No matter what parts of the world your travels take you to, this post is sure to be useful in helping you choose the type of hat (or cap) that’s most practical while making the best fashion statement. The first thing to do is find the right hat that fits with your personal style. Read on to learn some basic, but often overlooked facts about different types of hats.
Hat vs Cap
For various reasons, the terms hat and cap seem to be used interchangeably. As a bit of a hat guy myself, the long time question I’ve always had is whether they have different purposes? Maybe it’s that they’re made of different materials, or that the choice of word is just a personal preference.
Sometimes, the word cap makes me think of my grandparents, something used for ceremonial purposes, or even the middle ages (maybe a bit of an exaggeration, but definitely something of an older era).
If we were having this hat vs cap conversation a long time ago, chances are you’d already know the difference between them. In this new era, and with some changes to the English language, the difference in their meanings seems to have been lost. I’ve personally noticed (I live in North America) that people say hat more often than cap.
Different Cap Types
Basically, a cap is a brimless hat. A big difference between caps and hats is that a cap usually has a visor. Think baseball cap, for example. Although visor hats is a pretty common search term on Google, it’s not actually very accurate. In reality, headwear with a visor should be called a cap. I’ll try to remember to call them visor caps and not visor hats from now on!
Caps come in many different sizes, as well as in a variety of synthetic materials, making them an excellent fashion accessory. Older caps used to have mesh panels at the back of the cap, but some of the new era baseball cap styles are made using plastic mesh, giving a similar appearance.
Basically, a cap is a brimless hat. A big difference between caps and hats is that a cap usually has a visor. Think baseball cap, for example. Although visor hats is a pretty common search term on Google, it’s not actually very accurate. In reality, headwear with a visor should be called a cap. I’ll try to remember to call them visor caps and not visor hats from now on!
The Baseball Cap
I recently took my son to a Blue Jays baseball game so that he could see some major league baseball players in action. While we were there, he bought a fitted hat, it was a newly released edition Jays hat, with mesh panels around the back. This just goes to show that old hat styles seem to be coming back around.
Brim vs Visor Hats
Some examples of different types of caps are the fitted cap (often worn by major league baseball players), the snapback cap, and the trucker cap. The ski cap is probably the most unusual style of cap. It does not actually have a visor, making it stand out from all the other caps.
So while the visor seems to be the main difference in the hat vs cap conversation, by definition, it’s the lack of brim on a cap that sets it apart from the hat.
Different Hat Types
And now, to the hat. While a cap has a visor, the hat offers greater all around coverage from the sun in the form of a brim. The hat comes in various sizes, great for those with small heads or even a higher crown. In reality, hat could be considered an umbrella term for both caps and hats; the hat is the larger of the two, offering greater coverage, while the cap has had its brim removed in exchange for a visor.
Just like the term visor hats is a bit misleading, people who talk about their brimmed hats are equally mistaken. While it’s nice to point out that brimmed hats offer better sun protection than a brimless hat…you’d be better off dropping brimless, and just calling it a hat (since it has a brim, by definition). Tell your friends with brimless hats that there’s actually no such thing. You can correct them, letting them know that their brimless hat is, in fact, a cap. How’s that for some light party conversation?
Fashion Accessory of Part of a Uniform
Hats can be worn for various reasons, sometimes even for religious purposes, ceremonial purposes, or as part of a uniform. A lot of hats are simply worn as a fashion accessory. Hats can be made from both synthetic materials and natural fabrics.
Some of the most common types of hats include: baseball hats, trucker hats, the all famous cowboy hat, top hat, Panama hat, bowler hat, and even the hard hat, which isn’t a fashion accessory, but more of a protective item.
Hats for travel
Since I tend to write about all things travel, I can’t resist but to end with a few pro tips. Take it from an avid traveller, who’s also a bit of a hat guy, about how you can make the most of this important personal style item wherever your travels may take you.
The Fedora Hat
I enjoy travelling to sunny destinations with my family in winter months, however. My favourite hat for warm climates is my dark brown fedora hat. It’s essentially a low profile straw hat. I love this hat for its small brim, which isn’t too assuming, yet provides decent sun protection.
I absolutely avoid checking luggage whenever possible, and unlike its cousin the Panama hat, my fedora hat makes for easier manoeuvring down the narrow aisles of the airplane, and easy storage on top of my backpack in the overhead bin.
While my wife and I usually have our two kids in tow, I can confidently say that my fedora hat is far from the dad hats that I can remember from when I was a kid.
The fedora hat is also the type of hat that works both at the beach, or in a slightly more formal setting. The fedora hat is a great option for comfort and sun protection on a beach vacation. In case you’re making your own travel plans and hope to enjoy some tropical weather this winter season, you might want to read my post 5 Days in Maui | The Maui Itinerary to Follow for the Ultimate Hawaii Experience.
A trip to the city of lights is always a good idea, however, you might want to consider swapping your baseball caps and flip flops for something that’s a little more sophistiqué to help you navigate the streets of Paris in French style. Don’t get me wrong, men, a trip to the French capital doesn’t mean you should be packing for Paris fashion week. However, Parisian men have a street style that’s just a little more business casual than you might expect in many non-European countries.
Why is it important to avoid bringing along those comfortable but clunky tennis shoes, and your favorite pair of baggy cargo shorts? Let’s just say this, the French people appreciate understated classic styles, neutral colors, and a general dress code that says, “I try to look good, not too hard, but just enough.” While you might not sound like a local, you’ll at least look like one (and not like a tourist) if you plan your packing list with this in mind and with the tips I’m offering up here.
Having captured the outward approval of the discerning Parisian eye, you’ll be more likely to get better service, be treated with slightly better manners, and be excused in case you are caught fumbling through your old high school French while trying to order a coffee. Furthermore, Paris is filled with les pickpockets and the more you embrace the local dress code, attempting to dress like a Parisian man, the less likely you are to encounter problems.
So having established that it’s important for visitors to the city of lights to at least somewhat embrace Parisian style, how should you go about preparing your packing list? The good news is that I have lived in Paris, as well as traveled there more times than I can count for both work and pleasure. I am going to pass along some personal style secrets, while sharing a pro tip or two as I break things down for you, season by season. After reading this streets of Paris travel dress code post, your street style while in the French capital will ensure that you have more natural interactions with the locals, which is also a great way of ensuring that you don’t unnecessarily get caught up in some of the less desirable large city problems (pickpockets, aggressive panhandlers, and so on).
DISCLAIMER: fashion trends come and go, and while I don’t claim to have all of 2023’s most recent parisian street style fads at the tip of my fingers (are parisian men embracing the fanny pack trend? Are skinny jeans a thing this season?), the good news is that I can help you to make a packing list that includes a few classic pieces and Paris outfits that will be practical and make you look like you belong on the streets of Paris.
What are Parisian men wearing every day?
The good news, from one étranger to another, is that Parisian style is all about classical pieces, neutral colors, and bien sûr, a good deal of nonchalant attitude. It’s actually not too difficult to pick out a few travel essentials that are in line with Parisian fashion. Many French men prefer to wear suits to work, in fact, if you’re going to professional meetings of any kind, business casual isn’t really a thing in the French capital. You’ll want to include a high quality suit and white button up dress shirt on your packing list (doesn’t have to be Louis Vuitton or anything, but preferably dark colors and slim fitting). If your travels bring you to the city of lights for pleasure, then sophisticated casual is the best way to go (and mostly what I’ll talk about here). One of the most important things to remember is that Parisian men don’t just wear the clothes and accessories I’m about to discuss, they wear them confidently!
What to wear in Paris in summer
Most French people get at least 5 weeks of holidays per year, and so there’s always a mass exodus of people from the French capital when warm days arrive. Only in summer months do male tourists nearly outnumber the Parisian men (so if ever you want to rock your short shorts and flip flops, the peak of summer is when you’re least likely to get eye rolls and snickers from the Parisian style police). I still maintain, however, that it’s always a good idea to step up your dress code while in Paris, even during summer.
The streets of Paris can get pretty hot at the peak of summer. While the average high temperatures are around 25 degrees celsius (that’s 83 in fahrenheit), the reflection of the sun off the cobblestone streets and stone buildings make the warm days feel uncomfortable. Because of this, clothing made from breathable fabrics are a good choice. It’s also a good idea to reserve those otherwise very fashionable dark colors for the cool days of fall and winter. Think about packing clothes that will reflect the heat and offer a slightly more relaxed fit, after all, you’ll want to be out during the warm days without having to go back to your hotel to change for evening meals in the cafes of Montmartre or the famous quartier latin. It’s always a good idea to pack a few casual t-shirts, then make a good base layer, and you can even get away adding a little of your own style when it comes to color preference (you’re more likely to get away with something a little bit adventurous in the color department if it’s just a casual t-shirt). Consider adding a pair of simple white sneakers to your packing list, these will match well with all of your Paris outfits.
A little closer to your departure date, check on the weather, if rainy days are in the forecast, you’ll of course want to pack a light jacket (once again, thinking of neutral colors). If the weather calls for warm days with no rain, then a semi warm sweater is a good idea, in my experience. Better yet, a merino wool sweater, which will be both cooler on warm days and warmer on cool days (they can even handle a little bit of rain, and they don’t get stinky as fast as fabrics like cotton or polyester – don’t ask me how it works, but merino wool is magical, one of the travel essentials on my packing list). In true French style, you can throw your warm sweater over the back of your shoulders and loosely tie the arms below your neck. You’ll look like you just stepped out of the pages of a French men’s fashion magazine! Last point about the necessity of a warm sweater (in case you haven’t noticed, the sweater is a key part of my Paris outfits), if you’ve stuck to a neutral color, it can be paired with just about anything in your suitcase. Whether you’re in a business casual mood, or you’ve thrown on a pair of jeans to head out to the bar with friends, chances are that the sweater is going to help you achieve a look that’s très chic.
While Parisian style is often seen as quite formal, the reality is that denim jeans are also a staple clothing item in the city of lights. Style can vary from skinny jeans to slim-fit (but it’s a little less common to see baggy or relaxed fit). In keeping with true French style, dark denim jeans are more common than the lighter colored variety. All the better for you, as packing a few pairs of dark jeans is a great way to make your travel wardrobe more versatile; the dark colors in your denim jeans will pair well with whatever you choose to wear on top.
