Blog

Why go to Maui

Maui isn’t as big as the Big Island, as small as Lanai, as bustling as Oahu, or as quiet as Kauai. For many Hawaii vacationers, Maui is perfect – offering a taste of nearly everything the Aloha State has to offer, from awe-inspiring wildlife to intriguing history and culture. On a visit here, you can dance alongside professional hula dancers, play golf along the coastal fairways, cruise a zipline, snorkel alongside five different types of sea turtles, or simply relax along some of Hawaii’s most notable beaches.

One of the archipelago’s most popular tourist spots, Maui sits sandwiched between the Big Island and the much smaller Molokai (which you can explore by signing up for one of Maui’s Best Tours). There are five different areas on Maui: Many tourists stay along the shores of South Maui (home to the famous Wailea Beach) or West Maui, where the sands of Kaanapali Beach and music from the Old Lahaina Luau. But the rest of the island should not be missed. Travel along the Road to Hana to experience East Maui’s scenic coastline, explore Haleakala – the world’s largest dormant volcano – in the backcountry, and discover ancient tribal battlefields at Maui State Park. Iao Valley in central Maui. And for a bird’s eye view of it all, book a seat on one of Maui’s best helicopter tours.

Best months to visit

April l is the best time to visit, through May and September through November. The spring and fall shoulder seasons provide the pleasant weather Hawaii vacationers seek without the high rates and dense crowds that come with summer and winter. However, if you like surfing, you will want to travel in winter to enjoy the best conditions. All you have to do is a book as early as possible to benefit from a reduced rate. Meanwhile, if you’re traveling with kids, you might want to splurge on a summer trip, as that’s when the waters are at their calmest.

How to Save Money in Maui

by easiest way to get around Maui, but if you plan to spend most of your time in one area, you may be able to save on rental costs by relying on the bus. . However, if you decide to rent a car.

Know your insurance policy. Some car rental companies will try to convince you that you will need a collision damage waiver. This is a no-fault state where you’ll have to pay for damages before you leave.) But your personal insurance or credit card may already cover this.

Forget the ocean view. It’s nice to look at the water, but if you can wait to do it at the beach rather than from your room, you can save a considerable amount on changing your nightly hotel rate.

Culture and customs

You should visit Maui if you want to understand more about Hawaii. In fact, according to folklore, the demigod Maui was responsible for dragging the islands from the ocean and lassoing the sun from Haleakala’s peak. Travelers wishing to learn more about island traditions will have several chances to accomplish so: A trip to the picturesque Iao Valley will provide insight into the tumultuous era of tribal warfare, while a stroll through the small town from Lahaina will provide a better understanding of Hawaii’s whaling, plantation, and trading history.

Today, Maui is one of America’s best vacation destinations – probably because it’s so dramatically different from anywhere on the continent. Vacationers will find all the ingredients of contemporary luxury at the island’s resorts, but outside of the hotel zones, the relaxed “Aloha spirit” pervades. If you’re looking to blend with the locals, just relax: pack t-shirts, shorts, and flip flops (and light layers) for everyday use, and mitigate road rage (no horn here).

Other cultural traditions continue to influence daily life in Maui, one of the most notable being the language. , Hawaii has two official languages: English and Hawaiian, which is part of the Polynesian language family. Although you will have no trouble finding English speakers, you will benefit from learning some Hawaiian lingo basics Aloha and Mahalo both denote greetings and farewells, respectively.

The arts were a mainstay on the island, with many festivals — like the one held twice a month in Lahaina’s Banyan Tree Park – showcasing works by regional artisans. And throughout the year, Events like the East Maui Taro Festival and the Maui Steel Guitar Festival allow Maui to celebrate its rich cultural heritage.

If you’re more interested in seeing Maui’s natural beauties than its legacy, you’ll find plenty of locations to do it, from blooming jungles to underwater reefs teeming with aquatic life. However, it is important that you leave the island as you found it. Resist the urge to collect living souvenirs or have a one-on-one encounter with local wildlife, as this could result in hefty fines.

What to eat

It’s the kind of destination where you really should soak up the local cuisine as much as possible, no matter if other options are available. Like the rest of America, Maui is on board with the local food movement – here, you’ll find plates filled with freshly caught fish and regional produce. To find these ingredients prepared Island style, you’ll want to steer clear of the resort areas and head to towns like Lahaina, Kihei, and Paia, which are home to popular restaurants like Paia Fish Market, Mama’s Fish House, Merriman’s, Star Noodle, Lahaina Grill, and Nalu’s. The further you get from Maui’s resorts, the more local mom-and-pop restaurants you’ll find. These local outposts serve specialties such as roast pork in banana leaves, poi (ground taro root), and haupia, a creamy coconut custard. If youre not sure where to start your culinary tour, ask local residents for recommendations or sign up for one of Maui’s best tours.

