Which side of Maui is less touristy?


Which side of Maui is less touristy? 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.


What is the best beach on Maui for locals?

Ho'okipa Beach Park is an extremely popular spot for locals.


What is the most affordable part of Maui?

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.


What is the roughest beach in Maui?

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.


Which side of Maui is the dry side?

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.


Is Maui less touristy?

In 2021, Honolulu, Oahu, saw a total of 3.3 million visitors, while neighboring Maui received fewer at 2.3 million. Despite this, these two destinations are by far the most-visited across the Hawaiian islands, which makes it much easier for guests to find places to stay and things to do.


Is North Shore or South Shore better in Maui?

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.


What to stay away from in Maui?

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.


Where not to swim in Maui?

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.


What do locals wear in Maui?

Shorts and Tees: Most people wear shorts and t-shirts in Maui. Women also favor tank tops with shorts, or lightweight sun or maxi dresses. Fabrics like light linen and cotton are best because they are cool and breathe easily. Neutrals and the occasional floral means everything will “go with” everything.


What beach has the bluest water in Maui?

Hamoa Beach You might see this scenic spot if you take the popular Road to Hana drive, or if you're looking for a place to get in some snorkeling. The bright blue water draws surfers, swimmers, and snorkelers to its crystalline expanse. There's still plenty of sunbathing and camping to be done on shore, though.


What is the most expensive part of Maui?

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.


Where is the nicest area in Maui?

Wailea: For high-end lodgings, look no further than Wailea. This area includes several incredible beachfront resorts, condo complexes, a lovely outdoor mall, and several quality restaurants. Our favorite luxury resorts include the Four Seasons Maui, Hotel Wailea, the Wailea Beach Marriott, and the Grand Wailea.


Where is the prettiest water in Maui?

There's plenty of gorgeous water to be found at Maui's beach parks, but the clearest is in Honolua Bay, especially during the summer. Honolua is Hawaiian for “two harbors,” and the bay was originally used to receive ships and unload supplies.


What is the cheapest month to go to Maui?

If you're looking for the best deals on accommodations, spring and fall are the cheapest months to visit the island because demand is down. This means the island is less crowded as well, which is another benefit of visiting during these months. Our personal preference is April - May.


How do you avoid crowds in Maui?

  1. Skip the beach and head to the mountains.
  2. Take the Road to Hana and stay overnight.
  3. Experience local voluntourism.
  4. Try a local market or hole-in-the-wall restaurant.
  5. Find a secluded beach.


Where to avoid driving in Maui?

Kahekili Highway One of the most dangerous roads in Maui is also considered one of the most dangerous roads in the country. This is Kahekili Highway, also known as State Highway 340. Drivers navigate rocks to one side and steep cliffs on the other for about 20 miles between Kapalua and Wailuku.


How many days in Maui is enough?

The average visitor to Maui spends 8.1 days on the island. How long you should stay depends on what you want to do, but you should plan to spend a minimum of five days on Maui.