Maui is an island located in Hawaii, United States of America and considered as the second largest island in the Hawaiian state (17th largest in the United States). This island is also called as “The Valley Isle” because of its geographical conditions of large valley between 2 fallow volcanoes, namely Haleakala’s and Mauna Kahalawai.
Naturally Maui popularized its beaches, approximately with the over 120 miles of shorelines and 80 beaches. Beach sands vary from fine white sand to red sand beaches and sometimes to rare black also. Hana beaches contain white, red sand and rare black sand beaches.
Such a great place will exhibit the overall Hawaiian culture, lush nature, and aloha spirit. Moreover, things like Road to Hana and Haleakalā National Park and even more make even the most potential travelers feeling to a backpacker. So, let’s jump in to some of the most important travel tips needed to a traveler when he plans to visit Maui.
Time Zone
Hawaii follows Hawaii Standard Time (GMT 10 hours), normally less than 5 hours behind Eastern Standard Time and 2 hours behind Pacific Standard Time. Hawaii adds 1 extra hour to the time during March through November.
Best Time to visit Maui
There are always some sort of benefits when you visit each month, and offer something special to visitors. So, therefore we cannot conclude according to seasons. But as per tourism traffic and visitors’ experience “spring months of April and May and fall month of September to November” will be a better time to visit.
During summer, mainly April to November, there is less precipitation and high temperatures. And June, July and August are popular vacations periods. The weather is warm and dry. Decide which month or time is perfect for you for your Maui tour.
Things to do in Maui, Hawaii
1. The Road to Hana
Fantastic 60 miles of road to Hana offering a scenic road journey that takes you through lush rainforests, past beautiful waterfalls, and along stunning coastal views. Be ready to make plenty of stops including 620 curves, 59 bridges and friendly weather conditions along the way where fully appreciate the natural beauty of the area.
2. Haleakalā National Park
Halekala national park is home to the massive Haleakalā Volcano and a wide array of landscapes and dense ecosystems from the coast to the summit. Park where you can watch the sunrise from the summit and see the mystical array of landscapes of the crater. Total 30 miles of hiking trails showcases dark skies during night and camp overnight in the park.
3. Snorkelling at Molokini Crater
Due to its unique topography it is a friendly place for Snorkelling lovers. Moreover its crystal clear water will also boost your snorkelling way with the amazing underwater spots. Such a great crescent-shaped volcanic atoll is a top spot for snorkelling and even for scuba diving too. Half-moon shaped Molokini creates abundant marine life including preserved marine sanctuary.
4. Waianapanapa State Park
Better known for swimming, scenic hiking trails, and incredible sunrise and sunset view spots. It is home to one of the best campgrounds on Maui. Moreover, the park contains a beautiful black sand beach, sea caves, and a natural lava arch, making it a great place to explore Maui’s unique geology.
5. Maui Ocean Centre
Name represents that Maui Ocean center is a Centre for study or commitment to understand the Ocean’s delicate ecosystems. This aquarium center tries to showcase the diverse marine life found in Hawaii’s waters, including sharks, eagle rays, turtles, abundant marine life and colorful coral reefs. They are using the most advanced technologies, experts and immerse exhibited in their centers.
6. Visit Lahaina town
Well known for charming town to spending quality of time with your family members. Interestingly once it was the capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii and center of the whaling industry. Today home to historic landmarks, art galleries, and great restaurants. Never miss to take a leisure walking tour to see the huge Banyan tree and taste local cuisines like meals, snacks and ice creams.
7. Whale Watching
Undoubtedly, Maui is one of the best places in the world to see humpback whales especially during the time of their annual migration, normally between Decembers to May. Watching through boats is a next level travel feeling to enjoy the antics of humpback especially peak seasons like January to March. Visitors also wish to explore whales through sunset or daytime cruise where we can spot Dolphins, seabirds and nearby scenery.
8. Horseback riding
Horseback is the most popular travel activity which can be done by most adventure travelers. In Maui, Mendes Ranch on the north side of the Maui is offering morning and afternoon horseback trail rides. It is owned and managed by a single family which provides trails in the edge of the valley to the coastlines for panoramic views of the Pacific and photographic destinations for your Instagram or Facebook pages.
9. Upcountry Maui
Quite interesting places like upcountry Maui offer some of the picturesque town of Makawao and explore the scenic countryside. Place where you indulge to try some of the locally-grown produce and admire stunning vistas. Much to see rustic higher elevations and try some cheeses and goat’s milk through surfing goat dairies. Other than that you can also try pineapple wines or grapes wines through Maui wines. Explore unique plants, rock formations, waterfalls and aviary from Kula Botanical Gardens.
