A Beginner's Guide to Maui

The island of Maui offers a vibrant blend of energetic nightlife, acclaimed dining, and mai tais by the beach, juxtaposed with tranquil getaways, rugged landscapes, and deep Native Hawaiian heritage.

Maui has a complex history. In 1898, the Kingdom of Hawai‘i was annexed by the United States, marking the end of the Hawaiian monarchy and the autonomy of Native Hawaiians on their ancestral land. Following this, foreign investors exploited the island's resources through plantations, development, and tourism. Tragically, on August 8, 2023, Maui faced devastating wildfires that claimed over 100 lives and destroyed more than 2,200 structures, including crucial historical and cultural landmarks.

Tourism on the island remains a contentious issue, as locals seek sustainable ways to protect their land while also . Key takeaways for visiting Maui and its surrounding islands include educating yourself about the local culture, honoring the land and its inhabitants, and choosing to support local businesses with your spending.

When is the best time to visit Maui?

Maui is stunning year-round, so there's really no bad time to visit. Many travelers aim for the winter months, from November to April, which is peak whale-watching season. However, some water activities like jet skiing and parasailing are not available during this period to safeguard the whales. While rain can occur any time of the year, it tends to be more frequent in these months, sometimes making hiking trails impassable. For surfers, winter offers the most favorable conditions.

The peak season, when Maui sees the highest crowds and prices, occurs during winter, summer, and spring break. The off-peak times are spring (excluding spring break) and fall, when the island tends to be less crowded and more affordable. Nevertheless, Maui remains relatively expensive year-round.

Hurricane season lasts from June to November, so it's always wise to check the weather forecast before planning your trip.

How long should I stay on Maui?

The duration of your stay on Maui varies based on factors like your budget and travel distance.

A solid itinerary can be crafted in three days: one day for shopping and sightseeing, another for an adventure (such as driving the Road to Hana), and a third for unwinding at the beach or pool, followed by a nice dinner.

However, those seeking adventure might want to extend their stay to a week, exploring popular hiking spots like the Waiheʻe Ridge Trail, engaging in water activities like surfing lessons, visiting different areas of the island, and sampling local cuisine.

Staying longer than a week may lead to increased costs.

Must-do activities on Maui

A popular Hawaiian phrase is “mauka to makai,” meaning from mountain to ocean. To truly enjoy the island, partake in activities that encompass both mauka and makai.

Ascending to the Haleakalā summit for a sunrise is the premier mauka experience on Maui. Rising to about 10,000 feet, this mountain offers stunning vistas and a distinctive landscape, holding deep cultural significance, with Haleakalā National Park safeguarding its unique flora and fauna.

Taking a boat trip is an excellent makai experience. Whether you opt for whale watching, snorkeling, or a dinner cruise, you’ll relish your time on the water while gaining a unique perspective of the island.

My top activity on Maui

As a Native Hawaiian who grew up on Maui, I can assure you that there isn’t just one favorite pastime. However, what I miss most while studying away is the incredible food.

The moment I arrive, my first priority is to grab some poke (pronounced poh-keh, not po-kee) from Foodland. I love to pair it with laulau (pork or chicken with salted butterfish, wrapped in taro and ti leaves and steamed), lomi salmon, and poi (mashed, steamed taro).

Maui boasts a vibrant food truck scene, so you won’t have to wait long to find a parking lot filled with trucks and seating areas. These food trucks have become a go-to option for meals, serving up restaurant-quality dishes right at the window. With a wide variety of cuisines, there’s definitely something to satisfy every palate.

For dining, I often visit Tin Roof, and I also love Makawao Public House and Casanova in Makawao. And of course, I can’t overlook Mama’s Fish House, a fantastic dining spot nestled in a cove.

Is navigating Maui straightforward?

The best way to get around Maui is by renting a car. Public transportation doesn’t cover all areas, rideshare apps can be hit or miss, and the island isn’t particularly pedestrian-friendly. Having a car grants you the freedom to discover at your own pace.

Maui’s roads are quite simple to navigate. You won’t find multi-lane highways here, and the maximum speed limit is 55 mph.

The most challenging situations you might face while driving around the island are the winding roads, like the famous Road to Hana, or extremely narrow, one-lane paths. In these cases, just take your time and drive with caution.

What is the budget I should plan for?

Hawaii is recognized as a pricey destination. Just the cost of a plane ticket to Maui can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on your starting point.

Expenses can quickly add up while on the island. For example, a gallon of milk typically ranges from $7 to $10 at a standard grocery store, and a dozen eggs usually costs around $6. A plate lunch generally falls between $15 and $25, while gas prices hover around $4 to $5 per gallon.

