Planning a trip to Maui? Discover the essential Maui Travel Guidelines for a smooth and unforgettable experience. SIXT.VN offers expert advice and services to make your trip seamless. With our help, you can navigate the island with ease, ensuring a memorable vacation.
Contents
- 1. Understanding Maui’s Geography and Regions
- 2. What Is The Best Time To Visit Maui?
- 3. How Do I Navigate Maui’s Time Zone?
- 4. What Are Some Important Things To Know Before Traveling To Maui?
- 5. What Languages Are Spoken In Maui?
- 6. What Are The Best Ways To Get Around Maui?
- 7. What Are Some Of The Best Hotels In West Maui?
- 8. What Are The Best Hotels In South Maui?
- 9. What Are Some Hotels In Upcountry, East Maui, And Kahului?
- 10. What Are Some Of The Best Restaurants In West Maui?
- 11. What Are The Best Restaurants In South Maui?
- 12. What Are Some Restaurants In Upcountry And East Maui?
- 13. What Are The Must-Do Activities In Maui?
- 14. What Are Some Of The Best Shopping Destinations In Maui?
- 15. Understanding Maui’s Regions For Your Trip
- 16. What Is The Weather Like In Maui?
1. Understanding Maui’s Geography and Regions
Maui, known as “The Valley Isle,” is the second-largest of the Hawaiian Islands and boasts diverse landscapes. To make the most of your trip, understanding its geography and regions is essential.
- West Maui: Home to resort areas like Kaanapali, Kapalua, and the historic town of Lahaina, West Maui is known for its beaches and vibrant tourist attractions.
- South Maui: Featuring the resort communities of Kihei, Wailea, and Makena, South Maui offers sunny weather and beautiful beaches perfect for relaxation and water activities.
- East Maui: Dominated by the scenic Road to Hana and Haleakala National Park, East Maui is renowned for its lush landscapes, waterfalls, and natural beauty.
- Upcountry: Located on the higher elevations around Haleakala, Upcountry is known for its farms, dairies, and ranches, offering a unique glimpse into Maui’s agricultural side.
- Central Maui: Home to Kahului Airport and Iao Valley State Park, Central Maui is a transportation hub with hiking trails, forests, and running streams.
2. What Is The Best Time To Visit Maui?
The best time to visit Maui depends on your preferences and priorities. Consider the weather, whale watching season, and peak tourist times.
- Summer (April – November): Offers higher temperatures and less precipitation. June, July, and August are popular due to school holidays and warm, dry weather.
- Winter (December – March): Cooler, but still warm and sunny, with slightly more rain. This is also the peak whale watching season, attracting many visitors.
- Whale Watching Season (December – May): The best time to see humpback whales migrating from Alaska to Hawaii, with peak sightings from January to March.
According to the Hawaii Tourism Authority, winter months are particularly attractive for those escaping colder climates. (Hawaii Tourism Authority, 2023)
3. How Do I Navigate Maui’s Time Zone?
Hawaii follows Hawaii Standard Time (GMT-10 hours), which is five hours behind Eastern Standard Time and two hours behind Pacific Standard Time.
- Hawaii does not observe Daylight Saving Time, so add one extra hour to the time difference during this period (March through November).
4. What Are Some Important Things To Know Before Traveling To Maui?
Before traveling to Maui, there are several essential facts to keep in mind to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.
- Haleakala: While dormant, Haleakala is not extinct and is expected to erupt again in the future. The summit can receive snow in winter due to its elevation of over 10,000 feet.
- Honokohau Falls: The tallest waterfall on Maui, plunging 1,119 feet, is best viewed via a helicopter tour due to its inaccessible location.
- Lahaina’s History: Lahaina was the original capital of Hawaii until 1850 and a significant whaling port in the 19th century.
- Maui County: Maui County includes the islands of Maui, Lanai, Molokai, and Kahoolawe.
- Charles Lindbergh’s Grave: Aviator Charles Lindbergh is buried on Maui at the Palapala Ho’omau Church along the road to Hana.
- USDA Regulations: The U.S. Department of Agriculture requires a declaration form for each person arriving in Hawaii regarding uninspected plants and animals.
