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Plan Your Trip to Maui: Best of Maui Tourism

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Maui, Hawaii

Lush rainforests, black-sand beaches, waterfalls cascading into deep-blue lagoons—Maui is a place where nature really shows off. Wake up early to catch the sunrise on Haleakalā, then stay to explore hiking trails and otherworldly volcanic formations at Haleakalā National Park. Take a drive on the winding Road to Hana to discover untouched beaches (with unbelievable coastal views along the way), or hop on a boat and go whale-watching or snorkeling. If you’re looking for something more low-key, pick up a plate lunch or some fish tacos and spend a do-nothing day at Ka'anapali Beach, then check out the cliff-diving ceremony at sunset. Go big on adventure, or kick back on a quiet shore—it’s up to you, and we’ve got more recs below.

Essential Maui

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Travel Advice

How to do Maui in 3 days

Beaches, ziplines, volcanoes, and waterfalls
Read on

How to soak in all the arts and culture in Maui

We know you come to Maui for the beaches, but you can't leave without checking out the island's vibrant arts and culture scene. "Aunty Wendy" Tuivaioge, a native Hawaiian and Director of Hawaiian Programs for the Four Seasons at Wailea, gave us the inside scoop on the best spots and events to soak in authentic Hawaiian art, artifacts, and history.
Jo Piazza, Philadelphia, PA
  • Hale Hoʻikeʻike at the Bailey House
    155
    This museum in Wailuku looks like an ordinary house, but inside, it contains one of the most extensive collections of art and artifacts on the islands. "I love this museum for pre-contact Hawaiian Artifacts and the abundance of Maui historical pieces on display," Wendy says. Artifacts include utensils, tools, and weapons used by native people, including a wooden statue of the Hawaiian demi-god, Kamapua'a, the only one to survive the 19th-century purge of religious items.
  • Maui Arts & Cultural Center
    183
    According to Wendy, this spot is the "ideal choice for locally inspired shows, concerts, and arts." Several weekly shows feature world-famous acts, but half of the programming includes local musicians, dancers, and actors. The website is regularly updated with new listings. Many of the programs are free, including the Starry Night Cinema "walk-in" movies for families on a giant outdoor screen and ArT=Mixx interactive social events that bring together artists and the audience for interactive shows.
  • Hui No‘eau Visual Arts Center
    66
    This professional gallery space located on a gorgeous estate of botanical gardens showcases both emerging and established local artists. It also offers art workshops led by locals. You can easily take a self-guided tour (there is a guidebook available for purchase for $6) of the grounds during business hours from 9 am-4 pm, and you won't want to miss their gift shop for truly unique souvenirs made by Maui artists.
  • Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
    6,896
    This is hula like you never imagined. This program invites guests for a sneak peek into one of the state's top competitive hula groups, Hālau o Ka Hanu Lehua. Led by Kumu Hula (Hula Teacher) Kamaka Kūkona, the hālau's (hula school) practice offers a unique opportunity to experience this particular facet of Hawaiian culture as they practice for the Merrie Monarch Festival, the world's largest hula gathering and most prestigious competition.
  • Hana Cultural Center
    33
    This humble building on the Road to Hana is part museum, part cultural archive where Hana residents can make appointments to go through local records and discover their history, and visitors can view ancient artifacts, including quilts, poi boards, fishing instruments, and stone tools. The onsite old Hana courthouse is still in use today. Call ahead to make sure they are open. The museum closed during COVID-19 and now keeps intermittent hours.
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Maui Travel Guide

Travelers' pro tips for experiencing Maui

Ivette C

You are going to spend quite a lot of time outdoors, so wear sunscreen and keep yourself hydrated!

Chris O

Distances between places on Maui may suggest shorter driving times than in reality. Maui's roads are windy, the topography is extremely varied, and weather conditions can change at nearly every bend. Take your time and enjoy the stunning scenery.

Ivette C

When you eat out, kalua pork is a typical dish you have to try!

Chris O

Some say Maui is the most beautiful of the Hawaiian Islands. After three days of exploring all that it has to offer, you might well decide you need to return for further research!

Ivette C

In this incredible paradise, there is lots to do and many different ways to spend quality time with your family.

Chris O

I'm not sure I've ever been anywhere quite as yummy as Hawaii, and the best these islands have to offer is available in a delicious array on Maui.

What is the best way to get there?

flying

Kahului Airport (OGG) is the main airport on Maui, and there are also two commuter airports: Kapalua (JHM) in West Maui and Hana (HNM) in East Maui. Flying into Honolulu International Airport (HNL) on Oahu is another option as it’s just a quick 30-minute flight to Maui.

ferry

There is daily ferry service to and from the nearby island of Lanai.

For more info on getting to Maui, visit here.

Do I need a visa?

If you are a non-U.S. citizen, you may need a visa to visit Maui, unless your country is part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). The program allows citizens of certain countries to visit the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa.

For more info on visas and the VWP, visit here.