10. Enjoy a Luau
No such place like Luau offers traditional and Hawaiian foods. If you really want to experience the traditional Hawaiian culture and foods with a lively luau, featuring hula dancing, traditional music, and a delicious feast of local specialties, this is the one. There are a good number of Luau like Old Lahaina Luau and Royal Lahaina Luau on Kaanapali beach are famous among them. However Grand Wailea Luau and Feast at Mokapu are famous in the Southern side of Maui.
Languages used in Maui
The official language of Maui is English and Hawaiian, but Hawaiian is not a commonly spoken language there. Even some customer service representatives speak Japanese too, especially in the major resort areas.
How to get around
There are good ways to get around Maui, but the most popular are by bus, taxi, shuttle or public transportations. According to your budget you can choose which mode of transportations is fit your plan.
Suppose you are travelling by car means, you should reserve your rental car 2-3 days prior from Kahului or Kapalua airport. Or Else you can choose Maui public bus system consisting of a total of 13 bus services operating daily to Maui including even Sunday or holidays too. Bus operating between various communities throughout the island.
Weather
Maui weather is not stagnant in nature; it varies from around the island, desert, mountains, climates and rainforest. Some areas of Maui are humid and rainy while others have less or no precipitation.
Lahaina, Kihei, Wailea and Haleakala are places like desert microclimates and Haiku, Hana, Makawao are rainfall microclimates. And the rest of the places include mountain microclimates.
How to Reach Maui, Hawaii
Getting to Maui is not a big deal even from an International travelers. Total 3 ways you can reach to here;
1. By Air
Kahului Airport (OGG) is Maui’s main airport. Apart from that, there are 2 smaller commuter airports available namely Kapalua (JHM) Airport and Hana (H&M) Airport. Most of the International flights offer nonstop flights to Maui from different countries.
You can also reach Honolulu International Airport instead of Maui. Just a 30 minutes short journey to Maui and interestingly daily Ferry service is also available nearby island of Lana’i.
2. By Road
If you are a domestic traveler or looking for a rental car or shuttle from Maui Airport, then this mode of transportation is more suitable. Good number of rental car agencies are available at Maui’s airport and most of the travelers prefer it.
Domestic travelers also prefer Car transportations. Nearby tourists reach Maui either Bike or Car mode in order to make their travel more adventurous.
Best Hotels in Maui
1. Ka’anapali Beach hotel
Provides a very close up Hawaiian experience with excellent customer support and uplift the Hawaiian traditions in order keep the visitors like a home ambitious. Offering a wide range of guest rooms and suites which was renowned recently. Its water activity center includes ocean and beach activities like paddle boarding’s, snorkelling and scuba diving.
2. Westin Resort Kaanapali
Recently the hotel also opened Hokupa’a at Westin Maui well known for its luxurious beachfronts, guest rooms, suites and ocean views. Amenities include a private lounge, a variety of cuisine options and several fresco restaurants. Situated on the Ka’anapali beach, it created a cool, leisure and holiday experience for visitors.
3. Montage Kapalua Bay
Spread around 24 acres of land, Montage Kapalua Bay accommodations includes 2 restaurants, 3 bedroom residencies and Mahan market and a Hana Hou Bar. Its Hawaiian beachfront makes totally next level hotel experiences and relaxations. Never miss to enjoy the world class golf spa, pools, paddle boarding’s and ocean activities.
4. The Ritz Carlton, Kapalua
Specially made and furnished for Family travelers, solo or couples. The Ritz Carlton, Kapalua covered around 54 acres of land with special 466 rooms, suites and club level accommodations. Ocean view tennis, golf course, pool side cabanas, surfing and hiking are popular here.
5. Royal Lahaina Resort
Having a total 441 contemporary rooms and suites with well furnishing custom teak, artwork, and lanais. One of the longest running oceanfront luau on the island of Maui. Accommodation includes 2 bedroom suites and an oceanfront Molokai suite. Never forget to enjoy the oceanfront restaurants, poolside bars, and 3 unique swimming pools.
Q: Is Maui a part of the U.S?
A: Yes, Maui is located in the Hawaii which is one of the state in United States.
Q: Where is Maui located?
A: Maui is an island located in Hawaii, United States of America and considered as the second largest island in the Hawaiian state.
