Discover Maui
Beaches where turtles nap, a volcano above the clouds, waterfalls along the Road to Hana, and plate lunches worth planning a day around. MauiWowee is your insider guide to the Valley Isle.
An island of volcano summits, humpback whales and slow afternoons.
Maui is the second-largest of the Hawaiian Islands, and the one that manages to be everything at once: a sunrise crater above the clouds, a rainforest road that takes all day, calm reef beaches in the south and big surf on the north shore.
MauiWowee is a growing library of plain-English guides for people planning a trip, from first-timers choosing a region to repeat visitors hunting for a quieter beach. Start with the newest articles below, or browse by topic.
Fresh from the guide
The newest Maui articles: beaches, food, hikes, history and more, newest first.
Adventure, culture, and a long table
Three ways to spend your days on Maui, whichever kind of traveler you are.
Out on the water, up on the volcano.
- The Magic of Whale Watching Season on Maui: When Giants Return to ParadiseEach winter, the warm, shallow waters between Maui, Lānaʻi, and Molokaʻi become a nursery, playground, and stage for one of the ocean’s most extraordinary migrations.
- South Maui and Upcountry Trails: Hiking Haleakala’s Lava Fields and Forested SlopesHaleakala is more than a summit.
- West Maui and Central Maui Trails: Ridges, Rainforests, and Coastal ViewsThe West Maui Mountains and the central valley often get overshadowed by Haleakala, but hikers who explore these trails find a Maui that feels intimate, wild, and deeply alive.
- Learning to Surf on Maui: A Beginner’s Guide to Waves, Lessons, and Island AlohaMaui has a way of making surfing feel within reach.
More than a postcard.
Maui’s story runs from Polynesian voyagers to plantation towns to a Hawaiian culture that is very much alive. A little context makes every beach, trail and meal mean more.
- Experiencing Makahiki on Maui: A Season of Hawaiian Culture and CelebrationFor many travelers, Maui is a collection of postcard moments: sunrise atop Haleakala, the winding road to Hana, sea turtles in clear water.
- Aloha ʻĀina: Hawaiian Culture and Traditions for a Mindful Maui TripMaui is more than beaches, rainforests, and scenic drives.
- Museums, Heritage Sites, and Cultural Centers: Understanding Maui Beyond the BeachThe Bailey House Museum in Wailuku is one of the best places to begin.
From plate lunch to poke to a long table.
Maui eats well: local plate lunches, fresh fish, shave ice, island coffee and craft cocktails. Here are a few places to start.
All Maui food & drink
Sip Your Way Through Maui: Breweries, Wineries, and Craft Cocktails
Maui has a way of slowing you down.
The Magic of a Maui Luau: Food, Fire, and Hawaiian Storytelling
A Maui luau is not simply a dinner and a show.
Maui After Dark: Happy Hours, Live Music, and Bars Worth Planning Your Evening Around
When the sun slides behind Lanai and the sky turns mango and lavender, Maui shifts into a gentler kind of nightlife.
See Maui in motion.
Sometimes a few minutes of footage says more than a page of directions. Press play and take a look around the island.
Quick answers about Maui
Five questions travelers ask us. Reload for another five.
What should I wear and bring on a Maui sunset cruise?
Bring a light jacket or sweater, because the ocean breeze can feel cool after the sun goes down. Wear soft-soled shoes, since some boats require you to remove them before boarding, and plan to arrive at the harbor at least thirty minutes early to check in and park. Pack a camera and reef-safe sunscreen, and if you're prone to motion sickness, choose a stable vessel.
When is the Upcountry Farmers Market and what can I buy there?
The Upcountry Farmers Market in Pukalani is a Saturday morning ritual. Arrive early for apple bananas, papayas, avocados, lilikoi, mangoes and starfruit, plus lychee or rambutan when in season. You'll also find fresh fish, poi, honey, tropical flowers, baked goods and prepared foods like breakfast burritos and Thai curry, so bring cash, reusable bags and a cooler if you're driving far.
How can I tell if a Maui plate lunch spot is good?
Look for places with a line of pickup trucks, a menu board taped to the wall and daily specials that sell out before mid-afternoon. Ask what is fresh, try the kalua pork at least once, and order a mixed plate if you're curious. Don't skip the mac salad, which on Maui is creamier and less sweet and balances salty, fried or gravy-heavy mains.
What should I ask before booking a vacation villa on Maui?
Ask about steep driveways, unheated pools, the real distance to the beach, and whether the ocean view is a sliver between buildings or a full horizon. Also check the total cost, since cleaning fees, taxes, resort fees, parking, and minimum-night stays can change it significantly. Read recent reviews for mentions of road noise, roosters, construction, and host responsiveness.
Do I need a reservation to watch sunrise at Haleakala?
Yes. Every vehicle entering the Summit District between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m. needs a sunrise reservation, which is released online in advance and sells out quickly, especially during holidays and summer. If you miss one, sunset is a great alternative that requires no reservation. You still pay the entrance fee, which is valid for three days and also covers the Kipahulu District.
Planning a Maui trip? Tell us about it.
Send a note with a few details: when you’re going, who’s coming and what you like to do. Questions, corrections and ideas for new guides are welcome too.
- Tell us when and who. A month and a group size are enough to start.
- Pick a trip style. Beach and relaxation, adventure, culture and food, or a bit of everything.
- Ask anything. Beaches, hikes, where to stay, when to go.