Maui at a glance

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):

  1. Hawaiian (they still serve meals)
  2. Southwest (about to start – NOW you can use those reward miles for somewhere you really want to go)
  3. 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

Maui revealed

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)

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