Maui Info From A-Z: Your 2024 Maui Index

There’s a lot to unpack when sorting through all of the Maui info out there, from figuring out flights to booking activities. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

Leave no stone unturned on your next Maui visit. Here is a helpful index of everything you need to know when planning a trip to Maui – from airports to ziplines and everything in between.

2024 Maui Info Index

MAUI AIRPORTS:

Maui has one major airport and two small commuter airports.

Kahului Airport (OGG) is Maui’s main airport. Kahului Airport is serviced by most major US airlines and has daily direct flights to and from other islands, the U.S. mainland, and Canada.

MAUI BEACHES:

Maui is home to some of the world’s best beaches.

The island features over 80 accessible beaches. Some are ultra-famous, like Kaʻanapali Beach, and others are off-the-beaten-track and hard to find.

Check out these Maui Beach Tips and discover some of the best beaches on Maui for every type of traveler.

CARS:

Unless you’re okay with sticking around your resort, a rental car is a necessity on Maui.

There are plenty of car rental options on Maui. You can go through a major rental company, like Avis or Enterprise, and pick up your car at the airport.

You can also book through a locally owned company, like Kihei Rent-A-Car. Turo is also widely available on Maui.

If you’re looking for something a little more unique, check out Maui Roadsters. This local company has an inventory of professionally reproduced 1957 Porsche Speedsters, so you can cruise the island in style.

DINING:

Maui is renowned for its incredible dining scene.

The island has everything ranging from hidden mom-and-pop gems (like Sam Sato’s) to world-renowned restaurants (we’re looking at you, Morimoto).

Hawaii is also the most diverse state in the nation, so there are a ton of cuisines on offer. But don’t leave the island without trying some local or Hawaiian dishes. Learn more about the variety of local dishes in this Guide to Local Hawaii Food.

ENDANGERED SPECIES:

The islands are home to incredible plants and animals found nowhere else on Earth. Unfortunately, Hawaii is known as the ‘endangered species capital of the world.’

Lucky visitors can glimpse endangered species like monk seals and native forest birds, but only if they’re in the right place at the right time – and only from a respectful distance.

MAUI FARMERS MARKETS:

Maui has a year-round growing season. The balmy weather, coupled with Maui’s many microclimates, means there is always a variety of fresh crops on offer, from winter vegetables like onions to tropical favorites like bananas and lilikoi.

MAUI GOLF:

Did you know Maui is one of Hawaii’s top golf destinations?

There are golf courses across the island catering to various skill levels. Many of them also boast stunning views.

One of the most well-known courses on Maui is the Kapalua Plantation Course. This challenging course was voted the Best Golf Course in Hawaii by Golfweek for 15 years in a row. It’s also the home of the annual PGA Sentry Tournament of Champions.

HALEAKALA:

No visit to Maui is complete without a trip to Haleakala. Whether you’re a hiker or just a fan of outstanding views, Haleakala is sure to amaze and inspire.

One of the most popular activities at Haleakala is watching the sunrise. However, due to overcrowding, reservations are now required to enter the national park between 3 am and 7 am – and reservations are notoriously hard to come by.

Skip the reservation hassle and consider taking a guided tour instead. Haleakala EcoTours is a great option, offering a memorable, comprehensive sunrise and summit tour.

IAO VALLEY:

Home to the famous ʻIao Needle, Iao Valley is one of the most popular attractions on Maui.

Iao Valley is an impossibly lush stream-cut valley in the West Maui Mountains. The valley is home to two popular parks: Kepaniwai Park and Iao Valley State Monument. Both offer incredible views and a peek into Maui’s history.

Reservations are required for out-of-state visitors at Iao Valley State Monument.

JUNGLE:

Maui has many microclimates – jungle included.

There are a handful of hikes on Maui where you can immerse yourself in the island’s lush forests. But rather than a self-guided adventure, opt for a hiking tour with Helewai EcoTours.

This excursion traverses a private trail in a flourishing nature reserve. You’ll get an in-depth look at a native ecosystem and learn about the importance of watershed preservation. The hike is an easy two miles, with frequent stops along the way.

KIHEI:

Located on Maui’s sunny south shore, Kihei is one of the fastest-growing towns on the Valley Isle. It’s also one of the most popular places for visitors to stay.

Kihei is best known for its golden beaches, great restaurants, and laid-back atmosphere. Want to learn more about this sunshiney town? Check out this post about 8 Reasons to Stay In Kihei.

LOCAL BUSINESS:

Supporting local businesses is easy on Maui! From restaurants to clothing shops to tour operators and grocery stores, there are local businesses at every turn on Maui.

MOLOKINI:

Molokini Crater is one of Maui’s top snorkeling spots. Molokini has unbelievable visibility and offers one of the most unique snorkeling experiences in Hawaii.

Molokini is a crescent-shaped islet two miles off South Maui’s coast. It’s only accessible by boat, which is half the fun.

Visiting Molokini is one of the best things to do while on Maui. Naturally, due to its popularity, Molokini can get very crowded. Consider taking a sunrise snorkel tour with Kai Kanani to avoid the crowds.

Kai Kanani loads from Maluaka Beach in Makena – one of the closest launching points to Molokini – and it’s usually one of the first boats to arrive in the crater.

NAPILI BAY:

Napili Bay is one of the most heavenly beaches on Maui.

