Tips for Your First Time on Maui
Aloha! Whether you’re island hopping or staying on Maui for the duration of your stay, you’ve made the right choice in coming here! Nicknamed the “Valley Isle,” Maui is Hawai’i’s second largest island and is made up of Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, and Kahoʻolawe, which is unpopulated. We have black and red sand beaches, the largest Banyan tree in the U.S., and one of the world’s biggest dormant volcanoes!
Don’t miss our post on the Must-Do Adventures on Maui.
But before we get too ahead of ourselves, here are some things you should know before you visit the island:
WEATHER
As a tropical island, temperatures on Maui average about 75 degrees F (roughly 24 degrees Celsius) depending on the area. That being said, Maui has desert, rainforest, and mountains, so we experience an array of different weather in various parts of the island. Our winter (November-March) is when you’ll experience the most rain.
Maui is windy! Be aware that your beach day may include some gusts of wind, which could scoop up your hat or blow sand in your food.
Dress in layers, because even in Hawai’i, it gets cold: Upcountry elevation can bring mid-40 degree weather, and Haleakala can dip down to 30°F (-1°C) and sometimes even get snow!
LANGUAGE
Some of the language may seem foreign to you. Hawaiian and English are the two official languages. More commonly spoken among locals is Pidgin, a creole language. Here are some examples of words you may hear or see:
Aloha = Hello, Goodbye, Greetings, Love
Mahalo = Thank You
E Komo Mai = Welcome, Come In
A Hui Hou = Until we meet again
Grinds/Grinz = Food/To Eat Out
Howzit = “How is it going?”**
Kapu = Keep Out/Forbidden/Sacred
Keiki = Children
Lanai = Open Balcony/Porch
Ohana = Family
Shaka- A hand gesture used as a greeting or approval. [To throw a Shaka, extend your thumb and pinky finger, and close the rest of your fist.]
** This one is a personal fave :)
Getting Around
You’ll fly into Kahului Airport (OGG), and can take an Uber, Lyft, or taxi to the hostel, which is only about a 15 minute drive. A rental car (check out Turo!) is recommended for getting the most out of your time on the island as it opens up other destinations that the Maui Public Bus doesn’t go to (like Hana and Haleakala, for example), but the bus will take you around the island to towns like Lahaina, Kihei, Paia, and more. Check out how to ride the bus here.
Park Entrances & Reservations
Speaking of The Road to Hana, driving the backside (along the south coast) is not recommended as the road is not as maintained, and many rental companies do not have it covered under insurance. When driving to Hana, make sure to beep around corners, yield to locals, and also always keep your eyes on the road (despite the mesmerizing passing scenery)!
- For Haleakala, you need a reservation for sunrise, but not sunset. Entrance is $30 per vehicle entry, and the pass will be good for three days, so plan on coming back for some hiking!
-Waiʻanapanapa State Park, which features a striking Black Sand Beach on the Road to Hana, also requires advance reservations and parking fees for non-Hawai’i residents. Find more info here: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/maui/waianapanapa-state-park/
- Iao Valley State Park is now the same!
Wildlife:
There are chickens everywhere. No, they are not native to Hawai’i, and yes, you will get used to them. Expect to see some crawly critters: cockroaches, ants, centipedes, and geckos (the only ones I welcome!). Other creatures you may find here include axis deer, wild pigs, mongoose, monk seals, sea turtles, and whales.
DO:
Be respectful of locals, their cultures, and traditions.
Expect some longer wait times, not only due to staff shortages, but also because you’re on “island time”!
Use reef-safe sunscreen.
LISTEN and obey all posted signage for your safety, whether it be hiking or swimming.
Buy or eat directly from local shops and businesses whenever possible! This helps support and sustain the local community & economy.
Bring your own bags when shopping, or be prepared to purchase reusable ones. Plastic bags are banned on Maui.
Relax, and spread Aloha!
DO NOT:
Litter or leave any trace with you on the trails or beaches.
Take fruits or vegetables home with you in your suitcase. Certain types of flowers and plants are also forbidden. Please also do not remove any rocks, coral reef, etc.
Get too close to wildlife! For sea turtles, the distance should be 10 feet. For monk seals, 50 feet.
General safety: Use caution when hiking or cliff jumping, always. Be aware of flash floods, changes in current, and swimming in murky water. The ocean is beautiful yet unpredictable even for the most skilled swimmers.
We can’t wait to have you experience Maui for yourself!
Looking for a little more guidance? Feel free to stop by the Howzit Hostel reception desk. Our staff can provide more customized tips to help you make the most of your Maui vacation.