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In terms of weather, Hawai’i is good to visit year round. May, June, September, and October are traditionally a bit slower than the height of winter and summer seasons, so better travel deals are often available during those months.

Visitors from the U.K., most Western European countries, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan need only a valid passport to vacation in Hawai’i. Proof of residence is required of Canadians. Other foreign nationals need a valid passport and a tourist visa, readily obtainable from a U.S. consulate or embassy.

Foreign visitors may not bring food or plants of any kind into Hawai’i. Every piece of luggage or cargo leaving the islands is subject to an agricultural search. Only certain fruits and flowers may be taken out, so be sure to ask about this when purchasing such items.

Contrary to popular belief, Hawai’i does have seasons. Rain is common from Oct–Jan, and summer is much warmer than winter. Big surf arrives on north shores in winter; south swells delight surfers in summer. At sea level, temperatures average high 70s/low 80s in the daytime most of the year; nighttime temperatures can go down to the 60s, occasionally the 50s in winter.

Standard U.S. current is 110–120 volts. Non-U.S. appliances need a converter and plug adapter with two flat pins, but bear in mind many hotels already provide coffee makers, irons, and hair dryers.

Hawai’i is a relaxed place. Shorts, T-shirts, swimsuits, and casual evening wear is all that’s really needed. No restaurant on Maui has a formal dress code (although two on Lāna’i do, (see 'Ihilani at Mānele Bay and The Formal Dining Room at the Lodge). A sweater or jacket is a good idea for cool evenings, and, if you plan to go Upcountry, you should take warm clothing.

The cost of medical care is high everywhere in the U.S., including Hawai’i. If you have a mainland health insurance plan, you should check to see if it’s accepted in Hawai’i. Otherwise, travel insurance is recommended.

U.S. airlines are facing difficult times, and flight schedules and routes change frequently. United, American, and Delta Airlines all fly directly to Maui from mainland U.S.; many major airlines fly into Honolulu from the mainland, Europe, and Asia.

Although Hawai’i is a safe place, in the aftermath of 9/11, airport security has been enhanced, and items like pocketknives, scissors, nail files, and tweezers must be packed in checked luggage. When traveling interisland, you should get to the airport one hour before your scheduled flight.

The Maui Visitors Bureau is the official source of visitor information (see Sources of Information), though it doesn’t make recommendations. It oversees similar agencies on Moloka’i and Lāna’i.

Hana Hou! the Hawaiian Airlines in-flight magazine, andSpirit of Aloha , the Aloha Airlines in-flight, are each published 6 times a year.HONOLULU is Hawai’i’s only major regional magazine and is great if you’re looking for insider information, although the coverage definitely favors Honolulu/O’ahu. All can be accessed online.

The Maui News is Maui’s only daily newspaper. It’s available each day by about 6am. TheLahaina News is a weekly and focuses on West Maui news.Maui Weekly andMaui Time Weekly are free publications. Look for them at the airport, markets, and other retail locations. Both big dailies,The Honolulu Advertiser (morning) andHonolulu Star-Bulletin (afternoon), are distributed statewide.

Virtually every hotel chain, activities seller, and even most restaurants now have their own websites. They are easily accessed via any search engine. The Maui Visitors Bureau site also offers links to many individual visitor attractions.

James Michener’sHawai’i is considered by many a “must-read” for visitors. It is certainly epic in scope and an entertaining, if not precisely accurate, historical novel. Shoal of Time by Gavan Daws,Hawai’i’s History by Hawai’i’s Queen by Queen Liliu’okalani, andHawaiian Mythology byMartha Beckwith are all excellent choices.

Paradise TV (Channel 7) broadcasts visitor information in a relaxed, “advertorial” format 24 hours a day. There are programs about dining, beaches, golf, shopping, and more.

You will be deluged by dozens of free visitor publications as soon as you arrive at any airport in Hawai’i. Many are chock full of discount coupons and free offers. Bear in mind that most publications cover only the places that advertise with them.

Your hotel concierge is potentially one of the very best sources of insider information. They are, of course, island residents, and many know every nook and cranny of Maui – where to get the best noodles and find that vintage piece of Hawaiiana you simply must have. Remember to tip them well if the advice is good.

Hawai’i is known for having some of the world’s friendliest locals, and most love to share their knowledge of their hometown. Talk to waiters and waitresses, the bartender, the supermarket cashier, and the person who sells you your very first aloha shirt. You’re sure to learn secrets not available in any guidebook!

