Maui Travel Tips for Tourists

A Guide to Booking the BEST Maui Vacation Rentals

Welcomes you to Maui, the “Magic Isle.” Maui is voted “Best Island” for over 24 years, and it’s easy to see why! The internationally favored island of Maui is illuminated by its consistently pleasant year-round tropical weather, affordable vacation rentals, lush vegetation, and seemingly endless miles of white sandy beach surrounding almost the entire coastline.

The exotic natural beauty of Maui vacation rentals locations is a great reflection of Hawaii’s rich ancient cultural heritage. It’s no surprise why visitors continually flock to Maui every year to enjoy its unique towns, beachfront resorts, award-winning golf courses, superlative regional cuisine, artisan communities, fantastic snorkeling spots and vivacious nightlife.

The perfect blend of nature, history, laid-back appeal and exciting wonders around every corner all lend to Maui’s unfading allure.

Maui Booking Deals, Vacation Packages, Rentals, & Accommodations on Maui

Maui vacation rentals accommodation options are seemingly endless and cater generously to every traveler’s wants and needs. Maui offers a wide and various selections of opulent resorts to budget rentals, and everything in between. When you book Maui and choose where to stay, you may want to ask yourself the following important questions, to realistically help trim down the options:

What is my budget?

When you book a Maui vacation it’s important to understand condo rates change by season, vary by property and condo type. You can book Maui condos by the best swimming and snorkeling beaches on the island from $100-$150/night if you book at the right time! Maui has condos and resorts for every price range and budget imaginable. By determining a price range you are comfortable with, you will help your Maui Specialist to present you with a layout of realistic condo options within your budget.

What size Maui Rental do I need?

Maui condo rentals are generally Studios (2-3 person max) 1 Bedrooms (3-4 person max) 2 Bedrooms (4-6 max) and 3 Bedrooms (6-8 max)

Studio condos are generally cheaper than the larger unit options. Studios, 1 Bedroom, 2 Bedroom, and 3 Bedroom condos usually have fully equipped kitchens. 3 Bedrooms are far and few between. If you are traveling with a large party, it is highly recommended to book a Maui condo as early as possible, as the larger units tend to sell out quickly! Whether your preference is for a smaller condo property, or if you are looking for a big resort type feel, you can find it on Maui.

What view type do I want?

Beachfront: Property situated on a sandy swimming beach.

Oceanfront: Fully unobstructed view of the ocean from your condo. Property situated on the ocean, however, the beach out front may not be swimmable due to rocky reefs, etc.

Ocean View: You are able to view the ocean from your condo; however, it will not be completely unobstructed.

Island View: You are not able to view the ocean from your unit. Your view may be overlooking the property courtyard, gardens etc.

What side of the island to stay on? South Maui vs. West Maui

The majority of Maui vacation rentals properties are either in South Maui (Kihei, Wailea, Sugar Beach, Maalaea) or West Maui (Lahaina, Kaanapali, Honokowai, Kahana, Napili, Kapalua) You will find that most of the properties in South Maui are situated across the street from swimming and snorkeling beaches, or within very short walking or driving distance. More of the beachfront properties on Maui is located on the Westside. Each area offers a fantastic selection of condos, all with incredible views. The general rule of thumb is the closest to the beach you are, the higher the rate. However, that is not always the case as there are still many affordable properties in both South and West Maui steps away from the beach!

By factoring all of the specifics, it is much easier to break down the options and really help you find your perfect dream condo.

What’s the weather like in Maui each month?

Maui is one of the most desirable tropical getaways in the world. Consistent warm weather and clear, sunny days are the perfect formula for an ideal vacation destination!

When should I start planning for a Maui Vacation?

First and foremost, determine what month you want to come to Maui. We have compiled a simple month by month guide to help visitors select which Maui season is best for their vacation plans. There’s never a bad time to start planning your Maui vacation! However, if you want to make the most of your trip and cover all of the bases, it is highly recommended to begin planning as early as possible for accommodations, car rental/transportation, and activities & tours.

Snorkel on Maui The Best Activity and Least Expensive

It’s snorkeling in the gorgeous, warm waters of the Pacific! People every day ask us about snorkeling on Maui. This is a must activity here in Hawaii. Children to Seniors can enjoy this special adventure to do. Grab some snorkel gear (Goggles, Fins) and you’re set! You can even rent masks that will match your eye prescriptions so you can really get up close and personal to everything under the sea.  Ask us about our rental gear-very inexpensive to rent for your entire Maui Vacation. There are underwater fish here you will never see anywhere else in the world! Swim with the green turtles and look at our gorgeous very alive reefs. Please see our list of things to do and book them online.

What to Pack For The Perfect Maui Vacation

The idea of Packing for a vacation to Maui and your Hawaiian dream vacation in advance seems to drip like molasses on a cold winters night. The last thing people think about is what to prepare and pack while on vacation in Maui. When the time finally does come, it seems like it flew by and now you are left with very little time to think about what to pack, plan, and do.

