Best Times to Visit Maui
The best time to visit Maui is between April and May and between September and November. Both seasons are pleasant on the island and you will find the lowest airfare and most agreeable room rates. If you're into surfing, you'll want to travel in the winter -- just book as early as possible to get a discounted rate. Families like to visit Maui in summer, which is also when the waters surrounding the island are the calmest.
°F | °C
Temperature (°F)
in | mm
Precipitation (in)
|
December-March |
Elevated hotel prices don't deter visitors from Maui; rather, the
pleasant 80 degrees keep them coming. At this time of year, the waters
around popular sites like Hookipa Beach are too rough for swimming but
just right for catching a wave. This is also a prime time for whale
watching. Key Events:
|
|
April-May |
Maui's pleasant temperatures begin to rise during this short shoulder
season; average highs are between the mid to high 80s. And luckily, the
island is pretty quiet as hotels prep for the busy summer season. Both
room rates and airfare are lower. Key Events:
|
|
June-August |
Maui welcomes another peak season in summer, when most families come
to the island. The temperatures climb to the high 80s through those
months and it's also a busy time for festivals. Surfers beware: summer
waters around Hawaii are typically calmer and warmer. Key Events:
|
|
September-November |
Trips along the Road to Hana
are really scenic at this time of year, and since there are less
tourists, traffic might not be as much of an issue along the route. The
high temps of summer begin to slide back down to the mid 80s. The room
rates are also pretty sweet; some hotels are available for less than
$100 a night. Key Events:
|
Getting Around Maui
The best way to get around Maui is by car, particularly if you're going to explore on your own, and you can easily rent one at the airport for a great day rate. And speaking of airports, Maui has three; most vacationers fly into Kahului (OGG) on the island's north coast. Many of the resorts have shuttles to cart you around the major sites, and to provide transportation to and from the airport, but you can also have your hotel call you a taxi. There are also public bus routes that travel through some areas in the north and northwest.If you're going to stay in the Kapalua or Kaanapali areas in the far west, you could fly into the Kapalua-West Maui Airport (JHM), and on east Maui there's tiny Hana Airport (HNM). These regional terminals are mostly commuter and aviation facilities, so finding a connection might be difficult.
|
Car |
Most people rent a car, as the bus system doesn't cover the whole island and resort trolleys don't allow you to venture off the beaten track. Fortunately the agency rates are some of the lowest in the United States, just keep in mind you'll have to be at least 25 years old. Also, since Hawaii is a no-fault state, you might want to spring for collision insurance (if your personal car insurance doesn't cover you). OGG airport prominently displays usual suspects like Alamo, Avis, Hertz and more in their terminals. |
|
Bus |
Maui's 12 public bus routes are concentrated on the island's north
and northwest side. It costs $1 per person to ride, but you can purchase
monthly passes (from the bus driver) for between $20 and $45 dependent
on your age. The Upcountry and Haiku Islander routes have stops at
Kahului Airport (OGG).
|
|
Taxi |
You'll see more taxis at the airport than you will moving around town
-- still, your hotel can call one to take you to a restaurant,
attraction or shopping area. Taxis, however, can be a little pricey.
They cost $2 for the first mile and an additional $1.75 for each
additional one. Some report the trip to the hotel from Kahului Airport
(OGG) surpasses $60. |
|
Trolley |
Many of the hotels in the resort areas of Wailea and Lahaina offer complimentary shuttles to and from the airport, plus trolleys to shuttle you to the nearby attractions and shopping areas. If you don't feel like exploring Maui on your own, this is a very economical way to get around. Check with your hotel when booking to see what type of shuttle service it provides. |
|
Ferry |
You use the ferry to island hop to nearby islands. Boats leave five
times a day from Lahaina harbor to take the hour-long trip to Lanai;
tickets cost $40 roundtrip for children and $60 roundtrip for adults.
There are also ferries that make the half-an-hour journey to Molokai
twice each day. Prices vary depending on boat.
|
No comments:
Post a Comment