RESERVATIONS“When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” In other words, skip the highly “touristy” areas like others do. Get settled into Hawaiian Time and experience the Valley Isle Vibe.
Preparation
Whether it’s your first trip or your fifteenth, it never hurts to research a few customs and a bit of lingo. This demonstrates your interest in visiting and respect for the land and culture. Words like:
- Aloha, meaning “hello” or “goodbye”
- Mahalo, or “thank you”
- Ohana, meaning “family” or “close friends”
Learning a few words go a long way for friendliness in Maui, along with the “shaka” hand gesture, a fist but with your thumb and smallest finger outwards.
Leis are traditional. If someone wants to put a lei on you, it’s rude to refuse.
If “meat and potatoes” is you, Maui and Hawaiian cuisine may be a surprise. Maui does have a variety of interesting places to eat, so it’s important to know what you’ll find here. Poke, Kalua Pig, Huli Huli Chicken, Poi, and Spam Musubi are to us what burgers and fried chicken are to folks on the Mainland.
What’s Happening?
Search online for festivals and other happenings to plan some of your itinerary. Websites like Maui Information Guide have information on local community events and festivals you can include into your stay. Like to volunteer? You can find volunteer opportunities on Maui, too.
Maui’s independent radio station, Mana’o Radio, 91.7 FM offers music and info about events coming to Maui. Listen to great music online with their streaming player or the smartphone app. The radio is staffed by people who live here.
Packing for Maui
When packing your suitcase, make sure you have plenty of comfortable summer clothes, flip-flops or sandals, and at least one bathing suit. Men should pack plenty of loose-fitting or board shorts and bright Hawaiian shirts. Women can do the same or alternate with tank tops, shorts, and colorful sundresses made of cotton and linen for comfort in the tropical climate. Include some reef-friendly sunscreen or get some when you arrive.
Dress like a local and you’ll be comfortable wherever you go. It’s also a safety measure: obvious tourists can become targets for pickpockets and scammers.
Where To Go
It’s easy: go where tourists don’t. That sounds simple but takes some research. Plan a brief itinerary and learn how to get to each location beforehand, including public transport or getting a rental car.
The Road to Hana is the obvious option (and it’s how you get to Hana Kai Maui anyway.) You can also plan to visit:
- Haleakalā National Park, for Sunrise or Sunset (advance reservations required)
- Waiheʻe Ridge Trail, a local 4.4 mile hike with incredible scenery (start early)
- Waiʻānapanapa State Park, just outside of Hana (advance reservations required)
- Keawala’i Church in Kihei
- Sacred Garden of Maliko, Makawao
- ONO Organic Farms in Hana, family owned and operated, offering private tours Monday through Friday.
These are just some of the local getaways we enjoy here. Our staff can help you find more local places we like to visit ourselves—just ask.
Hana Kai Maui For Your Maui Getaway
When it’s time for you to visit Maui, call us to book your next reservations at 1-800-346-2772, or book directly online. We’re open 8:00 am to 8:00 pm Hawaii time to answer all your questions. Get in touch today to begin reserving your visit to Hana Kai Maui.