Aloha Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines fly daily between the major islands. Island Air and Pacific Wings fly less traveled routes, like Kahului to Moloka’i, Lāna’i, and Hāna.

There’s lots of choice, but essentially it’s between international companies, such as Hertz and Avis, or local businesses like Word of Mouth. The latter rent used vehicles to keep costs low.

Most of the rental firms specializing in two-wheeled vehicles are located in the Lahaina/Kā’anapali area. Bikes and mopeds tend to be used just for getting around town.

SpeediShuttle provides transport between the Kahului Airport and the resort hotels at Wailea and Kā’anapali (fares approx $30 per person). Taxis, available by booking in advance, are expensive. There are no public buses on Maui, only tour buses. There is a ferry service between Lahaina and Moloka’i and Lāna’i.

Shuttle bus

Seatbelts for everyone and approved car seats for children under three are mandatory. Right turns are permitted after a full stop at a stop sign or red light, but pedestrians always have right of way.

Robert’s Hawai’i and Pleasant Hawaiian Holidays are the two largest land tour companies offering a variety of tours. Most popular are tours to the summit of Haleakalā and to Hāna.

All beaches in Hawai’i are public, but they often border private land. Watch for Public Beach Access signs, prominently displayed all around the coasts, and follow the path to the beach.

Hitchhiking is legal on Maui, and there’s little risk of anything untoward happening if you choose to hitch a ride.

Kahului Airport is nicely located in the center of the island. It’s a small, friendly, and manageable place, just a few minutes away from the large retail centers of Kahului and quaint Wailuku town, about 25 minutes from Wailea, and about 40 minutes from the Kā’anapali resort area.

Generally speaking, condominiums are less expensive than hotel rooms. Condo rentals are available all over West and South Maui and range from studios to three bedroom apartments. They’re almost universally well maintained and equipped.

The cost of dining out can easily rack up, so eating in is the obvious alternative, especially if you’re renting a condo. Throughout south, west, and central Maui, there are lots of supermarkets, grocery stores, and farmers’ markets where the fixings for a great meal can be easily found.

Hotels, restaurants, and activity desks often offer discounts, especially during the slower months (May, June, September, October). For example, restaurants routinely offer “early bird” specials for folks who like to dine before the prime 6:30–8pm slot. Late night specials are also common, though less well advertised.

Virtually every airline, many hotels, even some car rental companies offer better prices to travelers who book well in advance. It’s also a good idea to check out restaurants and activities – many have websites – before arriving to avoid price surprises. Some advance research also allows you to comparison shop for things like whale watching and other costly activities.

When you arrive at any airport in Hawai’i, you will see racks and racks of free visitor publications. Every one of them has coupons for discounts on restaurant meals and activities. If you have the time and the inclination to peruse the pages, the savings can be substantial.

Frequent flyer miles can be used for both free or upgraded air travel on all the major U.S. airlines. If you are a member of a national organization such as AARP (for the over 50s) or work for a large corporation, ask about discounts. You may find that your company ID card can save you money!

Package tours are always less expensive than purchasing air and ground transportation and accommodations separately; any good travel agent will have lots to choose from. But even if you do choose to book your own trip, interisland package tours (from local companies like Pleasant Island Holidays and Robert’s Hawai’i) are a great and affordable way to experience another island.

Over the last few years, the internet has become a fantastic resource for excellent travel deals. The big, discount travel sites (Orbitz, Expedia, Hotels.com) always have discounted prices on air fares and hotel rooms. Many of the major airlines also offer special internet fares.

Hawai’i is most expensive during the winter months when travelers from cold climes swoop down upon these sundrenched, tropical islands. The summer months (July and August) are family travel time, since children are out of school. This leaves May, June, September, and October for the bargain hunters.

Bank of Hawai’i and First Hawaiian Bank are Hawai’i’s largest, with branches throughout the islands, some of them inside supermarkets. In general, all banks are open: Mon–Thu 8:30am– 3pm or 4pm, Fri 8:30am– 6pm. Some branches have Saturday hours.

VISA and MasterCard are accepted almost universally except by the smallest stores and roadside stands. American Express, Discover, Diner’s Club, and JCB (a Japanese card) are accepted at most places but check first.

By far the safest form of money, travelers’ checks in U.S. currency are accepted virtually everywhere. Change is given in cash. Lost or stolen travelers checks are easily replaced.

