The Essential Guide: Planning a Trip to Maui
The Essential Guide: Planning a Trip to Maui
Get ready for your dream vacation in Maui
Planning a trip to Maui can seem daunting with all there is to do on the island. But don't worry, I've got you covered! In this article, I'll share with you some essential tips on how to plan your trip and what to do when you're there.
So sit back, relax and let's get planning because your dream vacation awaits you in Maui!
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15 Fun Facts About Maui and the Hawaiian Islands
Maui is Hawaii's second-largest of the eight major Hawaiian islands, second to “The Big Island” of Hawai'i.
In Hawaii, there is no gambling of any kind (including the lottery). Hawaii was the second state to implement this law after Utah.
Lahaina in West Maui Island was once the capital of Hawaii.
Stray chickens can be found on Maui island. Don't be shocked if one or two or three appear at some point on the airport grounds or in a grocery store parking lot- which is beyond brave given that their cousins are sold there.16 Fun Facts About Maui and the Hawaiian Islands
Hawaii means "Place of Gods" or "Homeland."
Hawaii is made up of a chain of 137 islands.
English and Hawaiian are the official languages of Hawaii.
Hawaii is the only state in the United States whose territory is increasing owing to volcanic eruptions.
All of Hawaii's beaches are public and free to use. The sand is black, red, or white (your choice) and is available for everyone to enjoy.
Snakes are banned in Hawaii and I'm not even upset about it. And it's a good thing because introducing snakes to the island would wreak havoc on their ecosystem. To catch a glimpse of snakes in Hawaii, you'll have to visit the zoo.
Because they are prohibited, there are no billboards in Hawaii. I can't fathom driving the Road to Hana with advertisements bombarding drivers at every turn.
Haleakala, which is on the island of Maui and is the world's largest dormant volcano, has a crater that measures the size of Manhattan, NY (wow!) and its last known eruption was between 1480 and 1600.
Hawaii is the only state in the United States that has its own time zone and does not observe daylight savings time.
The Lahaina Banyan Tree, one of the world's LARGEST trees, grows on Maui. It was planted in 1873 and now boasts a height of over 60 ft with 16 trunks covering 0.66 acres.
Hawaii has 10 of the world's 14 climatic zones. On a Hawaiian Island, you may discover all ten climates: from tropical and constantly wet to the hot desert and glacial ice, it is possible to view and experience pretty much all Earth has to offer on one island.
FAQs: Planning Your First Trip to Maui
Let's get started planning your trip to Maui and some essential facts you should know.
What Airport Should I Fly Into on Maui Island?
Kahului Airport, also known as OGG, is the main airport on the island and is located in the southern part of the island in Kahului. Kahului Airport is an indoor/outdoor airport, meaning a majority of it is indoors, but the check-in counters and baggage claim areas and exiting the plane are outside. So be prepared for instant humidity and climate immersion as soon as you land.
What is the Best Month To Go To Maui?
Paradise in Maui can be experienced year-round. But if you want to save a few bucks or avoid the crowds, these are the best months to visit Maui.
Peak Season: Mid December to March
1st Off-Season: Mid April to June
Shoulder Season: July to August
2nd Off-Season: September to early December
How is the Weather in Maui?
In Maui weather on an average summer day, the temperature can reach as high as 85° and drop as low as 75°. During the winter highs on the island can reach about 78° and drop as low as 68°.
In regards to rain, the dry season in Maui is April to October and the wet season is November to March.
Should I Pay With Cash or Credit Cards In Maui?
Most major credit cards are accepted in most areas of Maui, as well as the other Hawaiian islands, with the exception of roadside stands that may or may not accept credit or debit cards. For that reason, it's best to always carry cash when vacationing in Maui.
How Many Days Do You Need in Maui?
I recommend planning for at least five days in Maui when traveling to the island time changes and possible jet lag are taken into account. If you can swing it, 7 days or more are ideal to accomplish everything on your Maui itinerary.
Basic Maui Geography
The island of Maui is made up of two distinct sections, with a valley in the middle that separates the north and south volcanic areas.
Do I Need a Car on Maui Island?
The short answer is "yes" because most places aren't within walking distance.
Overall, driving around the island of Maui is a breeze. Hawaiians, like the rest of the United States, drive on the right side of the road. And as long as you have access to Google Maps or any other navigation apps, you should be G.T.G (translation: "Good to Go") with your Maui planning and travel session.