- Airports: The main airport on Maui is Kahului Airport (OGG), with smaller commuter airports in Kapalua and Hana.
- Humpback Whales: Every year, up to 10,000 humpback whales migrate from Alaskan waters to Hawaii for their winter migration, making Maui an excellent place for whale watching.
5. What Languages Are Spoken In Maui?
The official languages of Hawaii are English and Hawaiian, though Hawaiian is not commonly spoken.
- Major resort areas often have customer service representatives who speak Japanese.
6. What Are The Best Ways To Get Around Maui?
Getting around Maui is relatively easy, with several transportation options available to suit different needs and preferences.
- Rental Cars: Reserving a rental car in advance from Kahului or Kapalua Airport is recommended for those who want to explore all that Maui offers.
- Shuttles and Tour Buses: Ideal for travelers who prefer not to drive or are part of organized tours.
- Taxis: Available in major tourist areas, but can be more expensive than other options.
- Public Transportation: The Maui Public Bus system provides service between various communities throughout the island, operating daily, including holidays.
The Maui Public Bus system consists of 13 bus routes that provide service in and between various communities throughout the island. All of the routes operate daily including holidays. (Maui County, 2023)
7. What Are Some Of The Best Hotels In West Maui?
West Maui boasts a variety of excellent hotels, offering luxurious accommodations and stunning ocean views.
- Westin Resort Ka’anapali: Located steps from the ocean, this hotel offers luxury beachfront accommodations, ocean views, and a private lounge with exclusive amenities.
- Ka’anapali Beach Hotel: Situated along a three-mile stretch of sandy beach, this hotel offers recently renovated guest rooms and suites, as well as a new water activity center.
- Montage Kapalua Bay: The Montage offers one, two, and three-bedroom residences, two restaurants, a spa, pools, and access to golf and ocean activities.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/montage-kapalua-bay-hawaii-63-BESTHOTELSWB19-2238921bb9fd45ac9c5eb3afd751603a.jpg)
- The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua: Set on 54 acres, this hotel offers renovated rooms, suites, Club Level accommodations, a spa, six dining venues, tennis, and two 18-hole championship golf courses.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ritz-carlton-kapalua-20-HAWAIIRESORTSWB20-5447e475804f47cb8b7d03a436e5313c.jpg)
- Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa: This hotel is set on 40 acres on Ka’anapali Beach, offering guestrooms, suites, dining venues, pools, and an oceanfront spa and salon.
- Royal Lahaina Resort: The resort offers contemporary rooms and suites with custom teak furnishings, artwork, private lanais, an oceanfront restaurant, a poolside beach bar, and three swimming pools.
- Sheraton Maui Kaanapali: This hotel offers newly renovated rooms and suites, most with ocean views, set on 23 lush oceanfront acres on Ka’anapali Beach, featuring a lagoon-style pool, spa, and a traditional sunset cliff dive ceremony.
- Aston Kaanapali Shore: Condominium accommodations range from standard to expansive suites with ocean views, fully equipped kitchens, private lanais, two pools, and a kids’ camp.
- Plantation Inn: This adults-only bed and breakfast in the heart of historical Lahaina Town offers Hawaiian decor, modern amenities, tropical gardens, a walkable location, and a fine dining restaurant.
8. What Are The Best Hotels In South Maui?
South Maui is renowned for its luxurious resorts and stunning beachfront properties, making it an ideal destination for discerning travelers.
- Hotel Wailea: This luxurious Relais & Chateaux resort offers suites spread over acres, with ocean and garden views, and a restaurant with al fresco dining.
- Andaz Maui at Wailea: Guests can choose from rooms, suites, and luxury villas, each with a private lanai, and enjoy a variety of dining venues including a luau and Morimoto Maui.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/andaz-maui-wailea-resort-maui-hawaii-8-WINDOWVIEWS0320-53de62c093104230a0d643e0283db1a6.jpg)
- Four Seasons Resort Maui: This resort offers luxury accommodations, a spa, adults-only infinity pool, three 18-hole golf courses, and dining venues including Wolfgang Puck’s Spago.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Four-Seasons-Maui-10-HAWAIIRHWB18-5dba2332d47849b68a47b65b274244c2.jpg)
- Grand Wailea Maui, a Waldorf Astoria Resort: Accommodations range from guest rooms to villas with tropical and ocean views, and guests can enjoy poolside dining or a cocktail in the Botero Lounge.