One final comment about summer on the streets of Paris: there are so many heated discussions and strong opinions about shorts. To wear shorts, or not to wear shorts, that is the question. When I was younger, and living in Paris, I was always told that shorts were for the beach. Why on earth would you wear shorts in the city, in the summer? Absolument pas, it’s just not done this way in Paris (or so I was told, and so I read). In reality, Parisian men do mostly wear pants and shoes in summer. However, the French people also have a practical side, and if the average high temperatures are just unbearable, guaranteed that some will break out the shorts. As you would expect, however, they’ll be nicely fitted, neutral colors, and generally fashionable.
What to wear in Paris in autumn
Autumn is my favorite time of year in the French capital. Paris generally sees a mix of cool sunny days, with occasional showers. Parisian style takes on a renewed focus on dark colors, once again, with the warm days of summer now passed. Chances are good that you’ll be faced with unpredictable weather, dressing in layers is a great way to explore the parisian streets. It’s also a very common practice for Parisian men to go out wearing multiple layers. Full sleeve button up dress shirts are an essential part of my Paris outfits and make a good base layer. When I’m in the French capital in the fall, I always pack several dress shirts. Back to the importance of a warm sweater, once again, your sweater will make up the very important second layer (and on warm days, this might be your outermost layer, especially if it contains some merino wool). Lastly, a trench coat or leather jacket completes your layered look.
There’s not too much more that needs to be said about the dress code for autumn in Paris; dark jeans are once again your best friend. They will complete your paris outfits because their dark colors are so versatile.
With a new season, comes a new pair of shoes. Whereas summer was all about white sneakers and breathable fabrics, fall brings about leather. In addition to the classic leather jacket, you will see many Parisian men sporting shiny brown or black leather dress shoes (even with denim jeans) and on cooler days, lace-up ankle-high leather boots. The good news about a stylish leather pair of shoes is that they will keep your feet dry on rainy days. With unpredictable weather, it’s always a good thing to be prepared.
What to wear in Paris in winter
I can almost guarantee that you’ll experience rainy days in the French capital in the winter months. So when you’re preparing your packing list for a winter trip to Paris, remember that one of the most important travel essentials is a rain jacket. If this is your first time in Paris, I must warn you that wearing a winter coat that’s overly colorful is a big faux pas! While selecting what winter coat or rain jacket to include in your luggage allows for some expression of personal style (do you like a simple black shell rain jacket over warmer inner layers, or a dark gray insulated waterproof mid-thigh length winter coat), remember that this item of clothing is truly your Paris street wear. It’s what you’ll be seen in as you enter restaurants and shops, or as you ride the metro to the museum. So please think about selecting something that is understated and has dark colors (or at least neutral colors).
Men’s mid-length winter coat in merino wool, classic styles are a great way to add versatility to your Paris outfits.
Street style in Paris in winter revolves around accessories. Hats, gloves and scarves are all classic pieces of clothing worn by just about all Parisian men. That’s right, Parisian men wear scarves in winter (and they look pretty stylish while doing it). Not only is a good quality scarf, or a pair of leather gloves a good idea according to the unwritten rules of French style, but these fashionable accessories can keep you toasty warm on the chilliest of winter days.
Beyond the outer layer and winter accessories, much of what the everyday Parisian man wears in winter resembles what he was also wearing in the fall. The average high temperatures are typically above freezing, and while it’s chilly, it’s far from being a winter deep freeze. Snow is rare, think Seattle or Vancouver in winter (possibly a little bit colder) for those of you reading from North America.
What to wear in Paris in spring
As the cool days of winter recede, so do many of the French capital’s dark colors. Accessories begin to disappear, the occasional Parisian man will still be seen wearing a scarf (although made of lighter material). If you’re thinking of traveling to Paris in spring (it is, after all, the most romantic time to be in the city of lights), your packing list will be a little shorter than if you’d gone for the rainy days of winter.
Once again, dark jeans are a good start. Comfortable shoes are also very important, especially later in spring, as warm days become more frequent and the streets of Paris will be calling your name (I’m always amazed by how much I walk while I’m in Paris). In the earlier weeks of spring (March and early April), you’ll want to travel with a light jacket. Come May, however, I am sticking with my advice about a warm sweater (preferably one that’s made from Merino wool).
Spring in the city of lights is the time when you will have the most freedom to express your personal style. You can get away with lighter tones when choosing your neutral colors. But it’s also still perfectly acceptable to stick with dark colors, and even accessorize a little bit with scarves, hats and gloves.
A final pro tip…well actually, a few pro tips
Whether you’re a first time traveler to Paris, or you’re looking to experience the city of lights with a twist, here are a few fashionable suggestions:
Whenever possible, I try to pack light, and plan on shopping for a few items in Paris.
Pack lightly! Following my advice above, put together a few winning Paris outfits so that you can immediately hit the streets of Paris with style and confidence. However, make plans to go shopping after you’ve settled in and had a chance to observe the locals. Gauge what it is that you like about the style of Parisian men, and then hit the shops, shopping for the look that suits you. However, you’ll want to keep home in mind while you shop. If you’re from the relaxed West Coast of North America, for example, where yoga pants and a casual t-shirt make for good fashion, then you might want to shop for a Paris wardrobe that’s understated.
Take at least two (if not three) pairs of comfortable shoes (white sneakers, casual leather, etc). It’s nice to have a few options at your fingertips, to allow for both formal and casual activities. If you’re travelling with carry-on luggage only, consider wearing your bulkiest pair of shoes on the plane, and packing the smaller pair(s) in your suitcase.
Half of what happens in Paris, happens at night. The city of lights has a very active nightlife. The dress code for restaurants and nightclubs is very strict. A button up dress shirt with casual jeans and a nice sweater or jacket is fine. A polo shirt is also fine, but you wouldn’t want to go more casual than this. Yet another reason why you want to dress with the style of a Parisian man!
The streets of Paris are filled with great cafés. A casual t-shirt paired with a leather jack is a minimum.
While it’s acceptable in many cultures to go out in flip flops, sportswear, or yoga pants, this is not the case in Paris. A Parisian man (or a Parisian woman) would not be caught dead wearing this type of clothing off the beach or outside of a gym.
Final thoughts
A trip to Paris is a long way from ordinary for the average guy. You definitely want to experience what the French capital to its fullest. One of the best ways to do this is by levelling with the locals; taking something that Parisian men value (style and fashion) and showing that you understand and appreciate its value as well. At the same time, remember to be realistic. You’re traveling, and as you’ll be living out of a suitcase, probably from a very compact hotel room, you’ll need to stick to the most important travel essentials. These items should leave you feeling both comfortable and stylish; striking the perfect balance between these two elements is the key to mastering the dress code of the French capital.
Hawaii fish snorkeling and marine life guide with photos for identification
Swimming over coral reefs surrounded with tropical fish and other marine life is one of the best things to do while in the Hawaiian Islands. You’ll be even more satisfied with your exploration in Hawaiian waters if you read on to learn more about the common fish and other marine life that call these clear waters their home.
This snorkeling guide will help you with identification of tropical fish found around all of the Hawaiian Islands. Continue reading to learn about the top 33 most common tropical fish and other marine life in the Hawaiian Islands. This guide includes photos to help you with identification.
And in case you should be planning a trip to the Hawaiian Islands, with Maui on your itinerary, make sure to read my post laying out theUltimate 5-Day Maui Itinerary. You’ll learn about all of the best places and the best time to go.
Trumpetfish
This beautiful fish is easily found in shallow waters. Trumpetfish are also known as Nunu, a bit of a weird species that look completely different than most common fish found around Hawaii’s coral reefs. Trumpetfish have a long trumpet-like body and they are so thin that from certain angles, they are nearly invisible. These unique but beautiful fish are usually gray, but can change to yellow or green to better camouflage with their clear water environment.
Moorish Idol
This is probably one of Hawaii’s best-known tropical fish. Moorish idols, with their wide vertical yellow, white, and black stripes, tapered nose, and tall thin dorsal fin, are one of the most recognizable fish on the coral reef. This tropical fish has even become famous on the big screen! One moorish idol you may be familiar with is Frank, the tough leader of the aquarium residents vin the film “Finding Nemo.” Moorish idols can grow fairly large, attaining a length of over eight inches – and that on a primary diet of sponges.
Yellow Tang
Yellow tang are the fish you’ll see the most on brochures advertising snorkeling. They are completely yellow except for white spines jutting from the base of the tail, these disc-shaped fish often travel in large schools, creating huge patches of color that can sometimes be seen from shore. Yellow tangs often clean the shells of Hawaiian green sea turtles, but they have never been seen to wax them. It has been proven that yellow tangs can live to be at least 70 years old.
Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle
The Hawaiian green sea turtle is an iconic living symbol of the marine life of the Hawaiian Islands. While sea turtles generally swim quite slowly, they can dash off extremely fast when they want to! These guys are also super strong, and they can weigh up to 400 lbs. Hawaiian green sea turtles are reptiles, and they breathe air at the surface of Hawaiian waters. These turtles come up to breathe every few minutes when they are busy. At rest, they can stay below, in deeper waters, for up to two hours. When you see one – and if you go snorkeling in the Hawaiian Islands, there is a very good chance that you will! – please respect this protected form of marine life. While you enjoy sharing space with such a graceful animal, never touch a Hawaiian green sea turtle, give them room to breathe, and let them swim whichever way they want to go. Thirty feet away is a safe rule of thumb – it keeps all marine life feeling safe.
Humpback Whale
The humpback whale is one of the most incredible animals swimming in Hawaiian waters. While you won’t see one while snorkeling in shallow waters with tropical fish, there’s a good chance you’ll notice their spouts in the deeper waters. Humpback whales can grow up to 50 feet long, and adult females can weigh up to 50 tons. At birth, calves can weigh up to two tons and be as long as an SUV! These whales migrate thousands of miles every year, in almost a completely straight line. As they must handle oceanic currents, weather, and obstacles throughout their six week voyage. The males sing wonderful complex songs each breeding season that are very hard to imitate.
Manta Rays
These large, intelligent animals eat exclusively plankton. The manta ray’s wingspan can reach over 12 feet. From birth, each individual has its own unique pattern of color, with most of the dark on the dorsal surface (back), and most of the light on the ventral surface (belly). A manta’s home range encompasses just a few miles. About ten percent of Maui’s manta rays have been tangled in fishing line, which – among other damage – can cut off their flexible fins used for waving plankton into their mouths. You can see Big Island mantas on an evening snorkel tour off Kona. This is definitely one of the best places in the Hawaiian Islands to swim with manta rays, it truly is a memorable experience.
