Maui Travel Guide
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In a world of increasingly convenient travel options, the phrase “all-inclusive destination” is reserved for places that offer lodging, meals, and entertainment at the same locale. However, while most find this a convenience when it comes to having their lunch no further than the nearest courtesy phone, it’s becoming evident that travelers have started to come full circle, with revised expectations for what an “all-inclusive destination” actually includes. At the heart of what most hope to leave with is a connection; something – be it tangible or not – that speaks to who they are and what it has meant for them to experience someplace new and exciting.
In Hawaii, the peak tourist season starts in mid-December and runs until the Easter holiday in April, due largely to those making an escape to the year-round temperate Hawaiian climate from their frigid winters back home. After a brief respite, families with children come to the islands in droves in early June until late August for their summer vacation. Things then drop off again around September until the middle of December, when the numbers pick up once more. The best time of the year to look for discount airfare to Maui – the off season – starts in April and runs through December. Generally speaking, prices for hotels and resorts get cheaper at the beginning of April.
Accommodations are available far and wide across the island, but make no mistake that the resort is king, at least when it comes to what’s mainly offered for tourists. The cities of Wailea and Makena are more on the upscale side of things, with numerous five star hotels, the best of which is arguably the Grand Wailea Resort. Those in need of a less expensive place to stay might want to consider the town of Kihei, where economy resorts such as the Maui Schooner are abound for budget tourists. It’s worth taking into account that the mark of a grand Maui vacation might just be that you’ve spent the least amount of time in your room as possible. Should the goal of your Maui vacation is exactly this, it might even benefit you to explore the options offered by one of the many hostels spread out across the island. The Northshore Hostel has been consistently rated as one of the best on the island, and is located in the heart of downtown Wailuku, close to the beach and some of the more unique dining and shopping experiences on Maui.
Maui has sights of historical interest and great shopping, much akin to any great tourist destination, but on Maui as with any part of Hawaii, the natural beauty of the island is something not to be overlooked. Yes, it’s practically mandated that some of the time spent appreciating nature is from a chez lounge on the beach, sipping fruity cocktails from the belly of a young coconut. However, there’s also whale watching just off of the coast of the island, or Haleakala National Park, flush with alpine wilderness and stunning views (from atop the summit you can see five of the eight main islands, which is more than are visible from anywhere else in Hawaii). Down at Wainapanapa State Park is the infamous black sand beach, and an intricate network of sea caves.
Maui does have a basic public transportation system, although many places remain inaccessible by bus, meaning most visitors will rent a car. Thankfully, car rentals on Maui are much cheaper than anywhere else in the United States. If you find yourself staying at a resort in the area around Kihei, Wailea and Lahaina, a trolley is available that connects the towns with nearby shopping and attractions.