What is the difference between West and South Maui?

Compared to West Maui, you'll get to other areas of the island faster when driving from South Maui. From the airport, it takes around 30 minutes to get to South Maui. For a road trip to Hana, expect it to take 2 to 2.5 hours to get to Hana without stopping.



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For a more authentic feel, skip the mega-resorts of West and South Maui and head to the North Shore, East Maui, or Upcountry, where you're more likely to interact with locals than with tourists. Upcountry is the least touristy area.

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The south and west side of the island are known as sunny and dry areas while the north and east coast are much more wet and lush. Having said that, we should point out that even in the wettest locations on Maui, the rain is a hit or miss.

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What is Maui's South Side like? Maui's South Side is known for some of the island's most expensive real estate and its ultra high-end Wailea resorts. Nearby Kihei, just north of Wailea, is known for its relaxed beach town vibe and long stretch of sand. Both tourists and locals intermingle in Kihei.

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The best times to visit Maui are April through May and September through November. The spring and fall shoulder seasons provide the pleasant weather Hawaii vacationers seek without the high rates and heavy crowds that accompany the summer and winter.

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Wailuku: The Cheapest Place to Live on Maui Located in central Maui, Wailuku offers a lower cost of living compared to other areas on the island. In fact, according to the website Numbeo, the cost of living in Wailuku is 14% lower than in Lahaina, a popular tourist destination on the west side of the island.

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The south side of Maui, including the areas of Kihei, Wailea and Makena, is typically warm and dry, receiving less then 10 inches of rain per year. The west side, including Lahaina, Ka'anapali and Kapalua, receives more rain—nearly triple the amount.

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Visit Maui's Best Beaches
  • Makena Beach State Park.
  • Honomanu Bay.
  • La Perouse Bay.
  • Koki Beach.
  • Charley Young Beach.
  • Oneuli Beach.
  • Ho'okipa Beach Park.
  • Olowalu.


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Kaihalulu Red Sand Beach located on Maui is known to have rough water and is reported to be one of a handful of red sand beaches around the world. Makena Beach in Maui has the nickname of “breakneck beach” because the surf breaks right on the shore, making it very dangerous to swim in.

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Like anywhere, the more time you spend on Maui, the more you can see. I recommend at least one week in order to experience all that Maui has to offer. You can still get a flavor of Maui even if you just visit for one day. However, as a minimum, try to plan 3 to 5 days in Maui.

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23 Things NOT To Do While Visiting Maui
  • Don't touch/get too close to wildlife. ...
  • Don't forget the reef-safe sunscreen. ...
  • Don't ignore ocean warning signs. ...
  • Don't leave your shoes on when entering someone else's house. ...
  • Don't call your slippers “flip flops.” ...
  • Don't over plan. ...
  • Don't stand on the reef.


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Hawaii's hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30. This year, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts more cyclone activity in the central Pacific than usual, due to it being an El Nino summer.

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A week won't be too long at all. That gives you just enough time to get the aloha in your blood. On our last trip we stayed 10 days and had plenty to do. Theres lots of things to keep you busy...so you can pick a few days to be really active, and a few days to relax.

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There are two off-seasons on Maui: the spring and the fall. Spring on Maui is from April to mid-June with April and May being the quietest months. The average springtime temperatures on Maui are around 80 degrees.

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Pineapple Hill and Plantation Estates are the most exclusive locations for those who want the privilege of expansive land. The Plantation Estates surround the famous Plantation Golf Course and offer spectacular views of the course, the ocean, and the islands of Molokai and Lana.

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Most travelers stay in the leeward side of the island in West Maui or South Maui. Both of these areas have luxurious resorts, beautiful beaches, must-try restaurants and are in close proximity to many attractions. If you want some real seclusion, head to the remote area of East Maui for luxury in jungle.

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That said, Honolulu, on Oahu, is significantly cheaper than Maui. How significant? In December 2022, the average nightly rate for a hotel in Oahu was $202. In Maui, the average rate for a hotel was $410.

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