Whitemouth Moray Eel
This white-speckled moray eel has a brown body, and it often holds its bright white mouth open wide. This moray eel hunts during the day, so you may spot one while you’re snorkeling in shallow waters! Whitemouth morays will often join a hunting party of jacks or goatfish. The eel will dive into holes in the coral reef to flush out prey, while its fish partners wait above to stop the food from getting away. The Hawaiian word for eel in general is “puhi.” This same word is used for a Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massage technique that mimics the movement of an eel along the client’s lower back.
Snowflake Moray Eel
This moray eel’s body is mainly white, and it has a series of blobs like a Rorschach test along its sides. Eels move like snakes underwater, undulating their muscular bodies back and forth. The snowflake eel hunts for invertebrates during the day, but many other eels rest in their lairs during prime snorkel time, so don’t touch the coral reef. Poking your fingers into the den of an eel can lead to a nasty bite!
Hawaiian Monk Seal
The Hawaiian monk seal, a highly endangered marine mammal, is native to the Hawaiian Islands. Monk seals are the oldest seal species on Earth, and they are called “monk” because they generally swim solo. They eat fish, squid, moray eels, and octopuses. You may see one sleeping on a beach or in an underwater cave. If you encounter a Hawaiian monk seal, it’s a big deal, it should not be disturbed. Most of the small remaining population of Hawaiian monk seals in the are found in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Thanks to former U.S. President Obama, that region of the Pacific – the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument – is one of the largest permanent marine protected area in the world!
Black Triggerfish
One of the most common species of tropical fish you will spot snorkeling in shallow waters around the Hawaiian Islands is the black durgeon triggerfish. The average size ranges from 10 – 12 inches long. Triggerfish mainly feed on zooplankton and algae. The black durgeon is most commonly found in the water column. Triggerfish are quite territorial and aggressive toward other coral reef fish.
Saddleback Wrass
Saddleback Wrasses are one of the most common reef fish to be found in the Hawaiian Islands. These fish were named for their bold red saddle behind their pectoral fins. There are 43 different species of Wrasse where 13 of them are endemic and can only be found in the Hawaiian Islands.
State Fish of Hawaii – Reef Triggerfish
This Elaborately named Reef Triggerfish is the official state fish of Hawaii and is famous not just in the Hawaiian Islands, but all over the world. It’s another fish you might think is hard to track down, when in fact, they are actually very common in shallow waters.
Hawaiian Sea Cucumber
This unique and strange animal has a distinct tubular shape which some say resembles a sausage. Sea cucumbers use the tube feet that cover their bodies to help them move through the coral reef and are also closely related to sea stars and sea urchins.
Hawaiian Sea Urchin
Red Fingered Pencil Urchin in the shallows.
The long-spined sea urchins found in the Hawaiian Islands, known collectively in Hawaiian as wana (pronounced “vah-na”), are found on coral reef flats and shallow coral reef slopes. They are often wedged into crevices in the coral reef framework. Well-protected from nearly all coral reef predators, their calcite skeleton, or test, bears two kinds of moveable spines, some up to six inches long. Caution: The sting caused by the secondary spines is best treated by soaking in hot water to help deactivate the protein toxins, or by soaking in vinegar to help dissolve the spines. Removal of the brittle spines is often unsuccessful since they fracture into small pieces. Left alone, the spines may be gradually absorbed by human tissues – but urchin spine wounds and stings may require a doctor’s care to assure that infection or encapsulation of the spine does not cause permanent damage.
Achilles Tang
This species of tropical fish got its name after Achilles, the Greek warrior. Snorkelers can find this the Achilles Tang in shallow waters around coral reefs. Achilles Tangs are easily recognizable: they are larger than most tropical fish and on their dark body there is an orange teardrop patch before the tail, as well as a bright orange bar running along the tail.
Convict Tang
The Convict Tang, also known as the Convict Surgeonfish, has a stunning white to silver body highlighted by six vertical black bars. The peduncle spines (near the tail) are rather small compared to that of other Tangs. Convict Tangs have no distinguishing characteristics which will help differentiate males from females. Convict Tangs are very common and often swim in shoals, you may find them around rock, coral reef pinnacles or just cruising around in a group. A very obvious and striking tropical fish.
Raccoon Butterflyfish
Butterflyfish are some of the most beautiful and colorful fish you can spot while snorkeling in Hawaiian waters. You can spot them in shallow bays and near the shoreline. There are around 129 species of butterflyfish, and the raccoon species has yellow, white, and black colors similar to other fish in its family. The raccoon butterflyfish’s most unique feature is the bold black and white markings around its face, resembling the markings of a raccoon.
Four Spot Butterflyfish
The four spot butterflyfish has – you guessed it – four spots. That’s two white spots on either side. To imagine what this species of tropical fish looks like, draw a not-so-straight line across the center of their body from nose to tail. Color in dark brown above the line, and put yellow-orange below. Make the nose and head yellow, and place a dark brown and yellow stripe through the eye. Four spot butterflyfish sustain long-term, monogamous relationships. They most commonly eat cauliflower coral polyps.
Milletseed Butterflyfish
There are more milletseed butterflyfish, or lemon butterflyfish, on coral reefs than any other butterflyfish species. This tropical fish is bright yellow with columns of black spots like champagne bubbles moving up the fish’s sides, also looks like millet seeds, hence the name. These guys also have a dark stripe masking their eyes. Milletseeds are omnivores and have been seen manning their own cleaning stations, where they pick parasites from other marine life.
Pennant Butterflyfish
These fish are often mistaken for moorish idols when they are first sighted in semi shallow waters. Although their colors are similar, you’ll notice differences between them – especially if you happen to catch a glimpse of the two species side-by-side. The pennant butterflyfish has a white body with two wide black vertical stripes, a yellow tail and dorsal fin, and another tall dorsal fin that trails like a pennant. If you pick up on subtleties, you’ll see that the fish move differently, too: moorish idols seem to drift, while pennant butterflyfish seem to flit. Although they usually spend their time about 40 feet down.
Yellow Longnose Butterflyfish
The Yellow Longnose Butterflyfish, or Forceps Fish, can be found singly or in schools on coral reef flats and slopes. The Longnose Butterflyfish has a yellow body. The color of its head is divided horizontally. The upper half of the head, at the very top of the mouth through the top of the head is black. The lower half is white. The dorsal fin is long and jagged. It is a fairly large Butterflyfish and one of the more common species of tropical fish in Hawaiian waters. The hue of the fish is similar to the coloring of the big, billowy leaves of the Hawaiian wili-wili tree. This fish is prevalent in southern Hawaiian waters by Maui and the Big Island.
Bluestripe Snapper
Bluestripe snapper are a mainly yellow tropical fish, with four thin blue stripes than run head to tail. Like the peacock grouper, this fish was introduced to Hawaii in the 1950s to supplement the natural game fish, but the snapper (also called “ta’ape”) are hardly eaten here. The bluestripe themselves are predators, eating fish, crabs, shrimp, and other organisms.
Yellowfin Goatfish
Yellowfin goatfish hang out in huge schools in shallow waters all day long, resting. Although they have a horizontal yellow stripe running along their length and yellow fins, they sometimes look almost transparent. You may not see them until you’ve snorkeled very close. At night, these goatfish eat small organisms that live in the sand. Using the strong yet sensitive barbels attached to their chins, goatfish rummage through the top layers of Hawaiian waters, searching for prey. “Weke,” part of this fish’s Hawaiian name, means “to open.” When an individual needed to experience a spiritual opening in ancient Hawaii, healers used goatfish in the religious ceremony.
Hawaiian Cleaner Wrasse
The Hawaiian cleaner wrasse, like many locals, lives exclusively in the Hawaiian Islands. These small fish are tri-colored, with a black horizontal mark that starts out thin but gradually enlarges until it almost covers the tail end of the fish. From stem to stern, the colors move from bright yellow to purple to magenta. Cleaner wrasses set up shop at a specific spot on the coral reef. When the wrasse’s shop is open, the fish bobs up and down to signal that their service station is ready. While cleaning customers of mucus, dead tissue, and occasionally parasites, these fish trail their fins along their customers’ sides. It has been shown that reef fish instinctively pose to be cleaned; the odd positioning is not something they learn over time.
Parrotfish
Parrotfish are the largest and most colorful of the reef fish in the Hawaiian Islands. Sizes range from 10-40 inches. Adult fish have fused front teeth, that almost resemble a parrot-like beak, which is how they get their name. Similar to wrasses, the female parrotfish can change her sex and become a male. Most parrotfishes are omnivores and feed on algae found on coral reefs and in the shadows of Hawaiian waters.
Yellowtail Coris
The Yellowtail Coris wrass of the Hawaiian Islands varies in size, from 2 – 15 inches and is typically carnivorous, feeding mainly on smaller fish and invertebrates. The Yellowtail Coris Wrasse and Red Coris Wrasse are the same species, which begs the question, which color is this fish: yellow or red? In fact, the answer is, both! As juveniles, these beautiful tropical fish are bright red with white spots outlined in black. As adults, however, they are multicolored with bright yellow tails. The wrasse tends to forge for food during the day and sleep under the sand of shallow waters at night.
Spotted Trunkfish
The trunkfish (also known as a boxfish) is a very unique looking tropical fish. Typically, boxfish move slowly and get the name “boxfish” from their hard outer covering. The trunkfish found in Hawaiian waters is a subspecies of those found throughout the Indo Pacific. Trunkfish feed mainly on mollusks, sponges, and algae and are typically 2-4 inches in size. This particular fish is fairly common in the Hawaiian Islands, and usually seen in small crevices. You might even be lucky enough to find this tropical fish swimming about in small tide pools. The male trunkfish has a bright blue color on its sides, while the females are brown with white spots. Spotted trunkfish are naturally territorial.
Hawaiian Sergeant Major
Sergeant Majors are found in almost all coral reef systems worldwide. However, the remoteness of the Hawaiian Islands has altered the Hawaiian Sergeant slightly, to the point that it is technically a different species of tropical fish from those found everywhere else on earth. This tropical fish is also called a Green Damsel Fish, but most know it as the Sergeant Major. It lacks the Intense yellow of the Atlantic Sergeant but is very similar in pattern and shape. This tropical fish also possesses the same teeth and has been known to get a bit nippy with swimmers and snorkelers. They are no Piranha, but if you find yourself getting nipped, it is probably a sergeant.
Unicorn Fish
The Unicorn Fish gets its name not from its scarcity but from the horn-like extension off its snout. These are a sizeable tropical fish and large adults can be found in shallow waters off the Hawaiian Islands in pretty good numbers. The Unicorn Fish is often found in small schools and can be seen in channels and seaward coral reefs with strong surges.
