The Ultimate Maui Travel Guide (2024 update) - The Hawaii Vacation Guide (2024)

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Snorkeling, volcano sunrises, and scenic drives await you on Maui! Welcome to the Valley Isle.

With sparkling beaches, clear water, a volcano, and waterfalls, there is no shortage of things to do, see, and experience here.

While Maui is the most expensive island to visit (price compare islands here), it offers a wide range of accommodations, restaurants, and sights, so there are plenty of ways to design your Maui vacation.

Whether you’re looking for a luxurious honeymoon at the only adults-only resort in Hawaii or you’d prefer to book a cabin on the beach, we’ve got your planning covered with this Maui travel guide.

Maui Travel Update following Lahaina Fire

Due to the devastating fire, travel to Lahaina is closed. We will be providing updates to travel as well as outlets for community support on our Maui Travel Update page.

You’ll find everything you need to know about planning your trip to Maui here.

Want to cut to the chase? We’ve got you covered with these quick links:
– When: Pick the best time to visit Maui
– Where: Pick what part of the island, and your lodging
– What: Check out 33 Things to Do on Maui, or filter and sort with our database
– How: Decide how you’ll get around, with a rental car or check out how to skip it!

Want to hop around? Use our handy table of contents below to find exactly what you’re looking for.

Maui Travel Guide: Facts

Impress your seatmate on the plane or win trivia night with these facts about Maui:

Maui Geography

Let’s get a lay of the island so you can plan your trip easier!

Maui is the second-largest island in Hawaii and is uniquely shaped. It was formed by two volcanoes, Haleakala and the West Maui Mountains.

Like all of the Hawaiian islands, there are two sides: a leeward side and a windward side. The leeward side of the island is drier and the windward side is wetter.

There are five distinct areas on the island: West Maui, South Maui, Central Maui, Upcountry Maui, and East Maui (Hana).

West Maui

On West Maui, you’ll find long stretches of beaches, warm weather, numerous snorkeling spots, plenty of resorts and vacation rentals, and jaw-dropping sunsets. West Maui suffered the devastating Lahaina fire in 2023, which will take years to recover from. The historic town of Lahaina has been destroyed and is not open to visitors.

Other areas of West Maui are open to visitors, including the Ka’anapali resort area, snorkeling spots like Kapalua Bay, and the picturesque Napili Bay. Please visit the west side with care and aloha as they rebuild. Check out our favorite things to do in Kapalua and Napili if you want to enjoy the areas of West Maui that are welcoming visitors.

South Maui

Another popular spot with visitors, South Maui dials up the luxury. Here you’ll find the most luxurious hotels on the island, stunning beaches, and views of Molokini Crater and Kahoolawe.

Popular spots here include the resort community of Wailea, the small town of Kihei, the expansive Makena Beach, and plenty of tour boats leaving for snorkeling at Molokini Crater.

Check out our favorite beaches and things to do in South Maui.

Central Maui

You’ll fly into central Maui when you land at Kahului Airport (OGG), the main commercial airport on the island. But that’s not all you’ll find here. Once you leave the main airport area, you’ll find plenty of small restaurants and shops, dramatic mountain views, and great hiking.

Visit the sacred Iao Valley or hike the Waihee Ridge Trail. Or head up to the north coast to stroll through the town of Paia and eat at the most famous restaurant in Hawaii: Mama’s Fish House (Is Mama’s Fish House Best for Lunch or Dinner?).

Kahului is a main cruise port in Hawaii, so if you’re visiting on a cruise ship, be sure to check out all our Hawaii cruise resources, including our favorite Maui shore excursions.

Upcountry Maui

Bring your sweater and head up the slope of Haleakala to Upcountry Maui. You’ll climb in elevation as you get beautiful views of the ocean below you.

You can visit the small cowboy town of Makawao, visit one of the many farms on the island to sample fresh tropical produce, or continue heading up the mountain to the top and visit Haleakala National Park.

In Upcountry, the drive is often just as beautiful as the destination. Most of our favorite Maui farm tours are in Upcountry. And don’t forget to check out our favorite things to do in upcountry Maui.

East Maui

Visit East Maui by taking the famous Road to Hana (decide here if the Road to Hana is worth it for you!). This drive takes you around 620 curves, over 59 bridges, and delivers views of a stunning coastline, lush landscape, and stunning waterfalls.

This windward part of the island is remote and rugged and an adventure. See our Maui Itinerary on how to plan your stops to Hana or check out our favorite Road to Hana Guided Tour.

We also put together a comprehensive guide on the Road to Hana, and we’ll help you choose the right route for your group.

Our 33 Things to Do on Maui is organized by location to make your planning easier!

What’s the Best Time of Year to Visit Maui?

While you may be visiting from a place that has four seasons each year, in Hawaii there are just two: summer (kau) and winter (hooilo):

Luckily, the weather on Maui is warm and pleasant year-round, so there’s truly no bad time to visit. But our favorite months to visit are April/May and September/October, because there are fewer visitors, the weather is great, and it’s a little less expensive to travel in this off-peak season period.