With the extraordinary propensity of cell phones, public phones are fast disappearing. If you can find one, a local call will cost 50 cents, much cheaper than using a hotel phone. Interisland calls are deemed long distance, and numbers must be preceded by dialing 1-808.

A postcard will cost you 20 cents postage, a standard letter to any U.S. address 37 cents. Hotels will often post your mail for you, but otherwise there are post offices in every town. Opening hours are generally: 8:30am– 4:30pm Mon–Fri, with short morning hours at some branches on Saturdays.

The best place to purchase mainland newspapers and a wide array of magazines is Borders Books & Music at Maui Marketplace in Kahului (see Borders Books, Music & Café).The Maui News is Maui’s only daily paper;The Honolulu Advertiser andHonolulu Star-Bulletin are statewide dailies.Maui Nō Ka ’Oi is the only Maui-specific magazines;HONOLULU is Hawai’i’s regional monthly magazine, available on all newsstands. For more on newspapers and magazines (see Newspapers and Free Visitor Publications.

In addition to the myriad U.S. television channels, Maui has several local access stations. One of these, Paradise TV, is the visitor channel. Its programming provides an overview of the island, activities, shopping, and restaurants. Fans of every music genre should find something on the radio dial to satisfy their tastes, but if you want to listen to what the locals listen to, try KPOA, 93.5 FM for the best in island sounds.

This is Hawai’i’s version of “hearing it through the grapevine.” Talk to as many locals as you can; you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how willing most are to share the island’s secrets.

Most hotel rooms and condos are wired for dial-up internet access. And most of the larger hotels have business centers with equipment to stay in touch with the office. Internet service is also available at several cafés on the island.

Everyone is at risk of sunburn in the tropics. It’s important to apply sunscreen often, most especially after swimming. A hat and sunglasses are good accessories, too. If you’re especially fair, you should wear light, long-sleeved shirts and long pants when you’re in the sun. Parents should be particularly careful with young children. Be vigilant on cloudy days, too – those ultraviolet rays get through the clouds.

During heavy rains, Hawai’i’s rivers are occasionally susceptible to flash floods. It’s best not to venture out on hikes or unfamiliar drives during heavy rains. Hawai’i radio and television stations always announce flash flood watches and warnings; you can also check recorded national weather forecasts by calling 877 5111.

Although blessed with cooling trade winds most days of the year, temperatures can easily reach into the 90s, especially in summer. It’s always advisable to stay out of the sun from 11am until 2pm when, obviously, the sun is at its highest point over the islands. Wearing lightcolored clothing and drinking lots of water are also recommended.

With heat and sun comes the possibility of dehydration. Always carry water with you, whether you’re going for a drive, venturing out on a hike, or just relaxing at the beach. Drink often and drink plenty.

Scorpions and centipedes are Hawai’i’s most troublesome insect pests. It is unlikely that you will run into either but, if you do get stung, get medical attention as quickly as possible. Mosquitoes are more bothersome than dangerous, and can be controlled with commercial repellants.

It’s not difficult to accidentally wander onto private property, especially when hiking or going to the beach. Watch for No Trespassing signs, and always use the proper public beach accesses. You may see the word Kapu on signs, which is loosely translated as “forbidden.”

The physical beauty of the islands is most certainly one of the main reasons visitors are so drawn to them. Nothing is more jarring to that beauty than litter strewn along beaches, hiking paths, and streets. There’s no shortage of litter bins for food wrappers, cigarette stubs etc., so make use them. ( Mahalo , often printed on the bins, means thank you.)

Traditional Hawaiians believe that everything – every stone, every shell, every plant – has both a life and a place of its own. So feel free to look, enjoy, and touch natural objects, but refrain from removing anything from its “home.”

Hawaiian waters are susceptible to invasions of jellyfish – both box jellyfish and Portuguese man-of-war – usually about a week after a full moon. Local radio and television stations are very reliable in reporting these incursions. Jellyfish stings can be painful and, if one is allergic, quite dangerous. The best way to treat them is with meat tenderizer (available at any supermarket) or, indeed, urine.

With care and common sense, it’s easy to enjoy the gorgeous Pacific that surrounds the islands, but it’s as well to remember that strong currents, big waves, undertow, sharp coral, and potentially dangerous sea creatures are all natural parts of Hawai’i’s environment. Also, many beaches are not staffed by lifeguards. A red flag on the beach indicates strong currents, and posted signs will alert you to other possible dangers.