- Makena Surf: This luxury condominium resort is set on Paipu Beach and offers accommodations equipped with full kitchens, ocean views, outdoor pools, tennis courts, and a barbecue area.
- Fairmont Kea Lani: This hotel offers suites and villas ideal for family vacations, with living space, full gourmet kitchens, private courtyards, plunge pools, and barbecue grills.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/fairmont-kea-lani-06-HAWAIIRESORTSWB20-bf28e970b21146a79debc658c4e7eb8d.jpg)
9. What Are Some Hotels In Upcountry, East Maui, And Kahului?
Explore unique accommodations in Upcountry, East Maui, and Kahului, offering a range of experiences from luxury resorts to convenient airport hotels.
- Hana-Maui Resort: Set on 66 acres on the eastern tip of Maui, this oceanfront resort offers guest rooms, suites, bungalows, and family residences with ocean views and private lanais.
- Heavenly Hana Paradise: This small inn offers a convenient place to rest along the highway, with covered terraces, kitchens in some rooms, and tropical surroundings.
- Courtyard by Marriott Kahului Airport: Located near the airport, this hotel offers an outdoor swimming pool, hot tub, fitness center, and casual bistro.
10. What Are Some Of The Best Restaurants In West Maui?
West Maui is a culinary paradise, boasting a diverse range of restaurants that cater to every palate.
- Hula Grill: This restaurant features local fresh fish, Maui-grown produce, meats, and a raw bar in a scenic setting with views of the Pacific.
- Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman: This restaurant features fresh local produce, meats, and fish creatively prepared, along with an extensive wine list, craft beers, and culinary cocktails.
- Duke’s Beach House: Named for Olympic gold medalist Duke Kahanamoku, this restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with ocean views and a range of dishes.
- Pulehu, an Italian Grill: This restaurant serves a selection of pasta, fresh seafood, meats, salads, and appetizers, with woodstone oven pizzas and flatbreads as house specialties.
- Banyan Tree: This restaurant’s “Hawaiian Coastal” menu includes Hawaiian cioppino, steamed mahi mahi, and grilled New York steak, with a dessert specialty of Ban-nan-yas Foster.
- Merriman’s Kapalua: This stunning oceanfront restaurant offers a four-course prix-fixe menu including ahi ginger poke, pan-seared mahi mahi, and desserts like Maui pineapple bread pudding.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/merrimans-kapalua-maui-hawaii-MAUITG0221-e0e9c5edfe1f4a4792bd880b2e89c3d7.jpg)
- Taverna: A favorite with locals and visitors, Taverna serves wood-fired pizzas, house-made pastas, and other Italian dishes in a rustic open-air restaurant with golf course and ocean views.
- Mala Ocean Tavern: This oceanfront restaurant features excellent cuisine in a casual-chic setting overlooking Mala Wharf, serving brunch, happy hour, and dinner with seafood, salads, and flatbreads.
- Son’z Steakhouse: Located at the Hyatt Regency Resort, this fine dining restaurant features premium steaks, chops, and seafood overlooking the lagoon and Swan Court.
- Fleetwood’s on Front Street: Owned by Mick Fleetwood, this two-level restaurant serves excellent food, cocktails, and wine, with a variety of appetizers, salads, and entrees.
- Lahaina Grill: This attractive restaurant is known for delicious cuisine and fresh ingredients from local farms and dairies, with an extensive menu of appetizers, soups, salads, seafood, meat entrees, and desserts.
- Kimo’s Restaurant: A favorite since 1977, Kimo’s serves fresh fish, prime rib, classic Hawaiian cuisine, and Hula Pie.
- Gerards: Located in the Plantation Inn, this restaurant combines French cuisine and Maui’s fresh fruits and vegetables and just-caught local fish.