While the winter months get slightly cooler temperatures and there is a little more rain, staying on South or West Maui will increase your chances of sunny days and tank top temperatures. That’s why Maui is such a great place to visit year-round.

And if you’re curious about ocean temperatures and conditions, we have good news. The ocean temperature is always between 75 to 80 degrees, year-round. That means you can swim comfortably in January and in June.

But aside from temperature, consider waves.

During the summer months, you can usually find calm water around the island. The exception is if there is a storm (or remnants of a storm) passing by or if the island is getting a south swell.

South Maui is known to get swells during the summer months, which can bring in larger waves and choppy conditions. West Maui will generally have calmer ocean conditions in the summer.

In the winter, north swells can bring choppy water and large waves to the north, west, and east side of the island, while the south usually stays a bit calmer.

Get the full scoop on the best time to visit Maui.

Getting to Maui

There are two airports on Maui, though one is used very infrequently. The main airport is Kahului Airport (OGG). This airport is located in central Maui, approximately 30 minutes from Wailea and 45 minutes from Ka’anapali. Kahului airport serves inter-island, domestic, and international flights.

The second airport, Kapalua Airport, is located in West Maui, just a short distance from Ka’anapali. You’ll primarily find flights to Kapalua Airport from Honolulu on Mokulele Airlines. Island Hopping in Hawaii: How To Do It Right.

Renting a Car and Getting Around the Maui

Should you rent a car in Maui? Most likely, yes. While Maui does have a bus system and has uber and taxis, renting a car makes traveling around on your vacation easier.

We’ve done the math for you to help you decide if renting a car in Maui is right for you.

Our favorite tip for anyone visiting Hawaii is to book with Discount Hawaii Car Rental. When we travel inter-island or we have friends in town, we use them 95% of the time. They offer the most competitive rates, they work with national agencies, you don’t have to pre-book, and you can cancel at any time. There are also great local companies to rent from, like Kihei Rent a Car. See our Should You Rent a Car on Maui video for more information.

If you can’t get a car (remember that great rental car shortage of summer 2021?) or you just don’t want to get one, here are 11 tips for getting around Maui without a car.

For the most part, the roads on Maui are well paved and easy to navigate with any type of car — no 4-wheel drive required! Though if you want to rent a jeep…it really is fun.

If you don’t want to rent a car but still want to get out and see the sights, a guided tour is a great option. Two of our favorite tours that will pick you up from your hotel and take you around are the Haleakala Guided Sunrise Tour and the Road to Hana Guided Tour.

Where to Stay on Maui

Ready to book your stay on Maui? Maui has plenty of five-star resorts, outstanding vacation rentals, and a range of options in between. But what is right for you?

For details on our favorite hotels and vacation rentals on Maui, see our Where to Section Maui!

Should you stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Maui?

Go for a hotel if you’re looking for the traditional resort experience with big pools, nearby beaches, and restaurants within walking distance. Opt for a vacation rental if you want access to a kitchen, are looking for space, or are looking to save money.

We routinely stay in both. We’ll book a vacation rental for the majority of our stay so we have access to a kitchen and a little more space for the kids. Then we’ll treat ourselves to a great resort for a few days to enjoy the pool and other amenities. This has been a winning combo for us recently.

If you’re still not sure what you want to do, we break down the difference between choosing a hotel and a vacation rental in Hawaii.

Should you stay in Ka’anapali, Wailea, Kihei, or…?

While there are five main areas on Maui, most visitors stay on either West Maui or South Maui to maximize their odds of sunshine, warm weather, and lack of rain.

Whether you should stay in West Maui (Ka’anapali, Lahaina, Napili, Kapalua) or South Maui (Kihei, Wailea, Makena) is often a heated debate. We try to help you make the right decision for you with these two articles:

• Where to Stay on Maui: your accommodation guide
• Ka’anapali vs. Wailea: pick your perfect spot

Plus, get a list of some of our favorite places to stay when on Maui:

• Our Favorite Maui Honeymoon Hotels
• The Best Family-Friendly Hotels on Maui (kid-tested and approved)
• Maui Vacation Rentals for Large Groups
• Maui Vacation Rentals with Private Pools
• Guide to Glamping Camping on Maui
• The 7 Best Vacation Rentals in Wailea and Makena

How Many Days Should You Stay on Maui

According to the Hawaii Tourism Authority, in January 2022, the average length of stay for a visitor to Maui was nearly 10 days! While you might not be able to get away for that long, we recommend starting with at least a week on the island. There is so much to see and that gives you time to balance relaxation with adventure.

Read more about why we recommend spending at least a week on Maui. And don’t miss our Hawaii packing list as you’re getting ready to go.

