When it comes to the all-important question of where to stay in Maui, it ultimately comes down to this – the west side or south side. West Maui (Lahaina, Ka’anapali, Kapalua, and Napili) is where you will find the majority of big-name resorts and accommodation options. There are restaurants and nightlife, shops and plenty of things to see and do, making it a popular base for many travellers. South Maui (Wailea, Kihei, and Makena), on the other hand, walks the line between local and tourist with high-end resorts and places where you can escape the crowds. The good news is there’s no wrong answer here.

You’ll find glorious stretches of golden sand, calm and swimmable turquoise water and epic snorkelling spots dotted across both the west and south side of Maui. For more dramatic scenes with massive swells and craggy coastlines, the northern and eastern sides make for some pretty incredible sightseeing.

If you’re dreaming of a sun-soaked holiday, the good news is that Hawaii enjoys year-round sunshine, so there’s really no bad time to visit. The high season stretches from December to April, and again from June to August, so expect it to be busy. For slightly less crowded beaches, aim for the shoulder season.

If you do manage to peel yourself out of your sun lounge, there’s plenty to keep you occupied in Maui. Visitors can snorkel with sea turtles, take a surfing lesson, eat their way around the island, chase waterfalls, explore the rainforest, catch a sunrise from Haleakala National Park and attend a luau, to name a few!

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Although it’s the second largest Hawaiian island, Maui is still relatively small. In fact, you could drive around the whole island in 10 to 12 hours. That said, if you’ve come to Maui to experience the incredible culture, cuisine and soak in some breath-taking sights, a week would be ideal.

Lightweight clothing, a rain jacket for those unpredictable showers, comfortable shoes and swimmers is a pretty great start. If you’re planning on exploring the coves, a pair of reef shoes would be a good idea as some of the rocks can be sharp. Throw in a couple of party shirts and glamorous island ‘fits and you’re good to go.

This could be a whole article in itself! Some of the must-see Maui highlights are Napili Beach, the historic town of Lahaina, and if you’re up for an adventure, the remote town of Hana is ideal for chasing waterfalls and wandering in the rainforest. Molokini Crater is a dream for snorkelling while the vibrant nightlife in Kihei is a must for all Maui visitors. Haleakala National Park at sunrise is another Maui must, this is the kind of experience you’ll be retelling for years to come.

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