11. What Are The Best Restaurants In South Maui?
South Maui offers a wide range of dining experiences, from casual eateries to upscale restaurants, ensuring there is something for every taste.
- Tommy Bahama: This restaurant at The Shops at Wailea serves lunch and dinner as well as a special happy hour menu, with ahi tuna tacos, coconut shrimp, and specialty cocktails.
- Longhi’s Wailea: This Maui favorite has been around since 1976, serving Italian cuisine with an extensive wine list and full bar, offering breakfast/brunch, lunch, and dinner.
- Matteo’s Osteria: Located at the Wailea Town Center, this award-winning restaurant serves pastas, pizzette, and classic Italian dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.
- Nick’s Fishmarket: Located at the Fairmont Kea Lani, this restaurant offers a menu of the freshest fish and island-style cuisine in a lush setting with elegant service.
- Ruth’s Chris: This restaurant offers USDA prime steaks, fresh seafood, and delicious side dishes in a stylish atmosphere, with a selection of cocktails, wines, and desserts.
- Lineage: This restaurant combines flavors from the cuisines of Guam, Korea, China, and Hawaii, with dishes including Korean fried chicken, garlic Szechuan noodles, and steamed local fish.
12. What Are Some Restaurants In Upcountry And East Maui?
Explore the culinary delights of Upcountry and East Maui, where farm-to-table dining and local flavors abound.
- The Wooden Crate: This restaurant uses fresh local ingredients from the area, offering dining on the lanai overlooking their gardens or sunset on their covered back terrace.
- Polli’s Mexican Restaurant: Set in the heart of Maui’s ranching country, this restaurant serves Mexican dishes with an island touch, including guacamole, tacos, burritos, and Mexican fish.
- Kula Bistro: This casual Bistro near Haleakala National Park serves comfort food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with breakfast specialties like crab cake Benedict and lunch specialties like panini and pizza.
- Mama’s Fish House: This restaurant serves the freshest daily catch within 24 hours, along with salads and side dishes made from local produce, such as Maui onions and Hana papaya.
- Hali’imaile General Store: Set in a historic building, this restaurant features local produce, meats, and products, with Asian influences evident in dishes like sashimi Napoleon and Korean BBQ ribs.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/haliimaile-general-store-maui-hawaii-MAUITG0221-72d82a29695e4cf38abb58c3367534aa.jpg)
- Thai Food by Pranee: This spot on the road to Hana serves traditional Thai dishes like pad Thai, green papaya salad, and pineapple fried rice.
13. What Are The Must-Do Activities In Maui?
Maui offers a plethora of activities and attractions, ensuring an unforgettable experience for every visitor.
- Haleakala National Park: This park features landscapes and ecosystems from the coast to the summit, with hiking trails, sunrise and sunset views, dark skies for stargazing, and camping opportunities.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/haleakala-national-park-maui-MAUITG0221-da7712d2210c43e3934d4745ef4dc349.jpg)
- The Road to Hana: Drive this scenic road to see waterfalls, lush tropical landscapes, pools, and enjoy the journey.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/hana-highway-maui-MAUITG0221-9dbc096860044799bc68b3a60a11b044.jpg)
- Visit Lahaina Town: Explore this historic town, once the center of the whaling industry and capital of Hawaii, and see the Banyan tree.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/lahaina-town-maui-hawaii-MAUITG0221-3bd9dce798564099ad55f60c6d6dbbe9.jpg)
- Maui Ocean Center: Learn about Hawaii’s marine life through exhibits like the Living Coral Reef, Open Ocean exhibit, and see sharks, sea turtles, and tropical fish.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/maui-ocean-center-hawaii-MAUITG0221-d1eba785081645cfaa3b3e42720d6e78.jpg)
-
Molokini Crater: This crescent-shaped island offers snorkeling and scuba diving with coral, tropical fish, and green sea turtles.
-
Visit Upcountry Maui: Tour the Surfing Goat Dairy, taste cheese, visit Maui Wine for a tour and pineapple wine tasting, and explore Kula Botanical Garden.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/upcountry-maui-MAUITG0221-a7e60cedbf4e444cbfcbaa822dec5a8f.jpg)
-
Whale Watching: Take a boat trip to see humpback whales during their annual migration from December through May.