When is the best time to visit?

April to October: While it’s a great year-round destination, travelers often flock to Maui to escape winter at home, which is also when conditions are best for surfing those infamous Hawaiian waves. But the best — and driest — weather in Maui can be found April to October. Average daily temperatures range from highs of 82 Fahrenteit (27.8 Celsius) with lows down to 66 Fahrenheit (18.9 Celsius).

Get around

cars

Rentals are available at the Kahului or Kapalua airports. Keep in mind that honking your car horn is not a common practice on Maui and generally used to give a friendly hello. There are several one-lane bridges, especially on the Hana Highway, so yield to oncoming traffic. For more info, visit here.

bus

The Maui Public Bus Transit System has 13 bus routes that run seven days a week, including holidays.

For info on schedules, routes and fares, visit here.

ridesharing

Both Uber and Lyft operate on Maui, and you can book via their apps on your smartphone.

ferry

Hop aboard Expeditions, a ferry between Maui and nearby Lanai, which runs five times daily.

For more info on the Maui-Lanai ferry, visit here.

On the ground

What is the timezone?

Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time

What are the voltage/plug types?

The standard voltage on Maui is 110V to 120V, 50/60Hz AC. Outlets accommodate two-prong flat (not grounded) plugs or grounded three-prong plugs.

What is the currency?

U.S. dollar.

Are ATMs readily accessible?

Yes.

Are credit cards widely accepted?

Yes.

Is it easy to find a bank?

Yes.

How much do I tip?

Bartender

$1 cash per drink.

Restaurant

Standard tipping on Maui is 15 to 20% of your bill, or 25% if you were extremely happy with your meal and service.

Bellhop/valet

It’s standard to give between $1-$3 cash to bellhops who help with your luggage and the valet each time you retrieve your car.

Housekeeper

It’s common to leave a tip of $1 per day per bed at the end of your stay, which you can leave in the room when you go. Some hotels leave envelopes for such tips, but if they don’t, a quick note saying “Thank you” will suffice.

Taxis

Like restaurants, 15 to 20% of your fare is a typical tip for taxis, more if they were particularly nice or helpful.

Tour guide

If you take any tours while on Maui, your guide will surely appreciate a tip, generally between $5-$10 cash per person.

Are there local customs I should know?

Drinking

The legal drinking age on Maui is 21.

Drugs

Drugs are illegal on Maui, and that includes marijuana, which is available only for those who qualify for medical marijuana.

Greetings

Called honi ihu, touching noses is a traditional Hawaiian greeting, as is being given the famous — and symbolic — welcoming lei, typically made of flowers. Be sure to give or ask for an open-ended lei if you’re pregnant as it’s a bad omen to have a closed lei.

Visiting locals

It is customary to remove your shoes before entering someone’s home.

Maui travel advice

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These questions and answers were created by AI, using the most common questions travelers ask in the forums.

Popular Spots

According to forum posts, popular snorkeling spots in Maui include Kapalua Bay, Kahekili Beach, and Ulua Beach. These locations are praised for their clear waters and abundant marine life.

Less Crowded Options

For those seeking less crowded areas, some travelers recommend The Dumps in Ahihi Bay. It is noted for its visibility and variety of fish, although it has a rocky entry and is less known among tourists.

Additional Recommendations

Travelers have called out Honolua Bay and Makena Landing as excellent snorkeling locations under the right conditions. Both spots require good swimming skills and are best visited when the water is calm.

Snorkeling Tips

Many users suggest checking daily snorkeling conditions and starting early in the morning for the best experience. Safety precautions such as being aware of water conditions and avoiding overcrowded areas are also advised.

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Outdoor Adventures

According to forum posts, Maui offers a variety of outdoor activities that appeal to nature lovers and adventure seekers. The Pipiwai Trail and the Waihee Ridge Trail are recommended for hiking enthusiasts. For a unique experience, the Mahana Ridge Trail offers a challenging hike that spans 17.5 miles, although many opt for shorter sections.

Water Activities

Some travelers suggested exploring Maui's waters, with snorkeling and whale watching being highly popular. The West Maui area, particularly around Kaanapali, is noted for excellent snorkeling opportunities where turtles are often spotted. Whale watching tours are also a favorite, with the best sightings reported between December and April.

Family-Friendly Options

For families, forum users recommended the Maui Ocean Center for an educational day out learning about marine life. Additionally, zip-lining at the Maui Tropical Plantation offers an exciting adventure that is suitable for both adults and children.

Cultural Experiences

The Old Lahaina Luau is frequently mentioned as a must-do for visitors seeking to experience Hawaiian culture and cuisine. This event provides an immersive experience with traditional dances, music, and food.

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Volunteer Opportunities

According to forum posts, visitors to Maui can engage in various volunteer activities that contribute positively to the local community. Some travelers have suggested participating in environmental conservation projects such as beach clean-ups and invasive species removal at places like Honokowai Valley and Olowalu. These activities often involve physical labor and provide an opportunity to learn about local flora and fauna.

