Where is the best side of Maui to stay?

Initially developed in the 1960s, West Maui remains one of the most popular destinations to stay and play on the island of Maui. Here you'll now find the resort area of Ka'anapali stretches along the coastline here. Ka'anapali also hosts most accommodations and eateries on the island's west side.



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Maui's North Shore is less developed, less crowded, has cooler days, and is in a more natural state than the popular resort areas of South and West Maui.

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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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There is a wet and a dry side to the Island. 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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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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According to tourism statistics, the typical length of stay on Maui is about eight days (pre-covid), the most of any Hawaiian Island. While you can certainly explore the island faster than that, a week would set a proper pace.

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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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Do I need a car to get around on Maui? You can get around Maui by shuttle, tour bus, taxi or public transportation. But to really experience Maui, you should consider reserving a rental car in advance from the Kahului or Kapalua airports.

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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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Maui's North Shore beaches are at their prime in July and August when the waves are swimmer-friendly and much smaller than during the island's renowned winter swells.

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While only a 45 minute drive from Honolulu, Oahu's North Shore is a far cry from the bustling city streets of the state's capital city. Known for its pristine beaches, big wave surfing, bucket list snorkeling, and so much more, anyone visiting Oahu should have the North Shore on their itinerary.

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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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There are 18 neighborhoods in Maui. Wailea has a median listing home price of $3.3M, making it the most expensive neighborhood. Paukukalo is the most affordable neighborhood, with a median listing home price of $650K.

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Visiting Maui for 5 days is not enough, but it is a good length of time to see the highlights, or for a first trip. In this guide, I've put together for you the perfect Maui 5 day itinerary to spend the most amazing 5 days in Maui.

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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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According to data from the Hawaii Tourism Authority, if you want to visit Maui with the fewest crowds, you should visit in January, February, September, October, or November. The busiest months on Maui are March, June, July, August, and December.

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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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According to data from the Hawaii Tourism Authority, if you want to visit Maui with the fewest crowds, you should visit in January, February, September, October, or November. The busiest months on Maui are March, June, July, August, and December.

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Most visitors don't come to Maui when the weather's best on the island; rather, they come when the weather is at its worst everywhere else. Thus, the high season—when prices are up and resorts are often booked to capacity—is generally from mid-December through March or mid-April.

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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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Can you wear jeans in Hawaii? Sure, you can wear jeans in Hawaii. But unless you're going up to the summit of Haleakala you'll probably be more comfortable in almost anything else due to the balmy temperatures and humidity. I have visited Hawaii in every season and never wished I had jeans with me.

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