Maui
The island of Maui is one of the islands of Hawaii, a state of the United States of America. It is the second largest of the eight major islands Cities[edit]
Other destinations[edit]
Understand[edit]Talk[edit]See Talk in the Hawaii section. Though English is mainly used in Maui, the language of Maui is the same as the entire island of Hawaii. The Hawaii pidgin language originates from Polynesian languages. It is part of an Austronesian language family, which are languages that are widely dispersed through Southeast Asia and the Pacific. Some languages that helped create the Hawaiian pidgin are English, Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, Portuguese, and several others. The Hawaiian alphabet consists of 13 characters. There are five vowels and eight consonants (o, i a, e, u; h, k,l,m,n, p, w and apostrophe). An apostrophe I usually used as an Okina, which is more of a glottal stop or a catch in the throat. Learning some pronunciation and words of Hawaii can help tremendously during a visit to Maui:
Some helpful words to know when traveling to Maui are:
Get in[edit]Kahului Airport [7] (IATA: OGG) is the main airport for the island of Maui, and the second largest commercial airport in the state. It is a secondary hub for Hawaiian Airlines, which provides interisland service to Kahului from the other major airports in the state. Several major U.S. airlines also provide non-stop service to Maui from the West Coast and beyond. Kahului airport can be reached non-stop from Anchorage, Calgary, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Edmonton, Hana, Hilo, Honolulu, Hoolehua, Kamuela, Kapalua, Lanai City, Lihue, Los Angeles, Oakland, Phoenix, Portland, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, San Jose, Seattle and Vancouver. To get to Lahaina and Kaanapali, where most major hotels are located, exit the airport and follow route 380 to its junction with route 30, and turn left on route 30 toward Lahaina. For Kihei and Wailea, follow the above instructions and turn left on route 31 about a mile (1.6 km) from the route 380 junction. When departing from Kahului Airport for the U.S. Mainland, all baggage must be inspected by Hawaii State Department of Agriculture inspectors at the airport. Be advised that fresh fruits (with the exception of pineapples and treated papayas) are prohibited from leaving the islands to prevent the spread of fruit flies. Remember that this inspection occurs before you get to your gate, so you won't be able to enjoy your last fruit while waiting for your departing flight. There are smaller general aviation airports Kapalua (IATA: JHM) and Hana (IATA: HNM). The JHM West Maui Kapalua [8] airport is a very small airport that is located just north of Lahaina and Kaanapali and on the West side of Maui. This airport is only a few miles south of Kapalua, which is the closest city to this airport. Since this airport is so small, only propeller airplanes are accepted to land. It also does not have any flights in or out after dark because of the lack of lighting on the runway. The airport was named after a pilot, John Henry Magoon, who was the President of Hawaiian Airlines when the airport was opened. The Kapalua airport only flies between itself and the island of Oahu (Honolulu) or the Big Island of Hawaii. Occasionally, does the airport send flights to the island of Lanai. The main airline used for this airport is Mokulele because most of their planes are 1-propeller Cessna aircrafts. The Hana Airport is an even smaller airport on the east side of Maui and only three miles from the small town of Hana. This airport only allows small single-engine propeller planes fly on or out. Mokolele is a small airline that flies a few flights in and out of Hana. You can only fly to Hana airport from the main Maui airport in Kahului or very rarely from Honolulu. Get around[edit]While Maui has a basic public transportation system [9], many places are not accessible by bus, and most visitors rent a car. Fortunately, renting a car in Hawaii is relatively inexpensive, except during the holidays. The resort areas around Kihei, Wailea and Lahaina also have a bus that connects the towns with nearby shopping and attractions. Major highways[edit]
Be aware that most locals refer to the roads not by number but by name, and will likely not understand if you ask for a road by number. For example you would never hear someone refer to Piilani highway as "route 31" or "highway 31." By Car[edit]
By Shuttle[edit]
By Bus[edit]
See[edit][add listing]Haleakala National Park offers alpine wilderness and stunning views of Maui and beyond (from the summit you can see five of the eight main islands, more than are visible from anywhere else in Hawaii). Two entrances, one from Highway 36 and one from Highway 37, go to separate parts of the park. Wainapanapa State Park [10] has black sand beach, sea arch, sea caves, a small blowhole to see. In Hana at end of Wai‘anapanapa Road off Hana Highway (Highway 360), 52.8 miles (85 km) (3 hour drive) east of Kahului Airport. Iao Valley State Monument [11] brings you on a short trail through greenery, a garden and a stream. You can also climb up on a paved trail to a view of the ocean and Iao Needle. From Kahului go west on ‘Iao Valley Road (Highway 32) through Wailuku to the end of the road. $5 state park parking fee.
