Aloha everyone! We just got back from our first visit together to Maui, EVER! We have been to Hawaii 4 times together and not once have we stepped foot on the island of Maui. Which is quite shocking honestly. Let us tell you, this island is worth all of the hype and praises it receives. To make the most out of our time on the island, we were on the move from sunrise to well past sunset each day.
Known for its stunning beaches, dramatic cliffs, and vibrant culture, this Hawaiian island is a paradise for adventure lovers, foodies, and relaxation seekers alike. Whether you’re planning a quick getaway or an extended stay, Maui has something for everyone. From exploring volcanoes to tasting local delicacies, we have created this guide to help you plan the best getaway to Maui!
Let’s get into it!
Things to Know Before You Go
1. Currency and Payment Methods:
Maui uses the U.S. Dollar (USD). Many establishments take major credit cards like Visa, Mastercard and American Express. We always recommend having cash on you, especially if you plan on driving the Road To Hana as a lot of the roadside vendors only take cash here. If you need to get some cash while in Maui ATMs are also readily available in major towns like Lahaina and Kihei as well as at the airport when you land!
2. How to Get There:
Maui’s major international airport is the Kahului Airport (OGG), located on the north side of the island in Kahului. Major airlines fly directly to Maui from the West Coast of the mainland USA as well as from Vancouver, Canada. If you are coming from a neighbouring island, there are plenty of inter-island flights available (usually every hour from Oahu, and a few a day from Big Island).
3. How To Get Around Maui
From the airport, we highly recommend renting a car to explore the island at your own pace! This gives you the most autonomy to explore the island and will likely save you some money as Taxi’s and Ubers are quite pricey and most attractions are spread out. If you are an American Express Platinum Card Holder, you get Avis Preferred and Hertz Gold Status which lets you skip the line at the airport and gets you a better rate on your rental car. If you aren’t a member, we highly recommend signing up to be one as there are SO many other travel perks like lounge access and Hilton Honors Gold Status which gets you great deals on hotels and extra perks just to name a few! You can check that out here!
You do NOT need a 4WD vehicle if you are planning on driving the Road to Hana or up to Haleakala. This is a common misconception we have heard time and time again and that is not true! It is very fun to drive a Jeep but they can be very expensive! We rented the managers special and got a Chevy Malibu which was the perfect car to get around.
4.When to Visit Maui
The best time to visit Maui really depends on what kind of vacation you’re looking for. The island honestly has great weather year round, but if you want to get super detailed about it then read below:
Peak Tourist Season (Mid-December through March):
AKA Whale Watching Season. Maui is known for it’s epic Whale Watching and this is the time of year when you will see the biggest influx of tourists. Aside from whale watching season, the holiday season and spring break falls during this period as well so be prepared for higher prices and larger crowds!
Shoulder Seasons (Spring: April to June & Fall: September to November):
If you’re looking to avoid the crowds and save a little on accommodations, the shoulder season is the perfect time to visit Maui.
Summer (June to September):
While summer can be hot and humid, it’s still a great time for beach activities like swimming and snorkelling.
5. How Long to Stay on Maui:
The ideal length of your vacation in Maui depends on how much you want to explore. For a relaxed trip with plenty of beach time and time to explore some of the major sights, we would say that 5 days is perfect. This gives you enough time to unwind, explore some top sights, and enjoy the island’s laid-back vibe. If you’re an adventure-seeker and looking to island hop, you can get the majority of the major sights checked off your bucket list in 3 days.
Best Things To Do In Maui
1. Drive the Road to Hana
The iconic Road to Hana is a must-do on any Maui itinerary. This scenic drive is filled with hairpin turns, breathtaking waterfalls, black sand beaches, and lush rainforests. Pack snacks, be prepared for a slow drive (it can take 3-4 hours one way), and make stops at famous sights like the Seven Sacred Pools and Wai’anapanapa State Park.
Steal our itinerary and secret tips and tricks for an epic Road to Hana trip here!
IMPORTANT TIP: To visit the famous Black Sand Beach at Wai’anapanapa State Park you do need to make reservations. You can do that here! If you are not a Hawaiian resident you need to purchase a parking pass (one per vehicle) and “Entry Only” tickets for each person that is in your car visiting. You need to make the reservations at least 24 hours before your visit as well, they cannot be made the same day.
