Languages:
English
Currency
US dollar
International Airports:
- Kahalui (OGG) Connections nonstop to many west cost cities (Oakland, SF, LA, Portland, Seattle) Many daily flights from Honolulu
Airlines
All major US airlines fly here but consider (for deals and/ or superior experience):
- Hawaiian (they still serve meals)
- Southwest (about to start – NOW you can use those reward miles for somewhere you really want to go)
- Alaska
Best Rental Car Companies
All of the major car rental agencies are on Maui
Note there is a loop around the Island from Hana that continues last the turn around point and makes a big loop rather than an out and back. But your rental car agency might not allow it. The road is not nearly that bad – so they should. Up to you have much you haggle..
Driving – there is moderate traffic getting to Lihue and in other areas. Don’t be in a hurry (practice Hawwian time) . Driving is generally easy – but see Hana highway page for a possible exception…
Best Guidebook
Grocery Stores
Safeway and Foodland – Kahalui, Lahaina, Kihei
Whole foods – Kahalui
Napili market – Napili
Walmart and Target – Kahalui
Fresh Fish (though safeway was not bad)
- Fish Market Maui near Napili,
- Maui Prime Fine Foods in Lahaina
- Eskimo Candy in Kihei.
Not-to-Miss Local Food, Beer, Drink
Water
Drinking tap water is perfectly fine. Bring your reusable water bottle – always carry water – it can be hotter than you think. Don’t drink from streams without treating – even in the wilderness
Food:
- Fish
- Poke
- Spam (the national dish of Hawaii)
- There are many great restaurants – but prices are not cheap
Local Beer
There are two breweries on Maui
- Maui Brewing Company – 605 Lipoa Parkway Kihei and 4405 Honoapilani highway Kaanapali
- Kohala Brewing Company – 910 Honoapilani highway #55 Lahaina
Local Wine
Yes, they do make wine in the upcountry (slopes of Haleakela) at Maui wine. Various grape types and pineapple wine.
Not-to-miss Kauai Activities
- Haleakela
- Snorkeling
- Beaches
- Road to Hana
Books
- Hawaii by James Michener
- Unfamiliar Fishes by Sarah Vowell
Beach Rental
You don’t need to bring everything for the beach as it can be rented there. We recommend Snorkel Bob or Boss Frog