Mauitravel Tips

Maui Travel Tips

It’s always good to start your vacation armed with a few hints that will help you become acclimated to your new, albeit temporary, environment a little faster. If you are a first-time visitor to Maui, there are a few things that you should know that will help make your trip comfortable and fun. Here is some general information about traveling to and around Maui.

Getting there and getting around

Maui is considered a neighbor island, so you will probably have to fly into Honolulu, on the island of Oahu, and then make your way to Maui. From Honolulu airport, you can take an inter-island flight on Aloha Airlines or Hawaiian Airlines over to Maui’s Kahului Airport. There are a few direct flights into Maui, but they are much more costly than flying into Honolulu.

Nearly all of the major car rental companies offer service at Kahului Airport. Rent a car to get around, or you can get a taxi to your hotel or resort.

The legendary Road to Hana is a scenic two-lane highway with about 50 one-lane bridges. Be courteous, it’s the Hawaiian way. The route also has several harrowing hairpin turns on it. Drive cautiously!

Driving on Maui is possible for visitors, but please find your inner Aloha spirit, and be courteous, cautious, and take your time. You are on vacation, after all!

Maui does have a public transit system, which operates in and between Central, South, and West Maui.

For short jaunts around your hotel or resort, consider renting a bicycle or even a moped.

Communications

The state of Hawaii has two official languages: English and Hawaiian. That means that a lot of signs and names will be in Hawaiian. And many of the place names sounds similar to one another.

The locals are very friendly, and willing to give thorough directions to tourists. When you talk to a local, make sure you reiterate the names of streets and places, just so you don’t get confused if you see something else with a similar sounding name.

Miscellaneous facts and tips

Hawaii is a volcanic island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. That means that it is susceptible to just about every weather phenomenon there is, short of blizzards. This includes volcanic eruptions (though not likely on Oahu), hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, and tsunamis.

The busiest and most crowded travel times to Maui are between Christmas and Easter, as well as July and August. Try to go in the off-season, rates are lower, and you might find some great deals!

If you are coming from the continental United States or Canada, you will most definitely have jet lag. For at least the first few days of your trip, you will fall asleep early and wake up early. This is a good thing you will find, because you will be able to experience all of the outdoor activities early, and make the most of your daylight hours.

Save time and frustration by booking restaurant and activities reservations early, before you get there even, if you can. The eco tours are especially popular. If you plan and call ahead, you will be guaranteed a spot for some of the island’s more popular pursuits and eateries, and you won’t waste your precious vacation time.

If you are planning to hike through the forests of Maui, do not forget your mosquito repellant!

Don’t be afraid to speak Hawaiian! The locals will appreciate it, and it will enhance your island experience. Get a phrase book, or find some common words and phrases on the Internet before you leave for your journey to paradise!