In this post, you will find out things that no one tells you before planning a trip to Maui!
Maui is a magical place that gives you the experiences of pineapples, palm trees swaying in the breeze, tropical forests, beautiful beaches full of sun worshippers, sea turtles, dramatic scenery, and Haleakala Volcano.
The wonderful climate of Maui amazes the tourists on their first visit. It is very popular with travellers from the cold northern countries and also for those from Canada and the USA. Maui is a popular bucket list destination too, lying just west of the Big Island of Hawaii.
Maui is a fantastic place with black, golden, and red sandy beaches. For those of you planning a trip to Maui, take a look at our handy list of things you need to know about Maui. You are sure to have an amazing time once you plan your sightseeing right!
Regardless of what your planning books have stored, you should have several things in mind, ranging from picking safe hiking trails to navigating. Check out this list of 8 things to keep in mind before going on a trip to Maui:
Arriving And Departing With Food
Maui is the second-biggest Hawaiian island with a total area of 694 square miles alongside 120 miles of coastline. It’s also the second most visited island in Hawaii, right after Oahu.
One of the key restrictions you’ll get to experience is the restriction to arriving or departing with fresh produce. Although prepared food is deemed eligible, fresh fruits and vegetables are strictly forbidden in order to prevent pests and diseases arriving on the islands. While checking in and out, your bags and luggage will be checked thoroughly for these.
About The Traffic
It is a bit difficult to explore Maui if you do not rent a car. So, if you plan to explore all that Maui has to offer, renting a car or having your own car is a must. The traffic can be pretty heavy in the cities and popular tourist attractions. In the rush hours, things get a bit messy, and you need to wait a lot in your car to visit any destination.
Public transport is very limited there and renting an Uber/Lyft/Taxi will be more expensive than renting a car for the full go. So, renting a car will save you both time and money.
The Best Attractions on Maui
Maui has places you wouldn’t miss for the world. Lahaina, Maui is a historical town where you can wander around among dozens of art galleries, unique shops, and restaurants. The area is full of things to see and do.
Kaanapali Beach, Maui’s finest beach, is three miles in length. It’s located on the west side of Maui and is considered to be a part of Lahaina town. Watching the daily cliff-diving ceremony from the traditional ‘Puu Kekaa’ is an absolute lifetime experience. Some of the most beautiful resort rentals are located in Kaanapali Beach but many tourists want to stay in Wailea (maybe at https://www.mauiresortrentals.com/region/wailea) which is also located on Hawaii’s west coast.
Even if you have time constraints, keep Haleakala National Park Summit Area at the top of your list. Follow that up with a drive to Upcountry Maui and the North Shore. Don’t write off a drive along the East side of the island on the Hana Highway, which is one of the popular activities to do there. Spend time at the beach and snorkeling fans, don’t forget Molokini islet!
Maui has the Right Balance
With jaw-dropping cliffside views, Maui has scenic views, which earned it the tag ‘honeymoon isle’. You can literally spend hours only sightseeing the gorgeous cliffside views.
With glamorous resorts and isolated beaches, it’s a perfect spot for a romantic stroll. Overall, Maui is just the right balance between country and city where newlyweds can venture to the shore sides, enjoy nature, and capture beautiful moments.
About The Weather
Wonderful climate has to be one of the features Maui is well known for. A windbreaker or at least a light jacket is a must during chilly winters, which is common in Maui. The weather might not be as tropical as expected.
The varying temperature levels in Maui exist mostly due to its mountainous landscape, with temperatures ranging from 60 degrees Fahrenheit to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. A plethora of activities are available on the island; most of them will cost absolutely nothing. Hiking in the rainforest, holding hands, and walking on the beach are some fantastic activities you can enjoy here.
Whales Can Only be Seen in the Winter
Upon having a peek at a Maui tourism brochure, it’s very likely that you’ll come across pictures of whales as the fascinating whale migration path is just beside Maui. If you’re willing to seal this experience while planning for the trip, plan for February because this happens only during the winter in Maui, which is from December to May.
A few places are available to watch them from land, but the best option would be to register yourself for a Maui whale watching boat tour. You might even be lucky enough to spot whales from a kayak. Plan early, and don’t miss out on these invaluable experiences!
Maui Gold Pineapples are the Best
The extra sweet pineapples of Maui are the perfect cherry on top for your whole vacation. We all know that Hawaii is known for its world-class pineapples. Pineapple plantations on Oahu and Maui have world-class recognition as the perfect tropical gift.
Tropical pineapple smoothies and Hawaiian cocktails with pineapple garnish are a must-try! You can even find pineapples and pineapple-made items at general stores besides the juice bars and restaurants!
One important thing to note is that Hawaiian fruits can only be taken home after an agricultural inspection is done. The fruits get stickers on them after being approved for takeaways.
Not All Maui Luaus are the Same
Maui Luaus are an integral part of the rich Hawaiian heritage. The Old Lahaina Luau paves the way for a superb cultural experience. Alongside the conventional Hawaiian Luau, the Feast at Lele might be worth giving a shot. This unique 5-course dinner will surely satisfy your taste buds, and the hint of entertainment highlighting Polynesian culture will make it double fun!
Visitors must be aware of a handful of things if it’s their first time visiting Maui, the Hawaiian island where it’s almost impossible to have a hard time! Even if you’ve already been to Hawaii, Maui surely promises experiences you’ll cherish knowing beforehand.
On your adventure ahead to Maui, you will surely encounter magical experiences!