Do[edit][add listing]Hiking[edit]There are many trails on Maui including a couple of trails in Iao Valley State Monument [12] and several in Haleakala National Park. The upper part of Haleakala National Park bears no resemblance to the lower. The crater at the summit, some 19 square miles, draws millions of visitors each year. Hike within it on miles of trails past cinder cones and lava caves or you can stroll from roadside turnouts to sky-high overlooks. The drive to the top is the steepest in the world and along Haleakala's slopes are eight biological zones, designated as an International Biosphere Reserve. Two good sources for hikers are the State of Hawaii Trail and Access Program, Na Ala Hele Trail and Access System [13] and Maui Trailblazer guidebook [14]Water Activities[edit]Surfing[edit]Experience the thrill of surfing around the island. Group classes and private classes are available. Windsurfing[edit]Maui is the world capital of windsurfing due to it's consistently strong trades winds throughout the year. Beginners can get started quickly and easily with lessons from a multitude of windsurf shops located in the Kahului area near the airport. Canoeing and Kayaking[edit]In Hawaii a canoe is an ocean-going outrigger. They also have double hull canoes that are a bit like catamarans. There are canoe clubs that will sometimes take out visitors for a reasonable donation. Many businesses would be happy to introduce you to kayaking.
Jet Skiing and Parasailing[edit]On Kaanapali beach, there are many options for water fun activities like Jet Ski and Parasailing The following business offers Jet Ski rentals on Kaanapali beach
Parasailing is offered by
Most kids above four years of age are allowed for Jet Ski and Parasailing allowing for families to have fun together. Many of these businesses offer photo/video options to capture your adventure Luaus[edit]There are many luaus in Maui, which feature Polynesian singing and dancing. Most feature buffet dinners. Here are some of the best known.
Mountain biking[edit]There are mountain bike trails in Makawao State Forest. Snorkeling[edit]This can be one of the most affordable activities on Maui. Some favorite spots include:
Use caution to decide when and where to snorkel. Educate yourself about riptides and avoid choppy seas, which could bash you against coral or rocks. Visit Hana[edit]Take the road trip on Hwy 36 (Hana Hwy) stopping on the road to see waterfalls, lush greenery and beaches. Some of these are not visible from the road, but most are a relatively short hike off the road. A private arboretum and botanical garden (with an entrance fee) called "Garden of Eden" around the 10-mile marker has peacocks, bamboo gardens and view of Puohokamoa Falls. The round-trip will be difficult to complete in one day, so stay over in Hana to break it into two days. Wainapanapa State Park, 2 miles (3 km) east of Hana, has cabins to offer. There are other private nicer places to stay, also in and around Hana. The Road to Hana is something that must be experienced at least once in a lifetime. Keep in mind that some of the locals from Hana make the long commute to work in Kahului each day. If you see a local vehicle approaching from behind, pull over and let them pass. By the same token, locals' familiarity with the route can lead them to cut across corners (even blind corners) swerving back into their lane at the last minute, so take corners slowly and watch for oncoming traffic that may have encroached upon your lane. Also, don't trespass! If you respect the land and the people, you'll find open arms and acceptance. Note that it is possible to drive all the way around the island by continuing past Hana instead of going back the way you came. Rental car companies strongly discourage this and state that the rental car contract is voided if you drive there. The road itself is one lane and paved virtually the entire way (not all of the road is paved as of 9/24/12) although in some places the asphalt can be patched and rough, requiring road speeds of 10 mph or less to avoid damaging a normal car's suspension. Off-road vehicles and Jeeps will find it fairly easy going. The area is very beautiful, with soaring cliffs and views over the sea and glimpses of the nearby Big Island on the horizon, but it is dry, desolate and remote, with little traffic, no services, and unreliable cell phone service. Visit Lanai or Molokai[edit]The island of Lanai is west of Maui. It can be easily reached by ferry [30] from Lahaina. The island of Molokai is northwest of Maui. It can be easily reached by ferry [31] from Lahaina. Whale Watching[edit]