What You Need to Know Before Renting a Vehicle in Maui
Gas is crazy expensive in Hawaii- at the time of our trip, gas was around $4 a gallon. Because Hawaii is the farthest away from America's oil production and refineries of anywhere else in the country, the costs are extremely steep. Check out the AAA Gas price https://gasprices.aaa.com/?state=HI
Renting a Jeep in Maui can be expensive. Keep reading if you want to know how we over saved $700 on our Jeep rental.
Stay on paved roads when driving. It's tempting to go off-road on unpaved roads in Maui or along the backside of the Road to Hana in a rental car or 4x4 Jeep, but please be advised that (in most cases) it is against your rental contract. If you get stuck on one of Maui's many unpaved, mudslide-prone routes, you will be fully responsible for the expense of any rescue, towing, or rental vehicle repairs. YIKES!
How We Saved Over $700 on Our Jeep Rental in Maui
In Maui, EVERYTHING is better explored in a Jeep. There's nothing quite like taking the top off your Jeep and going to the beach or cruising the Road to Hana. But with that being said, a rental Jeep can be very expensive.
At the time of our trip, the cost of renting a Jeep for 7 days was $1000 compared to $300 for a luxury car. Big difference!
Here's How We Saved 70% on Our Jeep Rental in Maui
We booked a luxury vehicle for rent; nevertheless, when we arrived in Maui, the rental car company only had two vehicles available, both of which were extremely dirty. Since we rented a luxury automobile, the rental car company couldn't put us into an economy or lesser vehicle tier category. The solution to the problem was to rent us a Jeep for the same price as our luxury car rental. BOOM! That's how we saved over $700 on our Jeep rental in Hawaii.
Where to Stay on Maui Island
With so many choices in paradise, planning your trip and finding the right place to stay can be tricky. From 5-star resorts to cozy bed and breakfasts, to privately owned properties, Maui has it all.
Airbnb
For our Maui vacation, we chose to stay at an Airbnb. Our stay was a total of 7 days and we found that an Airbnb was perfect for our needs and budget.
Our condo was 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 stories with a walkout lanai and patio.
A Few Reasons Why We Opted to Stay at a Privately Owned Property vs a Hotel Resort
Space: I took this trip with my bestie since pre-school and in order for our friendship to remain intact, having our separate spaces to reside and recharge every day was very important.
Cost-Effectiveness: Hawaii can easily become expensive, so an Airbnb offered the best way to save money on our trip.
No Daily Parking Fees: Maui is one of those places where a car is a necessity. And, as with many hotels and resorts, having access to a car comes with a price . . . a price in the form of a steep daily parking charge added to your final bill at check out. But who wants to worry about that when you're on vacation? Not us! So we found a hotel that doesn't have any daily parking fees. Score!
Washer & Dryer Access: If you're planning on planning a trip to Maui, make sure you have access to a washer and dryer. The weather in Maui can be unpredictable at times, so it's nice to be able to dry your clothes and swimming suits when you please. Plus, no washing clothes when we got back home #winning
Full Kitchen: The best thing about having a kitchen in your vacation rental? Being able to cook up a storm, or just whip up a quick meal or snack when the mood strikes. I'm not planning on spending my trip cooking, but it's nice to be able to enjoy a simple meal or snacks and a bottle of wine (outside of a restaurant) with friends on vacation. Plus, it's great to have a refrigerator for all of those leftovers from meals I never can quite finish when dining out.
*photo credit Ritz Carlton Kapalua
Ritz Carlton Kapalua
The Ritz Carlton Kapalua is one of the best luxury resorts on the island. From the moment you arrive, you'll be treated to impeccable service and luxurious accommodations. The hotel offers a wide variety of amenities, including championship golf courses, a spa, hiking trails, oceanfront views, and several world-class restaurants. So if you're looking for a relaxing and luxurious getaway, be sure to check out the Ritz Carlton Kapalua!
Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
If you're looking for a luxurious getaway, look no further than the Grand Wailea in Maui. This hotel resort was featured in HBO's The White Lotus, which you may recall. And with its stunning ocean views and world-class amenities, this luxury resort is sure to impress you too. You'll feel like royalty as you relax by the pool or enjoy a cocktail at the beach bar. And don't forget to treat yourself to a massage at the spa! With all there is to do at the Grand Wailea, you'll never want to leave.
If the Grand Wailea is a bit too pricey for your taste, consider purchasing day passes to the pool and resort as a fantastic budget option. Our Airbnb host was kind enough to provide us with a complimentary pool, beach, and parking day passes. I about lost my mind when I got the news. But when we got there, I tried to act all cool and like I had been there before. Spoiler alert: I hadn't.
