5 Tips To Planning Your First Trip To Maui!

Growing up I’ve been taught that if you plan something, and then have a backup plan or two, when the event comes by, youʻll just have to follow the plan and only fix what happens the day of the event.  I havenʻt used that teaching all the time, but when it comes to traveling, I do.

Going to Japan, Germany, Norway, England, Mexico City, and many more places I had plans upon plans. I had time scheduled to do specific things, and time to do random things. It helped me maximize my time, my relaxation, and my money. 

Here are my five tips to planning your vacation here on the beautiful island of Maui:

  1. Book Things In Advance:

No matter if you’re planning a year ahead or booking a last minute flight, booking things as far in advance as possible is THE BEST/GREATEST/HIGHLY PUSHED tip we can give you.  As an activities company, we have our luaus booked months in advance. So to try and get seats for your family of 8 to a luau the next day is almost impossible.  

Know who is going with you, and then do research on the activities.  Some will allow you to book 6 months in advance. If they are able to do so, you should take advantage of that!  Not just luaus, but all the activities you’re wanting to do. The best part, you donʻt need to make sure you have money for these activities when you’re in Maui, because you already paid for it!

  1. Learn About Maui:

Learning about where you’re going just makes it more real.  For some of you, it will calm down some of that anxiety about going to a new place. For others, youʻll go down a rabbit hole of education that is not taught anywhere else but Hawaiʻi.  Youʻll appreciate your visit more if you do a little research about Maui.  Letʻs help you out with some quick pointers.

  • Maui is the second-largest of the Hawaiian Islands
  • The island of Maui is 1.3 million years old.
  • The island of Maui has a population of about 144,000 people. 
  • It is located between Oahu and the Big Island and offers a mix of quiet countryside and high-end resort areas. 
  • Apart from the natural wonders, you can experience fine dining and lots of shopping here. 
  • Maui County consists of 4 islands. Maui, Molokai, Lanai, and the uninhabitable Kahoʻolawe.
  1. Driving Time:

The roads in Hawaiʻi in general are misleading.  The islands may look small, but it can sometimes take you hours to get to your destination. We suggest you keep an eye on whatever traffic notification app you use and plan accordingly.  What looks like only 22 miles is 22 miles on a 1 way in/1 way out road, with everyone other tourists going to the same location you are. 

  1. Plan ahead:

Planning ahead is the main theme of this blog post, and for good reason too.  We’ve heard a lot of stories that people got to their luʻau late and didnʻt get to eat, or they totally missed their luau because they were still coming back from Hana. PLEASE plan ahead so that you donʻt miss out on any of the activities youʻve planned. Just to throw in a big hint here about planning, the Road To Hana is most likely an all day event. So, plan to have a relaxing dinner, but donʻt plan anything expensive.

  1. Go with the flow:

Things happen and we can’t change it.  It does rain in Hawaiʻi, heck we even have storms and hurricanes. Once, I was in the middle of a hail storm and almost tornado!  Our suggestion is to just go with the flow.  If your luau rains out, you’re still in Hawaiʻi… Go play in the rain on the beach! No one knows who you are, but they will see that youʻre having the time of your life, because you are!  You on Maui!!  Most people donʻt leave their hometown yet cross half of the Pacific Ocean to play at the beach in the rain!  


Valentineʻs Day in Maui

Ok, It’s the last week of January, and we’re still winding down from New Years.  GUYS! Did you know Valentine’s Day is about a few weeks away at this point!? Have you figured out what you’re doing? Coming to Maui was a lot already, but seriously, if you haven’t planned anything for the 14th then get clicking! I/We have some ideas for you if you haven’t gotten anything yet.

Dinner Cruise:

We have three (3) different dinner cruises for you to choose from. Another positive about booking a dinner cruise is that it is still whale season.  You may get a cruise that will also have a whale show!  Right now we will highlight one of them.

The first we have is the Calypso Sunset Dinner Cruise that launches from Maalaea. Book Maui’s newest, most comfortable and smooth power catamaran, for an unforgettable sunset cruise over the pristine Maui waters, while spoiling your taste buds on a delicious dinner which includes options such as fresh fish, Prime Rib, Baby Back ribs and more! Also included are live music, unlimited beverages and two alcoholic drinks per adult. 

Luau:

Ok, So you’re wanting to get dinner, show, and experience an authentic Hawaiian Luau. Sunset, luau buffett, ocean view, your loved one next to you while saving money.

An authentic Polynesian revue at Wailea Marriott’s Te Au Moana Luau and enjoy Ohana seating status, where the sooner you book, the better seating you’ll have. The Te Au Moana luau is guaranteed to deliver you and your guests a fun and memorable evening of authentic Hawaiian and Polynesian entertainment, delicious food, unlimited beverages, Hawaiian games, the Imu ceremony and much, much more! Due to its popularity, this luau will sell out in advance, so book early.

Bike Ride:

Imagine you and your significant other experiencing the thrill of riding downhill starting from 6,500 feet through awesome views of Maui. Riding down Haleakala where you will have the opportunity to encounter beautiful landscapes and explore Makawao town, all at your own pace! This tour does not go to the summit of Haleakala, you will start your riding journey from the entrance to the National Park. 

You will meet the crew of Maui Mountain Cruisers at their bike shop in Paia where you’ll enjoy a light snack before heading up the mountain for your bike adventure. Your tour includes all gear, custom built bikes and narration on your way to the starting place, so you will get all the information to make the most of your experience together.

ATV Riding:

Are you a pair of adventurous people.  Would riding an ATV in the West Maui Mountains seem like the best way to spend your Valentine’s Day?

Get ready for an awesome thrill ride that will take you up and down the West Maui Mountains. You will start 2,500 feet high, and travel down to sea level. You’ll enjoy the incredible views of waterfalls, the Pacific Ocean on your side, views of rugged sea cliffs and more! Participants who are under 16 and/or without a valid driver’s license or permit may take advantage of riding with Maui Mountain Activities’ professional guide on their UTV and enjoy the same unforgettable adventure as those driving the ATV’s. Your adventure includes free refreshments (ice water, sodas and juice).

These are just some of the few activities you can book through us here at MauiActivities.com.  Give us a call at 808-214-1013 or email us at activities@mauiactivities.com with any questions or concerns you may have.