PACKING FOR MAUI: Create a Packing List

Reservation confirmations, tickets, itineraries
Sunblock!  Hawaii is a lot closer to the equator and you can get sunburn very easily. The higher SPG the better and put it on when you’re in the sun and when you get out of the pool or swimming in the ocean. The worse is getting a bad sunburn while on vacation.
Passport or Drivers License
Wallet & purse (a smaller purse for when walking around at night or in the day that is not too heavy.)
Medical insurance cards
Cash, credit cards, traveler’s checks
Cell phone and charger
Camera, film, or, extra space on sim cards, thumb drives etc.
Eyeglasses, sunglasses, contacts, cleaning solution
Prescriptions & medications
Magazines, books
Snacks & drinks for on the plane
Maps & Directions
Makeup & toiletries
Jewelry
Clothes
Quick Packing Tip (Don’t over-pack)

Packing for Vacation: Limit shoes and socks. You will mainly be wearing flip flops. If you plan to go hiking, bring 1 pair of good walking shoes. Outerwear Think tropical. Think summer. Shorts, skirts, t-shirts, tank-tops, light cardigans, dresses. Maybe 1 pair of jeans or slacks and one slightly heavier cardigan style sweater. Beachwear to Bring, Bathing suits, coveralls, sunglasses, sun hat, sari. swimming trunks & board shorts. Clothing pack clothes that are versatile and will keep you cool. T-shirts that can double up as a night shirt or a beach cover-up. Outfits that can be dressed up or down.

PACKING FOR MAUI: One week or more prior to arrival:

Begin a “DO NOT FORGET TO PACK” list. If traveling with your family or friends it is best to include them on this list.
Figure out how you want to get to the airport. Would you rather take an airport transfer to your local airport, drive yourself and pay parking fees, or perhaps have a friend or family member take you?
Arrange to stop newspaper and snail mail delivery until your return unless you are planning on a house sitter.
Do you have pets? Don’t forget what they will need while your vacationing.
Get traveler’s checks if you plan on taking them along.
Print copies of your reservation(s). It is a good idea to print 3 copies. 1 for your carry-on luggage, one for someone at home, and another in your check-in luggage. Passport, Drivers License, credit cards, traveler’s check receipt(s), airline tickets. It is also a good idea to leave copies of your reservations with a close family friend or relative with the telephone numbers etc.

PACKING FOR MAUI: Up to one week prior to departure:

Wash Clothes and make a list of the clothing and accessories you plan to bring. (Hawaii and Maui are very casual. It is a good idea to pack light.)
Gather books, magazines, and maps, you plan to bring with you.
Finalize your itinerary and make sure to give a copy to someone at home; include names, addresses, and telephone numbers of hotels and people you intend to see while here.

PACKING FOR MAUI: 24 to 48 hours prior to departure

Call the airline to reconfirm your flight and inquire about any better seats. (Keep the number with your tickets.)
Pay all bills that will become due while you are gone.
Recharge cell phones, cameras, cordless shaver, toothbrushes and all other rechargeable items.
Begin packing your suitcase; make note of any last minute items (shampoo, toothbrush etc.) you will still need to pack in each bag.

Last Minute Things to do:

Packing for a vacation to Maui last minute items
Make sure you have printed directions to the airport if you or someone else is driving
Back up your computer and turn it off. (If bringing a laptop, make sure it is charged and is packed with its charger
Forward your email or put set an auto response
Change voicemail or answering machine
Wash Dishes
Water Plants
Unplug electrical devices
Shut and lock all doors and windows
Stop Newspaper or Mail delivery

Packing for a vacation to Maui is not hard.

Hawaii is not glamorous like sparkly Hollywood runway or perfect catwalk in New York.Hawaii is laid back. CHILL. The traffic is not a nuisance simply because you’re not in a hurry. You understand the ‘island life’ and you can rest, relax, and look at the ocean and go with the traffic’s flow.

The Perfect Beach Bag Accessories

There are a few ‘MUST PACK” items. However, many beach toys for adults and children can be rented for your entire vacation.

Sunscreen
Flip Flops, Sandals- (aka Slippas)
Glasses, Contacts (An Extra Pair) (Contact Cleaning Solution)
Sunglasses! (Preferably Maui Jim’s)
A comfy sun hat
Beach Towels
Beach Toys
Beach Umbrella
Camera (extra memory cards) (or rent a go-pro)
Cell phone (Charger)
Laptop
Small Bluetooth rechargeable speaker
Headphones
Snorkel, Goggles & Fins
Flotation devices
Cooler
Beach chairs-Beach umbrella
All Strollers, Pack n plays, cribs, beach strollers, car seats, etc. can be rented locally