Blacktip Reef Shark
Of the 40 species of sharks found in the Hawaiian Islands, the blacktip reef shark is among the most common due to the areas it inhabits. The blacktip reef shark prefers shallow inshore areas where it is less vulnerable to larger species of sharks in deeper waters. The blacktip reef shark is easily identified by the prominent blacktips on its dorsal fin. In Hawaiian waters, blacktip reef sharks will reach an average of 5.5 feet in length. While you should remain cautious if you see one of these creatures in Hawaii’s waters, shark attacks by blacktip reef sharks are uncommon.
Whitetip Reef Shark
The whitetip reef shark is common to coral reefs all around the Hawaiian Islands. They can be observed resting in caves or under ledges since they are the only shark in Hawaiian waters with the ability to stop swimming and rest for long periods at a time, making them more commonly observed by divers and snorkelers. These sharks are gray in coloration and have slightly flat heads with distinct white tips on the tops of the first and second dorsal and tail fins. While you should remain cautious if you see one of these creatures in Hawaii’s waters, shark attacks by whitetip reef sharks are uncommon.
Spinner Dolphin
Spinner dolphins are extremely social, intelligent, and beautiful forms of marine life. They live in large groups called pods, resting together throughout the day and cooperatively hunting and feeding together at night. Spinners eat fish and squid, and no one knows exactly why they spin the way they do. There are many theories, including that they do it for fun, as a form of communication, or to shake off parasites. These dolphins are smaller and more slender than many other species found in Hawaiian waters, attaining an adult length of about 7 feet. A spinner’s body coloration, called countershading, protects them from predators and hides them from prey. The back of the dolphin is dark grey, the middle is a softer, lighter grey, and the lower third is a shade lighter than that. When someone looks at a dolphin from above, the dolphin’s dark grey back blends in with the deep blue sea below. On the other flipper, when you see a spinner from below, their light grey belly blends in with the sunlight streaming in from above. Do not approach, try to swim with, or touch spinners in the water – they need their rest just as much as we do, if not more.
Hawaiian Day Octopus
Hawaiian day octopuses are light brown and tan, with a maximum arm span of about three feet. They dine on crustaceans and are one of the most interesting and intelligent animals on the coral reef! One of its superpowers is “invisibility.” A hiding octopus will camouflage itself by imitating the color and the texture of its surroundings! If you are lucky enough to see one move, keep your eyes glued to it, stay still so that it does not become frightened.
Some Final Words – Exploring coral reefs and snorkeling with tropical fish in the Hawaiian Islands
Hawaiian waters are absolutely teeming with colorful marine life. Snorkeling is one of the easiest and inexpensive ways of exploring this beautiful and unique underwater world. A visit to the Hawaiian Islands is truly not complete without spending time exploring shallow waters just beyond the sandy beaches. If you hang out in the clear waters for long enough, your eyes will adjust so that you can take in the uncommon beauty and vibrant colors of the Hawaiian marine life. Long after you return home from the Hawaiian Islands, memories of beautiful coral reefs, graceful Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles and shapely Moorish Idols will swim across your mind.
Hawaii fish snorkeling and marine life guide with photos for identification
Swimming over coral reefs surrounded with tropical fish and other marine life is one of the best things to do while in the Hawaiian Islands. You’ll be even more satisfied with your exploration in Hawaiian waters if you read on to learn more about the common fish and other marine life that call these clear waters their home.
This snorkeling guide will help you with identification of tropical fish found around all of the Hawaiian Islands. Continue reading to learn about the top 33 most common tropical fish and other marine life in the Hawaiian Islands. This guide includes photos to help you with identification.
And in case you should be planning a trip to the Hawaiian Islands, with Maui on your itinerary, make sure to read my post laying out theUltimate 5-Day Maui Itinerary. You’ll learn about all of the best places and the best time to go.
Trumpetfish
This beautiful fish is easily found in shallow waters. Trumpetfish are also known as Nunu, a bit of a weird species that look completely different than most common fish found around Hawaii’s coral reefs. Trumpetfish have a long trumpet-like body and they are so thin that from certain angles, they are nearly invisible. These unique but beautiful fish are usually gray, but can change to yellow or green to better camouflage with their clear water environment.
Moorish Idol
This is probably one of Hawaii’s best-known tropical fish. Moorish idols, with their wide vertical yellow, white, and black stripes, tapered nose, and tall thin dorsal fin, are one of the most recognizable fish on the coral reef. This tropical fish has even become famous on the big screen! One moorish idol you may be familiar with is Frank, the tough leader of the aquarium residents vin the film “Finding Nemo.” Moorish idols can grow fairly large, attaining a length of over eight inches – and that on a primary diet of sponges.
Yellow Tang
Yellow tang are the fish you’ll see the most on brochures advertising snorkeling. They are completely yellow except for white spines jutting from the base of the tail, these disc-shaped fish often travel in large schools, creating huge patches of color that can sometimes be seen from shore. Yellow tangs often clean the shells of Hawaiian green sea turtles, but they have never been seen to wax them. It has been proven that yellow tangs can live to be at least 70 years old.
Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle
The Hawaiian green sea turtle is an iconic living symbol of the marine life of the Hawaiian Islands. While sea turtles generally swim quite slowly, they can dash off extremely fast when they want to! These guys are also super strong, and they can weigh up to 400 lbs. Hawaiian green sea turtles are reptiles, and they breathe air at the surface of Hawaiian waters. These turtles come up to breathe every few minutes when they are busy. At rest, they can stay below, in deeper waters, for up to two hours. When you see one – and if you go snorkeling in the Hawaiian Islands, there is a very good chance that you will! – please respect this protected form of marine life. While you enjoy sharing space with such a graceful animal, never touch a Hawaiian green sea turtle, give them room to breathe, and let them swim whichever way they want to go. Thirty feet away is a safe rule of thumb – it keeps all marine life feeling safe.
Humpback Whale
The humpback whale is one of the most incredible animals swimming in Hawaiian waters. While you won’t see one while snorkeling in shallow waters with tropical fish, there’s a good chance you’ll notice their spouts in the deeper waters. Humpback whales can grow up to 50 feet long, and adult females can weigh up to 50 tons. At birth, calves can weigh up to two tons and be as long as an SUV! These whales migrate thousands of miles every year, in almost a completely straight line. As they must handle oceanic currents, weather, and obstacles throughout their six week voyage. The males sing wonderful complex songs each breeding season that are very hard to imitate.
Manta Rays
These large, intelligent animals eat exclusively plankton. The manta ray’s wingspan can reach over 12 feet. From birth, each individual has its own unique pattern of color, with most of the dark on the dorsal surface (back), and most of the light on the ventral surface (belly). A manta’s home range encompasses just a few miles. About ten percent of Maui’s manta rays have been tangled in fishing line, which – among other damage – can cut off their flexible fins used for waving plankton into their mouths. You can see Big Island mantas on an evening snorkel tour off Kona. This is definitely one of the best places in the Hawaiian Islands to swim with manta rays, it truly is a memorable experience.
Whitemouth Moray Eel
This white-speckled moray eel has a brown body, and it often holds its bright white mouth open wide. This moray eel hunts during the day, so you may spot one while you’re snorkeling in shallow waters! Whitemouth morays will often join a hunting party of jacks or goatfish. The eel will dive into holes in the coral reef to flush out prey, while its fish partners wait above to stop the food from getting away. The Hawaiian word for eel in general is “puhi.” This same word is used for a Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massage technique that mimics the movement of an eel along the client’s lower back.
Snowflake Moray Eel
This moray eel’s body is mainly white, and it has a series of blobs like a Rorschach test along its sides. Eels move like snakes underwater, undulating their muscular bodies back and forth. The snowflake eel hunts for invertebrates during the day, but many other eels rest in their lairs during prime snorkel time, so don’t touch the coral reef. Poking your fingers into the den of an eel can lead to a nasty bite!
Hawaiian Monk Seal
The Hawaiian monk seal, a highly endangered marine mammal, is native to the Hawaiian Islands. Monk seals are the oldest seal species on Earth, and they are called “monk” because they generally swim solo. They eat fish, squid, moray eels, and octopuses. You may see one sleeping on a beach or in an underwater cave. If you encounter a Hawaiian monk seal, it’s a big deal, it should not be disturbed. Most of the small remaining population of Hawaiian monk seals in the are found in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Thanks to former U.S. President Obama, that region of the Pacific – the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument – is one of the largest permanent marine protected area in the world!
Black Triggerfish
One of the most common species of tropical fish you will spot snorkeling in shallow waters around the Hawaiian Islands is the black durgeon triggerfish. The average size ranges from 10 – 12 inches long. Triggerfish mainly feed on zooplankton and algae. The black durgeon is most commonly found in the water column. Triggerfish are quite territorial and aggressive toward other coral reef fish.
Saddleback Wrass
Saddleback Wrasses are one of the most common reef fish to be found in the Hawaiian Islands. These fish were named for their bold red saddle behind their pectoral fins. There are 43 different species of Wrasse where 13 of them are endemic and can only be found in the Hawaiian Islands.
State Fish of Hawaii – Reef Triggerfish
This Elaborately named Reef Triggerfish is the official state fish of Hawaii and is famous not just in the Hawaiian Islands, but all over the world. It’s another fish you might think is hard to track down, when in fact, they are actually very common in shallow waters.
Hawaiian Sea Cucumber
This unique and strange animal has a distinct tubular shape which some say resembles a sausage. Sea cucumbers use the tube feet that cover their bodies to help them move through the coral reef and are also closely related to sea stars and sea urchins.
Hawaiian Sea Urchin
Red Fingered Pencil Urchin in the shallows.
The long-spined sea urchins found in the Hawaiian Islands, known collectively in Hawaiian as wana (pronounced “vah-na”), are found on coral reef flats and shallow coral reef slopes. They are often wedged into crevices in the coral reef framework. Well-protected from nearly all coral reef predators, their calcite skeleton, or test, bears two kinds of moveable spines, some up to six inches long. Caution: The sting caused by the secondary spines is best treated by soaking in hot water to help deactivate the protein toxins, or by soaking in vinegar to help dissolve the spines. Removal of the brittle spines is often unsuccessful since they fracture into small pieces. Left alone, the spines may be gradually absorbed by human tissues – but urchin spine wounds and stings may require a doctor’s care to assure that infection or encapsulation of the spine does not cause permanent damage.