2. Take a Snorkeling Tour
There are a lot of epic snorkeling tours in Maui! Here are some of our favourites!
Molokini Crater, a submerged volcanic caldera, is said to be one of the top spots for snorkeling in the world. Clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and a wide array of marine life make this a truly unforgettable experience! You’ll likely spot everything from sea turtles to tropical fish. Book a guided tour to get the best experience. We highly recommend this one.
Turtles and Tacos is an epic luxury style tour offered by Alii Nui. Head out on a spacious catamaran and take in the coastline of the island of Maui as you set sail towards a known place to see Sea Turtles. An open bar is offered on the catamaran for those over the age of 21 with premium beverages like Maui Brew Beer and Seltzers, Premium Wines and Premium liquors for drinks like margaritas! After your snorkel at an incredible coral reef where you will see majestic turtles and tons of beautiful tropical fish, then it is time for lunch! Enjoy a spread of tacos, rice, beans and chips and salsa plus so much more. This was handsdown on the best tours we have ever taken!
3. Sunrise at Haleakalā National Park
For a magical experience, wake up early and head to Haleakalā National Park to watch the sunrise from the summit of the dormant volcano. The panoramic views of the crater are epic! You will need a permit to drive up here yourself which you can get here. They are very hard to get! If you cannot get a permit to drive up yourself then we highly recommend take a tour. We went with Skyline Hawaii and had such a fantastic time. The driver gave us the history of this very culturally significant place for Hawaiians, we got warm jackets as it is VERY cold up there (it was 32 degrees fahrenheit or 0 degrees celsius the morning we went) and we got breakfast when we drove back down! You can check out Skyline Hawaii here!
TIP: If you can’t get a sunrise permit and you don’t want to take a tour, Sunset is also a great time to go. You do not need a special permit, you just need to pay the National Park Fee to enter. We recommend heading up at least 1.5-2 hours before sunset as this is a VERY popular time to visit and the small parking lots at the top fill up fast.
4. Whale Watching in the Winter
From December through April, Maui becomes one of the best places in the world to see humpback whales! You can take a whale watching tour from Lahaina or Ma’alaea Harbor to get up close and personal with these majestic creatures. We went with Hawaii Ocean Rafting which offers a unique small group experience in a low sitting zodiac style raft boat. They offer weekly and monthly passes, as we do recommend going out at least 2 times during your visit to have the best chance of some really amazing whale encounters. We had a calf come right up under our boat during our sunrise tour, and then a mom and calf breaching over 4 times close to our boat as the sunset behind them on our evening tour. You can check out Hawaii Ocean Rafting here!
5. Explore Iao Valley
For a quieter, more serene experience, visit Iao Valley. This lush, misty valley offers hiking trails, a beautiful stream, and the iconic Iao Needle, a towering rock formation. It’s a peaceful place to soak in Maui’s natural beauty, and it’s just a short drive from Wailuku!
6. Experience a Traditional Hawaiian Luau
A luau is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture, and Maui offers some of the best luaus in Hawaii. Enjoy traditional Hawaiian food like kalua pig, poi, and haupia, while watching hula dancing, fire knife performances, all while listening to incredible live music. A popular luau on Maui is at the Sheraton Ka’anapali Resort where you’ll enjoy a feast and an unforgettable cultural show in a stunning oceanfront setting!
6. Visit Ka’anapali Beach
While we recommend staying on Ka’anapali Beach (more on that later), if you aren’t, we highly recommend spending a day here! Make a stop at Whaler’s Village for some shopping, make sure to grab a coffee at Hawaiian Vintage Coffee. You can also find the famous Hawaii ABC Store here! After some time at Whaler’s Village, we recommend hitting the beach. You can rent beach chairs at Aqualani (located just outside of the Outrigger Ka’anapali Beach Resort) as well as snorkels and fins, kayaks, paddle boards and floaties! Once you are settled on the beach, take a short walk and snorkel at Black Rock at the end of the beach to see some amazing tropical fish and maybe even turtles. During whale season, you can even see whales jumping and playing just off shore, and sometimes the endgagered Monk Seal taking a nap in the sun.