Located just a few miles north of Kaʻanapali, Napili Bay is a picture-perfect sandy cove fringed by waving palms and turquoise waters. When conditions are calm, Napili Bay is ideal for leisurely swims and snorkeling sessions along the northern side of the bay.

Parking can be challenging, so get here early to secure a spot.

MAUI OCEAN ACTIVITIES:

Snorkeling, surfing, swimming, stand-up paddling – the opportunities for ocean activities are endless!

Summertime usually yields the calmest ocean conditions on Maui, although high surf can occur at any time of year.

Regardless of when or where you are on Maui, always exercise caution when in the ocean. Talk to locals or lifeguards, know how to identify rip currents and changing conditions, and know your limits.

PINEAPPLE:

To most visitors, Hawaii is synonymous with pineapple. But did you know there are only two working pineapple plantations left in Hawaii? And one happens to be on Maui.

Maui Gold pineapples are some of the best in the world. Visitors can tour the Maui Gold plantation in Haliʻimaile, which has been operating for over 40 years. You’ll visit the pineapple fields, taste a fresh pineapple plucked right off the plant, and take home your own airport-ready pineapple.

QUIETUDE:

From the beaches to the rolling hills of Upcountry, Maui is known as a quiet escape.

And speaking of quiet, did you know Haleakala Crater is one of the most silent places on earth? The sound level within the crater is just 10 decibels, about the same as your own breathing.

ROAD TO HANA:

The road to Hana is undoubtedly Maui’s most famous road trip. It travels through over 30 miles of dense jungle, past waterfalls, and along plunging sea cliffs.

But with 52 bridges and over 600 curves, it can be a white-knuckled journey for some.

If you’re not up to the challenge of driving, book a Road to Hana tour. When you go on a tour, you won’t have to worry about parking, yielding to overzealous drivers, or trying to soak in the view while keeping your eyes on the road. Plus, you’ll get expert guidance and insight into all the best stops.

MAUI SNORKELING:

Snorkeling is one of the most popular activities on the Valley Isle. There are countless places to snorkel and countless tours to take you there! But if you want the best of the best, go with Maui Custom Charters.

This private charter company takes you to the best hard-to-reach snorkel spots, and the staff offers the highest level of service – whether they’re teaching you how to sail or serving you a delectable plate of appetizers.

Maui Custom Charters’ tours are completely private and can host up to six guests.

TURTLES:

Hawaiian green sea turtles are abundant on Maui. Although still considered endangered, the green sea turtle population has made an incredible comeback. Now they’re simply everywhere.

Look for them while snorkeling, and keep your eyes out for them basking on the beach. Visitors often mistake them for rocks on the beach, so look closely!

Remember, green sea turtles are protected by federal and state law and are a sacred symbol in Hawaiian culture. Give them at least ten feet of space and absolutely no touching, or risk a hefty fine.

If all else fails, you can find green sea turtles at the Maui Ocean Center.

UPCOUNTRY:

Upcountry – with its rolling pastures, purple jacaranda trees, and bi-coastal views – is a memorable part of any Maui visit.

Small towns, ranches, and farms characterize this region. Start your day exploring the historic town of Makawao, browsing art galleries like Hot Island Glass and whimsical sweet shops like the Maui Cookie Lady.

Next, drive up to Kula to explore botanical gardens, lavender farms, and roadside fruit and flower stands. End your day with sunset views and Upcountry-brewed beer at Mahalo Aleworks.

Interested in staying Upcountry? Check out North Shore Lookout, a boutique bed and breakfast a few miles above Makawao.

VALLEY ISLE:

Maui’s nickname is the ‘Valley Isle.’ The island is made up of two large volcanoes with a long, flat isthmus in between, giving central Maui the look and feel of a large valley.

MAUI WHALE WATCHING:

Maui is the whale-watching capital of Hawaii.

Each winter, thousands of whales migrate to Hawaii’s warm waters. Out of all the islands, humpbacks tend to prefer Maui for its shallow, calm channels.

A whale watch is a must for anyone visiting Maui in winter. There are dozens of whale-watching companies to choose from, but for an epic adventure, go with Redline Rafting.

This small-group tour departs from Kihei Boat Ramp. Rather than being on an oversized tour boat, you’ll be aboard a 35-foot raft – so you’ll be eye-level with any whale you encounter.

X-TREME SPORTS:

If you crave adrenaline, then you’ve come to the right place. While Maui may be marketed as a tranquil escape, there are plenty of extreme (and extremely fun) activities on offer.

From surfing and parasailing to UTV tours and ziplining, there’s something for every traveler who loves a thrill.

MAUI YOGA:

Yoga is everywhere on Maui. Whether you’re a fully-fledged yogi or a total beginner, there is a yoga class on Maui for you.

Yoga studios are scattered around the island, plus a few fun offerings for beginners and experts alike. Take Maui Goat Yoga, for example. Here, you can practice your downward dog and warrior one pose with a dozen mini goats.

ZIPLINE:

Did you know the United States’ first commercial zipline opened on Maui in 2002?

Now, over twenty years later, there are ziplines in every corner of the island.

If you’re looking for something a little more mellow and family-friendly, check out Maui Zipline at the Maui Tropical Plantation. This course was designed specifically for young children, but it’s thrilling enough for adults as well.

We hope you enjoyed our Maui Info Index for 2024, and we look forward to seeing you soon!

Cheers to an epic trip to Maui!