48hrs on Maui

Question

We are planning a very last minute trip to Hawaii at the end of next month. We have everything set for Kona (corporate trip) but I am overwhelmed planning two days here. It is really last minute (just booked flights yesterday)

I have done some research and did reserve sunrise at Haleakala for our first morning. I figured we would be awake anyway with the time difference from the east coast. Besides that I just don’t know what to do or the area we should even stay. We usually stay at Marriotts and I was thinking about staying in Wailea. Is there another area you would recommend? We are foodies. I was going to book Mama’s Fish House however the only last minute reservation was around 2:00. I didn’t want to tie up the day with lunch.

Answer

With only 48 hours on Maui, it’s best to focus on a couple of areas to maximize your experience without feeling rushed. Since you already have Haleakala sunrise planned, staying somewhere central to explore other highlights makes sense. Wailea is an excellent choice, especially for upscale resorts, beaches, and convenient access to good dining.

Here’s a suggested approach:

Day 1 – Sunrise & Upcountry: After your early Haleakala sunrise, consider stopping at a local café for breakfast in Makawao or Kula. Spend the morning exploring upcountry Maui’s charming towns, farms, and botanical gardens. If you’re interested in coffee, the Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm offers scenic views and tea/coffee options.
Lunch/Brunch: For a flexible option without a long sit-down, try Ulupalakua Ranch Store for sandwiches or small bites. It’s scenic and not far from Haleakala.
Afternoon: Return to Wailea or nearby Makena beaches for some relaxation and swimming. If you want to be more active, a short hike at Makena State Park or a walk along Wailea Beach Path is refreshing.
Dinner: For a special dinner without tying up the whole day, consider one of the following:

Merriman’s in Kapalua – farm-to-table and ocean views, casual elegance.
Ka’ana Kitchen at Andaz Wailea – high-quality contemporary Hawaiian cuisine within walking distance of your resort.
Monkeypod Kitchen in Wailea – relaxed, great food, local beer and cocktails.

Day 2 can focus on the northern or western side if you want to experience more scenery:

Consider a scenic drive along the northwest coast to Lahaina for a morning stroll, shops, and coffee.
If snorkeling is on your list, Molokini Crater or Turtle Town tours depart from Ma’alaea Harbor and can be done in half a day.
Lunch in Lahaina – try Paia Fish Market for fresh seafood or Down the Hatch for casual eats.
Afternoon – visit Iao Valley State Monument or relax on one of the nearby beaches before returning to your resort.

Additional tips:

For last-minute food reservations, many Maui restaurants offer walk-ins or bar seating that can give you a similar experience to booked tables.
Staying in Wailea keeps you near top beaches, restaurants, and a central location for day trips without adding too much driving.
Since time is limited, focus on one or two “big” experiences (Haleakala sunrise and a nice dinner) and mix in scenic drives, beaches, or short hikes for a well-rounded 48 hours.

This itinerary balances adventure, scenic views, and excellent food without overwhelming a short visit.