OGG Airport: 27 mi Β· 45 minTin Roof: 26.5 mi Β· 43 minCostco: 28 mi Β· 46 minLeoda's: 14.5 mi Β· 20 minSheraton (luau): 3.5 mi Β· 8 min
11:11 AM
1 hr
Depart
12:15 PM
5 min drive
Airport Sync & Rental Pickup
Monica's group (Alaska 933, 11:11 AM) meets Katherine (Alaska 245, 11:19 AM) at baggage claim. Collect all five checked bags, then pick up the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Drop the bags, stock the fridge, change into aloha wear for the luau.
Unlock the unit & put groceries away
Change into aloha-casual
Quick breather on the lanai
Address: 3559 Lower Honoapiilani Rd, Honokowai, HI 96761 · π Open in Maps
4:45 PM
3 hrs
Depart
8:00 PM
Back to condo after
Maui Nui Luau at the SheratonDinnerβ Reserved
Celebrating Bella's and Lia's birthdays β a beachfront luau at Black Rock with sunset, the cliff-dive ceremony, buffet, open bar, and the fire-knife finale. The girls' most-wanted night of the trip.
Arrive at the texted check-in time (usually ~4:45 PM)
Self-park the Sheraton structure ($2 with luau validation)
Lei greeting, imu ceremony, Black Rock cliff dive at sunset
The day's tight but doable. If Costco runs long, skip a pie variety at Leoda's β protect the luau check-in. You can always top up groceries at Times Supermarket (across from the condo) later in the week.
π Today, pack: Beach day kit: swimsuits, rash guards, hats, extra reef-safe zinc, the cooler for the poke run, and a little cash for the Kihei food trucks.
π Drive Times from Maui Sands Condo
Keawakapu Beach: 29 mi Β· 42 minS. Maui Fish Co.: 26 mi Β· 38 minShops at Wailea: 30.5 mi Β· 45 minMakena Cove: 33 mi Β· 50 minTamura's Kihei: 25.5 mi Β· 36 min
8:00 AM
1 hr
Depart
9:00 AM
42 min drive
Breakfast & Head SouthBreakfast
Condo breakfast, then the drive down to the sunny Gold Coast.
Breakfast at the condo
Pack the cooler with ice for the poke run home
9:42 AM
2 hr 18 min
Depart
12:00 PM
10 min drive
Wailea Beach Path & Keawakapu Swim
Walk the paved path past the Four Seasons and Grand Wailea, then swim the calm, warm water.
π Today, pack: Swimsuits & rash guards under clothes, water shoes (Honolua is all rock), reef-safe zinc, a towel; smart-casual for the sushi dinner.
π Drive Times from Maui Sands Condo
Snorkel shops: 2–5 minHonolua Bay: 6.4 mi Β· 12 minHonolua Store: 5 mi Β· 10 minDragon's Teeth: 4.8 mi Β· 8 minNapili Bay: 2.2 mi Β· 5 minSansei: 4.5 mi Β· 9 min
8:00 AM
45 min
Depart
8:45 AM
4 min drive
Breakfast, Snorkel Gear & the ReportBreakfast
Condo breakfast, grab snorkel sets for the week, and check today's conditions before Honolua.
Breakfast at the condo
Rent gear for the week at Snorkel Bob's or Boss Frog's (by the condo)
Today's the snorkel-gear pickup for the week β you'll use it again Sunday at Black Rock. If Honolua looks milky/brown or surfers are on the north side, conditions are poor β pick a calmer beach instead. Two phone calls between Napili and Sansei: Komoda Bakery for tomorrow's pre-order, and Iao Valley reservations to check if the park reopened.
π Today, pack:Warm layers are the priority β jacket/windbreaker, beanie, long pants, warm socks, closed shoes (35–40°F at the summit). Cash for Komoda. Sunglasses too.
π Drive Times from Maui Sands Condo
Makawao / Komoda: 37 mi Β· 1 hr 15 minPolli's: 37 mi Β· 1 hr 15 minAli'i Kula Lavender: 43 mi Β· 1 hr 30 minSurfing Goat Dairy: 32 mi Β· 1 hrHaleakala Summit: 52 mi Β· 1 hr 45 min
8:00 AM
1 hr 15 min
Depart
9:15 AM
1 hr 15 min drive
Breakfast & Pack the Warm BagBreakfast
Relaxed start β it's a sunset day. Gas up before the long climb.
Breakfast at the condo
Load the warm bag: jackets, beanies, pants, socks
Fuel up before heading upcountry
10:30 AM
1 hr 15 min
Depart
11:45 AM
2 min drive
Komoda Bakery + Makawao Town StrollPre-Order
The beloved 1916 bakery closes at 1 PM β hit it first. Pre-order called in Friday β just walk up and grab your bag.
Up the Mountain to the Summit (10,023 ft)β Reserved
Per your plan β up the mountain first. Layer up before you step out; it's near freezing. HaleakalΔ entry paid online β show confirmation at the gate.
