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Maui Travel Guide: Things to Do, Where to Stay & Molokini Snorkel Review
- May 16, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Maui is one of Hawaii’s most popular islands, known for its beautiful beaches, scenic coastal drives, luxury resorts, and incredible ocean experiences. Many travelers visit Maui for its balance of relaxation and adventure, whether that means snorkeling in crystal-clear water, exploring volcanic landscapes, or enjoying some of the island’s famous sunset views.
This guide brings together our firsthand experiences visiting Maui, including activities we tried, transportation tips, where we stayed, and one of the island’s most famous snorkeling excursions. The goal of this hub is not to list every attraction on the island, but to help travelers navigate some of the most important decisions when planning a Maui trip.
Practical Tips for Visiting Maui
While planning our trip to Maui, we picked up a few small tips that ended up making a big difference during the visit. These are simple things travelers may not think about before arriving on the island but can make your trip smoother and more enjoyable.
Whale Watching Season
If you're hoping to see humpback whales during your visit, the best time to travel to Maui is between November and April, with peak whale watching typically occurring in February and March.
Bring Water Shoes
Water shoes can be extremely helpful when visiting waterfalls or rocky beaches around Maui. Many areas have uneven volcanic rock that can be difficult to walk on barefoot.
Bring a Jacket for Boat Tours
If you’re departing from Maalaea Harbor for snorkeling or ocean tours, consider bringing a light jacket or windbreaker. It can get surprisingly windy and cool out on the water, especially during morning tours.
Carry Some Cash
Although most places accept cards, some small food vendors and local spots still operate as cash-only businesses. Cash is also commonly used for tipping tour guides and boat crews, so it’s helpful to have some on hand.
Summer Can Be Cheaper Than Winter
Hawaii sees some of its highest travel demand during winter months, particularly between November and January. If you're looking for lower hotel and flight prices, summer travel can often be more affordable.
Don’t Miss at Least One Sunrise
Sunrises in Maui are incredibly vibrant and are worth waking up early for at least once during your trip. Even if you’re not planning to visit Haleakalā, watching the sunrise from the beach can be a memorable experience.
Costco Can Save You Money
An interesting detail many visitors don’t realize is that Costco prices in Hawaii are the same as on the mainland. This makes it a surprisingly good place to buy groceries, snacks, or beach supplies compared to some local stores.
Consider Renting a Car Through Turo
In some cases, renting a vehicle through Turo can be cheaper than traditional rental car companies. It’s worth comparing prices when planning your transportation.
Stick With One Rental Car Company
One strategy that has worked well for us when traveling is booking rental cars through the same company consistently. This allows you to build rewards status and receive benefits like faster check-in or free upgrades.
Our Rental Car Strategy
We typically rent through Hertz and use their free Gold membership, which only requires signing up with an email address.
Benefits can include:
Skipping the rental counter at some airports
Faster pickup times
Occasional free vehicle upgrades
Hertz also offers AAA discounts of up to 20%, which can significantly reduce rental prices.
Always Pre-Book Your Rental Car
One of the biggest lessons we’ve learned while traveling is to book rental cars in advance.
We’ve personally experienced situations where the walk-up price at the rental counter was dramatically higher. In one case, we stepped outside the office, booked the same car online from our phone, and saved hundreds of dollars.
Things to Do in Maui
Maui offers a wide variety of activities ranging from beach days and snorkeling trips to scenic drives and outdoor adventures. Many travelers divide their time between exploring the island’s natural landscapes and relaxing near the coast.
Where to Stay & Getting Around Maui
Because Maui’s attractions are spread across different regions of the island, choosing where to stay can significantly impact how much driving you’ll do during your trip.
Many visitors stay in areas like Kihei, Wailea, or Lahaina depending on their travel style, budget, and proximity to activities.
Molokini Crater Snorkeling Experience
Molokini Crater is one of the most famous snorkeling destinations in Hawaii. Located just offshore from Maui, this partially submerged volcanic crater is known for its clear water, vibrant marine life, and popular boat tours.
Grand Wailea Resort Review
Maui is also home to several luxury resorts, particularly along the Wailea coastline. One of the most well-known properties on the island is the Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria resort known for its beachfront location and extensive pool complex.
Final Thoughts
Planning a trip to Maui involves balancing relaxation with exploration. The island offers everything from scenic drives and ocean adventures to luxury resorts and laid-back beach towns. This guide brings together our firsthand experiences exploring Maui to help travelers decide where to stay, what activities to prioritize, and which excursions are worth adding to their itinerary. As we continue visiting Maui and experiencing more of the island, this guide will continue expanding with additional reviews, travel tips, and destination insights.
Looking for more Hawaii Content? Checkout or full Hawaii Travel Guide for first time visitors
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