This Maui travel guide covers everything you need to plan a great trip to Maui, Hawaii. Maui is known for the Road to Hana, the summit of Haleakala and resort beaches in Kaanapali and Wailea. Lahaina is still rebuilding after the 2023 wildfire, and visitors are asked to travel respectfully.
This guide is written for American travellers: it covers how to get there, when to go, where to stay, what it costs in US dollars and the experiences worth your time.
Maui travel guide: quick facts
| Maui at a glance | |
|---|---|
| Location | Hawaii |
| Nearest airport | Kahului (OGG) |
| Getting there | About 30–40 minutes’ flight from Honolulu |
| Best time to visit | April to May and September to November |
| Time needed | 5–7 days |
| Best for | Couples, honeymooners and families |
Why visit Maui
Maui is ideal for couples, honeymooners and families. Its headline experiences include Haleakala National Park, Road to Hana, Molokini Crater and Kaanapali Beach, and it pairs well with Oahu (Honolulu and Waikiki). Few places combine so much variety in such a short trip.
How to get to Maui
- By air: Kahului (OGG).
- By road: About 30–40 minutes’ flight from Honolulu.
- Rental cars: available at Kahului (OGG); book early for summer and holiday weekends.
Getting around Maui
Rent a car for at least part of your stay to reach beaches and viewpoints beyond the resort areas; book early, because island rental fleets sell out in peak season. Public buses run on some routes but are slow for sightseeing.
Top things to do in Maui
Haleakala National Park
Sunrise from the 10,023-foot summit requires a reservation.
Road to Hana
A winding drive of waterfalls and black-sand beaches.
Molokini Crater
Snorkelling trips from Maalaea or Kihei. Combine it with a nearby café or viewpoint.
Kaanapali Beach
Resort beach with Black Rock snorkelling. Combine it with a nearby café or viewpoint.
Wailea
Upscale resorts and a coastal walk. Allow at least an hour or two here.
Iao Valley State Monument
Green peaks and history. Book ahead in peak season.
Whale watching
Humpbacks from about December to April.
Upcountry Maui
Farms, lavender and Makawao town. Allow at least an hour or two here.
Other favourite experiences include snorkelling, whale watching, scenic drives, sunrise at Haleakala and luau.
Pack smarter
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A 30–40 litre backpack handles a long weekend and fits under most airline seats. - Top-rated wireless earbuds VerdictFox
Compact earbuds for flights, trains and long drives.
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Best time to visit Maui
The best time to visit Maui is April to May and September to November. Here is how the seasons compare:
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | April–May | Warm and sunny, with fewer crowds; a sweet spot. |
| Summer | June–August | Hot, dry and busy; calm North Shore seas. |
| Fall | September–November | Warm, quieter and better value. |
| Winter | December–March | Peak season, more rain on north shores, big surf and humpback whales. |
Shoulder seasons usually offer the best mix of weather, prices and crowds.
Where to stay in Maui
- Kaanapali: Classic resort beach.
- Wailea: Luxury resorts.
- Kihei: Better-value condos.
- Paia: Surf-town charm.
Typical nightly rates:
| Style | Typical price per night | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $150–250 | Motels, hostels, simple inns and campground cabins |
| Mid-range | $260–450 | Comfortable hotels and B&Bs, often with breakfast |
| Luxury | $500–1,200 | Resorts, historic hotels and boutique properties |
Book early for summer weekends and holidays, and compare total prices, including taxes and any resort or parking fees.
What to eat in Maui
Don’t leave without trying poke, fish tacos, shave ice and banana bread from roadside stands. Food trucks and markets are a great way to sample local flavours on a budget.
Suggested 4 days in Maui
- Day 1: Haleakala National Park and Road to Hana.
- Day 2: Molokini Crater and Kaanapali Beach.
- Day 3: Wailea and Iao Valley State Monument.
- Day 4: Whale watching and Upcountry Maui.
What to pack for Maui
- Breathable clothing and a sun hat
- High-SPF reef-safe sunscreen
- A reusable water bottle
- Sandals and comfortable walking shoes
- A light rain jacket for afternoon storms
- Insect repellent
For a complete checklist, see our road trip packing list.
