Welcome to our Ultimate Maui Road Trip Itinerary, the definitive Maui road trip itinerary for anyone craving epic 4K scenic drives, easy beach walking tours, and lush valley hikes.
From sunrise strolls on Kihei’s golden shores to cliff-side panoramas on HI-30 up to Kapalua and the emerald peaks of Iao Valley, this guide covers every mile—complete with insider tips on the best Maui scenic drives and hidden beach gems along the way.
In this quick 12-second short, we zoom along Maui’s West Coast HI-30 from Kapalua to Kihei, highlighting jaw-dropping coastal vistas and hidden pull-outs. For the full 4K drive itinerary and detailed tips, check our blog post below!
Where We Stayed: Kohea Kai & Our Kihei Base
We kicked off our Maui adventure with a one-night stay at Kohea Kai Maui, a budget-friendly oceanfront boutique hotel in Kihei featuring updated rooms, a pool, hot tub and private lanai just steps from the sand .
In this honest hotel tour, we explore Kohea Kai’s garden courtyard, renovated rooms with tiny ocean-view balconies, pool, hot tub, and beachfront location—perfect for budget-conscious travelers who want a true taste of Maui’s coastal charm.
FAQ Ultimate Maui Road Trip Itinerary: Kihei → Kapalua & Iao Valley
Timing
What is the best time of day to start a Maui scenic drive?
Most guides recommend departing between 7 AM and 10:30 AM—early enough to beat the crowds but late enough for daylight views; starting before dawn offers solitude, while later departures can mean more traffic on popular roads.
Vehicle Requirements
Do I need a special vehicle to drive Maui’s scenic routes?
No 4WD is necessary for the paved scenic byways we cover (like HI-30 S); standard 2WD cars handle speeds up to 55 mph, though narrow bridges and winding stretches call for cautious, slow driving.
Safety & Regulations
What speed limits and road conditions should I be aware of in Maui?
Speed limits top out at 55 mph on highways, with most rural roads posted at 25–45 mph; pavement is generally good, but expect tight curves, single-lane bridges, and occasional rush-hour congestion around 7–9 AM and 4–6 PM.
Permits & Reservations
Are reservations or permits required for popular Maui state parks like Waiʻānapanapa?
Yes—many Hana Highway parks (e.g., Waiʻānapanapa State Park) require timed-entry reservations booked in advance; check the Hawaii State Parks site before you go.
General
When is the best time of year to visit Maui for good weather and fewer crowds?
The sweet spot is April through September: you’ll enjoy warm temperatures, minimal rainfall on leeward shores, and steadier hotel rates before the winter high season kicks in.
What are the top scenic drives to experience on Maui?
Must-drive loops include the West Maui Circle Drive, HI-30 S North Loop Coastline Road, Kahekili Highway, and—and although not part of this guide—the classic Hana Highway remains the island’s most iconic drive.
Pro Tip: lock in the cheapest wheels, rooms & tours with our partner deals (paid links).
After that first night, we settled into an Airbnb condo a block from Kamaole Beach Park II—waking up to swaying palms and endless ocean breezes, the perfect launchpad for every 4K drive and seaside stroll across the island .
Kihei Beach & Coastline Loop
The Kihei coastline loop is the perfect sampler of South Maui’s sun-drenched beaches and panoramic sea vistas. You’ll cruise HI-30 past golden shorelines, driftwood-strewn coves and sugar-pine backdrops.
Then punctuate your drive with two immersive walking tours: a 12-minute exploration of Kamaole Beach Park II’s tide pools and a quick 60-second taste of Napili Bay’s turquoise crescent. It’s a seamless introduction to Maui’s best shoreline experiences.
Kihei to Kapalua – Scenic Driving Tour (HI-30 S) And Back!
Hawaii Route 30, also known as the Honoapiʻilani Highway is an amazing stretch of coastline, see full details here- Hawaii Route 30 (Honoapiʻilani Highway) on Wikipedia
This 46-minute Maui road trip itinerary winds along lush sugar-pine forests and sapphire bays, with off-the-beaten-path pull-outs and historic sugar-mill ruins to explore—one of West Maui’s top drives according to GoHawaii .
