Maui day trip: ʻĪao Valley and the West Maui coast

Start at ʻĪao Valley (reservation required for non-residents), then drive the coast to West Maui: Kāʻanapali's beach and Whalers Village, Nāpili and Kapalua, and the Honolua Bay lookout. Lāhainā is still rebuilding after the August 2023 fire; drive through respectfully and follow posted closures.

1. Kahului
2. ʻĪao Valley
3. Whalers Village
4. Nāpili Bay
5. Kapalua Bay
6. Honolua Bay lookout

• 1. ʻĪao Valley State Monument (Wailuku): 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.; non-residents reserve ahead ($5 entry, $10 parking).
• 2. Pali coast drive on Honoapiʻilani Highway: whale watching in winter from pullouts.
• 3. Lāhainā: still rebuilding; many areas remain closed. Please don't sightsee in burned areas.
• 4. Kāʻanapali Beach and Whalers Village: shopping, lunch, returning Lāhainā businesses.
• 5. Nāpili Bay and Kapalua Bay: calm-water swimming in summer.
• 6. Honolua Bay lookout: famous winter surf; snorkel in calm summer conditions.
• Beyond Honolua the road (Kahekili Highway) becomes narrow and rough; many visitors turn back here.
• Tap "Open all stops in Google Maps" for the whole route. Phone browsers may show only the first few stops; the Google Maps app shows them all.

Sources: DLNR Division of State Parks: ʻĪao Valley State Monument · Maui Now: Whalers Village returning businesses (Mar. 2026)

Last checked Oct. 29, 2026. Hours, fees and rules can change, so confirm with the official source before you go.