What to Know Before Visiting Maui
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If you’ve never visited our beautiful island before, you’ve probably got questions. We’ve put together a short guide of what you should know before visiting Maui, covering all the topics we get asked about the most.
Lahaina is Closed but the Rest of Maui is Open! The devastating wildfires on August 8, 2023, completely destroyed the town of Lahaina including all of Front St but the rest of Maui is open for tourism. The best way to support Maui's recovery is to come and visit. Maui's economy depends on visitors supporting local businesses. The Weather in Maui is Beautiful Year-Round Kihei, the coastal area of southwest Maui, is warm and sunny year-round. It can get very hot during the middle of the day, especially from May-October. During the winter months, it can get a little cool in the evenings, and there can be occasional showers, but it NEVER gets cold. If you will be going upcountry during the winter months, be prepared for slightly cooler temperatures because of the higher elevations—especially during the evenings. Additionally, other parts of the island can experience very heavy rainfall during the winter months. Casual is the Word When it Comes to Clothes How to dress for Maui? Relaxed and casual! Swim trunks, bathing suits, shorts, tank tops, t-shirts, and flip flops—locals call them slippas—are the norm. Dressing for dinner means a nicer shirt and shorts, maybe some linen pants, or a summer dress for women…with flip flops. For the rare cool Maui winter evening or the occasional rain shower, a waterproof windbreaker or hoodie will be more than enough. FYI—if you are going upcountry (Makawao, Pukalani, Kula), be aware the weather is a little cooler. It can fluctuate greatly depending on cloud cover and rain, so you may want to dress in layers. Local Tip: Some areas get cold! If you are going to Haleakala National Park, temps can drop down to the low 30’s (that’s not a misprint!) in the evenings and early morning, so bundle up! What to Bring When Visiting Maui When packing your suitcase, there are a few key things you won't want to leave at home. Some must-bring items are:
To help protect Maui’s endangered reefs, choose only mineral sunscreens made with ‘non-nanotized’ zinc oxide or titanium dioxide—natural mineral ingredients. Please be aware that it is illegal to use non-mineral sunscreens and that you can be fined for using them. Where to Shop for Food and Supplies Kihei has supermarkets and small convenience stores not too far from your condo. However, all the major stores like Costco, Walmart, Target, and Whole Foods are located in Kahului by the airport. We recommend that you pick up food and other supplies in Kahului before you head to Kihei. Prices are much cheaper at these larger stores. And since Kihei is about 25 minutes away, you may not want to come back to Kahului until you’re headed back to the airport. Be sure to ask the owner what’s provided in the condo. Most vacation rentals only supply a starter kit, and you’ll need to pick up any soap, paper products, coffee, or other supplies that you’ll need for your stay. Local Tip: Souvenirs When looking for souvenirs, be sure to stop by Walmart. It has many of the same souvenirs you will find elsewhere for about half the price. Popular Activities Fill Up Fast - Book Early! If you are traveling to Maui during a busier time of year (winter, spring break, or summer), many of the most popular tours and activities may be sold out by the time you arrive. We recommend booking activities before your trip. Some of the most popular tours and luaus will sell out during peak season, including some of our favorites:
Driving Around Maui - Car and Scooter Rentals Although there are plenty of places you can walk to, you will need to rent a car (or a scooter) if you really want to explore the island. Car Rentals in Maui Prices on car rentals fluctuate depending on the time of year. If you are a Costco member, Costco.com usually has the best rates, but you can also find great deals renting a car directly from a local on Turo. If you only need a car for a few days, try family-owned Kihei Rent a Car. Scooter Rentals in Maui If you will just be staying in Kihei, another option is to get a scooter delivered to you or pick one up at the Scooter Shack. Local Tip: Drive with Care When driving around Maui, you will see bumper stickers that say, “This ain’t the Mainland!” Use this as a reminder to drive with respect. Don’t speed, tailgate, or cut people off. Drivers in Kihei are especially courteous and will actually stop to let you turn or merge into traffic. Please drive with Aloha. It’s All About the Aloha Spirit Maui’s island culture is laid back and much slower than the mainland. The locals embrace a positive and welcoming attitude known as Aloha. We hope you’ll try to make the most of your trip by doing the same with the following tips:
Bonus Tip: Mama’s Fish House If you haven’t been to Mama’s Fish House, you need to go! It’s the ultimate Maui dining experience and a “must-do.” It is very expensive, and you must book months in advance. But here’s our little-known local tip: instead of trying to make a reservation online, pick up the phone and call. You can often get lucky with cancellations and get in that way. |