Best Places to Eat in Maui
1. Mama’s Fish House (Paia)
A Maui institution, Mama’s Fish House is a must-visit for seafood lovers. With a menu that changes daily based on the catch of the day, you’ll enjoy fresh fish prepared in a variety of delicious ways. The oceanfront setting and impeccable service make it an unforgettable dining experience!
2. Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop (Olowalu)
If you’re craving comfort food, look no further than Leoda’s. Known for their savory pies and decadent desserts, this charming spot is perfect for a casual yet delicious meal. The macadamia nut pie is a local favorite, and the savory pot pies are also yummy!
3. Star Noodle (Lahaina)
For an epic and unforgettable meal head to Star Noodle in Lahaina, where Asian fusion meets Hawaiian flavors. The ramen and noodles are popular, but don’t miss their signature dishes like the pork buns and the Filipino-inspired pancit. This spot is only open for dinner and you need a reservation! We recommend making a reservation at least a week or two in advance.
4. The Gazebo (Napili)
For a breakfast you’ll remember, make your way to The Gazebo in Napili. Famous for its fluffy pancakes and loco moco, this casual spot overlooking the ocean is perfect for a relaxing start to your day. Be prepared for a wait, as it’s always packed, but it’s worth it!
5. Maui Brewing (Ka’anapali)
Located on the grounds of the Outrigger Ka’anapali Beach Resort, this restaurant is set right on the beach and is the perfect spot to come for some yummy food, locally brewed beer and cocktails like their famous Mai Tai. If you are looking for some good deals on food and drinks then stop by during their Happy Hour from 3:30 to 5:30. If you want a good vibe, come for sunset when they offer live music!
6. Cinnamon Roll Place (Kihei)
Known for their cinnamon rolls, we highly recommend stopping here in the morning before heading out for a day of adventure.
7. South Maui Fish Company (Kihei)
This food truck us known as one of the BEST Poke spots on the island. Always fresh and never frozen with their fresh fish changing each day based on their catch, their menu is incredible and every dish here from Poke to Fish Tacos, is delicious. Their hours of 11:30-2:30 and then 5:00-8:00pm daily but make sure to get their early to make sure you get the most choices as they sell out quick.
Where to Stay in Maui:
The Outrigger Ka’anapali Beach Resort
We had the pleasure of experiencing this newly renovated property located on Ka’anapali Beach. Not only is this property absolutely beautiful, but the staff is so friendly and you cannot beat it’s location. We stayed in the newly renovated Signature Ocean View Room. Between the signature blue Outrigger decor and the roomy terrace with an incredible ocean view, this room was AMAZING! They have also recently renovated the Signature Partial Ocean View Rooms and Signature Courtyard View Rooms. You can check out all the room categories here!
This resort is located right on the famous Ka’anapali Beach. You can enjoy water activities like snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking or simply soaking in the sun on comfy lounge beds which you can rent from Aqualani! The resort also is home to Maui Brewing Company which we highly recommend. If you are looking to soak up the sun by the pool, then you won’t want to miss the Whale shaped pool on the property with plenty of lounge chairs.
Visit the cultural centre on the property for a variety of unique experiences, including learning the Hawaiian language, Lei making, and taking a traditional Outrigger Canoe ride. Also don’t forget to take part in the departure ceremony the day that you check out, it is such a special moment to share with the staff. Stop by the concierge desk to book a Luau, a helicopter ride and more amazing activities around the island. For a luxurious and laid-back stay, the Outrigger Ka’anapali Beach Resort should be at the top of your list.
Final Thoughts
Maui is a destination that truly has it all! Whether you spend your days chasing waterfalls along the Road to Hana, or snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of Molokini Crater, this island offers unforgettable experiences at every turn for every person and every vacation style.
As you plan your trip, remember to support local as often as you can, respect the natural beauty, and take your time to explore each place you visit. Maui isn’t just a place to visit…it’s an island to experience, cherish, and dream about long after you’ve left. So pack your bags and get ready to fall in love with the magic of Maui because we definitely have!
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