Ultimate Maui Travel Guide

Maui is quite possibly the best place we have ever traveled. There is no shortage of amazing food and breathtaking sights. I could have stayed for a month without ever missing home. In an effort to help anyone planning a Maui vacation, I created the ultimate Maui travel guide to help you get the most out of your trip.  If you are planning on traveling to Maui here is a list of where to stay, where to eat, what to do, and what to pack for Hawaii. If you want to see scenes from our trip and a full recap of what we did you can head over to this post.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

• The expert travel guides suggest the best time to go to Maui is anytime between December and April. We did just that with a late January vacation. While this is high season, it didn’t feel crowded.
• You don’t need to rent a car as most Maui adventures are accessible by bus, and they have Lyft/Uber. But a rental car is the best way to get around, especially if you want to travel the Road to Hana.
• Maui is 6 hours behind east coast time. You will become a morning person which is great for things like watersports, as weather experts say tradewinds are strong in the afternoon. 
• Maui has all the standard necessities you need. I highly recommend stopping by the Target near Maui’s Kahului airport to get snacks, drinks, toiletries, etc.

WHERE TO STAY IN MAUI

Fairmont Kea Lani – We stayed at the Fairmont in Wailea. Every room is a suite and it’s a great atmosphere for families.

Four Seasons Maui – The Four Seasons Maui is right beside the Fairmont. So incredibly fancy. I want to book another Maui vacation with just Zach and stay here!

Grand Wailea – The Grand Wailea is basically the Disneyland of Maui. The resort is huge with a ton of attractions and restaurants but also a ton of people and conferences.

Hyatt Regency Maui – This is on the west side of the island in LaHaina. The Hyatt Regency is the resort with the penguins!

The Ritz Kapalua – The Ritz is a totally different atmosphere. Situated on a cliff on the opposite side of the island from Wailea.

MAUI RESTAURANTS

Nicks Fishmarket – Eat outside at Sunset!!

DUO – Located at the Four Seasons in Wailea. Eat outside and go adults only to enjoy all of the swankiness.

Luau at the Grand Wailea – The best luau in Maui is the one hosted by the Grand Wailea! Buy premium seating and check-in early for a front-row seat.

Mama’s Fish House – Every Maui travel guide must mention Mama’s Fish House. It’s a MUST! Go early because the traffic in Paia is tricky and you want to be able to see the sea turtles on the beach + take pictures!

Monkeypod – Also a MUST!

Matteo’s Osteria – Incredible Italian!

Lahaina Fish Co. – On the water in Lahaina around a ton of stuff!

Dukes – One of the best restaurants on Maui!

Humumu – Iconic outdoor restaurant at the Grand Wailea.

Merrimans – Wins all the awards. A must!

Da Kitchen – Near the airport. First come, first serve.

Lahaina Grill – A delicious upscale bistro.

Cool Cat – Burgers & fast eats.

Kimos – Delicious Seafood with a view.

Ono Tacos – Great food truck in LaHaina.

Olowalu Juice Stand – Roadside juice, veggies & fruits.

Wow Wow Lemonade – A great spot for a sweet treat!

Baya Bowls – Every kind of bowl imaginable.

Ululani’s – The best shaved ice!

THINGS TO DO IN MAUI

Nakalele Blowhole– A must-visit. The drive there is beautiful with a ton of overlooks. Go early because it gets HOT.

Helicopter Tour – I really want to do the helicopter tour next time! I hear the Mokokai Voyage is the best.

Whale Watching with Pride of Maui Whale Watching or Calypso.

Snorkle the Molokini Crater – If you do Pride of Maui whale watching the travel guides might stop here for you to snorkle.

Black Rock Beach – A fun spot in LaHaina with cliffs you can jump off.

Road to Hana – An all-day trip around the island’s east coast with plenty of stops for scenic hikes.

Hike Waterfalls including Makamaka’ole Falls

Bike Maui – Be warned: You will wake up super early, hurry up and wait, ride a bus up a windy road to the top and you may or may not see a sunset. Also the bike down is steep and fast and not for the faint of heart. If you want to do it make sure you go day 1 so your internal clock is already awake!

Lavender Farm – If you do the bike tour you pass this and it’s lovely!

Ziplining – Zipline tours are next to the Lavendar Farm.

Sightsee in Paia – Paia is quaint little village with a ton of shopping!

HAWAII PACKING LIST

Swimsuits: L Space Wrap Bikini, Green Stitch Bikini, Mara Hoffman One Piece, Striped and Floral Bikini

Accessories: Beach Hat, Natural Tassel Crossbody Bag, Gold Crossbody, Metallic Braided Sandals, Sunglasses, Sneakers, Slip-On Sneakers, Flip Flops, Striped Clutch

Dresses: Floral Amuse Society Dress, Embroidered Navy Dress, Peach Striped Dress, Black Floral Embroidered Dress, Blue Striped Boho Dress, Long Sleeve Floral Dress

Tops: Madewell Tee, Floral Tank, Oh Hey Vacay Tee, Embroidered Tunic, Embroidered Flutter Sleeve Top, Graphic Tee

Other: PJs, Jean Shorts, Luggage, Carry-On

WHAT I SHOULD HAVE PACKED

two-piece set, off-the-shoulder dress, cute bikini, this sweatshirt, sandals, striped bikini, floppy hat, wrap tank, scalloped bikini, black swing dress, front-tie midi dress, off the shoulder dress, floral tunic coverup.

GIRLS HAWAII PACKING LIST

Girl’s: Jean Jacket, Hooded Coverup, Floral Coverup, Lemon Swimsuit, Geometric One Piece, Striped Rash Guard, Ice Cream Swimsuit, Raincoat, PJs, Purple Natives, Tassel Fedora, Gold Sandals, Blue Lama Dress, Bookbags, Headphones

See our full packing list for Maui in this post. 

Thanks for reading my Maui Travel Guide! If you have a suggestion add it to the comments and here is something for you to pin for later!