Travel tips · Maui · United States
Maui travel tips: what to know before you go
The etiquette, money and practical details that make the first day easier.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Niagara66, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Maui's culture is rooted in Native Hawaiian traditions and in the plantation era that brought Japanese, Filipino, Chinese and Portuguese workers, whose foods and words shaped local life. Respect for the land (ʻāina) and ocean runs deep. Lahaina, once the royal capital, was largely destroyed by the August 2023 wildfire; residents are rebuilding, and visitors should follow official guidance about the area.
Key facts
- Language
- English and Hawaiian
- Currency
- USD
- Plugs
- Type A and B sockets, 120 V, 60 Hz
- Tap water
- Tap water is safe to drink; treat stream water before drinking.
- Emergency
- 911 (police, fire, ambulance, ocean rescue)
Things to know
- Do not enter areas of Lahaina affected by the 2023 fire unless officially permitted, and do not photograph damaged homes.
- Never touch, chase or approach sea turtles or monk seals; keep at least 3 metres from turtles and much more from seals.
- Respect 'kapu' (keep out) and private property signs, including on the Road to Hāna.
- Do not take lava rocks or sand home, and do not stack rocks at sacred sites.
- Pull over to let faster local traffic pass on narrow roads, and wave a shaka as thanks.
- Book Haleakalā summit sunrise ahead: Sunrise visits require an advance vehicle reservation from the National Park Service on top of the park entrance fee; book as soon as your dates are set.
- Book Waiʻānapanapa State Park ahead: Non-resident visitors need an advance entry and parking reservation for a specific time slot.
- Book Molokini Crater snorkelling ahead: Reserve a day or more ahead in winter and on holidays; trips may be cancelled for wind.
- Stay in Kīhei and rent a condo with a kitchen to save on both rooms and meals.
Tipping
Tip 18–20% at sit-down restaurants, $1–$2 per drink, 15–20% for taxis and ride-hailing, and 15–20% for snorkel, whale-watching and tour crews, who rely heavily on tips.
Language
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Aloha | Hello, goodbye and love |
| Mahalo | Thank you |
| Mauka / makai | Towards the mountain / towards the sea |
| ʻOno | Delicious |
| Pau | Finished, done |
| Kapu | Forbidden, keep out |
What to wear
Casual resort wear almost everywhere; bring a fleece, hat and gloves for the cold summit of Haleakalā and a rain jacket for East Maui.
Practical details
- Plugs and voltage
- Type A and B sockets, 120 V, 60 Hz
- Drinking water
- Tap water is safe to drink; treat stream water before drinking.
- Emergency number
- 911 (police, fire, ambulance, ocean rescue)
- Phone and internet
- Good mobile coverage in towns and resorts; coverage drops along the Road to Hāna, in Kīpahulu and parts of Haleakalā, so download offline maps.
- Time zone
- Pacific/Honolulu
Ocean conditions are the biggest risk: shorebreak, currents and high surf cause many visitor injuries, so swim at lifeguarded beaches and when in doubt stay out. Flash floods can turn streams dangerous within minutes on the Road to Hāna, and car break-ins at trailheads are common. The Haleakalā summit is cold and at high altitude.
Entry requirements
Visa and passport rules depend on your nationality and change often. Check United States's official government guidance and your own government's travel advice before booking.
Plan the trip
Questions travellers ask
+Do you tip in Maui?
Tip 18–20% at sit-down restaurants, $1–$2 per drink, 15–20% for taxis and ride-hailing, and 15–20% for snorkel, whale-watching and tour crews, who rely heavily on tips.
+Can you drink the tap water in Maui?
Tap water is safe to drink; treat stream water before drinking.
+What plugs are used in Maui?
Type A and B sockets, 120 V, 60 Hz
+What language is spoken in Maui?
English and Hawaiian.