Sample 3-day budget for two
| Item | Mid-range estimate |
|---|---|
| Hotel (3 nights) | $780–$1,350 |
| Food and drink | $540–$864 |
| Activities and entry fees | $140–$280 |
| Local transport or car | $180–$270 |
| Total | $1,640–$2,764 |
Estimates exclude flights and assume a mid-range hotel; travelling in shoulder season can cut accommodation costs by a third or more.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Waiting too long to book a rental car.
- Ignoring ocean warning signs and currents.
- Trying to see a whole island in one day.
- Forgetting reservations for popular sites.
- Not respecting local communities and sacred places.
Accessibility and family travel
Resort areas are generally accessible, and some beaches provide beach wheelchairs on request. Families should choose calm, lifeguarded beaches.
Practical tips
- Reserve Haleakala sunrise well ahead.
- Drive the Road to Hana slowly and pull over for locals.
- Respect closures and residential areas in Lahaina.
- Tipping 18–20% at sit-down restaurants is expected.
Planning tips for your trip
- ID for flights: Domestic flights require a REAL ID-compliant licence or another accepted ID such as a passport. See our guide to REAL ID and TSA rules.
- Money: Sales tax is added at the register and varies by state and city; tipping 18–20% at sit-down restaurants is expected.
- Insurance: Your health plan may have limited out-of-network cover in another state, and trip-cancellation cover is worth having for expensive bookings, especially in hurricane season.
- Driving: Most visitors drive; rental cars are widely available, and a US licence is all you need. Gas prices vary widely by state; California and Hawaii are usually the most expensive.
- Saving money: our budget vacation and cheapest places to travel guides have dozens of practical ideas.
What a trip costs
Typical spending per person per day, excluding flights:
| Travel style | Per person per day | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $120–$180 | motel or hostel, casual meals, self-drive or transit |
| Mid-range | $250–$400 | good hotel, sit-down meals, some tours |
| Luxury | $600–$1,200 | resort or boutique hotel, fine dining, private tours |
Prices rise in peak season and on holiday weekends, and fall sharply in the shoulder seasons.
Responsible travel tips
Popular places are under pressure from crowds. Visit on weekdays or in shoulder seasons, carpool or use shuttles, refill a reusable water bottle, and buy from local businesses. Respect Indigenous lands and cultural sites, follow posted closures, and keep a safe distance from wildlife.
Safety basics
Carry water and layers on outdoor outings, check weather and road conditions before long drives, and tell someone your plans in remote areas, where mobile coverage can be patchy. In cities, use normal precautions with valuables at night. The emergency number is 911.
Hit the road prepared
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Record scenic drives and protect yourself if something happens on the highway. - Best budget 12V portable fridges VerdictFox
Keep drinks and picnic food cold on long road trips without buying ice every day. - Best portable power stations VerdictFox
Run a cooler, charge cameras and power a CPAP at campsites without hookups.
Partner links: these go to our sister review sites, which may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby places to add to your trip
- Oahu (Honolulu and Waikiki): Oahu is Hawaii’s most visited island: Waikiki’s beaches and Honolulu’s city life on one side, the big-wave North Shore and quiet windward bays on the other.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Maui?
Plan 5–7 days to see the highlights without rushing, and add a day for day trips or hikes.
What is the best time to visit Maui?
The best time is April to May and September to November.
How do you get to Maui?
Fly into Kahului (OGG). By road, it is about 30–40 minutes’ flight from Honolulu.
How much does a trip to Maui cost?
Hotels typically cost $260–450 a night for mid-range rooms, and most travellers spend $250–$400 per person per day.
Is Maui good for families?
Yes. It suits couples, honeymooners and families, and families do best with a central base, early starts and a mix of sightseeing and downtime.
Final thoughts on Maui travel guide
Maui rewards travellers who plan the essentials and leave room for surprises. Book key stays and timed-entry or tour reservations early, travel in the shoulder seasons if you can, and give yourself time to enjoy the places that charm you most.
Plan the rest of your trip
- Oahu Travel Guide: Waikiki, North Shore and Beyond
- How to Plan a Budget Vacation in the USA: 25 Money-Saving Tips