Buy[edit][add listing]As soon as you land in Kahului Airport you’ll notice shops lining the second level of building. Places like Pineapple County which offer a variety of clothing options, Maui Divers Jewelry Shop, and Starbucks stretch out along the sides of the corridor. While there are many unique knickknacks, trinkets, and food to spark an interest, beware of the tourist trap that is an American airport, many stores augment prices to lure passengers right off of the plane. However, As one would expect from a tourist mecca like Maui, there are even more shopping hot spots once you begin your exploration of Maui. ABC Stores can be found all over Maui and the other Hawaiian Islands offer souvenirs and beach supplies (such as sunscreen and straw mats) at potentially lower prices than tourist traps. Lahaina is a good place to "walk the shops". Maui is also home to a plethora of flower farms like the tropical flower and protea farm, Maui Floral, located in Makawao, about 20 min from Kahului airport off route 37. Kaanapali has Whaler's Village Shops and Restaurants, home to lots of stores and restaurants, including plenty of high-end merchandise such as Coach and Tiffany. Paia is a small artist and aging hippie colony with a reasonable and varied mix of shops and galleries worth your time, as well as restaurants. It is located just before Mama's Fish House Restaurant. A nice open air mall can be found in the Wailea luxury area, and on the way you can stop by Kihea at one of two flea market type shopping areas. Eat[edit][add listing]Fresh produce is widely available at road side stands. Banana bread, coconut candy, smoothies and seasonal fruit are all highlights of a drive around Maui. Drink[edit][add listing]There are very few bars and nightclubs on the Island seeings how this is not really part of the Hawaiian culture. However, Most restaurants, if not all, on the Island serve drinks. If you do not see a bar you particularly like, check out one of the many restaurants in the Eat section.
Sleep[edit][add listing]Before choosing an accommodation, consider where you would like to spend your time. There are many cities on Maui near different attractions. Also consider whether a hotel, resort, condominium or bed-and-breakfast best match your style and budget. Stay safe[edit]Stay healthy[edit]While quite rare, as of 2017, there are a few cases of rat lungworm disease on Maui and the Big Island. This is an extremely serious parasitic disease that affects the brain and spinal cord, and can be fatal. Despite the name, very few, if any, victims acquire the disease directly from rats. Most often, it's food poisoning from uncooked or under-cooked snails, slugs, crabs, shrimp, or frogs. If you have a taste for these types of foods, make certain they are properly cooked. Get out[edit]To get from Maui to the other Hawaiian Islands usually involves a short plane flight. If you want to go to Honolulu you will find frequent non-stop service. Most other destinations offer a couple of non-stop flights a day or a stop in, you got it, Honolulu. Ferries run 5 times a day between Lahaina and the island of Lanai. Each way takes approximately 45 minutes, and costs $25 per person per direction. During high winds the boat ride can be particularly rough, so bring something for seasickness if you don't do well on boats. Cruise ships are also an interesting option. When leaving Maui for the U.S. Mainland, all baggage must be inspected by U.S. Department of Agriculture inspectors at the airport. Be advised that fresh fruits (with the exception of pineapples and treated papayas) are prohibited from leaving the islands to prevent the spread of fruit flies. Consult the U.S. Department of Agriculture [32] for more details. Bags are inspected by X-ray. At Kahului Airport, be prepared to submit to three checkpoints on the way to your Mainland flight: having your checked bags X-rayed for agricultural items in the ticket lobby, the TSA security checkpoint, and inspection of your carry-on baggage for agricultural items on the way to your gate.
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