Achilles Tang
Acanthurus achilles, commonly known as Achilles tang or Achilles surgeonfish, is a tropical marine fish native to the Pacific Ocean.
This species of tropical fish got its name after Achilles, the Greek warrior. Snorkelers can find this the Achilles Tang in shallow waters around coral reefs. Achilles Tangs are easily recognizable: they are larger than most tropical fish and on their dark body there is an orange teardrop patch before the tail, as well as a bright orange bar running along the tail.
Convict Tang
The Convict Tang, also known as the Convict Surgeonfish, has a stunning white to silver body highlighted by six vertical black bars. The peduncle spines (near the tail) are rather small compared to that of other Tangs. Convict Tangs have no distinguishing characteristics which will help differentiate males from females. Convict Tangs are very common and often swim in shoals, you may find them around rock, coral reef pinnacles or just cruising around in a group. A very obvious and striking tropical fish.
Raccoon Butterflyfish
Raccoon Butterflyfish on Coral Reef off Maui, Hawaii
Butterflyfish are some of the most beautiful and colorful fish you can spot while snorkeling in Hawaiian waters. You can spot them in shallow bays and near the shoreline. There are around 129 species of butterflyfish, and the raccoon species has yellow, white, and black colors similar to other fish in its family. The raccoon butterflyfish’s most unique feature is the bold black and white markings around its face, resembling the markings of a raccoon.
Four Spot Butterflyfish
The four spot butterflyfish has – you guessed it – four spots. That’s two white spots on either side. To imagine what this species of tropical fish looks like, draw a not-so-straight line across the center of their body from nose to tail. Color in dark brown above the line, and put yellow-orange below. Make the nose and head yellow, and place a dark brown and yellow stripe through the eye. Four spot butterflyfish sustain long-term, monogamous relationships. They most commonly eat cauliflower coral polyps.
Milletseed Butterflyfish
There are more milletseed butterflyfish, or lemon butterflyfish, on coral reefs than any other butterflyfish species. This tropical fish is bright yellow with columns of black spots like champagne bubbles moving up the fish’s sides, also looks like millet seeds, hence the name. These guys also have a dark stripe masking their eyes. Milletseeds are omnivores and have been seen manning their own cleaning stations, where they pick parasites from other marine life.
Pennant Butterflyfish
These fish are often mistaken for moorish idols when they are first sighted in semi shallow waters. Although their colors are similar, you’ll notice differences between them – especially if you happen to catch a glimpse of the two species side-by-side. The pennant butterflyfish has a white body with two wide black vertical stripes, a yellow tail and dorsal fin, and another tall dorsal fin that trails like a pennant. If you pick up on subtleties, you’ll see that the fish move differently, too: moorish idols seem to drift, while pennant butterflyfish seem to flit. Although they usually spend their time about 40 feet down.
Yellow Longnose Butterflyfish
The Yellow Longnose Butterflyfish, or Forceps Fish, can be found singly or in schools on coral reef flats and slopes. The Longnose Butterflyfish has a yellow body. The color of its head is divided horizontally. The upper half of the head, at the very top of the mouth through the top of the head is black. The lower half is white. The dorsal fin is long and jagged. It is a fairly large Butterflyfish and one of the more common species of tropical fish in Hawaiian waters. The hue of the fish is similar to the coloring of the big, billowy leaves of the Hawaiian wili-wili tree. This fish is prevalent in southern Hawaiian waters by Maui and the Big Island.
Bluestripe Snapper
Bluestripe snapper are a mainly yellow tropical fish, with four thin blue stripes than run head to tail. Like the peacock grouper, this fish was introduced to Hawaii in the 1950s to supplement the natural game fish, but the snapper (also called “ta’ape”) are hardly eaten here. The bluestripe themselves are predators, eating fish, crabs, shrimp, and other organisms.
Yellowfin Goatfish
Yellowfin goatfish hang out in huge schools in shallow waters all day long, resting. Although they have a horizontal yellow stripe running along their length and yellow fins, they sometimes look almost transparent. You may not see them until you’ve snorkeled very close. At night, these goatfish eat small organisms that live in the sand. Using the strong yet sensitive barbels attached to their chins, goatfish rummage through the top layers of Hawaiian waters, searching for prey. “Weke,” part of this fish’s Hawaiian name, means “to open.” When an individual needed to experience a spiritual opening in ancient Hawaii, healers used goatfish in the religious ceremony.
Hawaiian Cleaner Wrasse
The Hawaiian cleaner wrasse, like many locals, lives exclusively in the Hawaiian Islands. These small fish are tri-colored, with a black horizontal mark that starts out thin but gradually enlarges until it almost covers the tail end of the fish. From stem to stern, the colors move from bright yellow to purple to magenta. Cleaner wrasses set up shop at a specific spot on the coral reef. When the wrasse’s shop is open, the fish bobs up and down to signal that their service station is ready. While cleaning customers of mucus, dead tissue, and occasionally parasites, these fish trail their fins along their customers’ sides. It has been shown that reef fish instinctively pose to be cleaned; the odd positioning is not something they learn over time.
Parrotfish
Parrotfish are the largest and most colorful of the reef fish in the Hawaiian Islands. Sizes range from 10-40 inches. Adult fish have fused front teeth, that almost resemble a parrot-like beak, which is how they get their name. Similar to wrasses, the female parrotfish can change her sex and become a male. Most parrotfishes are omnivores and feed on algae found on coral reefs and in the shadows of Hawaiian waters.
Yellowtail Coris
The Yellowtail Coris wrass of the Hawaiian Islands varies in size, from 2 – 15 inches and is typically carnivorous, feeding mainly on smaller fish and invertebrates. The Yellowtail Coris Wrasse and Red Coris Wrasse are the same species, which begs the question, which color is this fish: yellow or red? In fact, the answer is, both! As juveniles, these beautiful tropical fish are bright red with white spots outlined in black. As adults, however, they are multicolored with bright yellow tails. The wrasse tends to forge for food during the day and sleep under the sand of shallow waters at night.
Spotted Trunkfish
The trunkfish (also known as a boxfish) is a very unique looking tropical fish. Typically, boxfish move slowly and get the name “boxfish” from their hard outer covering. The trunkfish found in Hawaiian waters is a subspecies of those found throughout the Indo Pacific. Trunkfish feed mainly on mollusks, sponges, and algae and are typically 2-4 inches in size. This particular fish is fairly common in the Hawaiian Islands, and usually seen in small crevices. You might even be lucky enough to find this tropical fish swimming about in small tide pools. The male trunkfish has a bright blue color on its sides, while the females are brown with white spots. Spotted trunkfish are naturally territorial.
Hawaiian Sergeant Major
Sergeant Majors are found in almost all coral reef systems worldwide. However, the remoteness of the Hawaiian Islands has altered the Hawaiian Sergeant slightly, to the point that it is technically a different species of tropical fish from those found everywhere else on earth. This tropical fish is also called a Green Damsel Fish, but most know it as the Sergeant Major. It lacks the Intense yellow of the Atlantic Sergeant but is very similar in pattern and shape. This tropical fish also possesses the same teeth and has been known to get a bit nippy with swimmers and snorkelers. They are no Piranha, but if you find yourself getting nipped, it is probably a sergeant.
Unicorn Fish
The Unicorn Fish gets its name not from its scarcity but from the horn-like extension off its snout. These are a sizeable tropical fish and large adults can be found in shallow waters off the Hawaiian Islands in pretty good numbers. The Unicorn Fish is often found in small schools and can be seen in channels and seaward coral reefs with strong surges.
Blacktip Reef Shark
Of the 40 species of sharks found in the Hawaiian Islands, the blacktip reef shark is among the most common due to the areas it inhabits. The blacktip reef shark prefers shallow inshore areas where it is less vulnerable to larger species of sharks in deeper waters. The blacktip reef shark is easily identified by the prominent blacktips on its dorsal fin. In Hawaiian waters, blacktip reef sharks will reach an average of 5.5 feet in length. While you should remain cautious if you see one of these creatures in Hawaii’s waters, shark attacks by blacktip reef sharks are uncommon.
Whitetip Reef Shark
The whitetip reef shark is common to coral reefs all around the Hawaiian Islands. They can be observed resting in caves or under ledges since they are the only shark in Hawaiian waters with the ability to stop swimming and rest for long periods at a time, making them more commonly observed by divers and snorkelers. These sharks are gray in coloration and have slightly flat heads with distinct white tips on the tops of the first and second dorsal and tail fins. While you should remain cautious if you see one of these creatures in Hawaii’s waters, shark attacks by whitetip reef sharks are uncommon.
Spinner Dolphin
Underwater side veiw of a Mother and calf Spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris). Sataya, Southern Red Sea, Egypt.
Spinner dolphins are extremely social, intelligent, and beautiful forms of marine life. They live in large groups called pods, resting together throughout the day and cooperatively hunting and feeding together at night. Spinners eat fish and squid, and no one knows exactly why they spin the way they do. There are many theories, including that they do it for fun, as a form of communication, or to shake off parasites. These dolphins are smaller and more slender than many other species found in Hawaiian waters, attaining an adult length of about 7 feet. A spinner’s body coloration, called countershading, protects them from predators and hides them from prey. The back of the dolphin is dark grey, the middle is a softer, lighter grey, and the lower third is a shade lighter than that. When someone looks at a dolphin from above, the dolphin’s dark grey back blends in with the deep blue sea below. On the other flipper, when you see a spinner from below, their light grey belly blends in with the sunlight streaming in from above. Do not approach, try to swim with, or touch spinners in the water – they need their rest just as much as we do, if not more.
Hawaiian Day Octopus
Hawaiian day octopuses are light brown and tan, with a maximum arm span of about three feet. They dine on crustaceans and are one of the most interesting and intelligent animals on the coral reef! One of its superpowers is “invisibility.” A hiding octopus will camouflage itself by imitating the color and the texture of its surroundings! If you are lucky enough to see one move, keep your eyes glued to it, stay still so that it does not become frightened.
Some Final Words – Exploring coral reefs and snorkeling with tropical fish in the Hawaiian Islands
Hawaiian waters are absolutely teeming with colorful marine life. Snorkeling is one of the easiest and inexpensive ways of exploring this beautiful and unique underwater world. A visit to the Hawaiian Islands is truly not complete without spending time exploring shallow waters just beyond the sandy beaches. If you hang out in the clear waters for long enough, your eyes will adjust so that you can take in the uncommon beauty and vibrant colors of the Hawaiian marine life. Long after you return home from the Hawaiian Islands, memories of beautiful coral reefs, graceful Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles and shapely Moorish Idols will swim across your mind.