π± Show pre-paid entry confirmation at the gate (recreation.gov/sitepass/haleakala)
β HaleakalΔ is cashless β credit/debit only if any in-park purchases
Put on ALL warm layers before stepping out
Short path to the Summit Overlook
No sunrise reservation needed β going for sunset
Long, full upcountry day. Komoda first (closes 1 PM) is non-negotiable β pre-order pickup makes it fast. HaleakalΔ entry already paid online and the park is cashless. Expect to roll home around 10:30 PM.
π Today, pack: Swimsuits under clothes, water shoes (Olivine is sharp rock), a dry change of clothes & towel, reef-safe zinc, and casual evening wear for Joey's. Check the tide before going to Olivine β only safe at low tide / calm seas.
π Drive Times from Maui Sands Condo
Nakalele Blowhole: 13 mi Β· 30 minOlivine Pools: 11 mi Β· 25 minWhalers Village: 3.5 mi Β· 8 minBlack Rock: 3.5 mi Β· 8 minNapili Shell (gas): 1.5 mi Β· 4 minJoey's Kitchen: 2 mi Β· 5 min
8:00 AM
45 min
Depart
8:45 AM
30 min drive
Breakfast on the LanaiBreakfast
Easy condo breakfast before a Northwest Maui adventure morning.
Simple breakfast from the Costco haul
Pack water shoes, towels & a dry change of clothes
Check tide times for Olivine β go on a falling/low tide
9:15 AM
1 hr 15 min
Depart
10:30 AM
10 min drive
Nakalele Blowhole
Dramatic ocean blowhole on the far north tip of West Maui β 50-foot water spouts when the surf hits right. ~10β15 min hike down to the rocks.
Park in the gravel pullout (small fee)
Hike down β wear closed-toe shoes, it's slippery
Stay well back from the blowhole β powerful, unpredictable
4:30 AM departure tomorrow. Get everything ready tonight so the morning is just coffee β car β drive.
π Pack the Jeep: cooler with water/snacks/Dramamine, swim gear, towels, water shoes, power bank, light rain layer
β° Set 4:00 AM alarms on multiple phones
β Prep coffee thermoses and breakfast bars for the car
π± Confirm offline maps downloaded for Hana Highway (Paia past Hana)
π Pre-order Okazuya bento Monday morning before leaving β for 6:30 PM pickup
π In bed by 9:30 PM
β¨ Local Charm
The Nakalele + Olivine combo replaces parasailing today β a wilder, free, more memorable adventure that gets you off the beaten path. Don't go to Olivine in big winter surf or stormy conditions. Tonight is also Road to Hana prep night β 4:30 AM departure tomorrow.
π Today, pack: Swimsuits & rash guards, water shoes, Dramamine, power bank, light rain layer, sunglasses, the packed cooler. Mom (Miriam) has the cash for roadside stands, Nahiku food trucks, Twin Falls parking. Offline maps downloaded β cell service drops out.
π Drive Times (one-way from the condo)
Waianapanapa: 74 mi Β· 2 hr 15 minHamoa Beach: 78 mi Β· 2 hr 30 minThree Bears: 62 mi Β· 1 hr 50 minAunty Sandy's (Ke'anae): 54 mi Β· 1 hr 35 minMac-Nut Brittle: 54 mi Β· 1 hr 35 minWaikamoi: 47 mi Β· 1 hr 25 minHuelo Lookout: 42 mi Β· 1 hr 10 minTwin Falls: 40 mi Β· 1 hr 5 minHo'okipa: 35 mi Β· 50 min
4:30 AM
β
Depart
4:30 AM
2 hr 15 min drive
Depart Condo β Direct to HanaBreakfast
Pre-dawn departure to make the 7β10 AM Waianapanapa window. Coffee thermos in the car; Jeep packed Sunday night.
Grab-and-go breakfast bars + coffee thermos
Cooler & water already loaded
Offline maps on; Dramamine taken if needed
Mom has the cash in the day bag
Tank topped off from Sunday evening
6:45 AM
1 hr 15 min
Depart
8:00 AM
15 min drive
Waianapanapa State Park β Black Sand Beachβ Reserved
Sunrise on the empty black sand beach β you'll have it nearly to yourselves. Lava sea-cave, natural rock arch, cliff path. NO SWIMMING β the undertow here is dangerous. This is a look + photo stop.
Show reservation at the gate β Ref 6a360d9317fbda187a784189
Walk the cliff path; step onto the black sand for photos
Explore the sea cave on the right
Quick snack on the bluffs
7:00β10:00 AM slot Β· $5/person + $10/vehicle
β Do NOT swim β dangerous undertow, no lifeguards
A short drive south of Hana β Hamoa is the swimmable beach you want. Crescent-shaped, soft sand, clear water, easy stairs down from roadside parking.
