Aloha! 20+ must-read Maui tips and tricks

If you’re planning your big trip to Hawaii, you’ll need to check out these 25 Maui tips and tricks. Aside from awesome destinations on this beautiful island, there are other hacks that will help make your tropical vacation even better. So, take a look!

We were lucky enough to visit Maui, Hawaii for the first time last month. It was spectacular! But there were a few things that I wish I had known before our trip that would have been helpful. So, I’m passing these Maui tips and tricks on to you in hopes that your trip will be even more memorable.

Maui tip and tricks BEFORE you leave

• Haleakalā Sunrise: Tickets to watch the sunrise from the highest point in Maui need to be booked 7 days in advance.
• Warm clothes: It’s cold on the top of Haleakalā.
• Pronunciations: The names of the towns and locations are all in Hawaiian. Make sure you know how to pronounce them correctly.
• Reusable grocery bags: Bring your own from home. Most stores down use plastic bags
• Lodging with a kitchen: Dining out in Hawaii is super expensive. We used the kitchen in our condo to make breakfast and lunch every day. It saved us a lot of money.

• Sunscreen: You are only allowed to wear reef-safe sunscreen in Hawaii. If you purchase it on the island, it is a lot more expensive. Save some money and bring some from home.
• GoPro: You’ll want to capture all these underwater adventures. If you don’t have enough money for a GoPro, you can buy a waterproof case for your phone and still capture the fun.
• Dressy clothes: If you plan on attending a luau, you might want to bring some nice clothes for the occasion.

• Wailuku: This smaller town is a central town that is about 20 minutes away from everything on the island. Consider staying there. That’s where we stayed and we loved it.
• Coins: You may want to do a load of laundry and sometimes it’s hard to find spare quarters when you need it. Bring a few dollars worth in coins just in case.

Need-to-knows AFTER you arrive

• Book Luau last minute: We reserved a spot for a luau two hours before it was supposed to start and we got a significant discount. Instead of $110 per person, we only paid $60!
• Crime: Tourists are a big target in Hawaii. Don’t leave any valuables in your car ever.
• ABC Stores: These stores are all over Hawaii and they are the best place to find souvenirs at an affordable price.
• Road to Hana App: For only $7, this step-by-step driving tour was well worth the money. It made this day-long adventure much more enjoyable.
• National Park Pass: You’ll buy this pass for $30 at the end of the Road to Hana. But it only lasts three days, so make sure you do Haleakalā before your pass expires.
• Maximize your daylight: It gets dark around 6 p.m. in Hawaii and everything closes. So, it’s worth it to wake up early so you can take advantage of the entire day.

Experiencing paradise

• Jeep or convertible: There’s something about driving around Hawaii in an open-air vehicle that is freakin’ awesome.
• Food trucks: We found that our favorite food to eat was at all of the food trucks. Some of our favorites were Shaka Tacos and Thai Mee Up.
• Waihee Ridge Trail: Most flights leaving Maui are red-eyes, so if you’re trying to kill time your last day after you check out of your hotel, this hike is a-mazing!
• Store your luggage: Most hotels will allow you to store luggage in their lobby the day that you check out. That way you don’t have to leave it in your rental car and risk it being stolen while you’re out sightseeing before your flight home.
• Sea Turtles: If you want to see a bunch of sea turtles resting on the beach, check out Ho’okipa Beach Park. If you want to swim with sea turtles, check out Po’olenalena Beach Park.

What other Maui tips and tricks do you have? Leave your comments below.

Related link: How to throw a Hawaiian luau?