A Guide to a Perfect Day on Maui

This post will help you plan a full and enjoyable day on the island of Maui. The schedule follows a popular route, from watching the sunrise at the top of a volcano to enjoying a sunset dinner by the coast.

We'll also suggest some JAMS World outfits that are comfortable and practical for each part of the day's activities.

Early Morning: Watch the Sunrise at Haleakalā

The day begins very early with a drive up Haleakalā, a large, dormant volcano. The name Haleakalā means "House of the Sun." From the summit, you will be high above the clouds and can watch the sun come up.

Important: You must have a reservation to enter the national park for the sunrise. You can book this on the official Haleakalā National Park website. Make sure to book it several weeks ahead of time as spots fill up quickly.
What to Wear: It is very cold at the top, with temperatures often in the 40s Fahrenheit . You will need warm clothes. We suggest layering. Our comfortable JAMS World Kimono is a good piece to wear over a shirt and pants. For him, a JAMS World Jacket is a great choice for staying warm.

As the sun rises, the sky fills with beautiful colors like orange, pink, and purple. It's a memorable sight that makes the early wake-up call worth it.

Late Morning: Explore Paia Town

After the sunrise, you'll drive back down the mountain and head to the small town of Paia. It's a colorful surf town with many unique local shops, art galleries, and a relaxed feel.

For breakfast, a popular choice is the Island Fresh Cafe. They offer delicious food made with local ingredients in a pleasant outdoor garden.

What to Wear: The weather will be much warmer now. It's a good time to change into something lighter. Our Hattie Dress is a comfortable and popular choice for walking around town. Our women's printed tops paired with shorts are also a perfect option.

You can spend some time looking in the shops for local crafts and souvenirs. While you're there, be sure to stop in and say hello at our JAMS World Paia store! A short drive away is Ho'okipa Beach Park, where you can often see skilled windsurfers and large sea turtles resting on the beach.

Afternoon: Relax at the Beach

A trip to Maui isn't complete without some beach time. Baldwin Beach Park, located near Paia, is a great option with calm, blue water and a long, sandy shore. It's an ideal spot to go for a swim or just relax.

What to Wear: For the beach, keep it simple and light. A JAMS World sarong is very useful. You can wear it as a cover-up over your swimsuit or even use it as a blanket on the sand. For men, our classic men's retro shirts are made from a lightweight rayon that will keep you cool.

Evening: Sunset and Dinner in Wailea

As the afternoon ends, drive south to the Wailea area. This part of the island is known for its beautiful resorts and clear views of the sunset over the ocean. Before dinner, you can browse the upscale boutiques at The Shops at Wailea—where you'll also find our JAMS World Wailea store.

For a memorable sunset experience, you could have a drink at the Grotto Bar at the Grand Wailea. For a special dinner, The Restaurant at Hotel Wailea is a great choice that offers wonderful food and views of the ocean.

What to Wear: For a nice dinner out, our Marilyn Dress is a great option with its classic style. For him, a crisp JAMS World shirt in a nice print is perfect for the evening.

Maui Pro-Tips for a Flawless Day

A little planning helps the day go smoothly. Keep these tips in mind:

Timing is Everything: The drive to the Haleakalā summit can take up to 2 hours from West Maui resorts like Ka'anapali. Plan to leave by 3:00-3:30 AM to get through the park entrance and find a good spot.
Navigating Paia: Parking in Paia can be difficult. It's a good idea to take the first spot you find. The town is small and easy to walk through.
Respect the Land (Āina): In Hawai'i, it is important to care for the land and ocean. Please take all of your trash with you, use only reef-safe sunscreen, and give wildlife like sea turtles (honu) plenty of space. Do not touch them.