Once a mysterious island of tribes, Maui, the second-largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago, has transformed itself into an immensely popular tourist destination where everyone can find something to their taste. From hiking the mighty Haleakalā to driving through the breathtaking Hana Highway to simply sipping on a cocktail at one of the pristine beaches in Kaanapali or Wailea, Maui is sure to spoil you with unforgettable natural beauty. No matter your preference, Maui offers a remarkable experience that will leave you with lasting memories.
In Hawaiian mythology, it was demigod Māui to lift the Hawaiian Islands from the depths of the sea by lassoing the sun from the island’s highest peak, Haleakalā, bringing daylight to the islanders.
In the centuries that followed, Hawaiian culture was largely determined by the customs of Polynesian tribes until the rule of the House of Kamehameha, which lasted until the late 19th century. The island had also seen many explorers and missionaries during this extended period, with James Cook being the first European to set foot here.
Besides being the Kingdom's capital, Lahaina also served as the hub of the remarkably successful whaling industry. At the industry’s height between 1840 and 1865, as many as 500 ships would anchor in Lahaina harbor. The sugar industry too flourished during that time, and the installation of the first sugar mill in 1828 gave way to a massive influx of workers from China, Japan, Puerto Rico, Korea, the Philippines, Portugal, and other European nations, further increasing the cultural diversity of Hawaii, the 50th state of the U.S. today.
A wildfire engulfed Lahaina in August 2023, destroying most of the city, especially the historic center. The conflagration caused widespread devastation across the island of Maui.
Other significant places include Kahului, the commercial hub of Maui, Kihei, and Makawao. Today, tourism has become its main economic sector, and with the warm tropical climate that prevails on the island, Maui welcomes its visitors all year round.
Maui boasts over 30 miles of spectacular beaches. Experience the aloha spirit with delicious cocktails and ample entertainment — or the wild nature with not a soul around.
Baldwin Beach Park
Ka'anapali
Kapalua
Wailea
Kamaole Beach Park I, II, III
Makena
La Perouse Bay
Wai'anapanapa State Park
Enjoy the pristine beaches with crystal clear water, roam the lush forests, and learn more about the island's history with the plethora of activities Maui has to offer.
Haleakala National Park
Road to Hana
Maui Ocean Center
Iao Valley State Park
Hawaii Nature Center
Ho'omana Spa Maui
Fun Factory
Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum
Ali'i Kula Lavender
Clear Kayaks Maui
Maui Historical Society
Wailea Golf Club
The eateries of Maui feature an ample lineup of international cuisine, all mixed with fresh Hawaiian flavors with the use of fresh local ingredients. Don't miss out on Loco Moco, and the other delicious kalua and pu pu dishes.
Mama's Fish House Restaurant (Paia)
Merriman's (Kapalua)
HumuHumu (Wailea)
Cafe O'Lei (Kihei)
Casanova (Makawao)
Polli's Mexican Restaurant (Makawao)
Monsoon Bar & Grill (Kihei)
Longhi's (Kaanapali)
Hula Grill (Kaanapali)
Monkeypod Kitchen (Wailea)
Sea House Restaurant (Kapalua)
Cafe Mambo (Paia)
Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar (Kapalua)
Enjoy the aroma of the locally picked and ground Kona and Maui coffee beans at one of the island's plenty coffee houses!
Kihei Caffe
Maui Coffee Roasters (Kahului)
Grandma's Coffee House (Keokea)
Hawaiian Village Coffee (Napili-Honokowai)
Cafe Des Amis (Paia)
Java Cafe (Kihei)
Sip on Maui's signature Mai Tai and zombie cocktails at a sandy tiki bar by the beach or an exclusive lounge of the many resorts on the island.
Three's Bar & Grill (Kihei)
South Shore Tiki Lounge (Kihei)
Kahale's Maui's Local Dive Bar (Kihei)
Lobby Lounge at the Four Seasons Resort (Wailea)
Mulligans on the Blue (Wailea)
Botero Lounge (Wailea)
Alaloa Lounge (Kapalua)
Whether you're on the lookout for unique souvenirs or want to treat yourself to something luxurious, Maui has a lot to offer for any budget.
The Shops at Wailea
Queen Ka'ahumanu Center (Kahului)
Whalers Village (Kaanapali)
Alice in Hulaland (Paia)
Lahaina Cannery Mall
Maui Antique Freak
Gecko Trading Co. Boutique (Makawao)
Passport & Visa
When visiting Maui, the general U.S. entry requirements apply. Citizens of the Schengen countries, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and the Kingdom of Brunei can visit the United States for up to 90 days without applying for a visa (as well as citizens of Andorra, Lichtenstein, Monaco and San Marino). Citizens of these countries must obtain an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before traveling. All other travelers must obtain a visa before visiting the United States. International travelers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the country.
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Best Time to Visit
Maui always welcomes visitors with its warm tropical climate, with winter lows not dropping below 70 degrees. The island is a highly sought-after holiday destination in the summer months from June to August, with plenty of things to do and see. For those looking for a quiet getaway with still pleasant weather, the months of April, May, September and October are the most recommended ones.
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Kahului Airport (OGG)
While most inbound flights originate from Honolulu International Airport, Kahului Airport also receives several international ones. An airport shuttle service is available, and Maui Bus operates airport routes, too.
Address: Kahului Airport, Kahului
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Phone: +1 808 872 3830
Website: airports.hawaii.gov/ogg
More Information: mauibus.org
Public Transport
The Maui Public Bus Transit System consists of 12 bus routes operated by Roberts Hawaii, linking Kahului with all the major hotspots on the island, excluding Haleakalā National Park and other out-of-the-way places. Daily passes are available. Car rentals are found at the airport.
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Website: www.mauicounty.gov/609/Maui-Bus-Public-Transit-System
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Taxi
Recommended cab companies in Maui area are CB Taxi Maui (+1 808 243 8294), Maui Airport Taxi Shuttle (+1 808 877 2002), Royal Sedan & Taxi (+1 808 874 6900), Maui Happy Taxi (+1 808 385 6909).
Ride-sharing services Uber and Lyft also operate in Maui.
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Post
Sending parcels and letters in the US is a relatively straightforward process. The most common method is through the United States Postal Service (USPS). The USPS offers a variety of services for sending mail, including First-Class Mail for letters and postcards, Priority Mail for packages, and Priority Mail Express for overnight delivery. To send a parcel or letter, you will need to take it to a USPS post office or use a USPS blue collection box. Use the USPS website to find the nearest post office or collection box to your location. Additionally, you can also use private couriers such as FedEx and UPS, which often provide a wider range of services and faster delivery times, but generally at a higher cost.
Address: United States Postal Service, 138 South Puunene Avenue, Kahului
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Phone: +1 800 275 8777
Website: www.postallocations.com/hi/county/maui
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Pharmacy
Chain pharmacies — CVS Pharmacy, Safeway, Walmart, Costco, Longs etc. — as well as smaller neighborhood stores operate on Maui, and while working hours may greatly vary, a few are open 24/7. Pharmacy signs are often in red and white, and they are often located inside department stores. Most of the pharmacies sell both prescription as well as over the counter medicine.
Address: Walgreens Pharmacy, 10 East Kamehameha Avenue, Kahului
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Phone: +1 808 872 3301
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Time Zone
The time zone observed on Maui is the Hawaii Standard time (HST).
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Telephone
Country code: +1
Area code: 808
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Electricity
All power sockets in the United States provide a standard voltage of 110–120V with a standard frequency of 60Hz. Plug type A has two flat parallel pins.
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