For more information: Grand Wailea Resort Hotel & Spa
*photo credit Kapalua Villas
Kapalua Villas Maui
If you're looking for an upscale family Maui experience, look no further than the Kapalua Villas. Choose from one, two, or three-bedroom spacious vacation rentals with fully equipped kitchens, washers/dryers, and stunning views of the island. This private resort is situated on 22,000 acres of lush tropical gardens. Guests can enjoy an array of activities such as golfing, hiking, tennis, ziplining, and snorkeling right on the property, or take a short drive into Lahaina for shopping and dining. With impeccable service and stunning views, the Kapalua Villas are the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate during your Hawaiian vacation.
Where to Eat on Maui Island
With so many different restaurants around the island, it's hard to know where you should eat. But do not fear, I've got you covered. Here are the 10 best restaurants to dine at on Maui! I guarantee you will not be disappointed!
Monkeypod Kitchen
10 Wailea Gateway Place, Kihei, HI 96753
https://www.monkeypodkitchen.com
So nice, we ate there twice! Monkeypod was a wonderful, tasty top pick with a menu focused on locally sourced fresh ingredients.
What we ordered: Cocktails- Monkeypod Mai Tai (skip if you are allergic to macadamias) and the Pablano Escobar. Starters- Coco Corn Chowder. Mains- Bulgogi Pork Tacos and the Saimin Noodles. Dessert- Coconut Cream Pie.
*photo credit Star Noodle Instagram
Star Noodle
286 Kupuohi St, Lahaina, HI 96761
Be sure to check out Star Noodle. This quaint noodle house is just a short drive from Lahaina town and the famous Lahaina Banyan Tree and is definitely worth the wait!
What we ordered: Cocktails- Ginga Ninja and the Peach Bliss. Starters- Steamed Pork Buns. Mains- Singapore Noodles and Fried Saimin with Spam (a Hawaiian delicacy that had to be sampled). Sides- Pan-Roasted Mushrooms. Dessert- None at this meal because we were too full :)
*photo credit Fat Daddy’s Smokehouse
Fat Daddy's Smokehouse
1913 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753
Is it possible to have Texas-style BBQ in Hawaii? You've got to be kidding me. Given that I lived in Texas for 17 years I'm always skeptical of any BBQ joint claiming to be 'authentic Texas-style.' But Fat Daddy's isn't just some ordinary BBQ restaurant.
What we ordered: Cocktails- Tennessee Jed and Daddy's Lemonade. Starters- Jalapeno hush puppies. Mains- Meatloaf, Brisket, Ribs and Pulled Pork. Sides- Mac 'n cheese, Seasonal vegetables, and Cornbread.
*photo credit Lappert’s Hawaii Instagram
Lappert's Hawaii
3750 Wailea Alanui Dr, Wailea, HI 96753
https://www.lappertshawaii.com
When planning your trip to Maui, make sure to include a stop at Lappert's. This local favorite has been serving up delicious Hawaiian coffee and ice cream since 1983. With its retro vibes and welcoming atmosphere, Lappert's is the perfect place to relax and enjoy some of the best that Maui has to offer. Don't be surprised if there's a line, though - good things come to those who wait!
Nut Allergy Warning: If you have a severe nut allergy, unfortunately, it's best to skip Lappert's as I was not able to eat here. However, my traveling companion (and super-foodie best friend) said it was DE-LI-CIOUS and worth the wait in line!!!
Halfway to Hana
13710 Hana Hwy, Haiku, HI 96708
When driving the Road to Hana, make sure you don't miss stopping at the Halfway to Hana stand on the side of the road. This is a great opportunity to take in some of the beautiful scenery and snap some photos and eat some delicious Hawaiian food.
What we ordered: Dessert- Hawaiian shaved ice, fresh banana bread, and the Banana Bread Sundae (the REAL MVP)! DO NOT MISS the banana bread sundae. #lifechanging and you'll thank me later.
FYI: At the time of our trip, the Halfway to Hana stand only takes cash; however, there is an onsite ATM available if needed.
*photo credit Mana Foods Instagram
Mana Foods
49 Baldwin Ave, Paia, HI 96779
The Mana Foods Paia, HI is a must-go for any traveler planning to drive the Road to Hana. This natural foods grocery store offers an impressive selection of local produce, sandwiches, and snacks, as well as a hot food bar with daily specials.
What we ordered: Mains- Homemade organic chicken chili was a delicious start to my day. Snacks- Chips, chocolates, candies, and other road trip snacks.
Maui Pineapple Store
695 Front Street, Lahaina, HI 96761
https://www.mauipineapplestore.com
The Maui Pineapple Store is one of the most iconic places on the island. Situated in the heart of Lahaina, it's a must-see and must-eat pineapple landmark.