Looking for the perfect way to use up that full week of vacation time left for this year? Maybe you’ve never been to the Hawaiian Islands, or haven’t explored beyond the shores of Oahu, well read on and take notes as this itinerary lays out the perfect way to spend 5 days in Maui.
This 5-day Maui itinerary will see you visiting the beautiful beaches, swimming with sea turtles, watching the famous sunrise in Haleakala National Park and experiencing all the other best places in between.
Is there really a best time of year to visit Maui, otherwise known as the Valley Isle? To be quite honest, by mainlander standards, the weather is only a little bit short of perfect no matter when you visit the Hawaiian Islands. However, you’re less likely to encounter rain (and large crowds) during summer months; Maui’s rainy season extends from November through to March.
Most major airlines offer direct flights to Maui’s Kahului airport. With a flight time of just over 5 hours from the West Coast of the United States, this 5-day Maui itinerary (plus 2 days of return travel) makes for the best way to use up that last remaining full week of vacation time.
With beautiful beaches around every corner, Maui is a great place to get acquainted with the Hawaiian Islands.
Rental Car While on Maui
You will want to plan for a car rental while visiting Maui. The best way to get around the island is with a set of reliable wheels. While the Valley Isle does have some public transit, it’s a good idea to arrange for a rental car ahead of time, this will ensure that you are able to get around to all the best places. Car rental prices on Maui can vary greatly, the best deals are often found ahead of time, by reserving online.
But enough about weather and transportation, let’s get into the 5 day Maui itinerary:
Day 1 Maui Itinerary: South Maui & Big Beach
Since making my first trip to Maui in 2011, I have returned to the Valley Isle several times. I always enjoy spending my first day doing the scenic drive from Kihei to Big Beach and La Perouse Bay. One of the best things about spending your first day in South Maui is that the best stops are along a 10 mile strip of accessible ocean, allowing for lots of beach time, not to mention minimal driving time after a long day of flying. Quick disclaimer: you’ll want to pack your snorkel gear for this first day of activities! So why start your trip out in South Maui? Although Kihei’s abundant condos, food trucks and golf courses are not exceptional, it serves as a central starting point. There’s a good chance that you’ll be staying close by (or maybe you’re even staying in the Kihei area). Kihei is also a good stop for picking up breakfast, coffee, or snacks to take along for your first day of adventures in South Maui (it’s always a good idea to have extra food and drinks packed, as you never know when you will want to spend extra time at some of Maui’s best beaches, coral reefs, or other popular spots). From Kihei, you will head south to enjoy your first day of Maui adventures:
Wailea Beach Path: the best way to start your South Maui day trip with an early morning stroll along the Wailea Beach Path. Use the Ulua Beach parking lot at the north end of the path, or start from the south parking lot near Polo Beach and the Fairmont Kea Lani. If you’re lucky, you might get glimpses of distant spouts from humpback whales.
Makena Landing & Turtle Town: a short drive south along Makena Alanui Road will bring you to Makena Landing and Maluaka Beach. This area is commonly referred to as Turtle Town and is known for its high population of Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles. You will want to hop into the water with your snorkel gear at one of Turtle Town’s beautiful beaches, as this is one of the best places on Maui to have a close encounter with sea turtles.
Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle. Image by bphelan from Pixabay
Big Beach: a little bit further down the Makena Alanui Road is the Big Beach parking lot. It’s a good idea to plan on arriving at Big Beach by lunch, as the parking lot fills up toward late afternoon. Big Beach, as its name implies, is one of Maui’s largest sandy beaches and is a popular place to settle in for an ocean view picnic (sometimes there are food trucks parked along Makena Road, another great picnic option). Nearby Little Beach, Maui’s clothing optional beach, is a quick traverse over some rocks at the north end of Big Beach.
Swim with tropical fish near La Perouse Bay: just a little bit further down Makena Road is one of Maui’s best stops for snorkelling (if you didn’t break out your snorkel gear already, you will want to pull it out now). Drive past Ahihi Cove to the beginning of the black rock from the Ahihi-Kinau lava flow. Use the Ahihi-Kinau Marine Preserve Parking lot on the ocean side of the road. A short walk down the lava rock path will bring you to a series of rocky beaches. While this destination is unlike all of Maui’s popular sandy beaches, its nearby coral reefs make it one of the best places for snorkelling with tropical fish. Read my post entitled 33 tropical fish and other marine life you will see in the Hawaiian Islandsto learn more about the beautiful tropical fish you will see here and around the other Hawaiian Islands.
Looking south along Big Beach, one of Maui’s best sandy beaches.
Day 2 Maui Itinerary: West Maui, Lahaina and Kaanapali Beach
Following on an adventure-filled first day road trip to South Maui, this West Maui day itinerary will bring you to more of the best beaches as well as a scenic drive along narrow roads, which promises not to disappoint.
Lahaina: This South Maui city is a very popular place, so the best time to arrive is morning (if arriving later, it’s a good idea to leave a little bit of extra time to locate the best parking lot or available street parking). Lahaina is a great place to find ocean view restaurants, and is also a good departure point for whale watching tours. If you decide to extend your time in Lahaina before continuing to Kaanapali Beach, some of the other best things to do include visiting the Hawaiian Islands’ largest banyan tree, or if you prefer leaving the scenic drive around West Maui to a different day, book a late afternoon Old Lahaina Luau, after spending time at Kaanapali Beach and Black Rock (see below). At a typical Luau, you’ll enjoy some traditional foods of the Hawaiian Islands like roasted pig, tropical fruit and poi. Most importantly, you’ll experience hula dancing. For a more authentic Old Lahaina Luau experience, consider booking something in the town of Lahaina, rather than at one of the resorts along Kaanapali Beach.
Late afternoon Old Lahaina Luau
Kaanapali Beach and Black Rock: A short drive north will bring you to Kaanapali Parkway, and a strip of beautiful ocean view resorts. Continue toward the north end of the parkway to Whaler’s Village, one of the best stops in Maui for high end shopping. You can also learn about the Whaling history of Maui, and then stroll onward to the public sandy beaches. Next door, you will find the Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa as well as Black Rock. This is one of the best beaches in Kaanapali for snorkelling with beautiful tropical fish, and if you’re lucky, maybe even some sea turtles and distant views of humpback whales. As usual, don’t forget your snorkel gear! The parking lot at the Kaanapali beach access point has limited free parking.
Scenic Drive around West Maui and Iao Valley State Park: From Kaanapali beach area, follow the Honoapiilani Highway northwest toward Kapalua. If time permits, the Kapalua Bay Beach is a great place for a quick snorkel or dip in the water. From Kapalua, this road trip becomes exciting with narrow roads hugging the coastline. One of the best stops is the Nakalele blowhole; this is a great place for sweeping photos with an amazing ocean view. Continue winding along the narrow roads around the point of West Maui, you will eventually end this day itinerary as you come to Waihee-Waiehu and the northern suburbs of Kahului.
West Maui Nakalele blowhole Typical narrow roads in West Maui. Image by Laurent Schmidt from Pixabay
Day 3 Maui Itinerary: Haleakala National Park Exploration and Haleakala Sunrise
Experiencing the Haleakala sunrise is definitely a once in a lifetime experience! This said, a trip to the peak of Haleakala National Park is not for the faint of heart. Here are a few considerations:
To experience the Haleakala sunrise at its fullest, you must drive to the summit, which is at over 10,000 feet above sea level. The air is noticeably thinner; when my wife and I went up in 2011, we were in pretty good shape and felt breathless just from walking around.
It’s very cold in the morning, at 10,000 feet above sea level. You must bring a warm jacket, pants, etc. It would be tricky to travel with carry-on baggage only while also planning as ascent to the top of Haleakala National Park.
To make it to the Haleakala crater in time for the sunset, you’ll likely need to get up between 3:00am and 4:00am!
You’ll need to monitor the weather, if it’s going to be a particularly cloudy day, you might want to consider moving your dormant volcano ascent to a different day. It’s never a good idea to leave this early morning excursion to your last day, in case of bad weather
Haleakala sunrise from 10,000 feet
Would I recommend a visit to Haleakala National Park to see the sunrise with the distant ocean view? Yes, without a doubt. If you have never been to Haleakala crater, it is a must. Would I go again? No, probably not. Having experienced the Haleakala sunrise once was enough (and sans kids, making it that much easier). I would not bother taking the time to go up again, in fact, in my more recent visits to Maui, I have not ventured into Haleakala National Park (and I’m none the sadder for it).
Beyond the sunrise at Haleakala National Park: This National Park is truly massive, at over 30,000 acres! Activities range from hiking and plant viewing (Haleakala National Park contains more endangered species than any other National Park) to camping, ziplining and mountain biking. You can truly dedicate as much time (or as little time) as you wish to exploring Haleakala National Park.
Best stops in Upcountry Maui: Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm near Kula Lodge
Maui Upcountry Exploration: From Haleakala National Park, it’s a scenic drive (and not too far) to the farming region known as upcountry. After descending from the chill of 10,000 feet, the moderate temperatures of this slightly elevated region will feel quite pleasant. Start in the small artisanal town of Makawao where a stroll up and down the small main street is a perfect way to warm up. Visit Hot Island Glass or various other shops and galleries. From here, take in the Pukalani Farmer’s Market, and then end your upcountry with a visit to the Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm in Kula.
North Shore and Paia: Descend back down to sea level for a visit to the north shore, if the surf is just right, you can watch boogie boarders at Lower Paia Park, or look for a higher vantage point to catch a glimpse of the serious north shore surfers catching larger waves. The main street in lower Paia is full of shops (souvenirs, clothing, ice cream) and is also an excellent place to grab dinner. I always make a point of ordering a mahi burger at the Paia Fish Market when I’m on Maui. You won’t regret it!
Day 4 Maui Itinerary: Driving the Hana Highway
This scenic drive is hands down one of the best things you can do for a day trip on Maui. Make sure to set aside a full day for this excursion as you will have good reason to make many stops along the way.
Twin Falls and countless lookout points: Mile Marker Zero marks the beginning of this scenic drive. One of the best places to make a first stop Twin Falls. This beautiful waterfall is a great place to go for a fresh water swim, sit under the falls, or just take in the lush beauty. As you continue along this scenic drive, you will find countless beautiful lookouts and viewpoints. There are too many to name!
Leave a little bit of extra time when travelling the Hana Highway to stop at one of many beautiful waterfalls.
