’s a place where nature takes center stage: lush rainforests, black-sand beaches, dramatic cliffs, and volcanic landscapes that stir the soul and leave you breathless. Maui is wild and refined, adventurous yet peaceful. It draws you in at sunrise and soothes you by sunset.
And no matter how many times you visit, Maui always holds something new and magical. We like to stay active, but also take time to slow down and soak in the surroundings. Here’s how one of our favorite weeks on the island unfolded:
Our Maui Week – Highlights by Day
Day 1 – Arrival & Exhale
We checked in at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, where elegance meets warmth and relaxation. The ocean views, gracious hospitality, and spa-level comfort welcomed us into vacation mode within minutes. After settling in, we enjoyed a quiet afternoon exploring the beautifully landscaped grounds, relaxing by the beach and pool, and soaking in the island breeze. That evening, we dined at Ferraro’s, the resort’s open-air, oceanfront Italian restaurant. With the sun setting over the Pacific and waves gently rolling in, it was the perfect way to ease into island time.
Day 2 – Snorkeling at Molokini Crater
We set out early for a boat ride to Molokini, a partially submerged volcanic crater just off Maui’s southern coast. It’s a popular excursion, so it’s worth checking the size of the boat and number of passengers when booking—some tours are large and lively, while others offer a quieter, more intimate experience. The water was unbelievably clear, offering visibility up to 150 feet. Snorkeling here felt like floating in a natural aquarium, surrounded by tropical fish, coral reefs, and graceful sea turtles. Going early meant calmer seas and fewer crowds—making the experience even more magical.
Day 3 – Haleakalā Sunrise
We joined a guided sunrise tour to Haleakalā’s summit, nearly 10,000 feet up, setting out before dawn under a sky full of stars. Along the way, we passed cyclists preparing for their downhill ride—an epic descent from summit to sea. At the top, we bundled up and watched the sun rise above the clouds, casting golden light across the crater. Peaceful, surreal, and unforgettable. On the way back, we paused at scenic overlooks and ended with breakfast in Upcountry Maui.
Day 4 – Spa & Serenity
After the early adventure, we slowed things down. A visit to The Spa at Four Seasons Maui delivered total bliss. We chose a couples Lomi Mohala massage in one of the oceanfront hales—private open-air treatment huts with views of the water and the sound of waves in the background. Surrounded by tropical gardens and salt air, it was the ultimate way to unwind. Our afternoon by the adult-only Serenity Pool, with attentive service and panoramic ocean views, was pure luxury.
Day 5 – The Road to Hāna
We took on this legendary drive with a spirit of discovery, stopping for waterfalls, fruit stands, and black-sand beaches. The Road to Hāna winds through rainforests and along cliffs, offering 50+ bridges and countless scenic stops, including Twin Falls, Waianapanapa’s black-sand beach, and Wailua Falls.
The full drive takes 2.5 to 3 hours one way, but plan for a full day with stops—or drive partway to enjoy the highlights without committing to the full loop. For a different perspective, helicopter tours offer a breathtaking aerial view of East Maui’s waterfalls and coastline. An overnight stay in Hāna makes it even more magical—but even a short adventure leaves a lasting impression.
Day 6 – Golf With a View
Wailea Golf Club offered stunning ocean views and immaculate greens. For a more challenging game, Kapalua’s Plantation Course is another must for golf lovers.
Day 7 – Beach, Pool & Aloha
We spent our final full day soaking it all in—lounging poolside, enjoying a beach walk, and ending with sunset cocktails and a heart full of gratitude.
Day 8 – Saying Aloha (for Now)
Packing up is always the hardest part. With one last coffee overlooking the ocean, we whispered mahalo to the island and promised we’d be back.
Maui – Waterfalls, Whales & Island Magic
Must-Sees:
• Haleakalā National Park at sunrise
• Road to Hāna – lush rainforests and waterfalls
• ʻĪao Valley State Monument
• Kāʻanapali Beach & Whalers Village
Signature Experiences:
• Snorkeling at Molokini Crater
• Haleakalā sunrise or downhill bike adventure
• Road to Hāna scenic drive
• Sunset sail off the West Maui coast
• Whale watching (Dec–April)
• Dining at Mama’s Fish House – iconic, oceanfront, and unforgettable
• Exploring Upcountry farms and local markets
Where to Stay
• The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas, Kāʻanapali – modern villa-style accommodations with a relaxed, family-friendly vibe
• Kāʻanapali Ali‘i – spacious condos with a home-away-from-home feel
• Montage Kapalua Bay – serene, luxurious, and impeccably designed
• The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua – elegant, family-friendly, and surrounded by lush landscapes
• Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea – timeless five-star service with beachfront bliss
• Hotel Wailea – adults-only elegance tucked into tropical hillsides
• Hāna-Maui Resort – remote, peaceful, and deeply connected to East Maui