Maui is also serviced by ferry from three neighboring islands. You can arrive five times a day from Lanai (1hr; www.go-lanai.com); twice a day from Molokai (90mins; www.molokaiferry.com); and twice a day on the new high-speed ferry from Oahu (3hrs; www.HawaiiSuperFerry.com).
Rent a car
Given Maui’s limited public transport, renting a car from the Kahului Airport is the best option for exploring the island. Rates range from $45 a day for a mid-size to $75 for an SUV. Gas prices hover around $3.45 per gallon.
Traffic
The central highways 311 and 30, which go from Kahului to Kihei, and Waikapu to Kahakuloa, respectively, can be especially choked during rush hours, so plan your travel during between 9am and 4:30pm, or after 6:30pm.
Gold Card
A wide assortment of meals and activities can be purchased at up to 25-percent off for four people using the Activities and Attractions Association of Hawaii Gold Card. It’s good for one year and costs $30.
Beach safety
Hawaii has the second highest drowning rate in the country. The following site offers continuously updated conditions and hazards at specific Maui beaches.
Local cuisine
Don’t miss the island’s ‘ono (delicious) local specialties – malasadas (sugar-coated donuts), loco moco (fried egg and gravy atop hamburger and rice), manapua (steamed bun), musubi (seaweed-wrapped rice) – a mélange of multicultural culinary delights. Also, stop at an okazuya, Hawaii’s equivalent of a deli. Try Sam Soto’s in Wailuku or Ajiyoshi in Kahului.
Underwater camera
Even inexpensive, disposable underwater cameras can capture precious memories, whether it’s a belly-flop entry into the resort pool or a turtle’s graceful glide past colorful reef fish.
Guard your valuables
Even paradise has an underbelly, and parking areas at popular attractions are high-theft areas. Try not to leave any valuables in your vehicle, not even in the trunk.
