Overview
Hawaii's most visually stunning island — dramatic volcanic landscapes, jade valleys, and the clearest snorkeling waters in the US, all without leaving American soil
Airport
OGG
From/day
$150
Best months
Apr, May, Jun
Local Tips
Safety
Maui is generally very safe. Be cautious at beaches with strong currents and always heed lifeguard warnings. Secure valuables in your car as break-ins at trailheads do occur.
Cultural Norms
Respect Hawaiian culture by not stacking rocks (they may be cultural markers), staying on marked trails, and learning basic Hawaiian words like 'aloha' and 'mahalo'. Remove shoes before entering homes.
Language
English and Hawaiian are official languages. You'll hear Hawaiian words mixed into everyday English — 'mahalo' (thank you), 'pono' (righteous), 'ohana' (family).
Currency
USD. Credit cards widely accepted. Some rural fruit stands and shave ice trucks are cash only.
Tipping
Standard US tipping applies: 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, 15-20% for tour guides.
Getting Around
Public Transit
Walkability
Neighborhoods
Lahaina
Historic whaling town on the west coast with restaurants, galleries, and a vibrant waterfront. Rebuilt and recovering after the 2023 wildfire.
Best for: History, dining, sunset views
Kaanapali
Premier resort area with a long sandy beach, beachside walking path, and upscale hotels.
Best for: Beach resorts, snorkeling, cliff diving at Black Rock
Wailea
Luxury resort enclave on the south shore with manicured beaches and high-end shopping at The Shops at Wailea.
Best for: Luxury stays, whale watching (winter), fine dining
Paia
Bohemian surf town on the north shore and the gateway to the Road to Hana. Excellent restaurants and boutiques.
Best for: Surfing, local food, laid-back atmosphere
Kihei
Affordable and sunny south shore town with great beaches, food trucks, and a local vibe.
Best for: Budget-friendly stays, long beaches, casual dining
Activities & Interests
How Maui scores across 15 travel interests
Suggested Itineraries
3-Day Trip
West Maui Beaches & Sunset
- •Snorkel at Kaanapali Beach and watch the cliff divers at Black Rock
- •Explore the Lahaina waterfront, galleries, and grab lunch at a local poke spot
- •Watch the sunset from a beachside restaurant in Kaanapali
Road to Hana Adventure
- •Drive the Road to Hana with stops at Twin Falls and Waikamoi Ridge Trail
- •Swim at the pools along the road and visit Wai'anapanapa Black Sand Beach
- •Continue to Pipiwai Trail and the 400-foot Waimoku Falls
Haleakala & South Shore
- •Wake early for sunrise at Haleakala summit (10,023 ft) — reserve permits in advance
- •Explore upcountry Maui: Kula Lavender Farm and Surfing Goat Dairy
- •Afternoon snorkeling at Molokini Crater or relax at Wailea Beach
7-Day Trip
Arrival & West Maui
- •Check in and settle at your accommodation
- •Stroll Kaanapali Beach and swim at Black Rock
- •Sunset dinner along the Lahaina waterfront
Snorkeling & South Shore
- •Morning snorkel boat trip to Molokini Crater
- •Lunch in Kihei at a local food truck
- •Relax at Big Beach (Makena State Park)
Road to Hana (Part 1)
- •Depart early from Paia after breakfast at Paia Fish Market
- •Stop at Twin Falls, Garden of Eden Arboretum, and Waikamoi Ridge
- •Overnight in Hana to avoid the exhausting return drive
Road to Hana (Part 2) & Return
- •Hike Pipiwai Trail to Waimoku Falls in the morning
- •Visit Wai'anapanapa Black Sand Beach and explore Hana town
- •Drive the backside route past Kaupo for a different scenic return
Haleakala & Upcountry
- •Sunrise at Haleakala summit (book permits well in advance)
- •Bike downhill through upcountry Maui's eucalyptus groves
- •Visit Kula Lavender Farm and the town of Makawao
Water Adventures
- •Morning surf lesson in Lahaina or stand-up paddleboard in Kaanapali
- •Afternoon whale watching tour (December–April) or kayak to reef
- •Explore The Shops at Wailea and enjoy a farm-to-table dinner
Leisure & Departure
- •Sleep in and enjoy a leisurely brunch at your resort or in Paia
- •Last swim and beach time at your favorite spot
- •Pick up souvenirs — Maui-grown coffee, macadamia nuts, or local art
Flights
Estimated round-trip prices from major US hubs
LAX
Round-trip estimate
$280
Best priceORD
Round-trip estimate
$480
ATL
Round-trip estimate
$520
JFK
Round-trip estimate
$580
MIA
Round-trip estimate
$620
Prices are estimates based on historical data. Check airlines for current fares.
Daily Budget
Estimated daily cost per person including accommodation, food, transport, and activities
Budget
$150
per day
Moderate
$250
per day
Luxury
$600
per day
7-Night Trip Estimate (1 person)
Budget
$1,330
incl. flights from LAX
Moderate
$2,030
incl. flights from LAX
Luxury
$4,480
incl. flights from LAX
When to Go
Jan
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Feb
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Mar
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Apr
✓
May
✓
Jun
✓
Jul
✗
Aug
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Sep
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Oct
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Nov
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Dec
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| Month | High | Low | Rain | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 27° | 19° | 9d | Warm with occasional rain showers. Peak whale watching season. |
| Feb | 27° | 18° | 8d | Similar to January with whale watching still excellent. |
| Mar | 27° | 19° | 9d | Slightly warmer, transitioning toward dry season. |
| Apr | 28° | 19° | 7d | Drier weather settles in with comfortable temperatures. |
| May | 29° | 20° | 5d | Dry season begins. Excellent beach and hiking weather. |
| Jun | 30° | 21° | 3d | Hot and dry. Peak summer tourism begins. |
| Jul | 31° | 22° | 3d | Warmest month. Consistently sunny and dry. |
| Aug | 31° | 22° | 3d | Hot and dry with warm ocean temperatures ideal for snorkeling. |
| Sep | 31° | 22° | 4d | Still warm and mostly dry. Hurricane season but storms are rare. |
| Oct | 30° | 21° | 6d | Transition toward wetter season. Slightly cooler evenings. |
| Nov | 29° | 20° | 8d | Wet season starts. Whale watching season begins. |
| Dec | 27° | 19° | 9d | Wet and warm. Holiday crowds and whale watching. |
Temperatures in Celsius. Rain days = days with measurable precipitation.