Maui Travel Essentials

The second-largest island of the state of Hawaii, Mauii has a land area of about 727 square miles and a population of over 160,000. A combination of 2 dormant volcanoes, the island features diverse landscapes, each with tropical climates that vary according to altitude or surroundings. Maui is a first-class whale-watching centre in the Hawaiian Islands while snorkelling, surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing are among the main activities.

Kihei

Kihei is a lovely community to visit on Maui if you’re interested in stunning beaches and a calm atmosphere. White sands stretch for miles along the shore here, and you can go for a swim or a dive in its welcoming waters. This town is also home to the Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary.

Wailuku

The capital city of the island, Wailuku was, about a century ago, the most popular destination in Maui. Today, massive resort towns have grown and Wailuku has taken a back seat to their offerings. Fortunately, that means Wailuku is the perfect spot for travellers looking to enjoy some great attractions such as the picturesque Iao Valley and the vibrant Tropical Gardens of Maui, without having to deal with too many crowds.

Paia

Paia is the place to be if you’re looking for a seaside getaway in Maui. It’s one of the best towns for this in the entire country, thanks to its tranquil shore and laidback atmosphere. The community has a distinct hippy vibe, so relaxation is easy. Plus, Paia is located conveniently next to Ho’okipa Beach Park, one of the best windsurfing spots in Maui.

Lahaina

Located on the west coast of the island, Lahaina is the capital of Maui where you’ll find plenty of culinary pleasures. Home to restaurants, shops and historic sights, Front Street is the centre of attraction in Lahaina. Additionally, the peak season for whale watching in Lahaina is between January and March.

Maui is made up of several different microclimates covering desert, rainforest and mountainous climates. Generally, the north side of the island is wetter and greener while the south side is drier and sunnier. 

• Temperatures are fairly consistent year-round, ranging from lows of 18°C in winter to highs of 30°C in summer.
• The most rainfall occurs between November and March.
• The sunniest time of the year is from June to September.
• December and January are peak tourist season when the weather is freezing at home and people are looking for winter sun. July and August are also busy because families tend to go on holiday while school is out.
• The best times to visit are April–May and September–October. Temperatures are warm but without the humidity of summer, and you'll avoid most of the crowds.

• Primary languages: English, Hawaiian
• Plug type: A and B
• Electricity: 120 V
• Currency: US Dollars (US$)
• International dialling code: +1 808
• Emergency telephone number: 911

Kahului Airport

Kahului Airport is the main airport on the island and the only one in Maui with international flights. It is the second-busiest airport in the State of Hawaii, with 2 intersecting runways. There are several options to transfer from the airport:

• Airport taxis are located in front of the baggage claim area. Taxis to resorts near the airport like Wailuku take 15 minutes, while areas to the east like Kaanapali or Kapalua take 40–50 minutes.
• There is a regular airport shuttle that connects Kahului airport to accommodation throughout Hawaii. Tickets can be bought at the Airport Shuttle Service counter in the baggage claim area.
• 2 bus lines stop at the airport. Route 40 (Upcountry Islander) operates every 90 minutes between 6 am and 10 pm. Route 35 (Haiku Islander) operates every 90 minutes between 5.30 am and 9.40 pm. Stops are at Pickup Zone #3 at the front of the terminal.
• There are eight different car rental agencies located in Kahului Airport, including Avis, Enterprise and Hertz.

Kapalua Airport

Kapalua Airport is a domestic airport in the west of the island. It serves flights between Maui and several Hawaiian airports, including Honolulu, as well as charter flights and tours.

• The airport is about a 10-minute drive from Kapalua resort by taxi.
• There is no public transport from the airport.

Hana Airport

Hana Airport is a small single-runway airport located east of Maui and offers short flights from Kahului Airport for visitors staying on this side of the island.

• There is no public transport or taxi service from the airport.
• Nearby hotels and resorts offer shuttle services, which should be booked in advance.

Within Maui's individual tourist enclaves, it's easy to get around on foot. Restaurants, shops and beaches are usually within a short walk from your hotel. For trips further afield, the 2 most reliable options are renting a car or using the public bus service. 

• Rental cars are available at Kahului Airport and in Kaanapali. Rental companies will also meet you at Kapalua Airport, but there is no dedicated rental service there.
• The bus service covers all the major towns but does not visit outlying areas such as national parks.
• Taxis can be useful to get around locally, especially at night, but tend to be expensive when travelling between towns.
• Cycling is a great way to see Maui's phenomenal scenery. There are several bike rentals on the island.
• Many hotels and resorts offer day tours and boat trips to popular sights on the island.

Major car rental companies have branches at Kahului Airport. There are also rental agencies in Kaanapali, Kihei and Wailea.

• Maui's roads are paved and generally in good condition, but they can be slippery with mud after strong rains. In places, the roads curve sharply where there is steep terrain.
• UK driver's licenses are valid in the USA, including Hawaii. The minimum age for renting a car is normally 21, and you will need a credit card in addition to your driver's license.
• Maui only has a few major roads, mostly around the coastline. Traffic jams are common at rush hour on weekday mornings.

Maui's stunning scenery rewards keen cyclists, although some of the terrains can be pretty challenging in places. Bikes are available to hire but if you don't feel like pedalling, many rental agencies also have mopeds and scooters. 

• Bike rentals are available in most of the major towns, including Kihei, Lahaina, Kaanapali and Kahului.
• Roads are often hilly away from the coast and the island sometimes experiences strong winds.
• There are bicycle lanes on the main road through Kihei, but they are rare on the rest of the island. Take care when sharing the road with cars and buses.

Olukai Hoolaulea

• What: A traditional Hawaiian celebration and a tribute to the ocean that features sailing, surfing, ancient Hawaiian games and a luau.
• When: Between late April and early June (date changes every year)
• Where: Various locations along the North Shore

Maui Film Festival

• What: An open-air film festival featuring screenings under the stars, filmmaker panels, award ceremonies and a respectable number of Hollywood celebrities.
• When: June
• Where: Celestial Cinema and the Maui Arts and Cultural Center

Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival

• What: Held since the 1980s, Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival features performances by top-notch players of this local acoustic guitar-plucking style.
• When: April
• Where: Waikiki Aquarium