Animal Welfare Contributions

For animal lovers, the Maui Humane Society is a popular option for volunteering, as highlighted by some users. Visitors can help with tasks such as feeding, cleaning, or participating in programs like Beach Buddies, where volunteers can spend a day with a dog from the shelter. This not only assists the organization but also provides socialization for the animals.

Support Through Donations

In addition to hands-on volunteering, visitors can also support local organizations through donations. Forum contributors have mentioned that bringing supplies like towels and pet food can be very helpful, especially since these items are often cheaper on the mainland and can be brought over as part of luggage.

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Reliable Taxi Services

According to forum posts, Maui Pleasant Taxi is highly recommended by travelers for reliable service. They have been especially praised for their dependability during busy periods like New Year's Eve when other services were unavailable.

Ride-Sharing and Shuttles

Some travelers have mentioned that Uber is an option, with approximate costs around $85 plus tip from Kahului Airport to nearby destinations, but it can be unreliable at times, especially from less populated areas back to the airport. Shared shuttle services like Roberts and Speedi are available, though the cost savings are minimal compared to private taxis.

Bus and Car Rentals

Posts also discuss bus services, which are not recommended if carrying more than a small carry-on due to restrictions and potential delays. Car rentals are frequently suggested despite higher costs, as they provide flexibility for exploring the island, with some travelers noting high overnight parking fees at some resorts.

Resort Recommendations

Travelers have advised checking with resorts for transportation recommendations. Some resorts may offer their own services or have partnerships with local transportation providers.

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Accommodation Variety and Budget

According to forum posts, Maui offers a range of accommodation options suited for different budgets and preferences. For those seeking luxury, the Wailea Marriott and Fairmont Kea Lani are frequently mentioned, with the former praised for its proximity to snorkeling spots and the latter for its exceptional service and facilities. For mid-range budgets, Honua Kai and the Westin Villas are recommended, offering good amenities and beach access.

Location Preferences

Travelers have called out West Maui, particularly the areas of Kaanapali and Napili, as desirable locations for their accommodations because of the direct beach access and availability of shops and restaurants nearby. Kihei is also favored for its sunny weather and variety of dining options, making it a good choice for those preferring a more bustling environment.

Special Considerations

Some travelers said that staying at properties like Honua Kai around Christmas can be very crowded and suggested considering less busy periods for a more relaxed experience. Additionally, for those traveling in groups, condos often offer better value and space, with places like Maui Kaanapali Villas and Papakea Resort highlighted for their good balance of cost and convenience.

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Special Occasion Dining Recommendations

According to forum posts, for special occasions in Maui, travelers have recommended PacificO and Merrimans for their scenic views and special ambiance. Merrimans offers specific seating times for large groups, which might suit those planning events like anniversaries.

Private Dining Experiences

Some users have suggested private dining options such as having a meal at Humus at the Grand Wailea, which offers a semi-private, open-air room overlooking a fish pond. This setting provides both privacy and a unique dining experience.

Alternative Dining Options

For those looking for less expensive options, travelers have called out Haliimaile General Store and Cafe O Lei at the Dunes as good choices for a special meal without the extravagant cost associated with many resort dining experiences.

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Popular Choices

According to forum posts, several travelers recommend Star Noodle for its unique offerings, and Honu for its seafood. Additionally, Lahaina Grill is frequently mentioned as a favorite for fine dining.

Local Favorites

For a more local or casual dining experience, Down the Hatch and Frida’s are popular among visitors. Travelers have called out Down the Hatch for its lively atmosphere and Frida’s for authentic flavors.

Unique Dining Options

Some users suggested specific dishes at local restaurants, like the fish tacos at Kimos, which are highly praised for their flavor. The Pioneer Inn is also recommended for its proximity to local attractions and its good food.

Takeout Suggestions

For travelers interested in takeout options, the Fish Market Maui is highly recommended for its fresh seafood, with the shrimp burrito and fish tacos being particular favorites.

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Popular Choices

According to forum posts, Monkeypod is frequently recommended for its happy hour offerings, with locations in both Kihei and Kaanapali, featuring half-price appetizers, $10 pizzas, and cocktails at $5 off. Sea House in Napili is also favored for its great Mai Tais and appetizers.

Additional Recommendations

Some travelers mentioned Mala Ocean Tavern, which has recently added a happy hour, and Fleetwoods in Lahaina as good spots for happy hour. The Beach House at Kahana was suggested as a better option than Sea House, offering an appealing happy hour experience.

User-Friendly Resources

For a comprehensive list of happy hours across Maui, travelers have called out the usefulness of the website and app Maui Happy Hours. This resource is praised for helping users find local happy hour specials, though it's advised to confirm with the venues directly as offerings can change.

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Tripadvisor is not responsible for these answers or any opinions in them. Please read full forum posts for more details and information.
Frequently Asked Questions about Maui

Maui is known for some of its popular attractions, which include: