Coords
20.80°N 156.33°W
Local
HST
Language
English
Currency
USD
Budget
$$$$
Safety
B
Plug
A / B
Tap water
Safe ✓
Tipping
15–20%
WiFi
Good
Visa (US)
Visa-free

Hawaii's second-largest island — the Road to Hana's 620 curves and 59 bridges past waterfalls and bamboo forests, sunrise above the clouds at Haleakalā's 10,023-ft summit crater, winter humpback whales in the Auʻau Channel, and the snorkel-famous Molokini crater. Lahaina's historic town was devastated by the August 2023 wildfire — visiting West Maui responsibly supports recovery. Kāʻanapali, Wailea, and Kīhei host the resort zones; Pāʻia and Upcountry Makawao are the laid-back alternatives.

Tours & Experiences

Browse bookable tours, activities, and day trips in Maui

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📍 Points of Interest

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AttractionsLocal Picks
§01

At a Glance

Weather now
Loading…
Safety
B
88/100
5-category breakdown below
Budget per day
Backpack
$120
Mid
$280
Luxury
$800
Best time to go
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
4 recommended months
Getting there
OGGJHM
2 gateway airports
Quick numbers
Pop.
165K (island)
Timezone
Honolulu
Dial
+1
Emergency
911
🏝️

Maui is Hawaii's second-largest island at 727 square miles, nicknamed the Valley Isle for the central isthmus between its two volcanic mountain masses — West Maui Mountains and Haleakala

🛣️

The Road to Hana stretches 64 miles along Maui's northeastern coastline with 600 curves and more than 50 one-lane bridges — one of America's most celebrated scenic drives

🌋

Haleakala volcano rises 10,023 feet and is one of the world's largest dormant shield volcanoes. Watching sunrise from the summit has been a bucket-list experience for decades — reservations required since 2017

🔥

In August 2023, a catastrophic wildfire destroyed much of the historic town of Lahaina, killing over 100 people and displacing thousands. West Maui is gradually rebuilding — visitors should follow all signage and support local businesses respectfully

🐋

Humpback whales migrate to Maui's warm waters December through April to breed and calve, making the Auau Channel one of the world's top whale-watching destinations — an estimated 10,000 humpbacks pass through Hawaiian waters each season

✈️

Maui has a population of around 165,000 and welcomes about 3 million visitors annually. The main gateway is OGG Kahului Airport with direct flights from major US mainland cities

§02

Top Sights

Road to Hana

🌿

One of America's most iconic drives — 64 miles of dramatic coastline, lush rainforest, waterfall pullouts, and one-lane bridges. The journey is the destination. Allow a full day, start early, and stop often. Highlights include Twin Falls, Wailua Falls, Waianapanapa Black Sand Beach, and the Pools of Oheo.

East MauiBook tours

Haleakala Sunrise

🌿

Watching the sunrise from the 10,023-foot summit of Haleakala National Park is a transcendent Maui experience. The crater landscape is otherworldly at any hour, but dawn draws gasps as the sun breaks above a sea of clouds. Sunrise reservations are required — book weeks in advance at recreation.gov.

Upcountry MauiBook tours

Molokini Crater Snorkeling

🌿

A partially submerged volcanic crater three miles off the Makena coast, Molokini is one of Hawaii's top snorkel and dive sites. Clear visibility up to 150 feet, abundant reef fish, and calm conditions most mornings. Morning boat tours depart from Maalaea Harbor.

Offshore MakenaBook tours

Kaanapali Beach

🌿

A three-mile arc of soft white sand on West Maui's leeward coast, consistently ranked among America's best beaches. Lined with resorts and backed by the Whalers Village shopping center. Clear, calm water with good snorkeling at Black Rock (Puu Kekaa) at the north end.

Kaanapali, West MauiBook tours

Iao Valley State Monument

🌿

A lush green valley in the West Maui Mountains where the Iao Needle — a 1,200-foot basalt pinnacle — rises dramatically from the valley floor. The site of a historic 1790 battle and deeply sacred to Native Hawaiians. Short paved trails lead to viewpoints.

Central West MauiBook tours

Whale Watching (December - April)

📌

The Auau Channel between Maui and Lanai hosts one of the highest concentrations of humpback whales on earth during winter months. Boats depart from Maalaea and Lahaina harbors for 2-3 hour tours. Peak season is January through March when breaching, tail-slapping, and spy-hopping are common.

Maalaea & West Maui watersBook tours

Wailea & Big Beach (Oneloa)

🌿

South Maui's resort coastline offers some of the island's finest beaches. Wailea Beach is pristine and calm with luxury resort backdrops. Big Beach (Makena State Park) is a half-mile stretch of dramatic, undeveloped golden sand with powerful shore break — stunning but treat the surf with respect.

South Maui / MakenaBook tours
§03

Off the Beaten Path

Honolua Bay

A protected marine sanctuary on West Maui's northwest tip, accessible via a short jungle trail. One of the best snorkel sites on the island with colorful coral and sea turtles, completely undeveloped with no facilities. Avoid in winter when it transforms into one of Hawaii's premier surf breaks.

No resort crowds, no boat tours — just a coral-rich bay reached by a short hike through ironwood trees. Locals treat it as their own and the vibe reflects that.

Northwest West Maui

Paia Town

A funky North Shore surf town with excellent independent restaurants, boutique shops, and a bohemian local culture that feels distinct from Maui's resort scene. The gateway to the Road to Hana — stop here for a plate lunch before heading east.

Maui's creative and surf counterculture concentrates here. The lack of chain stores and abundance of character makes it feel like old Hawaii.

North Shore

Upcountry Maui (Kula & Makawao)

The cool, agricultural highlands above Kahului at 2,000-4,000 feet elevation. Lavender farms, protea gardens, cattle ranches, rodeos, cowboy (paniolo) culture, and farm-to-table restaurants. Completely different from the coastal Maui most visitors experience.

This is where local families go on weekends. The temperature drops 10-15°F from the coast and the pace drops similarly — a genuine working agricultural community.

Upcountry / Kula / Makawao

Twin Falls (Easy Road to Hana Stop)

The first major waterfall pullout on the Road to Hana, just two miles past the road's official start in Haiku. Easy 15-minute walk through guava forest to twin waterfalls with swimming holes. A perfect taste of Hana's rainforest beauty without committing to the full day drive.

Many visitors rush the Hana road and skip stops. Twin Falls rewards those who pause — the swimming hole beneath the upper falls is genuinely spectacular and usually reached by a short detour.

Haiku, North Shore

Maui Brewing Company (Kihei)

Maui's flagship craft brewery with an expansive taproom in Kihei featuring ocean breezes, live music on weekends, and rotating taps of Hawaiian-inspired beers including Bikini Blonde Lager and Coconut Hiwa Porter. Food menu of elevated pub fare using local ingredients.

A rare spot where locals and visitors mingle comfortably over quality local beer. No tourist theater — just a well-run brewery proud of its Hawaiian roots.

Kihei, South Maui
§04

Insider Tips

§05

Climate & Best Time to Go

Monthly climate & crowd levels

Temp unit
23°
Jan
23°
Feb
25°
Mar
26°
Apr
28°
May
29°
Jun
29°
Jul
29°
Aug
28°
Sep
26°
Oct
25°
Nov
23°
Dec
Crowd level Low Medium High Peak°C average

Maui has a tropical climate with two distinct sides: the leeward (west and south) coasts are sunny and dry nearly year-round, while the windward (north and east) coasts and Hana receive abundant rain from northeast trade winds. Haleakala summit can be cold and windy at any time of year — bring layers. Hurricane season runs June through November but direct hits are rare. Trade winds keep coastal temperatures pleasant even in summer.

Spring

March - May

72-84°F

22-29°C

Rain: Low on leeward coasts, moderate on windward side

Excellent shoulder season with warm temperatures, fewer crowds than peak winter, and the tail end of whale watching season through April. Trade winds are reliable and comfortable. An ideal time to visit.

Summer

June - August

77-90°F

25-32°C

Rain: Very low on leeward side; hurricane season begins June (rare impacts)

Hot and sunny on leeward coasts with calm ocean conditions. Kona winds occasionally replace trades and bring humid, muggy air. South swells make south-facing beaches like Big Beach rougher. Busiest season with families and peak accommodation prices.

Autumn

September - October

75-88°F

24-31°C

Rain: Low to moderate; hurricane season ends November

Another sweet shoulder season — still warm, fewer crowds than summer, and ocean water at its warmest (around 80°F). Hurricane season continues through October but trade winds usually keep Maui protected. Some of the best deals on accommodations.

Winter

November - February

68-82°F

20-28°C

Rain: Moderate on leeward coasts; heavy on windward/Hana side

Peak tourist season driven by whale watching (December-April) and US mainland winter escapes. North and west swells energize surf breaks. West Maui beaches can have choppy water but south Maui stays calm. Haleakala summit can dip below freezing and receive snow flurries.

Best Time to Visit

April through May and September through October are Maui's shoulder seasons — warm weather, lower crowds than peak winter or summer, and better accommodation prices. Whale watching season (December-April) draws peak crowds to West Maui. If whale watching is a priority, January-March offers the best sightings.

Spring (April - May)

Crowds: Moderate — best value weeks are April and early May

Ideal shoulder season with warm temperatures, reliable trade winds, and noticeably fewer visitors than winter peak. Tail end of whale season through April. Ocean conditions are excellent for snorkeling and diving.

Pros

  • + Fewer crowds than winter or summer
  • + Excellent ocean visibility
  • + Good accommodation deals
  • + Whale season through April

Cons

  • Some rain on windward side
  • Spring break (March-April) brings temporary spikes
  • Haleakala reservations still competitive

Summer (June - August)

Crowds: Very high — book 3-6 months ahead

Peak family season with the highest visitor numbers and prices. Leeward beaches are calm and sunny. South swells create powerful shore break at Big Beach. Accommodation prices peak in July-August.

Pros

  • + Hottest and sunniest weather
  • + Calm water on west and south beaches
  • + Long daylight hours
  • + All attractions and tours operating

Cons

  • Highest prices of the year
  • Most crowded beaches and roads
  • Hurricane season begins (rare impact)
  • Road to Hana can be gridlocked on weekends

Autumn (September - October)

Crowds: Low to moderate after Labor Day

The best-kept secret for Maui travel — warm temperatures, ocean at its warmest (80°F), and significantly thinner crowds after Labor Day. Some of the best deals of the year. Hurricane season continues through October.

Pros

  • + Best prices of the year
  • + Warm ocean temperatures
  • + Fewer tourists at popular spots
  • + Good surf developing on North Shore

Cons

  • Hurricane season (low but non-zero risk)
  • Shorter days than summer
  • Some tour operators reduce frequency

Winter (November - March)

Crowds: Very high (December - March) — book 4-6 months ahead

Peak tourist season driven by whale watching and US mainland winter escapes. December through February is the busiest and most expensive period. Humpback whales dominate January-March in the Auau Channel. North swells energize surf at Hookipa and Honolua Bay.

Pros

  • + World-class whale watching
  • + Lower humidity than summer
  • + Spectacular surf for spectators
  • + Festive holiday atmosphere

Cons

  • Highest prices and most crowded
  • Advance booking essential
  • Rain more frequent on windward coasts
  • Haleakala summit can be cold or icy

🎉 Festivals & Events

Maui Whale Festival

February

A month-long celebration of humpback whale season with ocean-safety events, free whale watches, art, and educational programs organized by the Pacific Whale Foundation in Kihei and Lahaina.

Maui Film Festival

June

A five-night open-air cinema event held on Wailea Beach and indoor venues, showcasing independent and international films with a focus on stories of cultural significance. Draws Hollywood celebrities and filmmakers.

Aloha Festivals

September

Hawaii's statewide celebration of Hawaiian culture, music, hula, and traditions. Maui events include floral parades, royal court ceremonies, and free concerts celebrating the spirit of aloha.

§06

Safety Breakdown

Overall
88/100Low risk
Sub-ratings are directional estimates derived from the overall safety score and destination profile.
Petty crimePickpockets, bag snatches
79/100
Violent crimeAssaults, armed robbery
92/100
Tourist scamsTaxi overcharges, fake officials
95/100
Natural hazardsEarthquakes, storms, wildfires
94/100
Solo femaleSolo female traveler safety
75/100
88

Very Safe

out of 100

Maui is generally very safe for visitors. Petty theft from rental cars at trailheads is the most common crime affecting tourists — never leave valuables visible. Ocean hazards including rip currents, shore break, and high surf cause more tourist injuries than crime. The Road to Hana requires attentive slow driving. Visitors to areas near Lahaina should be respectful of the community's ongoing recovery from the 2023 wildfire.

Things to Know

  • Drive the Road to Hana slowly — 15-25 mph is appropriate on narrow one-lane bridge sections; pull over to let local traffic pass and never rush
  • Reef-safe sunscreen is required by Hawaii law — avobenzone, octinoxate, and oxybenzone are banned to protect coral reefs; bring mineral (zinc oxide / titanium dioxide) sunscreen
  • Rip currents are the leading ocean hazard — if caught in one, swim parallel to shore to escape, not against the current; always check surf conditions before entering the ocean
  • Respect Lahaina and West Maui fire-affected areas — follow all posted signage, do not photograph damaged properties without permission, and support local businesses over chains
  • Dehydration is a real risk, especially on the Hana road and Haleakala hikes — carry at least two liters of water per person per day
  • Leave nothing visible in rental cars at trailheads or beach parking lots — smash-and-grab theft from rental vehicles is common at popular spots like the Pools of Oheo

Natural Hazards

⚠️ Rip currents are present at many beaches — particularly Big Beach (Makena), Hookipa, and Baldwin Beach; check conditions and lifeguard flags before swimming⚠️ Sharks are present in Hawaiian waters — bites are rare but heed any warning flags; avoid entering the ocean at dawn, dusk, or near river mouths after heavy rain⚠️ Sun exposure at tropical latitudes is intense — UV index commonly hits 11+ (extreme) midday; cover up, wear SPF 50+, and limit midday beach time⚠️ Lava rock along coastlines has razor-sharp edges — standard footwear is inadequate for off-trail coastal exploration; wear reef shoes or sturdy closed-toe shoes⚠️ Road to Hana driving accidents — narrow roads, blind curves, and overconfident drivers lead to several serious accidents annually; drive defensively and take breaks

Emergency Numbers

General Emergency

911

Police (non-emergency)

(808) 244-6400

Maui Memorial Medical Center

(808) 244-9056

Coast Guard Search & Rescue

(808) 842-2600

Poison Control

1-800-222-1222

§07

Costs & Currency

Where the money goes

USD per day
Backpacker$120/day
$45
$22
$26
$27
Mid-range$280/day
$105
$52
$60
$63
Luxury$800/day
$301
$147
$172
$179
Stay 38%Food 18%Transit 22%Activities 22%

Quick cost estimate

Customize per category →
Daily$280/day
On the ground (7d × 2p)$3,185
Flights (2× round-trip)$3,320
Trip total$6,505($3,253/person)
✈️ Check current fares on Google Flights

Estimates based on regional averages. Flight prices vary by season and airline.

Show prices in
🎒

budget

$150-220

Budget condo or hostel, plate lunches and food trucks, self-guided driving, free beaches and hikes

🧳

mid-range

$300-500

Mid-range hotel or vacation rental, restaurant dinners, snorkel boat tour, Haleakala park entry

💎

luxury

$800+

Four Seasons or Grand Wailea, spa treatments, private boat charter, fine dining, helicopter tour

Typical Costs

ItemLocalUSD
AccommodationHostel dorm (Kahului/Paia)$60-100$60-100
AccommodationMid-range hotel (double)$250-450$250-450
AccommodationVacation rental condo$200-400/night$200-400
AccommodationLuxury resort (double)$600-1200$600-1200
FoodPlate lunch (local diner/food truck)$15-20$15-20
FoodSit-down dinner (mid-range restaurant)$50-80 per person$50-80
FoodShave ice (Ululani's or local shop)$5-8$5-8
TransportRental car (per day, mid-size)$80-150$80-150
TransportFuel for Road to Hana round trip$30-50$30-50
TransportExpeditions ferry to Lanai (round trip)$60$60
AttractionsHaleakala National Park (vehicle)$30/vehicle$30
AttractionsSnorkel gear rental (per day)$20-35$20-35
AttractionsMolokini snorkel boat tour$90-130$90-130
AttractionsWhale watching boat tour$50-80$50-80
AttractionsMaui Ocean Center admission$30 adults$30

💡 Money-Saving Tips

  • Eat plate lunches at local spots like Da Kitchen, Kihei Caffe, or roadside food trucks — a full meal for $15-20 beats any resort restaurant
  • Pack a cooler with groceries from Costco or Safeway in Kahului for Road to Hana snacks and beach lunches
  • Book Haleakala sunrise reservations as far in advance as possible — the $30 park fee beats any sunrise tour by $100+
  • Snorkel directly from shore at Honolua Bay or Kamaole Beach Park instead of paying for a boat tour
  • Stay in Kihei or Kahului instead of Kaanapali — identical access to beaches and activities for 30-50% less on accommodation
  • Fill up the rental car at Costco Kahului — gas on Maui is $0.50-0.80/gallon cheaper at Costco than resort-area stations
  • Visit Hana on a weekday and skip the Pools of Oheo (Ohe'o Gulch) to avoid the largest crowds
  • Most of Maui's best experiences are free — beaches, snorkeling, hiking, and sunsets cost nothing
💴

US Dollar

Code: USD

Maui operates entirely in US dollars. ATMs are plentiful at banks, grocery stores, and resort areas. Credit cards are accepted nearly everywhere. Cash is useful for farmers markets, roadside stands, and tipping. Prices on Maui are significantly higher than mainland US due to island shipping costs.

Payment Methods

Credit and debit cards are accepted everywhere on Maui including food trucks and farmers markets. Contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are common at most establishments. Keep $20-40 cash for roadside stands, farmers markets, and tips. ATMs are widely available but avoid airport and resort ATMs which often charge high surcharges — use bank ATMs instead.

Tipping Guide

Restaurants (sit-down)

18-20% is standard in Hawaii, considered a minimum for good service. Some restaurants add an automatic service charge for large groups — check your bill.

Bars & Casual Dining

$1-2 per drink at bars; 15-18% at casual plate lunch and diner-style restaurants.

Food Trucks

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory at food trucks — $1-2 per order or 10-15% is common.

Tour Guides (whale watching, snorkel)

$10-20 per person for a 2-3 hour boat tour; more for private or full-day charters. Tip the crew directly.

Hotel Housekeeping

$3-5 per night left in an envelope or with a note. Higher-end resorts $5-10/night.

Valet & Bellhop

$2-5 for valet; $2-3 per bag for bellhop service at resort hotels.

§08

How to Get There

✈️ Airports

Kahului Airport (main)(OGG)

Central Maui — 3 miles from Kahului town, 30 min to Kaanapali, 20 min to Kihei

Rental car is the standard option — all major agencies have counters. Lyft and Uber available but require advance booking. No shuttle buses to resorts from OGG; some hotels run private shuttles — confirm before booking. Taxis available curbside.

✈️ Search flights to OGG

Kapalua Airport (West Maui)(JHM)

1 mile from Kapalua, 10 min to Kaanapali

Small commuter airport served by Mokulele Airlines from Honolulu and other Hawaiian airports. Primarily serves visitors staying at West Maui luxury resorts. Rental cars and hotel transfers available.

✈️ Search flights to JHM

🚌 Bus Terminals

Maui Bus (inter-town service)

Maui County Bus connects OGG Airport (Kahului) with Kihei and Wailea in South Maui, and with Kaanapali and Lahaina in West Maui. Routes are infrequent and not suitable for time-sensitive transfers. Free to ride.

§09

Getting Around

A rental car is essentially mandatory for exploring Maui beyond resort areas. The Road to Hana, Haleakala National Park, Upcountry Maui, and most beaches are inaccessible without one. Book well in advance — rental car availability is limited and prices spike during peak season. Maui Bus provides limited public transit but has significant gaps in coverage.

🚀

Rental Car

$80-150/day plus taxes and fees; gas adds $30-60/day

The only practical way to see most of Maui. All major agencies operate from OGG Kahului Airport. Book early — cars sell out and prices can exceed $150/day at peak times. SUVs or AWD vehicles are recommended for some Upcountry dirt roads. Driving to Hana requires a full day of focused driving.

Best for: Road to Hana, Haleakala, beach-hopping, Upcountry — essentially everything

🚌

Maui Bus (Public Transit)

Free (as of 2024)

Maui County operates a free bus network connecting Kahului, Kihei, Wailea, Kaanapali, and Lahaina. Service is infrequent (hourly or less) and does not reach Hana or Haleakala. Useful for short trips between South and West Maui resort areas.

Best for: Kahului to Kihei corridor; airport to central Maui; travelers staying in one resort area

📱

Lyft & Uber

$15-40 for typical town-to-town trips; airport to Kaanapali $60-90

Both Lyft and Uber operate on Maui, primarily in Kahului, Kihei, Wailea, Kaanapali, and Lahaina. Wait times can be long outside central areas. Not available for Hana or Haleakala runs — drivers typically refuse or charge surge prices.

Best for: Airport transfers, nights out when avoiding drink-driving, short hops between resort towns

🚕

Taxis

$20-50 within Central Maui; significantly more for cross-island trips

Traditional taxis are available at the airport and can be arranged from hotels. More expensive than rideshare and less convenient due to the lack of app-based dispatch in rural areas.

Best for: Airport pickups when rideshare is unavailable; hotel-arranged transport

⛴️

Expeditions Ferry (to Lanai)

$30 each way per adult

Expeditions Maui-Lanai Ferry operates 5 daily round trips from Lahaina Harbor to Manele Bay, Lanai. The crossing takes 45-60 minutes on open ocean — can be choppy. No car transport (vehicles must be shipped separately). A popular day-trip option.

Best for: Day trips to Lanai for snorkeling at Hulopoe Bay or exploring the small island

🚶 Walkability

Maui is not a walkable destination by design. Wailea resort area has a paved beachfront path connecting several hotels and beaches. Parts of Kihei along South Kihei Road are pedestrian-friendly. Downtown Lahaina (pre-fire) was walkable within the historic district. Outside these pockets, walking between destinations is impractical — distances are long and sidewalks are sparse.

§10

Travel Connections

Oahu

Oahu

Hawaii's most populous island with Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor, and Honolulu's vibrant food and nightlife scene. The cultural and political capital of Hawaii — excellent if you want big-city amenities alongside beaches.

✈️ 30-40 min by inter-island flight📏 100 miles northwest💰 $60-150 each way (Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest)
🌍

Big Island Hawaii

The largest Hawaiian island with active lava flows at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Mauna Kea stargazing, black sand beaches, green sand beaches, and coffee farms in Kona. A completely different landscape from Maui — wilder and more raw.

✈️ 45-55 min by inter-island flight📏 200 miles southeast💰 $70-160 each way (Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest)
Kauai

Kauai

The Garden Isle with the dramatic Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon (the Grand Canyon of the Pacific), and some of Hawaii's most secluded beaches. The most lush and least developed of the main Hawaiian islands.

✈️ 40-60 min via connecting flight through Honolulu📏 100 miles northwest (via Oahu)💰 $80-180 each way
Lanai

Lanai

A quiet, largely undeveloped island owned largely by tech billionaire Larry Ellison. Two ultra-luxury Four Seasons resorts, excellent snorkeling at Hulopoe Bay, red-dirt jeep roads, and the archaeological site of Luahiwa Petroglyphs. An easy day trip from Maui.

⛴️ 45 min by Expeditions ferry from Lahaina Harbor📏 9 miles southwest💰 $30 each way (Expeditions Maui-Lanai ferry)
§11

Entry Requirements

Maui is part of the United States — US citizens need only a valid ID. International visitors follow standard US entry requirements. Citizens of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries can enter for up to 90 days with an approved ESTA. Most international flights to Maui connect through Honolulu (HNL) where US customs and immigration are processed — your flight to OGG is treated as a domestic connection after clearing customs in Honolulu.

Entry Requirements by Nationality

NationalityVisa RequiredMax StayNotes
US CitizensVisa-freeUnlimitedValid government-issued ID required for domestic flights. No passport needed for travel within the US including Hawaii.
VWP Nationals (UK, Australia, Japan, EU, etc.)Visa-free90 daysESTA authorization required — apply at esta.cbp.dhs.gov before travel. Fee is $21. US Customs is cleared at Honolulu on international arrivals; OGG is treated as a domestic connection.
Canadian CitizensVisa-free180 daysNo visa or ESTA required for air travel. Valid passport needed. CBP may ask for proof of onward travel and sufficient funds.
Chinese CitizensYesPer visaB-2 tourist visa required from a US embassy or consulate. Apply well in advance — processing times can be several months.
Indian CitizensYesPer visaB-2 tourist visa required. Apply at the US consulate in your city. Valid for 10 years with multiple entries once approved.

Visa-Free Entry

United StatesCanada (no ESTA required for land/sea)United KingdomAustraliaNew ZealandJapanGermanyFranceSpainItalyNetherlandsSouth KoreaSingaporeBrazil (requires ESTA)

Tips

  • International visitors clear US customs and immigration at Honolulu (HNL) — not at Maui OGG — so budget 2-3 hours for the connection at Honolulu
  • ESTA must be approved before boarding — apply at least 72 hours before departure but ideally weeks in advance
  • Non-US citizens must present a valid passport; US citizens can use a state ID or driver's license for domestic flights to Maui
  • Hawaii has strict agricultural inspection at arrival — all food, plants, and soil must be declared; fresh fruits from outside Hawaii may be confiscated
  • Travel insurance is strongly recommended given Hawaii's high medical costs and the activity-based nature of most Maui visits
§12

Shopping

Maui shopping ranges from high-end resort boutiques to funky North Shore galleries and local farmers markets. Prices are high across the board — Hawaii adds layers of shipping costs to mainland retail prices. The best authentic Maui souvenirs come from local artisans and farmers markets rather than airport gift shops. Support local vendors wherever possible.

Whalers Village, Kaanapali

open-air mall

A beachfront shopping center at the north end of Kaanapali Beach with a mix of upscale retail, surf brands, restaurants, and a small whaling museum. Convenient for West Maui resort guests. Not cheap but the ocean backdrop is hard to beat.

Known for: Surf brands, resort wear, jewelry, whaling museum, oceanfront dining

Shops at Wailea

luxury open-air mall

South Maui's upscale shopping destination adjacent to Wailea resort hotels. Designer brands, art galleries, and higher-end restaurants. More polished than Whalers Village with a Four Seasons crowd.

Known for: Designer fashion, fine jewelry, Hawaiian art galleries, upscale dining

Paia Town (North Shore)

boutique independent shops

A stretch of independent boutiques, surf shops, galleries, and eclectic stores along Baldwin Avenue and Hana Highway. The most characterful shopping on Maui — locally owned with a funky, alternative edge. Also the best place to stock up before the Road to Hana.

Known for: Vintage clothing, local art, surf gear, Hawaiian jewelry, organic health food

🎁 Unique Souvenirs to Look For

  • Kona coffee from Big Island (widely available in Maui shops) or Maui-grown coffee from Upcountry farms
  • Macadamia nuts — raw, roasted, chocolate-covered; buy in bulk at local grocers rather than airport for better prices
  • Ukulele — Maui has several luthiers and music shops selling locally made instruments
  • Aloha shirts (aloha aina) — look for locally designed prints from Maui Clothing Co. or similar local brands, not mass-produced imports
  • Koa wood items — native Hawaiian koa is one of the rarest and most beautiful hardwoods; bowls, frames, and jewelry from local woodworkers
  • Maui Gold pineapple — sweeter and lower-acid than standard pineapple; sold at roadside stands and Upcountry farms
  • Hawaiian sea salt — Alaea red salt harvested from salt pans with iron-rich volcanic clay; a distinctive local pantry staple
§13

Language & Phrases

Language: Hawaiian & English

English is the primary language on Maui. Hawaiian is a co-official language of Hawaii and is experiencing a cultural revival — you will encounter Hawaiian words constantly on signs, place names, and in everyday speech. Learning a few Hawaiian phrases shows genuine respect for the host culture. The okina ('- a glottal stop) and kahako (macron over vowels) affect pronunciation.

EnglishTranslationPronunciation
Hello / Goodbye / Love / PeaceAlohaah-LOH-hah
Thank youMahalomah-HAH-loh
Thank you very muchMahalo nui loamah-HAH-loh NOO-ee LOH-ah
Encore / Do it again!Hana houHAH-nah HOH
Family (extended, including friends)'Ohanaoh-HAH-nah
Native Hawaiian person / host cultureKanaka Maolikah-NAH-kah mah-OH-lee
Welcome / Come inE komo maieh KOH-moh MY
Correct / Right / True'AeEYE
No / Not'A'oleah-OH-leh
The sea / OceanKaiKYE
Land / Earth'AinaEYE-nah
Please (informal)E ʻoluʻ olueh OH-loo OH-loo