A FEW WORDS ABOUT MAUI

Just say the word "Maui" and images of tropical breezes, blue ocean waters, sandy beaches and lush foliage come to mind.  All of this is true, and then some.

You will find Maui to be a welcoming, world class vacation destination.  The locals are friendly and helpful and willing to give visitors assistance in getting around their Island.  However, one caution, remember that Hawaii is the 50th state in the United States and the local people do not take kindly to remarks such as "back in the States" and the like.

Travel around Maui is almost all by personal automobile.  There is virtually no public transportation on the island, so renting a car is a must when visiting Maui.  Most of the major car rental companies have operations on Maui with locations at the main airport.  You should be sure to make advance reservations before you get to the island as there are a limited number of cars on the island and if they are all reserved previously you could have a supply problem if you don't have a reservation.  This is particularly true during the "high" season.  The key to economical car rental is to reserve your car is to shop for a car on line considerably before your trip is scheduled.  Rental rates change frequently, and can vary widely so do your homework.

Maui has a good network of roads covering most of the island.  They are paved and well maintained with traffic control markings and  driving rules as you would have on the mainland.  One thing that you will notice are the street names, which are mainly in Hawiian.  That means that the names will be long and somewhat strange at first.

WHERE TO STAY

A major concern when visiting Maui is deciding where to stay on the Island.  In general you will find that the western side of the island is relatively dry and sunny and is where most of the major resorts and condominimum buildings are located.  Even then, you must also think about if you want to stay "ocean side" or somewhat removed from the shore.  As you would think, Ocean side will be more expensive.  At that you will find accomodations which are "ocean front", ocean side, ocean view and a lot of more imaginativly described sub divisions.  All that means is that you need to ask, and be sure that you fully understand where your accomodations are relative to the ocean, so you won't be disappointed when you find that in order to see the ocean from your "ocean view" room, that you have to stick your head out of the window to see it two blocks away.

There are definate tourist seasons on Maui.  In general the "high season" is from December 15th through April 15th.  The rest of the year is the "regular season".  You will find that during the high season the island is more crowded and some things are from somewhat to very much more expensive.  Lodging is one thing that can sometimes double in price during the high season.

One other option is to reserve accomodations "upcountry".  That means locating on the side of the extinct volcano, which is in the center of the Island.  This volcano is name Haleakla.  It is about 10,000 feet above sea level and it provides a distintively different experience on Maui.  There is a national park there which, if you enjoy hiking and other outdoor activities could be very enjoyable, and quite economical.

ACTIVITIES

Maui offers all of the world class vacation activities that you can imagine, and some that you never heard about.  You will find no end of activity brochures easily available throughout the island.  Again, to get the most economical actilitys for your travel group you must shop aroung.  There are travel agencies that will gladly recommend and book your reservations for everything from sailing adventures, through submarine rides, through dinner and sunset cruises and luaus.  Here, you can be economical, or you can be extravagant.

Of course, ocean activities play an important part of Island activities.  Maui has many world class beaches, and by law, all are public beaches.  Here you can do everything from simply sun bathing to snorkeling (free stuff) to scuba diving, kayaking, parasailing and much, much more.

SUMMARY

In short, you will find that Maui has something for everyone.  It is called "Magical Maui", and I am sure that you will be enchanted with your Maui experience and if you are like so many other visitors to the "Valley Island" you will be planning your return visit as soon as you get home from your vacation.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT  Traveling to Maui on a Budget