Banana bread and Waikani Falls: A quick stop at Aunt Sandy’s Banana Bread in Keanae is the best way to take a midway break on this day trip to Hana. As silly as this sounds, banana bread, made with fresh locally grown bananas (in my opinion) is one of the best things about driving the Hana Highway. Nearby, you will find another beautiful waterfall: Waikana Falls. It’s another popular swimming hole, and definitely worth the stop.
Hana Lava Tubes: I was skeptical when my wife insisted that we stop at the Hana lava tubes, but I must admit that it was a great place to get out and stretch after the long windy drive. Walking through the cave-like lava tubes is a good idea, if you have enough time, as it is a very unique experience. Nearby homes were also selling tropical fruit from little stands at the end of their driveways, which was a tasty bonus.
Beautiful black sand beach; the perfect way to relax along the Hana Highway.
Waianapanapa State Park Black Sand Beach: The striking beauty of the black sand beach set against lush green vegetation is truly the reward at the end of the Hana Highway. Make sure you give yourself lots of time to spend at Waianapanapa State Park, one of Maui’s most beautiful beaches. While the water is often too rough for swimming, this is one of the best beaches for getting great pictures.
Now that you’ve made it to Hana, the question you’ll need to ask yourself is whether you would like to loop back, returning to central Maui via the Hana Highway (it’s interesting to experience this scenic drive in both directions), or continue along the backside of Haleakala crater and South Maui. Sections of the back road along Haleakala crater are not paved (as well as steep and not maintained). Many rental car agreements companies will forbid you from driving this stretch of road. Having driven it myself, I can tell you that it is nerve wracking, but probably the best ocean view Maui has to offer, especially at sunset.
Day 5 Maui Itinerary: Sandy beaches, return to favorite spots, relax
With so much to do on the Valley Isle, it’s always a good idea to leave some flexibility in your itinerary. Maybe you didn’t get to all of the locations mentioned previously, or perhaps you encountered rain along the way and would like to use your last day to experience a specific location in the sunshine. If you’re still looking for more new things to do, before heading back to Kahului airport for your return journey, here are a few more suggestions:
Snorkelling tour to Molokini crater: This popular activity is the perfect way to see hundreds of tropical fish, sea turtles, coral reefs and other marine life. The crater is actually a volcanic caldera a few miles off South Maui. It’s not possible to get there yourself, you must take a guided snorkelling tour.
Iao Valley State Park: Return via Kahului to the Iao Valley State Park, which you passed through on the West Maui day trip. Make sure to walk to the scenic viewpoint overlooking the 1,200 foot Iao needle. The park is open daily from 7am to 6pm.
Surf lesson near Paia on Maui’s North Shore
Return to Paia and the north shore: If you have enough time, consider making a last day visit to the north shore town of Paia. This is your last chance to enjoy some fresh seafood, a visit to Mama’s Fish House, considered one of Maui’s best restaurants, is always a good thing. Paia is also one of the best areas to pick up souvenirs to bring home.
Maui Ocean Centre: This aquarium is compact, but well organized. It is definitely worth the visit. You’ll be able to see and learn about all of the sea life in the waters surrounding Maui. At the time of writing this blog, significantly discounted tickets were available through Costco (online). Tickets are not physically sold at the aquarium, they must be purchased in advance online.
Bonus: Best way to get the most value for your money while visiting the Hawaiian Islands
My wife and I have travelled quite frequently to the Hawaiian Islands, and so we always look for ways to get the best deals to stretch our travel budget. Here are a few tips:
While we enjoy going out to some of the island’s best restaurants and food trucks, we don’t eat out all of the time. On our first day, after landing at Kahului Airport, we usually make a stop at Costco, where we load up on groceries for the duration of our trip. We especially focus on easy snacks for all of the different day trip excursions. Besides, it’s kind of interesting to see the different kinds of products that are available Costco in the Hawaiian Islands.
It’s always a good idea to reserve your rental car online ahead of time. Many rental car websites will let you reserve and then cancel without any financial penalty (it’s a good idea to check and recheck the rates in the weeks leading up to your trip to the Hawaiian Islands, if you find a better price, simply cancel your reservation and make a new one).
Make sure that your car rental includes unlimited mileage. There’s nothing worse than returning your rental car to Kahului Airport to discover that you owe additional money for mileage.
Some car rental companies have locations that are within the city of Kahului, and not at the Kahului Airport. Sometimes airport off site rentals can be the best deals, and a simple taxi ride to the off site rental counter can be well worth it.
Snorkel gear, while available at many resorts and hotels for a daily or weekly fee, can also be rented at various other locations in places like Kahului, Kihei or Lahaina. Additionally, you might consider visiting Costco or Wal-Mart and simply buying some inexpensive flippers and a mask.
Renting or purchasing your snorkel gear on the Hawaiian Islands means you can pack a little more lightly, and possibly even travel without checking your luggage to avoid unnecessary airline fees.
5 Day Maui Itinerary: Conclusion
I’ve visited Maui over the Christmas holidays, as well as in March and April. Even though this is during the rainy season, the weather has always been very pleasant, with a little bit of rain here and there, but mostly hot sunny days. In order to have the best time possible on Maui, you need to be able to slow down and enjoy yourself.
If that means cancelling something you had previously planned on doing, it’s probably worth changing your plans for. Another option is to switch around the order of activities within this 5 day Maui itinerary, nothing is set in stone and what matters most is that you have the best time possible enjoying beautiful beaches, swimming with sea turtles and tropical fish, and taking in all that Maui has to offer.
Looking for the perfect way to use up that full week of vacation time left for this year? Maybe you’ve never been to the Hawaiian Islands, or haven’t explored beyond the shores of Oahu, well read on and take notes as this itinerary lays out the perfect way to spend 5 days in Maui.
This 5-day Maui itinerary will see you visiting the beautiful beaches, swimming with sea turtles, watching the famous sunrise in Haleakala National Park and experiencing all the other best places in between.
Is there really a best time of year to visit Maui, otherwise known as the Valley Isle? To be quite honest, by mainlander standards, the weather is only a little bit short of perfect no matter when you visit the Hawaiian Islands. However, you’re less likely to encounter rain (and large crowds) during summer months; Maui’s rainy season extends from November through to March.
Most major airlines offer direct flights to Maui’s Kahului airport. With a flight time of just over 5 hours from the West Coast of the United States, this 5-day Maui itinerary (plus 2 days of return travel) makes for the best way to use up that last remaining full week of vacation time.
Rental Car While on Maui
You will want to plan for a car rental while visiting Maui. The best way to get around the island is with a set of reliable wheels. While the Valley Isle does have some public transit, it’s a good idea to arrange for a rental car ahead of time, this will ensure that you are able to get around to all the best places. Car rental prices on Maui can vary greatly, the best deals are often found ahead of time, by reserving online.
But enough about weather and transportation, let’s get into the 5 day Maui itinerary:
Day 1 Maui Itinerary: South Maui & Big Beach
Since making my first trip to Maui in 2011, I have returned to the Valley Isle several times. I always enjoy spending my first day doing the scenic drive from Kihei to Big Beach and La Perouse Bay. One of the best things about spending your first day in South Maui is that the best stops are along a 10 mile strip of accessible ocean, allowing for lots of beach time, not to mention minimal driving time after a long day of flying. Quick disclaimer: you’ll want to pack your snorkel gear for this first day of activities! So why start your trip out in South Maui? Although Kihei’s abundant condos, food trucks and golf courses are not exceptional, it serves as a central starting point. There’s a good chance that you’ll be staying close by (or maybe you’re even staying in the Kihei area). Kihei is also a good stop for picking up breakfast, coffee, or snacks to take along for your first day of adventures in South Maui (it’s always a good idea to have extra food and drinks packed, as you never know when you will want to spend extra time at some of Maui’s best beaches, coral reefs, or other popular spots). From Kihei, you will head south to enjoy your first day of Maui adventures:
Wailea Beach Path: the best way to start your South Maui day trip with an early morning stroll along the Wailea Beach Path. Use the Ulua Beach parking lot at the north end of the path, or start from the south parking lot near Polo Beach and the Fairmont Kea Lani. If you’re lucky, you might get glimpses of distant spouts from humpback whales.
Makena Landing & Turtle Town: a short drive south along Makena Alanui Road will bring you to Makena Landing and Maluaka Beach. This area is commonly referred to as Turtle Town and is known for its high population of Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles. You will want to hop into the water with your snorkel gear at one of Turtle Town’s beautiful beaches, as this is one of the best places on Maui to have a close encounter with sea turtles.
Big Beach: a little bit further down the Makena Alanui Road is the Big Beach parking lot. It’s a good idea to plan on arriving at Big Beach by lunch, as the parking lot fills up toward late afternoon. Big Beach, as its name implies, is one of Maui’s largest sandy beaches and is a popular place to settle in for an ocean view picnic (sometimes there are food trucks parked along Makena Road, another great picnic option). Nearby Little Beach, Maui’s clothing optional beach, is a quick traverse over some rocks at the north end of Big Beach.
Swim with tropical fish near La Perouse Bay: just a little bit further down Makena Road is one of Maui’s best stops for snorkelling (if you didn’t break out your snorkel gear already, you will want to pull it out now). Drive past Ahihi Cove to the beginning of the black rock from the Ahihi-Kinau lava flow. Use the Ahihi-Kinau Marine Preserve Parking lot on the ocean side of the road. A short walk down the lava rock path will bring you to a series of rocky beaches. While this destination is unlike all of Maui’s popular sandy beaches, its nearby coral reefs make it one of the best places for snorkelling with tropical fish. Read my post entitled 33 tropical fish and other marine life you will see in the Hawaiian Islandsto learn more about the beautiful tropical fish you will see here and around the other Hawaiian Islands.
Looking south along Big Beach, one of Maui’s best sandy beaches.
Day 2 Maui Itinerary: West Maui, Lahaina and Kaanapali Beach
Following on an adventure-filled first day road trip to South Maui, this West Maui day itinerary will bring you to more of the best beaches as well as a scenic drive along narrow roads, which promises not to disappoint.
