Maui Vacation Guide
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Explore Maui
Everything we've researched in Maui, Hawaii: hotels, dining, beaches, and things to do, plus golf, hikes, spas, snorkeling, nightlife, shopping, and more. Each list carries local tips, Google ratings, and map links.
When to visit Maui
April-May and September-November (shoulder seasons)
Weather & climate in Maui
Average monthly high and low temperatures (Fahrenheit).
| Month | High | Low | Rain (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 80°F | 65°F | 3.4 |
| February | 81°F | 65°F | 2.8 |
| March | 82°F | 67°F | 4.1 |
| April | 84°F | 69°F | 2.9 |
| May | 86°F | 72°F | 1.8 |
| June | 88°F | 74°F | 0.7 |
| July | 89°F | 75°F | 0.8 |
| August | 90°F | 76°F | 1.0 |
| September | 89°F | 75°F | 1.2 |
| October | 87°F | 73°F | 2.1 |
| November | 84°F | 70°F | 3.2 |
| December | 81°F | 67°F | 3.8 |
Maui quick facts
Getting around Maui
Rental car is essential - Maui has limited public transit
Rental car
Book well in advance - cars sell out, especially peak season
Public transit
Towns & neighborhoods in Maui
The main areas travelers stay and explore.
Wailea
Wailea represents the pinnacle of Hawaiian luxury, a meticulously planned resort community stretching along Maui's sunny southwestern coast. Five crescent-shaped beaches, each more pristine than the last, are connected by a scenic 1.5-mile oceanfront walking path perfect for morning strolls or sunset photography. The area is home to four world-class golf courses including the famous Wailea Gold and Emerald courses, designed to challenge players w…
Lahaina
Once the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom and a rowdy 19th-century whaling port, Lahaina has transformed into West Maui's cultural and entertainment heart while preserving its rich historical character. Front Street, designated a National Historic Landmark, stretches for nearly a mile along the waterfront, its wooden boardwalks lined with over 40 art galleries showcasing everything from traditional Hawaiian works to contemporary sculptures. The le…
Kihei
Kihei stretches for six sunny miles along Maui's south shore, offering the island's best value for beachfront living without sacrificing access to world-class snorkeling, dining, and activities. Unlike the manicured resort enclaves of Wailea just to the south, Kihei maintains a relaxed, local feel where flip-flops and tank tops are the dress code and nobody's in a hurry. The three Kamaole Beach Parks anchor the town's beachfront, each offering so…
Paia
Paia is Maui's free-spirited soul, a former sugar plantation town that reinvented itself as the island's undisputed capital of surf culture, organic living, and artistic expression. The single block of colorful storefronts along Baldwin Avenue and Hana Highway tells the story of this transformation, where century-old buildings now house yoga studios, vegan cafes, vintage clothing shops, and galleries featuring local artists. The town serves as th…
Kaanapali
Kaanapali is where modern Maui tourism was born, Hawaii's first master-planned resort community that set the template for beach resorts across the Pacific. Three miles of golden sand stretch beneath a row of legendary hotels including the Sheraton, Hyatt Regency, Westin, and the Royal Lahaina, each property designed to maximize those famous West Maui sunsets. Black Rock, the dramatic lava promontory at the beach's north end, is both a world-class…
Kapalua
Ultra-luxury resort enclave north of Kaanapali with pristine beaches, two championship golf courses, fine dining, and the Ritz-Carlton. More exclusive and secluded.
Hana
Hana is not just a destination, it's a journey back in time to an Hawaii that has largely vanished elsewhere. This remote village at the end of the legendary Road to Hana, with its 620 curves and 59 bridges, has fiercely protected its traditional Hawaiian character, resisting the development that transformed the rest of Maui. Fewer than 2,000 residents call this lush, rain-blessed corner of the island home, many of them descended from the familie…
Upcountry (Makawao, Kula, Pukalani)
Cool, rural countryside on Haleakala's slopes with farms, ranches, lavender fields, and paniolo (cowboy) culture. Refreshing escape from beach heat.
Local tips for Maui
Insider tips
- Rent a car - it's essential for exploring Maui properly
- Book Haleakala sunrise reservations 60 days in advance at recreation.gov
- Drive the Road to Hana early and on a weekday if possible
- Whale season is December-April - don't miss it!
- Respect the 'aina (land) - stay on trails, don't touch sea turtles
- Say 'Mahalo' (thank you) - locals appreciate the effort
- Gas stations close early on Road to Hana - fill up in Paia
- Friday Art Night in Lahaina has free wine at galleries
- Avoid rush hour in Kahului (7-9am, 3-6pm)
- The best shave ice is at Ululani's (multiple locations)
What to pack
- Reef-safe sunscreen (required by Hawaii law)
- Snorkel gear (or rent on island)
- Water shoes for lava rocks and hiking
- Light rain jacket (especially for Hana)
- Warm layers for Haleakala summit (30-40°F)
- Swimsuits (multiple - they take time to dry)
- Comfortable hiking shoes
- Aloe vera gel for sunburn
- Dry bag for water activities
- Binoculars for whale watching
Family & accessibility
Kid-friendly activities
- Maui Ocean Center (All ages), Aquarium with touch pools, shark tunnel
- Sugar Cane Train (All ages), Historic train ride through cane fields
- Atlantis Submarine (4+), Real submarine dive without getting wet
- Beach Days (All ages), Napili Bay and Kapalua Bay are calm for kids
- Surfing Lessons (5+), Beginner lessons at Lahaina or Kihei
Wheelchair-friendly
- Most resorts fully accessible
- Kaanapali Beach Boardwalk
- Whaler's Village
- Many restaurant patios
Sample itinerary: 7 days in Maui
A suggested day-by-day plan your travel agent can customize.
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Plan my dream itineraryMaui vs other destinations
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about visiting Maui
