Last Minute Trip to Maui: Here’s the Plan

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We were on Kauai for spring break and met a family who was so disappointed. While they had booked their trip months in advance, they waited until the last minute to book their activities. And when they tried to make reservations, everything they really wanted to do was sold out.

Let’s not have that happen to you! Here is your punch list for booking a last-minute trip to Maui.

Whether you booked the “big” things (flights and hotel) months ago and are scrambling to make a plan for your days now, or you are fully booking a last-minute trip to Maui right now, we have you covered.

You can stop the endless googling, because these are the core things most people want to do when they visit Maui.

Maui Activities to Book

Here is the shortlist of our favorite Maui activities. You can find all our favorite and tested tours here: Maui Tours & Activities.

Whale Watching Tour

December through April is peak humpback whale season, and there’s nothing quite like watching these giants breach right in front of you. We recommend two incredible raft options that get you up close and personal with the whales.

And bonus: we’ve got a discount for both! These tours fill up fast during the holidays, so book now. Click the links below for the discount codes and details o the tours.

• This is a great whale watching rafting trip if you’re staying in Wailea/Kihei.
• This is an excellent one if you’re in Ka’anapali/Lahaina area.

If rafting feels a bit too adventurous to you, we have a list of the best whale watching tours on Maui. Choose one, and you’ll love it!

Road to Hana or Haleakala Experience

We love telling people to get out on the water in Maui and take a boat trip. But similarly, if you want to explore the island, we highly recommend doing either the Road to Hana or visiting Upcountry Maui and Haleakala.

Choose your adventure: take a guided tour that handles all the driving and planning, OR go at your own pace and book your own reservations.

You can do both of these Maui experiences. But, for a last minute trip to Maui, you may only be able to find availability for one.

Road to Hana Tours

If you’re going with a guided tour, here are our favorite Road to Hana Tours. We offer group and private tours and give you options at different price points.

But, if we had to recommend just one private tour, this one would be it.

Haleakala National Park Tours

And for Haleakala sunrise tours, this is an excellent one, and we have a 10% off coupon code with them.

• Small group tour of both Maui’s volcanoes! ‘Iao Valley and Sunset at Haleakala
• Private tour of Haleakala and ‘Iao Valley, sunset tour!
• Cruise ship passengers should book this Haleakala and ‘Iao Valley tour

Don’t Forget the Reservation

If you’re DIY-ing it, make sure to reserve your spot at Wai’anapanapa Black Sand Beach or secure your permit for Haleakala sunrise viewing – both require advance reservations and sell out during peak season.

Epic Beach-Loading Snorkel Tour

Skip the long boat rides and get straight to the best snorkeling spots. Our two favorite tours load right from the beach, so you’re in the water faster and have more time to explore Maui’s incredible marine life.

• Our favorite Molokini snorkel tour leaves from the beaches just south of Wailea, and it’s really a must if you’re staying in South Maui.
• If you’re staying in Ka’anapali, there’s nothing easier than these beach loading snorkel tours with Sea Maui. Honestly, not having to get into your car to drive to a harbor is such a time saver. It’s a dream!

My friend called me over Thanksgiving, asking for tips on Maui tours for their mid-December trip. Since they enjoy unique experiences, I recommended a Lanai snorkel and dolphin-watching tour. Our family just did this tour for the second time in October. Click here to learn more and save 10%! Lanai Snorkel and Dolphin Adventure.

Last Minute Restaurant Reservations on Maui

Yes, restaurants are open over the holidays, but this is the busiest time of year on Maui. If you have any must-eat spots on your list, book those reservations now. Don’t leave it to chance, or you’ll be stuck with limited options.

If you’re looking for beachfront restaurants, we have a list of options here for you. And while you might not be able to get a spot at Mama’s Fish House last minute, we do love Hali’imaile General Store.

Make your reservations early for the best selection!

• 15 BEST Restaurants in Wailea and Kihei
• Dinne on the Beach on Maui: Best Restaurants to Reserve

Last Minute Trip to Maui: The Lu’au

We always tell our friends that a luau is not required on a trip to Hawaii. While we do love the performers and the Hawaiian food, for a last minute trip to Maui, availability may be challenging. So, we don’t want to give you too much hope.

We share our favorite Maui Luaus here. Old Lahaina Luau is our favorite, but if you’re staying in Wailea or Ka’anapali, then we recommend doing a luau close to your resort.

Resort luaus usually have special holiday shows. Try to book those if they are available!

Yes, You Want a Rental Car on Maui

If you want to see the island, the best way is with a rental car. Public transportation on the island is limited and slow, and hiring a taxi or Uber will get expensive, quickly.

You can read our tips for Maui without a rental car, but for a last-minute trip to Maui, renting a car gives you the most flexibility.

Whether we are booking well in advance or last minute, we always check with Discount Hawaii Car Rental to get the best prices on national carriers. We book with them because (A) they offer the best rates and (B) they don’t require prepayment, so we always recheck rates.

For a last minute trip to Maui, I recommend going straight to Discount Hawaii Car Rental for price shopping. Costco is another option, but check their cancellation policy!

Where to Stay on a Last Minute Trip to Maui

When we first moved to Maui in 2019, the island was completely sold out for the holidays.

The holidays are busy on Maui, very busy. But, visitor counts have been low, so you’re in luck in finding a hotel. Here are some of our favorite Maui hotels that are large, so they most likely have rooms.

Click the links for our full review of these last-minute Maui hotels.

• Grand Wailea: luxury hotel on Wailea Beach
• Wailea Beach Resort: a Marriott property that is great for kids and a romantic trip.
• Westin Maui: a great location in Ka’anapali
• Napili Kai Beach Resort is a great place to stay on Napili Bay! This is a more intimate, smaller resort, but you may find availability!

Itinerary for a Last Minute Trip to Maui

Don’t you want us to repeat our lessons learned from traveling to Hawaii? Grab our itinerary, and your planning will be over. You will not regret the answer to Is a Hawaii Itinerary Worth the Money?

Don’t get overwhelmed with the details on a last minute trip to Maui! Being in the warm embrace of the island is all you need on your vacation!

I hope I can help with some of your last-minute bookings. If you’re looking for full days out and all the details for a Maui vacation, then see our Maui Wayfinder Itinerary! You can’t go wrong with our itinerary!