Lahaina: This South Maui city is a very popular place, so the best time to arrive is morning (if arriving later, it’s a good idea to leave a little bit of extra time to locate the best parking lot or available street parking). Lahaina is a great place to find ocean view restaurants, and is also a good departure point for whale watching tours. If you decide to extend your time in Lahaina before continuing to Kaanapali Beach, some of the other best things to do include visiting the Hawaiian Islands’ largest banyan tree, or if you prefer leaving the scenic drive around West Maui to a different day, book a late afternoon Old Lahaina Luau, after spending time at Kaanapali Beach and Black Rock (see below). At a typical Luau, you’ll enjoy some traditional foods of the Hawaiian Islands like roasted pig, tropical fruit and poi. Most importantly, you’ll experience hula dancing. For a more authentic Old Lahaina Luau experience, consider booking something in the town of Lahaina, rather than at one of the resorts along Kaanapali Beach.
Late afternoon Old Lahaina Luau
Kaanapali Beach and Black Rock: A short drive north will bring you to Kaanapali Parkway, and a strip of beautiful ocean view resorts. Continue toward the north end of the parkway to Whaler’s Village, one of the best stops in Maui for high end shopping. You can also learn about the Whaling history of Maui, and then stroll onward to the public sandy beaches. Next door, you will find the Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa as well as Black Rock. This is one of the best beaches in Kaanapali for snorkelling with beautiful tropical fish, and if you’re lucky, maybe even some sea turtles and distant views of humpback whales. As usual, don’t forget your snorkel gear! The parking lot at the Kaanapali beach access point has limited free parking.
Scenic Drive around West Maui and Iao Valley State Park: From Kaanapali beach area, follow the Honoapiilani Highway northwest toward Kapalua. If time permits, the Kapalua Bay Beach is a great place for a quick snorkel or dip in the water. From Kapalua, this road trip becomes exciting with narrow roads hugging the coastline. One of the best stops is the Nakalele blowhole; this is a great place for sweeping photos with an amazing ocean view. Continue winding along the narrow roads around the point of West Maui, you will eventually end this day itinerary as you come to Waihee-Waiehu and the northern suburbs of Kahului.
Day 3 Maui Itinerary: Haleakala National Park Exploration and Haleakala Sunrise
Experiencing the Haleakala sunrise is definitely a once in a lifetime experience! This said, a trip to the peak of Haleakala National Park is not for the faint of heart. Here are a few considerations:
To experience the Haleakala sunrise at its fullest, you must drive to the summit, which is at over 10,000 feet above sea level. The air is noticeably thinner; when my wife and I went up in 2011, we were in pretty good shape and felt breathless just from walking around.
It’s very cold in the morning, at 10,000 feet above sea level. You must bring a warm jacket, pants, etc. It would be tricky to travel with carry-on baggage only while also planning as ascent to the top of Haleakala National Park.
To make it to the Haleakala crater in time for the sunset, you’ll likely need to get up between 3:00am and 4:00am!
You’ll need to monitor the weather, if it’s going to be a particularly cloudy day, you might want to consider moving your dormant volcano ascent to a different day. It’s never a good idea to leave this early morning excursion to your last day, in case of bad weather
Haleakala sunrise from 10,000 feet
Would I recommend a visit to Haleakala National Park to see the sunrise with the distant ocean view? Yes, without a doubt. If you have never been to Haleakala crater, it is a must. Would I go again? No, probably not. Having experienced the Haleakala sunrise once was enough (and sans kids, making it that much easier). I would not bother taking the time to go up again, in fact, in my more recent visits to Maui, I have not ventured into Haleakala National Park (and I’m none the sadder for it).
Beyond the sunrise at Haleakala National Park: This National Park is truly massive, at over 30,000 acres! Activities range from hiking and plant viewing (Haleakala National Park contains more endangered species than any other National Park) to camping, ziplining and mountain biking. You can truly dedicate as much time (or as little time) as you wish to exploring Haleakala National Park.
Best stops in Upcountry Maui: Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm near Kula Lodge
Maui Upcountry Exploration: From Haleakala National Park, it’s a scenic drive (and not too far) to the farming region known as upcountry. After descending from the chill of 10,000 feet, the moderate temperatures of this slightly elevated region will feel quite pleasant. Start in the small artisanal town of Makawao where a stroll up and down the small main street is a perfect way to warm up. Visit Hot Island Glass or various other shops and galleries. From here, take in the Pukalani Farmer’s Market, and then end your upcountry with a visit to the Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm in Kula.
North Shore and Paia: Descend back down to sea level for a visit to the north shore, if the surf is just right, you can watch boogie boarders at Lower Paia Park, or look for a higher vantage point to catch a glimpse of the serious north shore surfers catching larger waves. The main street in lower Paia is full of shops (souvenirs, clothing, ice cream) and is also an excellent place to grab dinner. I always make a point of ordering a mahi burger at the Paia Fish Market when I’m on Maui. You won’t regret it!
Day 4 Maui Itinerary: Driving the Hana Highway
This scenic drive is hands down one of the best things you can do for a day trip on Maui. Make sure to set aside a full day for this excursion as you will have good reason to make many stops along the way.
Twin Falls and countless lookout points: Mile Marker Zero marks the beginning of this scenic drive. One of the best places to make a first stop Twin Falls. This beautiful waterfall is a great place to go for a fresh water swim, sit under the falls, or just take in the lush beauty. As you continue along this scenic drive, you will find countless beautiful lookouts and viewpoints. There are too many to name!
One of the many beautiful waterfalls along the Highway to Hana
Banana bread and Waikani Falls: A quick stop at Aunt Sandy’s Banana Bread in Keanae is the best way to take a midway break on this day trip to Hana. As silly as this sounds, banana bread, made with fresh locally grown bananas (in my opinion) is one of the best things about driving the Hana Highway. Nearby, you will find another beautiful waterfall: Waikana Falls. It’s another popular swimming hole, and definitely worth the stop.
Hana Lava Tubes: I was skeptical when my wife insisted that we stop at the Hana lava tubes, but I must admit that it was a great place to get out and stretch after the long windy drive. Walking through the cave-like lava tubes is a good idea, if you have enough time, as it is a very unique experience. Nearby homes were also selling tropical fruit from little stands at the end of their driveways, which was a tasty bonus.
Beautiful black sand beach; the perfect way to relax along the Hana Highway.
Waianapanapa State Park Black Sand Beach: The striking beauty of the black sand beach set against lush green vegetation is truly the reward at the end of the Hana Highway. Make sure you give yourself lots of time to spend at Waianapanapa State Park, one of Maui’s most beautiful beaches. While the water is often too rough for swimming, this is one of the best beaches for getting great pictures.
Now that you’ve made it to Hana, the question you’ll need to ask yourself is whether you would like to loop back, returning to central Maui via the Hana Highway (it’s interesting to experience this scenic drive in both directions), or continue along the backside of Haleakala crater and South Maui. Sections of the back road along Haleakala crater are not paved (as well as steep and not maintained). Many rental car agreements companies will forbid you from driving this stretch of road. Having driven it myself, I can tell you that it is nerve wracking, but probably the best ocean view Maui has to offer, especially at sunset.
Day 5 Maui Itinerary: Sandy beaches, return to favorite spots, relax
With so much to do on the Valley Isle, it’s always a good idea to leave some flexibility in your itinerary. Maybe you didn’t get to all of the locations mentioned previously, or perhaps you encountered rain along the way and would like to use your last day to experience a specific location in the sunshine. If you’re still looking for more new things to do, before heading back to Kahului airport for your return journey, here are a few more suggestions:
Snorkelling tour to Molokini crater: This popular activity is the perfect way to see hundreds of tropical fish, sea turtles, coral reefs and other marine life. The crater is actually a volcanic caldera a few miles off South Maui. It’s not possible to get there yourself, you must take a guided snorkelling tour.
Iao Valley State Park: Return via Kahului to the Iao Valley State Park, which you passed through on the West Maui day trip. Make sure to walk to the scenic viewpoint overlooking the 1,200 foot Iao needle. The park is open daily from 7am to 6pm.
Surf lesson near Paia on Maui’s North Shore
Return to Paia and the north shore: If you have enough time, consider making a last day visit to the north shore town of Paia. This is your last chance to enjoy some fresh seafood, a visit to Mama’s Fish House, considered one of Maui’s best restaurants, is always a good thing. Paia is also one of the best areas to pick up souvenirs to bring home.
Maui Ocean Centre: This aquarium is compact, but well organized. It is definitely worth the visit. You’ll be able to see and learn about all of the sea life in the waters surrounding Maui. At the time of writing this blog, significantly discounted tickets were available through Costco (online). Tickets are not physically sold at the aquarium, they must be purchased in advance online.
Bonus: Best way to get the most value for your money while visiting the Hawaiian Islands
My wife and I have travelled quite frequently to the Hawaiian Islands, and so we always look for ways to get the best deals to stretch our travel budget. Here are a few tips:
While we enjoy going out to some of the island’s best restaurants and food trucks, we don’t eat out all of the time. On our first day, after landing at Kahului Airport, we usually make a stop at Costco, where we load up on groceries for the duration of our trip. We especially focus on easy snacks for all of the different day trip excursions. Besides, it’s kind of interesting to see the different kinds of products that are available Costco in the Hawaiian Islands.
It’s always a good idea to reserve your rental car online ahead of time. Many rental car websites will let you reserve and then cancel without any financial penalty (it’s a good idea to check and recheck the rates in the weeks leading up to your trip to the Hawaiian Islands, if you find a better price, simply cancel your reservation and make a new one).
Make sure that your car rental includes unlimited mileage. There’s nothing worse than returning your rental car to Kahului Airport to discover that you owe additional money for mileage.
Some car rental companies have locations that are within the city of Kahului, and not at the Kahului Airport. Sometimes airport off site rentals can be the best deals, and a simple taxi ride to the off site rental counter can be well worth it.
Snorkel gear, while available at many resorts and hotels for a daily or weekly fee, can also be rented at various other locations in places like Kahului, Kihei or Lahaina. Additionally, you might consider visiting Costco or Wal-Mart and simply buying some inexpensive flippers and a mask.
Renting or purchasing your snorkel gear on the Hawaiian Islands means you can pack a little more lightly, and possibly even travel without checking your luggage to avoid unnecessary airline fees.
5 Day Maui Itinerary: Conclusion
I’ve visited Maui over the Christmas holidays, as well as in March and April. Even though this is during the rainy season, the weather has always been very pleasant, with a little bit of rain here and there, but mostly hot sunny days. In order to have the best time possible on Maui, you need to be able to slow down and enjoy yourself.
If that means cancelling something you had previously planned on doing, it’s probably worth changing your plans for. Another option is to switch around the order of activities within this 5 day Maui itinerary, nothing is set in stone and what matters most is that you have the best time possible enjoying beautiful beaches, swimming with sea turtles and tropical fish, and taking in all that Maui has to offer.