Beaches and Snorkeling Spots on Maui

If you’re coming to Maui to snorkel, you’re in luck! In our opinion, Maui is the best island for snorkeling. Add in the stunning beaches, and you are in for a treat. Our favorite beaches include:

• Kapalua Bay: There’s a reason this beach was named the best beach by Dr. Beach in 2018. A beautiful crescent-shaped beach that is partially protected from larger waves for most of the year, this is the perfect spot to spend the day. It’s also a fantastic snorkeling spot. Get the full details on Kapalua Bay.
• Kahekili (Airport) Beach Park: This Ka’anapali Beach is a gem. It’s usually less crowded than the beaches in Ka’anapali, it has a large, free parking lot. And there’s a nice reef for snorkeling.Plan your visit with our Airport Beach on Maui: The Full Guide.
• Wailea Beach: There’s a reason some of the biggest resorts on Maui are located on this beach. It’s large, beautiful, and has water that is generally easily swimmable. It’s a beautiful place to spend the entire day.

Maui is full of great beaches. Don’t miss our 17 favorite beaches on Maui, with directions and other details like amenities, parking, and lifeguard services. We also break down our favorite beaches in South Maui!

And if you’re coming to snorkel, we have you covered:

• Get a full list of our 11 favorite snorkeling spots on Maui
• Read all about where you can find sea turtles on Maui (and view them respectfully)
• If you’re looking for a tour, these are our 7 favorite tried-and-tested snorkeling tours on Maui

Remember that while the beaches in Hawaii are beautiful, they are not without risk. Currents, dangerous shore break, and changing ocean conditions make swimming in any ocean dangerous. Practice beach safety by swimming on beaches with lifeguards, obeying lifeguard flags, and when in doubt, don’t go out. This website has more excellent information to help keep you safe.

Things To Do on Maui

There is no shortage of fun to be had on Maui. From whale watching to snorkeling to hiking, there is enough here to keep you busy and exploring for years.

But here are some highlights that you don’t want to miss and then see our full list of 33 Things to Do on Maui.

• Whale Watching: If you’re coming to Maui between December and April, you’ll be able to see the thousands of humpback whales that migrate to Hawaii from Alaska to mate and birth their young. Whale watching is such a special experience, and we have a full whale watching guide for you.Then explore our 7 favorite Maui whale-watching tours.
• Haleakala Volcano: Visit Maui’s dormant volcano, Haleakala (means: house of the sun). You can enjoy the day in Haleakala National Park with a trip to the Visitor’s Center, enjoying one of the numerous hikes offered in the park, or by enjoying sunrise or sunset. This article helps you decide what time of day to visit: sunrise or sunset.
• Farm Tours: Explore a different side of Maui with one of the many farm tours. You can visit a coconut farm, a bee farm, a pineapple farm, and more. Or, enjoy a farm tour and lunch combo for a truly memorable day out on the slopes of Haleakala. Get a list of our 15 favorite farm tours on the island.
• Snorkeling Lana’i: There are actually four islands that makeup Maui County. The island of Lana’i is located just a short boat or ferry ride away and provides a completely different experience. It’s one of our favorite places to snorkel by taking a day trip on the ferry. Explore all our favorite things to do on Lanai, including a snorkeling tour.
• Road to Hana: You can explore the east side of the island on this famous drive past waterfalls, over bridges, and along the jagged coastline (The 5 Best Road to Hana Routes). It’s a completely different experience than what you’ll find when staying on west or south Maui. Check out our Road to Hana in one-day article or a guided tour.

Want help seeing how to fit all of the best sights into your vacation? Our Maui itinerary was created just for that.

Don’t just take our word for it! See what others have to say:

Best Tours and Activities on Maui

While we embrace DIY travel, there’s something to be said for a great tour when you’re in Hawaii. Not only are you supporting a local business, but you’re getting time with a guide who truly knows the island. Whether they’re teaching you the history of the islands during a canoe tour or they’re educating you on the marine life during a snorkeling trip, a good tour experience can stick with you for years.

We’ve done the hard work for you by finding the best of the best tours on the island. Here’s a sampling of our favorites to get started, but don’t forget to check out our full list of Maui Activities and Tours.

Maui Family Vacations

We love the adventures you can have while traveling with your family.

With two little kids that we take everywhere, we also know that sometimes you need a few extra kid-friendly recommendations to make your trip fantastic. So from our family to yours, we have you covered:

• The 10 Best Maui Resorts That Will Thrill Your Kids
• 67 Things to Do on Maui with Kids (sorted by age)
• The 8 Best Kid Beaches that will Make Your Maui vacation
• 3 Easy Hikes on Maui (that even little legs can do)

If you want an itinerary fit for kids, our Maui Itinerary includes seven excursion days young kids will love. Plus, we include great family-friendly beaches as well as kid-friendly restaurants. We know the importance of a good Keiki (kids) menu.Get it here!

Popular Maui Videos

Get to know Maui and see some of our best recommendations with our popular Maui videos.

Or, explore our full library of videos on Hawaii.

Full Library of Maui Articles

Want to binge-read everything we’ve written on visiting Maui? Pour yourself a Mai Tai and browse all Maui articles here.

The Maui Itinerary

If you’re planning a trip to Maui, we’ve got you covered. Our island itineraries help you navigate the planning process and make your trip smooth once you’re on the island.

Thousands of customers have loved them, whether they were planning for a trip that was a year away or a trip that was a day away.

We hope you have an amazing trip!

~Jordan & Erica

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