It’s your last day on Maui, what to do? Luckily, there are still some great ideas and options while you are on the Valley Isle.

About 1/3 of guests leave Maui on a late-night flight. With a 10 or 11am check-out, this means that you spend your final day on Maui homeless which is a bit of a downer.

In an ideal world, you will be able to pay for a late check-out. Wait – pay? Yes, after all a late check-out means the condo cannot be cleaned and re-rented that day. However most owners will offer a late check-out for a 1/2 nights fee or another amount. These are great because then you don’t need to worry about where to store your luggage. You can still go to the beach, the pool, nap, shower and then head to the airport feeling refreshed and ready for the long flight home.

Usually guests don’t think about their last day or how they will spend it until their vacation is almost over. Last minute calls to the owner or property manager are often futile as cleaners and maintenance people have already been scheduled. Also, there may be another guest arriving that afternoon. Thus it is best to ask about a late check out when you make your reservation.

If you can’t secure late checkout, what can you do?

1.     Check with the airline – when is the earliest you can check your luggage? Consider dropping the luggage off early so you don’t have to worry about leaving it in your car. Most airlines allow you to drop luggage 4 hours before departure.

2.     Pack your luggage in your trunk, and then don’t open the trunk until you are headed to the airport. Just remember to practice “out of sight, out of mind.” Don’t give someone an easy chance / opportunity to grab something of yours. Always take your IDs, electronics, valuables etc. with you.

3.     I have heard rumors of people renting a storage locker for the day – I’m not entirely sure how workable that is. I’ve also heard of people renting a cheaper hotel room for the day – however, with an afternoon check-in, you may be able to have the front desk to hold your luggage for you. It is arguable whether the luggage would be safer in the car or a hotel back-room.

Ideas on how to spend your final day on Maui

  1. Maui Ocean Center (bonus, it’s air-conditioned) and has a restaurant attached.
  2. Maui Tropical Plantation.
  3. Go for an upcountry drive. Ocean Vodka Distilary, Surfing Goat Dairy, Haleakala Distillery, Makawao Town, Ulupalakua Ranch, Lavender Farm etc. etc.
  4. Bring a towel from home or buy a cheap towel or two to share and spend your last afternoon at the condo pool. Most have bathrooms for guests, so you can change and get ready for the airport.

What not to do on your final day on Maui

  1. Scuba diving – generally not a good idea to subject your body to extreme changes in altitude.
  2. Road to Hana – in general, avoid drives where you may be stuck in heavy traffic and miss your flight. Watch with driving to Lahaina too, leave plenty of extra time for the drive to the airport.