Sun. Surf. Poke — what’s not to love about Maui? As 2018’s #1 Trending Destination, we’re seeing this island paradise gain momentum — searches were up 51% this year. Maui also heralds in a new era: this is the first time in two years that a US destination has made our Trending Destinations list (and did so by coming in at #1).
If you’re planning on a Maui vacation, here are a few things to know that’ll help you confidently plan your trip:
1. When to book?
We recommend booking at least 3 months ahead. This is typically the sweet spot, with median airfare coming in at $576.
2. Who’s visiting?
Basically everyone. With airlines opening new routes, Maui is becoming even more accessible and more affordable to travel to, bringing a wide variety of people to the island (for weddings, honeymoons, family, etc). The beauty of Maui is that it truly offers something for every type of traveler. You can choose from stunning beaches to outdoor adventures to a fantastic culinary scene. Plus, the culture and history of the island makes it perfect for any type of trip or occasion: solo excursions, girlfriend getaways, bachelor trips or family jaunts.
3. What is there to do in Maui?
Buckle up because here’s just a quick list.
- The Road to Hana: The #1 tourist attraction on the island is a 64.4-mile long stretch of Hawaii Routes 36 and 360 which connects Kahului with the town of Hāna in east Maui. From jungles to waterfalls, Road to Hana is a stunning scenic experience you don’t want to miss. The best tip we can give is to take your time to explore and take it all in – there is so much to see you can really choose your own adventure. One can’t miss stop is the Garden of Eden. While admission comes with a price tag ($15), it’s well worth it. You’ll get 26 acres of lush trails including Keopuka Rock Overlook (shown in the opening of a certain dinosaur movie), a 100-year old mango tree, local art gallery and more.
- Volcanoes: Mt. Haleakala is one of Maui’s biggest attractions. It’s visible from nearly any point in Maui with breathtaking views of the landscapes, as it’s the island’s highest peak. Do yourself a favor and set your alarm clock to catch the sunrise. Just be sure to reserve entry before you go – as of February last year, reservations are now required.
- Take in the beaches: Maui has over 30 miles of stunning beaches with white, red and black sand. Participate in a myriad of water activities from scuba and snorkeling experiences to surfing and whale watching. If you’ll all about that sun-and-sand, Ka’anapali Beach and Wailea Beach are two of the most popular beach spots for tourists.
4. When’s the best time to travel to Maui?
Maui’s high season (most crowded time to visit) is from mid-December through March or mid-April, when the weather is bad everywhere else. The offseason, however, is usually when better rates are available and the islands are less crowded. That’s in spring (mid-April to mid-June) and fall (September to mid-December). Lucky you, this also happens to be when Hawaii has its best weather. If you’re feeling especially thrifty, go in September. Our data shows that you can score the best hotel and flight deals then. Median hotel rates are at their lowest for $309 per night – a steal compared to winter months when the median hotel rates are upwards of $400. Flights, too, follow suit with a median airfare of around $560.
5. Which airlines added routes to Maui in 2017?
In 2017, United added flights to Maui from Denver, Chicago, LA and San Francisco. That makes up to 40 daily flights from the mainland to the Aloha State. Delta just recently added flights to Maui from Salt Lake City. American also increased its service from LA to Maui. Hawaiian Airlines just announced it was adding flights between San Diego and Maui beginning in May 2018. SouthWest is looking to add routes from the US to Hawaii in 2018. So you’ve got options.
So there you have it: the information that’ll help you plan your Maui trip with confidence. And, as always, we’re right here to get you started.