A very popular – and economical – way to get your fill of Hawaiian cuisine is to eat hearty meals around noon. Many local restaurants serve what is called a “plated lunch,” which contains some kind of protein (usually beef, pork, or fish), rice, and macaroni salad. This tradition was formed in the fruit and sugar plantations, where workers would gather for lunch with bento-shaped boxes filled with rice and leftover meat from dinner the previous night. Today, it is common to see residents and visitors feasting on mountain portions served up by restaurants and plated lunch stands.

If you’re staying in self-catering accommodation, be sure to plan a trip to the farmer’s market. In addition to the freshest produce, you will also find fresh fish and cooked dishes, such as banana bread and passion fruit butter. Go Hawaii has a guide to all of Maui’s Farmer’s Markets on its website. Fruit stands selling smoothies and juices are also commonplace, especially on the Road to Hana.

Security

Maui is a safe place with little crime. Your main concern should be staying safe in parks and on hiking trails, and, most importantly, in water. Never walk or swim alone, and be sure to check weather and tide conditions before entering the water.

Getting Around Maui

 car is the best way to get to Maui, especially if you plan to explore large areas of the island. Maui has a fairly comprehensive set of roads, so finding your way shouldn’t be too difficult. There’s also a bus system and hotel shuttles depending on where you’re staying – but these won’t always be a reliable option for wide exploration.

You can easily rent a set of wheels when arriving at Maui’s main flight terminal, Kahului Airport (OGG), located on the north shore of the island. There are two other airports in Maui: Kapalua Airport (JHM) is located on the north shore of West Maui, while Hana Airport (HNM) is in East Maui. Kahului serves several major airlines, including United, Alaska, and Delta, but Kapalua and Hana are generally only used for inter-island transfers. When If you are not renting a car, be aware that you can also take a taxi from these airports as well as a Lyft or Uber.

Auto car

 the best option is  Renting a car. If you’re looking to see more of Maui than your hotel and the beach. You can rent a car in Maui if you are under 25, provided you pay an additional young driver fee. Also, since Hawaii is a no-fault state, you’ll want to purchase collision insurance (if your personal auto insurance doesn’t cover you). Additionally, drivers from the busiest parts of the country should be prepared to mitigate road rage: Hawaiians do not use their horns unless they are in imminent danger. You will find a variety of rental agencies at the Kahului and Kapalua airports.

Bus

There are 13 public bus routes in Maui. Numbers 1, 2, 5, 6, 8, 10, 20, 35, 39, and 40 all come from Kahului, serving all directions in the surrounding areas. These routes run mainly north, south and east, with the west being the least served area. (You’ll need a car to reach western points of interest, like Hana.) A one-way ticket is $2, and day passes are available for $4. Buses run seven days a week, starting at 5:30 a.m. and ending at 11 p.m., depending on the route.

Auto

Renting a car is the best option if you’re looking to see more of Maui than your hotel and the beach. You can rent a car in Maui if you are under 25, provided you pay an additional young driver fee. Also, since Hawaii is a no-fault state, you’ll want to purchase collision insurance (if your personal auto insurance doesn’t cover you). Additionally, drivers from the busiest parts of the country should be prepared to mitigate road rage: Hawaiians do not use their horns unless they are in imminent danger. You will find a variety of rental agencies at the Kahului and Kapalua airports.

companyBudgetKihei Rent A Car

Bus

There are 13 public bus routes in Maui. Numbers 1, 2, 5, 6, 8, 10, 20, 35, 39, and 40 all come from Kahului, serving all directions in the surrounding areas. These routes run mainly north, south and east, with the west being the least served area. (You’ll need a car to reach western points of interest, like Hana.) A one-way ticket is $2, and day passes are available for $4. Buses run seven days a week, starting at 5:30 a.m. and ending at 11 p.m., depending on the route.

Maui public bus system

Taxi

You will see more taxis at the airport than around the island, but if you need a taxi, your hotel can call one to take you to a restaurant, attraction, or shopping area. However, you should do your best to avoid depending on taxis for longer journeys: the standard fare on the island is $3 per mile, so the meter will quickly add up. Ride-sharing services Uber and Lyft also operate in Maui.

Shuttle bus

Many hotels and resorts, especially those located in popular tourist areas such as Wailea and West Maui, offer free shuttle services to and from the airport, as well as to nearby attractions and shopping areas. If you don’t feel like exploring Maui on your own, this is a very economical way to get around. Check with your hotel when you have a reservation to see what type of shuttle service they offer.

Ferry

Inter-island ferry services operate from the Port of Lahaina. From there, you can take a ferry to Manele Small Craft Harbor on nearby Lanai several times a day with Expeditions Lanai – the first ferry leaves Lahaina at 6:45 a.m., while the last return boat leaves Lanai at 5:30 p.m. Round-trip fares are $60 for adults and $40 for children (one-ways are $30 and $20, respectfully).