Basic accommodations like hotels, hostels, and Airbnbs typically range from $100 to $200 per night, while upscale hotels and resorts can soar to $1000 per night.

Plan to budget over $1000 per person, depending on the duration of your stay and your planned activities. An average budget of $2500 to $3000 per person for a week-long trip is common if you stay in a mid-range hotel, rent a car, and partake in various activities. Couples or families might spend less per person by sharing accommodations.

What essentials should I bring?

Maui tends to be quite humid for many visitors, so bring lightweight clothing to stay cool. However, if you plan to explore Haleakalā National Park or the upcountry region, warmer layers will be necessary. Additionally, since Maui is generally breezy, having a windbreaker jacket handy is advisable.

Choose your going-out attire wisely for certain venues like restaurants—don’t be misled by the island's laid-back vibe; casual beachwear isn’t appropriate everywhere you go.

It's essential to pack a good pair of hiking shoes or activity sneakers, along with some slippers (flip flops or sandals) for easy wear.

Many items are restricted from being brought to the islands, so be sure to check the state’s guidelines regarding what you can and cannot bring.

Is it safe to travel to Maui after the wildfires?

The wildfires primarily impacted the town of Lahaina on Maui's west side, forcing many residents to relocate elsewhere on the island. Visiting Maui after the fires is acceptable, but there are important considerations for travelers during their stay.

Steer clear of the burn site, and if you must pass through, refrain from staring or taking advantage of the situation. It's easy to avoid the area, as it occupies a small section of the island with plenty of other attractions available.

Help local businesses—especially those impacted by the fires—by shopping at farmers markets and farms instead of large grocery stores, and dining at food trucks or family-owned eateries. Additionally, make sure to tip service staff generously, and consider donating to specific initiatives, such as food banks, humane societies, or Native Hawaiian nonprofits.

Opt for hotel accommodations rather than homeshares to alleviate the pressure these rentals place on local housing. Avoid purchasing homes or properties, as housing for Hawaiians and locals is already limited.

Educate yourself about the fire and its effects on Maui’s communities. Use a map to understand the terrain and which areas of the island were impacted. If you're interested in contributing further, explore these volunteer opportunities.

What does it mean to be a respectful visitor?

Hawaiʻi has a rich cultural heritage, making it vital to show respect. The 'aloha spirit' is not merely adopted; it must be earned.

One of the best pieces of advice many will share is to come informed about the culture and history. Key topics worth exploring include the Kingdom of Hawai‘i, its overthrow, Native Hawaiian culture, issues of Hawaiian sovereignty, and the Hawaiian renaissance.

Engaging with locals and Hawaiians by asking questions is a fantastic way to enhance your understanding and make your trip more rewarding. Just steer clear of trivial questions like, “Do you visit the beach daily?” or “Do you live in a hut made of grass?”

While on vacation, it's easy to go into autopilot mode, but be mindful by not obstructing anyone’s path (especially in larger groups) or being overly loud.

If you encounter a designated sacred cultural site, please respect the signs and maintain a respectful distance.

Locals are all about kindness, often greeting each other with waves or the 'shaka' sign in certain situations. For instance, if a driver lets you cross the street or merge into traffic, show your appreciation with a wave or a shaka—and don’t forget to smile!

What does it mean to be Hawaiian?

The term 'Hawaiian' specifically refers to individuals of Native Hawaiian ancestry, the Indigenous peoples of Hawaiʻi whose forebears inhabited the islands before any outside contact. It does not apply to anyone merely residing in the state of Hawaii.

Hawaiians possess their own language, traditions, and beliefs that have been upheld since ancient times. The early inhabitants of Hawaiʻi were remarkably skilled and intelligent, effectively developing their own practices for land stewardship and navigating the Pacific. The Hawaiian monarchy and the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi were established in the 1800s, with Hawaiʻi recognized as an independent nation by the United States until the kingdom's overthrow. A fun fact: the ʻIolani Palace was the world’s first royal residence to be illuminated by electricity.

Unfortunately, the culture and people of Hawaiians faced near extinction in the early 1900s due to ethnocide by foreign settlers. Native Hawaiians were often punished and forbidden from speaking their language, performing hula, or engaging in cultural practices.

The Hawaiian population has historically been small. Although numbers have increased over time, it is uncommon to encounter someone who is entirely Hawaiian.

In recent decades, Hawaiʻi has witnessed a revival of Hawaiian culture, driven by dedicated activists and nonprofit organizations. However, Hawaiians continue to advocate for their rights.