-
Haleakala Bike Ride: This downhill bike ride takes you from the summit at 10,023 feet above sea level for a unique experience.
-
Horseback Riding: Mendes Ranch offers morning and afternoon trail rides with views of the Pacific coastline.
-
Iao Valley State Park: This park is home to the Iao Needle, offering paved pedestrian paths and hiking trails with views of the valley.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/iao-valley-state-park-maui-MAUITG0221-0bf278af14e6428d8e635fa3032189f5.jpg)
-
Enjoy a Luau: Experience Hawaiian foods and entertainment at a traditional luau.
-
Golf: Play golf at some of the world’s most beautiful golf courses.
-
Explore Maui’s Beaches: Find the perfect beach for surfing, swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, and more.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/makena-beach-maui-MAUITG0221-bca95e1f60d24058b267b9be3aac3764.jpg)
14. What Are Some Of The Best Shopping Destinations In Maui?
Discover the best shopping destinations in Maui, from luxury outlets to local boutiques, offering a diverse retail experience.
- Outlets of Maui: This oceanfront outlet shopping destination features designer and brand-name shops as well as restaurants.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/outlets-maui-hawaii-MAUITG0221-3a333f5d8aa94ec584829a4a1601ae8c.jpg)
- Whalers Village: This oceanfront retail center features well-known brands and specialty retailers.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TAL-whalers-village-MAUITGTMOG0523-aa3f060f870f41ef962e28f2c65c5bb0.jpg)
- Moana Glass by Ryan Staub: Take home a piece of art glass or try your hand at glassblowing with guidance at Moana Glass.
- The Shops at Wailea: Stroll through this outdoor mall and shop at designer stores, specialty shops, and local favorites.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/shops-wailea-maui-hawaii-MAUITG0221-59fce01d5e954d9cba6d73b72ac3fba5.jpg)
- Maui Mall: This mall includes Longs Drugs, Maui Candy, TJ Maxx, and other clothing stores.
15. Understanding Maui’s Regions For Your Trip
Maui is divided into distinct regions, each offering unique attractions and experiences. Understanding these regions can help you plan your trip effectively.
- West Maui: Features luxury hotels, marine sanctuaries, golf courses, and the historic town of Lahaina.
- Upcountry Maui: Includes Haleakala National Park, rustic towns, ranches, agricultural sections, and an artists’ community.
- South Maui: The driest part of the island, with upscale hotels, condominium developments, and popular tourist destinations.
- East Maui: A rural, undeveloped area with the Hana Highway, lush scenery, waterfalls, and beautiful coastline.
- Central Maui: Home to Maui’s main airport, state government offices, residential developments, and agricultural areas.
16. What Is The Weather Like In Maui?
Maui weather varies significantly around the island, with rainforest, desert, and mountainous climates.
- Higher elevations are humid and rainy, while other areas receive little or no rainfall.
- Lahaina, Kihei, Wailea, and Haleakala have desert microclimates.
- Haiku, Hana, Makawao, and West Maui Mountains are rainforest microclimates.
- Mountainous microclimate areas include parts of Haleakala, Kula, and Ulupalakua.
- Hurricane season in Maui is from June through November, but hurricanes are rare.
Lahaina/West Maui Temperature Average Lows and Highs in Fahrenheit
| Month | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| January | 64 | 82 |
| February | 64 | 82 |
| March | 65 | 83 |
| April | 66 | 84 |
| May | 67 | 85 |
| June | 69 | 86 |
| July | 70 | 87 |
| August | 71 | 88 |
| September | 71 | 88 |
| October | 70 | 87 |
| November | 68 | 85 |
| December | 66 | 83 |
Average Annual Precipitation: 13.54 inches, with heaviest rainfall in December and January.
Hana/East Maui Temperature Average Lows and Highs in Fahrenheit
| Month | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| January | 65 | 78 |
| February | 64 | 78 |
| March | 65 |