Sharp coral beneath the waves

As in the rest of the U.S., dialing 911 in Hawai’i will put you in touch with the emergency services. Maui Memorial Medical Center in Wailuku is the island’s major hospital, and there are clinics in all major towns. In addition, the resort hotels have doctors on call.

Blessed with a near perfect climate all year round, Hawai’i is, however, susceptible to extreme weather and natural disasters, most notably hurricanes (from June to November), tidal waves, and earthquakes. Earthquakes are not uncommon but are usually benign. Maui’s Upcountry district from Makawao at the 1500-ft level of Mt. Haleakalā to the summit at 10,023 ft is cool throughout the year and can be very cold at the higher elevations, especially in the winter.

Good shoes are recommended, especially for serious hikers; rainforest trails can get very muddy and slick. Carry plenty of water and snacks and be absolutely sure of your route before you begin. Never hike alone and make sure someone – even if it’s your hotel concierge – knows where you’re going and what time you’re expected back.

The sun in the tropics is stronger than anywhere else, even when it doesn’t feel that way and even when the sky is overcast. Using sunscreen is an absolute must, as is reapplication throughout the day. Fair-skinned people should wear a hat and light-colored, long-sleeved clothing where possible. And remember to continue drinking water throughout the day.

Even in paradise, theft is a problem, and tourists’ rental cars are often the targets. Obviously, lock your car when you park, even if you leave it for just a few moments, and never leave anything of value on view; in fact, whenever possible, keep valuables with you.

All hotels and most other accommodations have filtration systems so the tap water is perfectly safe unless otherwise indicated. Bottled water is handy for carrying with you on day trips. Never drink from streams, ponds, rivers, waterfalls, or freshwater pools.

Hawai’i is a very casual and, in general, an extremely safe place. All the same, you should always lock your hotel room or condo. And don’t forget to make sure any balcony doors are secure before you go out – they allow very easy access.

The very best way to ensure the safety of your valuables is to leave them at home. Every hotel has either in-room safes or lock boxes on the property to store cash, jewelry, traveler’s checks, and other treasures. And it’s never a good idea to take anything of value to the beach with you.

Large shopping centers are open, in general, Mon–Sat 9am–9pm; Sunday hours are usually shorter. Some supermarkets and convenience stores stay open 24 hours. Most retail stores are open on U.S. holidays (with the possible exception of Christmas Day and New Year’s Day) and Hawai’i state holidays, such as Prince Kūhiō Day (Mar 26) and King Kamehameha Day (Jun 11).

The legal drinking age in Hawai’i is 21. The age limit applies, as well, to buying alcoholic drinks – including beer and wine – at retail outlets. Since March 2003, smoking is now prohibited in stores, restaurants, and bars, including outdoor dining areas.

Not surprisingly, everyone wants to dine at sunset. In order to encourage pre-sunset dinner reservations, many restaurants offer “early bird specials” (see Eat In).

There’s general excise tax – 4.167% at the time of writing – on everything, without exception, in Hawai’i. That includes food – whether a restaurant meal or groceries from the market – all retail goods (even medicine), and all services.

“Early to bed, early to rise” is the credo throughout the Aloha State. Don’t be surprised if the restaurant on which you have your romantic heart set for a late night dinner stops serving at 8:30 or 9pm. The same is true of breakfast and lunch – many local folks take their lunch break at 11 or even 10:30am.

There are, literally, no restaurants on Maui that require anything fancier than a shirt with a collar and footwear of some kind; there are only a handful that would frown on shorts and sandals. Lāna’i has a few more airs and graces, and two of its top restaurants require formal dress (see Places to Eat).

Most of Maui’s residents work in the visitor industry and depend on tips to supplement their wages, so generosity is greatly appreciated. Restaurant tips should be at least 15% of the total bill. Parking valets should be tipped $1–$2; luggage handlers at least $2 per bag. And if you avail yourself of the service, you should also tip your hotel concierge.

You’ll save money on souvenirs, resort wear, even groceries if you shop where the islanders go. Local favorite Long’s Drugs has shops in Kahului, Kīhei, and Lahaina, and is great for macadamia nuts, coffee, and lots more. There are farmers’ markets scattered throughout the island and there’s a big swap meet in Kahului every Saturday morning, with excellent buys on flowers, local produce, and crafts.

Local Craft stand

Maui’s ethnic restaurants serve delicious food at low prices. These places are centered, for the most part, in Wailuku and offer Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, Mexican, and local-style food. At more expensive restaurants, sharing several appetizers is a great way to sample dishes without paying a fortune. (For more budget tips, (see Budget Tips).)