Park roadside (free) β walk down the steps
Swim, body surf, or just relax β waves can be strong but safer than Waianapanapa
The 4:30 AM departure gets you to Waianapanapa for sunrise on an empty black sand beach. No swimming at Waianapanapa β dangerous undertow, so it's a 1 hr 15 min look-and-photo stop. Then 10 min south to Hamoa Beach for the real swim (much safer water, porta-potty & rinse shower on site). After that, drive west all day with the sun behind you. Mac-Nut Brittle closes at noon β drop it if anything ran long earlier. Home by 5:10 PM.
π Today, pack: Walking shoes & light layer for misty Iao; swimsuit for any pools; Katherine's bags packed & loaded in the Jeep before leaving the condo; plastic bag for wet clothes; pool toys/valuables removed (you'll park at OGG). Lia's 15th birthday π
π Drive Times from Maui Sands Condo
Iao Valley: 26 mi Β· 40 minKepaniwai: 26 mi Β· 40 minWailuku: 27 mi Β· 42 minMaui Tropical Plantation: 30 mi Β· 45 minMaalaea Harbor: 32 mi Β· 48 minKealia Pond: 30 mi Β· 45 minDa Kitchen (Kihei): 37 mi Β· 55 minOGG Airport: 27 mi Β· 45 min
7:30 AM
1 hr 30 min
Depart
9:00 AM
40 min drive
Birthday Breakfast & Load UpBreakfast
Slow start β Lia turns 15 today, with another nod to Bella's birthday week too. Her choice of breakfast on the lanai. Pack Katherine's bags & load everything for the airport so there's no return to the condo tonight.
Birthday breakfast β Lia's pick, with Bella's input π π
Katherine's bags packed & loaded into the Jeep
Plastic bag for wet clothes in Katherine's day bag
Pool toys, valuables, anything left out β secured
9:40 AM
1 hr 5 min
Depart
10:45 AM
5 min drive
Iao Valley Road β Gate Photo Stop
Park is still closed for bridge work (closure extended beyond Jun 26). Drive up Iao Valley Road to the closure gate for distant valley + mountain photos, then back to Kepaniwai.
Drive up Iao Valley Rd to the gate
Distant photos of the lush valley walls & stream
Turnaround and back to Kepaniwai β 5 min
If Monica successfully booked Iao reservation Friday: visit the park inside (0.6-mi loop to the Needle) Β· reservation required Β· $5/person + $15/vehicle
Default plan (park still closed): gate stop only, extended time at Kepaniwai next door
A peaceful half-mile elevated boardwalk over a coastal wetland β Hawaiian stilts (ae'o), herons, and shorebirds. Almost no tourists, totally free, a quiet way to wind down before dinner.
Katherine's farewell dinner + a birthday dinner for Bella and Lia. Hawaiian comfort food, family-friendly β the famous local plate-lunch spot, now at their Kihei location.
Notorious B.I.G. Moco, kalua pig, garlic shrimp, chili cheese fries
Birthday cake / dessert for Bella π and Lia π
Monica, Miriam, Bella & Lia head back to West Maui β a quieter evening at the condo.
~45 min back to the condo
Quiet evening, pack a bit for tomorrow's departure
π‘ Good to Know
Day 7 flows naturally south then east β Iao Valley Rd gate stop, Kepaniwai/Wailuku, lunch at the Plantation, then a relaxed Maalaea-area afternoon (harbor walk, general store, wildlife refuge) before dinner near OGG. Iao Valley default plan is the roadside gate stop since the park has been closed; if Monica successfully booked Friday, swap in the full park visit instead.
π Today, pack: Travel clothes; swimsuit for a final dip; double-check drawers, chargers & the fridge before checkout. Lia's birthday π
π Drive Times from Maui Sands Condo
Paia Fish Market: 27.5 mi Β· 43 minOGG Airport: 27 mi Β· 45 min
7:30 AM
3 hr 30 min
Depart
11:00 AM
12 min drive
Final Beach Walk, Breakfast & CheckoutBreakfast
One last barefoot walk on the sand, a light breakfast, then lock up on a wonderful week.
Sunrise walk & aloha to the ocean
Light breakfast; tidy the kitchen; checkout by 10 AM
Load all bags into the Jeep
Leave the condo at 10:45 AM for an 11:00 AM Paia arrival
11:00 AM
1 hr
Depart
12:00 PM
12 min drive
Birthday Lunch at Paia Fish MarketLunchWalk-In
A last great Maui meal β and one more birthday lunch for Bella and Lia β in charming Paia town, ~12 min from the airport. Arrive at opening (11 AM) to beat the line.
Arrive right at opening (11 AM) β walk-in only
Charbroiled fish burger (mahi or ono) or fish & chips
One more birthday treat for Bella π and Lia π
Leave extra buffer for the rental return + USDA inspection before check-in. The group is now four β Monica, Miriam, Bella & Lia. Mahalo for a great trip.
