Hawaii is more than just a tropical paradise, it’s a land of rich culture, volcanic power, and incredible local experiences. As the only U.S. state made up entirely of islands, Hawaii is the birthplace of surfing, home to one of the world’s most active volcanoes, and a dream destination for many travelers. In this post, we’re kicking off our new Hawaii series with an unforgettable 5-day itinerary on the island of Maui.
We’re Hannah and Jeremy from The Savory Suitcase, a travel couple on a mission to visit all 50 states. Based in Florida, we embarked on a 12-hour journey with a layover in Las Vegas to get to Hawai‘i. Our adventure began the moment we landed in Maui.
Want to See the Vlog First?
Want to see everything we experienced? Watch our 5-Day Maui Travel Vlog on The Savory Suitcase YouTube channel: Watch Now on YouTube
Day 1: Arrival
Where We Stayed: Iao Valley Inn
After picking up a few essentials (and some poke!) at Foodland, we headed to our accommodations: the Iao Valley Inn, a charming bed and breakfast tucked away in the lush heart of Maui. With a private one-bedroom cottage, views of the valley, the sound of a nearby waterfall, and the warm welcome of a resident German Shepherd named Kahu, this off-the-beaten-path retreat was exactly what we needed. Book here: https://iaovalleyinn.com/
Accommodations can be very expensive anywhere in Hawaii, and places like AirBnB have had a pretty negative impact on housing prices and availability in the area. So it was import to us to find a place that would directly contribute back to the local economy. The Iao Valley Inn is run by a local family and has been hosting guest to Hawaii for many years.
We ended our first day at Ho‘okipa Beach for sunset, this is one of the best beaches to see sea turtles and sunset is the best time to spot them on the shore.
Day 2: Sunrise at Haleakalā National Park
We started our Maui adventure with one of the island’s most breathtaking experiences: sunrise at Haleakalā. With our internal clocks still on Eastern Time, waking up at 4 AM didn’t feel too bad. After a scenic drive guided by an audio tour, we reached the summit just in time for the sun to rise above the clouds, its really a moment we’ll never forget.
Pro tip: You’ll need a reservation for sunrise access. These go fast, so plan ahead!
The reservations can be made at recreation.org and they release two thirds of the tickets 60 days before the day, and the last third 2 days before. It only costs $1 to make your online reservation, but you will still pay park admission when you arrive, or show your America the Beautiful pass if you have one.
After sunrise, we refueled at Kula Bistro with a hearty loco-moco and banana nut pancakes, that was a great start to our mission of only eating at locally owned restaurants, more about that in another post!
Afternoon Pineapple Tour
Next, we explored the Maui Gold Pineapple Company, where we learned about Hawaii’s pineapple history, the labor-intensive planting process, and tasted some of the sweetest pineapples in the world—seriously, three times the sugar content of your average grocery store pineapple! Did you know it takes 18 months for a single pineapple to grow? The tour included a Pineapple to take home, so we have saved the crowns and hope to grow some of our own Maui Gold back home, but it we be quite a while before we can enjoy them!
Day 3: Snorkeling at Molokini Crater
The next day was spent on an incredible snorkeling tour to Molokini Crater aboard the Pride of Maui. The Molokini Crater is a crescent-shaped, partially submerged volcano crater and is a protected marine sanctuary. With over 250 species of marine life and 150-foot visibility, it’s easily one of the top snorkeling spots in Hawai‘i. The tour also included lunch and a second stop at Maluaka Beach, also known as Turtle Town (though we didn’t spot any turtles this time).
We wrapped up the day with a few sweet treats, shave ice from Ululani’s, and trying malasadas, a Portuguese doughnut that’s hugely popular on the islands.
Day 4: Iao Valley, Local Eats & A Beach Buddy
We explored the lush and historically significant ʻĪao Valley State Monument, where the famous Battle of Kepaniwai took place in 1790. Nearby, we discovered Kepaniwai Heritage Gardens, with tributes to Maui’s multicultural roots, from Native Hawaiian to Portuguese, Japanese, Korean, Filipino, and Chinese structures and gardens.
Hungry after our morning hike, we asked a local for a lunch recommendation and ended up at Waikapu on 30, where we tried the delicious Pork Lau Lau and sweet potato haupia pie. When traveling, we love seeking out local favorites, and this was definitely one of them. We picked the pork dish because the guy in front of us could tell we weren’t really sure what to pick and he made the suggestion. It was without a doubt one of the best meals we had in Hawaii.
That afternoon, we did something a little different: we participated in the Maui Humane Society’s Beach Buddies program, taking a shelter dog named Kyle out for a day of adventure. From beach time to a dog-friendly coffee shop, it was a heartwarming and memorable experience.
Day 5: Road to Hana
No trip to Maui is complete without the legendary Road to Hana. This scenic, winding journey along Maui’s eastern coast is dotted with waterfalls, hikes, and hidden gems.
We hit the road early to make the most of the day. Highlights included:
- Twin Falls – Easy access and an early stop with great photo ops
- Waianapanapa State Park – Home to Maui’s famous black sand beach (reservations required)
- Aunt Sandys – A great place to grab fresh banana bread and fruit
- Wailua Falls – One of the most photogenic waterfalls along the route
Pro tip: Download an audio guide app in advance. It adds local context and history as you drive. Cell phone service is also inconsistent, so its not a bad idea to have a back up paper map, just incase.
The road to Hana is an intense day, so pack snacks, water, and start early. We decided to spend the night in Hana, and made the drive back the next day, taking some of the pressure off us for timing, and giving us more flexibility to enjoy the journey!
Final Thoughts
Maui is a place where adventure meets culture, and natural beauty intersects with deep-rooted traditions. Whether it’s watching the sun rise over volcanic peaks, snorkeling with reef fish, tasting fresh pineapple, or sharing your day with a shelter dog, this island offers more than just picture-perfect beaches.
We hope our journey inspires your own! If you’re planning a trip to Hawai‘i, consider supporting local businesses, learning about the island’s cultural heritage, and traveling with intention.
Watch the Full Maui Travel Episode
Want to see everything we experienced? Watch our 5-Day Maui Travel Vlog on The Savory Suitcase YouTube channel:
Watch Now on YouTube
Mahalo for reading, and aloha from the next adventure!
The Savory Suitcase 