Kamaole Beach Park II Walking Tour
This 12-minute beach walking tour captures tide-pool snorkeling, family-friendly waves and a welcoming local vibe—TripAdvisor ranks Kamaole II among Kihei’s best beaches .
Napili Bay Beach Walking Tour
In just 60 seconds, discover why Napili Bay’s calm, crystal waters and crescent shape make it a local favorite—and a must-visit on any Maui travel guide .
Then back to Kihei with breathtaking views!
![Maui Hawaii Scenic Road Trip Drive: Kapalua to Kihei 2023 [4K] HI-30 S Explore Maui's West Coast](https://sandtastictravels.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FRWA6f-PxPPs%2F0.jpg)
Join us for a 4K, 28-minute scenic road trip from Kapalua to Kihei along HI-30 S. Wind through rugged coastal cliffs, lush tropical greenery, and charming seaside pull-outs as we highlight Maui’s hidden gems and photo-worthy vistas.
West Maui Scenic & Iao Valley Drive
Trading beach for rainforest, the West Maui drive to Iao Valley State Monument reveals a dramatic shift from coastal plains into mist-shrouded peaks. This 26-minute route winds through banana stands and verdant gorges, culminating at the iconic ‘Iao Needle’ spire.
Follow it up with a leisurely 0.6-mile stroll through lush gardens and historic battlegrounds—an ideal way to immerse yourself in Maui’s natural and cultural heritage.
Kihei → Iao Valley State Monument Drive
This 26-minute Iao Valley scenic drive climbs from coastal plains into emerald peaks, passing roadside banana stands and photo-ready pull-outs—an essential addition to any Maui road trip itinerary .
ʻĪao Valley State Monument Official Site
Iao Valley State Monument Walking Tour
Check out their site for full info. You need to get a reservation before visiting.
ʻĪao Valley State Monument Reservations (GoStateParks)
Explore the valley’s rich cultural history and lush botanical gardens on a paved 0.6-mile stroll—today’s Iao Valley State Park requires reservations but rewards you with breathtaking vistas .
Wailea & Makena Lava-to-Beach Adventure
On the Wailea–Makena loop, volcanic drama meets sugar-sand serenity in a single 27-minute drive. Navigate past black lava fields cascading into emerald inlets, then step onto Big Beach’s half-mile of pristine shoreline for a 37-minute walking tour under towering headlands. It’s the ultimate contrast of raw island geology and postcard-perfect coastal beauty.
Wailea → Makena Lava Fields to Kihei Drive
Drive this 27-minute loop for dramatic contrasts between volcanic rock gardens and sugar-sand beaches—Yelp locals recommend this under-the-radar Wailea-Makena scenic route .
Makena Beach (Big Beach) Walking Tour
This 37-minute walking tour showcases why Big Beach ranks in the top 10% of Maui’s shorelines for soft sand and epic surf breaks—TripAdvisor confirms it’s one of Maui’s best beaches .
This immersive 4K drive takes you through ancient lava flows, black basalt plains and rugged coastline at La Perouse Bay, capturing Maui’s raw volcanic beauty as fields merge into the Pacific’s turquoise waters.
Conclusion
From the sun-drenched beaches of Kihei to the mist-shrouded peaks of Iao Valley and the lava-sculpted shores of Makena, this ultimate Maui road trip itinerary has guided you through the island’s most iconic drives and walking tours in stunning 4K. Whether you’re chasing cliff-top vistas or hidden tide pools, these immersive videos and insider tips will help you plan an unforgettable self-drive adventure.
Craving more epic drives? Check out our Ultimate West Coast Road Trip Guide for 12 spectacular loops across CA, OR, WA, NV & AZ. And don’t forget to explore our full Travel Videos collection and latest blog posts for even more Sandtastic adventures around the world!