What we ordered: Dessert- The Dole Whip was incredible. In front of us, fresh pineapple was blended and whipped and served using a hollowed-out pineapple as a bowl.
*photo credit Fabiani’s Italian Restaurant Instagram
Fabiani's Italian Restaurant
34 Wailea Gateway Pl Ste A101, Kihei, HI 96753
Family-owned Fabiani's Italian Restaurant Kihei, HI is a must-go if you're looking for a delicious, authentic Italian meal on the island of Maui.
What we ordered: Starters- Lorenzo's Garlic Bread, Caprese, and Fabiani's House Salad. Mains- Lorenzo's Homemade Meat Lasagna and Linguine alle vongole.
*photo credit Mama’s Seafood House
Mama's Fish House
799 Poho Pl, Paia, HI 96779
If you're looking for a delicious seafood dinner while on the island of Maui, Mama's Fish House is the perfect spot. Located in the town of Paia, Mama's Fish House offers fresh seafood and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
Maui Sweet Shoppe
1819 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753
https://www.mauisweetshoppe.com
The Maui Sweet Shoppe Kihei, HI is the perfect place to indulge in all your sweet fantasies. From fresh-baked cookies to homemade ice cream made from locally sourced ingredients, this charming little shop has something for everyone.
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The Best Things To Do in Maui
Maui is one of the most beautiful places in the world, and there's no shortage of things to do while you're there. Here's what you should not miss on your Maui vacation.
Head to the Beach
The best thing about going to the beach in Maui? The sun, the sand, and the waves. The next best thing? Getting there. Maui has tons of beautiful beaches with black sand, white sand, red sand - the options are endless in paradise.
If planning to go to a beach in Maui, remember that water shoes can come in handy for walking on rocky/coral beaches and especially black sandy beaches- they get hot! And don't forget to bring your bathing suits, sunscreen, and sunglasses!
Attend a Luau
If you didn't attend a Hawaiian Luau, does your trip to Maui even count? Attending any of the luaus on the island is an absolute must-do. The hula dancers, fire knife performers, the roasted pig, the poi, and traditional Hawaiian food make for an unforgettable experience. Oh, and did I mention that there's all you can drink Mai Tai's too!
Here are 2 Luau’s to check out:
Drums of the Pacific
200 Nohea Kai Drive, Lahaina, HI 96761 (Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa)
http://drumsofthepacificmaui.com
Old Lahaina Luau
1251 Front Street, Lahaina, Maui, Hawaiʻi 96761
*photo credit Hawaii Tourism Authority
Drive the Road to Hana
Get ready to see the island from a whole new perspective! The Road to Hana is a beautiful 52-mile route along the Hana Highway on Maui's northeast coast. If planning this trip, make sure to give yourself plenty of time to move at your own pace - maybe even an entire day if you are planning on stopping at the amazing sights along the way. Along the route, you'll go through the tropical mountains, pass one-lane bridges in front of gorgeous waterfalls and bamboo forests, cruise beside black sand beaches, and roadside stands.
The Road to Hana is definitely an adventure and a must-do during your trip! And if planning this route, I've got you totally covered with my Ultimate Guide to Driving the Hawaii Road to Hana.
*photo credit Hawaii Tourism Authority
Visit the Lahaina Banyan Tree
If you're planning a trip to Maui, don't forget to visit the Lahaina Banyan tree. Honestly, I almost skipped this when planning my trip and I would have regretted it if that was the case. This impressive tree is more than 150 years old and is one of the largest banyans in the world. Planted on April 24, 1873, Lahaina Banyan Treen has grown to a height of over 60 feet, 16 tree trunks, and covers 0.25 miles. It's a popular spot for visitors and locals alike, so be sure to stop by and check it out!
Relax
When planning a trip to Maui, make sure to set aside some time to relax and enjoy the island's natural beauty. From the sandy beaches to the lush jungle, there's plenty of this paradise to be enjoyed. So take a break from your planning and simply enjoy a Haleakala sunrise or a picturesque Maui sunset.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Maui
And that’s just the beginning! With so much to see and do on Maui, it can be hard to know where to start. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. In this article, I shared with you some essential tips on how to plan your trip and what to do when you get there. So sit back, relax and get planning because your dream vacation in paradise awaits you in Maui!
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out on social media or leave me a comment below. I would love to hear from you!
Mahalo for reading and I can't wait to see you in Maui soon!
-XOXO (as always)
Mel D.
Photography by Melissa "Mel" Drake and Jake Palenske
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*Originally published in April 2019 and updated in February 2022, this post has been updated by Mel Drake with structural and grammatical changes.
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