Destinations / Hawaii / Maui
Maui Travel Guide
The island I recommend most for honeymoons. Stay in Wailea or Kāʻanapali, rent a car, and book Haleakalā sunrise and your Road to Hāna stops before you land.
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Where I'm sending people now
Wailea or Mākena for sun and luxury, Kāʻanapali or Kapalua for West Maui resorts, Kīhei for value.
April to May and September to October. Mid-January to March for whales.
Oceanfront resorts in Wailea and Kapalua usually run $750 to $1,500+ a night, plus about 18.7% tax and resort fees.
Haleakalā sunrise needs a $1 reservation (released 60 days and 2 days out) on top of the $30 park fee. Waiʻānapanapa needs a reservation too. Mineral sunscreen only.
Where I'm sending people now
Hawaii
Maui, Kauai, Oahu and the Big Island, and how to pick between them.
Italy
Rome and the Amalfi Coast, with the hotels and tours worth booking ahead.
Caribbean
Punta Cana, Turks and Caicos and Puerto Rico, all-inclusive and not.
Where I'm sending people now
Hawaii
Maui, Kauai, Oahu and the Big Island, and how to pick between them.
Italy
Rome and the Amalfi Coast, with the hotels and tours worth booking ahead.
Caribbean
Punta Cana, Turks and Caicos and Puerto Rico, all-inclusive and not.
Know before you go
Getting there
Fly into Kahului (OGG); there are nonstops from most West Coast cities and some from the Midwest, and international travelers usually connect through Honolulu or a West Coast hub. Wailea is about 30 minutes from the airport and Ka'anapali or Kapalua 45-60 minutes, depending on traffic.
Getting around
Rent a car: the island is big and the best stuff (Haleakala, Road to Hana, Upcountry) is far apart. Uber and Lyft work around Kahului and the resort areas but thin out fast elsewhere, and Haleakala sunrise needs an advance reservation from the National Park Service.
Money and tipping
US dollars and cards everywhere; tip 18-20% at restaurants and on boat tours. West Maui is still rebuilding after the 2023 Lahaina fire, so spend locally and skip the burn zone as a sightseeing stop.
How I'd spend 5 days
Day 1 Land, settle into Wailea or Ka'anapali, sunset on the beach
Day 2 Early Molokini snorkel boat, lazy afternoon
Day 3 Road to Hana with a guide or a very early start, lunch along the way
Day 4 Haleakala sunrise (reserve ahead), Upcountry farms and Makawao
Day 5 Beach day at Kapalua Bay or Big Beach, farewell dinner
Hotels I'd book in Maui
Things to do in Maui
Where to eat in Maui
Mama's Fish House
Merriman's Kapalua
Māla Ocean Tavern
Star Noodle
Where I'm sending people now
Hawaii
Maui, Kauai, Oahu and the Big Island, and how to pick between them.
Italy
Rome and the Amalfi Coast, with the hotels and tours worth booking ahead.
Caribbean
Punta Cana, Turks and Caicos and Puerto Rico, all-inclusive and not.
Maui FAQ
Do I need a reservation for Haleakalā sunrise?
Yes, for any car entering between 3 and 7 a.m. It's $1 on recreation.gov, released at 7 a.m. Hawaii time 60 days ahead, with a smaller release 2 days ahead. You still pay the $30 park entrance fee. No reservation is needed after 7 a.m. or for sunset.
Do I need reservations for the Road to Hāna?
Only for Waiʻānapanapa State Park, the black sand beach. Book entry ($5 per person) and parking ($10) up to 30 days ahead; you can't buy them at the gate. Guided tours include it.
Is it OK to visit Lahaina now?
Yes, the parts that are open. Lahaina Harbor began reopening in December 2025 and the north end of Front Street has restaurants again. Stay out of the burn zone, don't stop to take photos of it, and give to the Maui Strong Fund if you want to help.
Which side of Maui should I stay on?
Wailea or Mākena for sun, calm water and luxury resorts. Kāʻanapali or Kapalua for West Maui resorts. Kīhei for condos and better value. Hāna is best as a one or two night add-on.
Do I need a car on Maui?
Yes. Check your rental contract before driving the unpaved stretch past Kīpahulu; many don't allow it, so most people drive to Hāna and back the same way.
When can I see whales on Maui?
November to May, best from mid-January through March. Maui is the best island for it; you can often see them from shore in Wailea and Kāʻanapali.
Can I snorkel Molokini?
By boat only. Tours leave from Māʻalaea, Kīhei and Mākena, and mornings have the calmest water.