Maui Eco-Adventures offers daily hikes and kayak tours with very experienced and knowledgeable guides into less-traveled areas of the island, such as Haleakala Crater and Hana.

The guides at Hike Maui share their knowledge of the island’s ethno-botany, geology, culture, and history on hikes that could take you to Hāna’s waterfalls, West Maui’s rain forest, or the lava fields of the south.

Aloha Bicycle Tours organizes a great ride along the scenic Upcountry road to the Tedeschi Winery. Twenty-four-speed bikes, jackets and gloves, luxury van tour support, continental breakfast, lunch, and wine tasting all included.

Maui Cave Adventures in Hāna takes novice and experienced spelunkers into Ka’elekū Caverns, an underground network of cool lava tubes with cavernous chambers (some 40 ft high). Gloves, flashlights, and hardhats are provided.

Maui’s only Jeep guided tour company, Hidden Adventure, offers personalized full and half day fourwheel-drive adventures to explore dense rain forests, colorful lava caves, windswept bluffs, and hidden bays. “Adventure” and “family” itineraries are offered; maximum of four people per vehicle.

Mendes Ranch & Trail Rides offers two-and-a-halfhour narrated trails through rolling pastures into West Maui’s rain forest, down the mountain to taro patches, and along Waihe’e Valley to the ocean.

Harnessed into a wing and lifted by air currents, pilots can float above the spectacular landscape around Haleakalā. Proflyght has the guidance and the gear to allow you to take off on your own or fly tandem with an instructor.

About 25% of the marine life in the clear waters off the island are unique to Hawai’i. To see those species and more, Mike Severns Diving takes small groups of certified divers to less crowded areas, such as Molokini.

Keli’s two-hour tour designed for all skill levels begins at Mākena Landing and paddles leisurely along the coast to a snorkeling stop at La Pérouse Bay. Experienced guides provide instruction and accompany paddlers on the trip (eight paddlers per guide).

Hawai’i is an extremely family-friendly place. You’ll see the word keiki (child) everywhere: restaurants offer keiki menus, and the resort hotels have keiki programs to keep the kids busy while the adults relax. In most hotels, small children can stay in their parents’ room at no extra charge. Condos are a good, less expensive choice for families.

Hawai’i is excellent for travelers with disabilities. Due in large part to the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), hotels, restaurants, and attractions provide wheelchair ramps, special parking places, and accessible restrooms. Braille translations of elevator button panels and other important signs are commonplace.

Accommodations are subject to both a 4.167% sales tax and a 11.416% room tax so be prepared to find this additional 15.5% on your bill. Most hotels charge more than the standard rate for phone calls, faxes, and internet access. Daily parking charges are also common.

At the low end of the spectrum are campsite permits and at the high end are luxury resort suites, villas, and bungalows. Mid-price hotel rooms are about $250 a night and $200 a night for a one-bedroom condo. Inns and B&Bs often have lovely rooms for $100 to $150 a night.

Travel agents and tour companies offer lots of packages that typically include air and ground transportation and accommodations; some even include interisland travel, activities, and some meals. Package deals change frequently, so best to inquire when you’re ready to book your trip.

When booking a room, bear in mind that only “oceanfront” means you will have a panoramic view of the blue Pacific. And you will, of course, pay a premium for that. “Partial ocean view” and “ocean view” are other common descriptions.

There is nothing so relaxing as spending a day, or even a few hours, at a spa – especially when it’s in a tropical setting. Maui’s resort hotels have spas offering body treatments, massage, facials, and fitness facilities. Nonguests are welcome to book spa services and use the facilities for a fee. For opulent grandeur, try the Spa Grande at the Grand Wailea; for low-key tranquillity and especially skilled practitioners, try the Spa Kea Lani at the Fairmont Kea Lani.

Most of the resort hotels are part of international chains, and reservations can easily be made online. Travel agents can book almost any other accommodations available. Many hotels, condos, inns, and B&Bs have their own websites and accept reservations directly. The Maui Visitors Bureau can also help (see Sources of Information).

Tipping hotel personnel is not required, but it is the done thing. Averages are $2–$3 a day for housekeepers, $1–$2 for parking valets, $1–$2 per piece of luggage for baggage handlers, and 15% for room service servers. Most guests tip the concierge as well, if they use their services.