Maui, USA

Compiled by FatPassport's travel experts

Dream vacation destination for families and couples
Maui, USA

Many Travelers? Huge Tourist Crowds
Likes: Sightseeing and daytime activities galore
Dislikes: Crowds in summer; little nightlife

The Hawaiian island of Maui enjoys a well-deserved reputation as one of America's top vacation destinations, both for families and for couples looking for a romantic island getaway.

There’s plenty to do - sightseeing, scuba diving, surfing, hiking, golfing - although the most popular activity, by far, is doing absolutely nothing at all. A lot of first-time visitors spend most of their time soaking up the sun and enjoying some quality rest and relaxation on wonderful beaches such as Kaanapali.

Must-dos on the island of Maui include diving and snorkeling off the Molokini islet; taking a drive along the scenic road to Hana; strolling in historic Lahaina town; and watching the sun rise from the summit of Haleakala. If you're into hiking, Haleakala National Park offers some of the world's best. Whale watching is another popular activity, available from late December to mid-April.

Vacationing in Maui can be a bit pricey. Airfare and accommodations are fairly steep, some of the activities are a little expensive, and a rental car is a must in order to get around. There are often some good package deals that can reduce the pain.

Certain parts of Maui are very touristy, although nothing compared to Waikiki on the main island of Oahu. The locals are friendly, and aside from the liberal use of pidgin English and a few difficult-to-pronounce place names, visitors to Maui won’t encounter any language difficulties as in more exotic international destinations.

The weather in Maui is excellent year-round with sunny skies and temperatures in the mid-80s – perfect beach-going weather. In the summer, temperatures can go as high as the 90s, but the ever-present trade winds help to keep the heat from becoming unbearable.

In Maui, the winter months are cooler, with a fair amount of rain. The beaches may not be as crowded as in the summertime, but gray skies and passing showers are not uncommon. When it comes to surf conditions, the winter swells bring formidable waves that should be avoided by all but the most experienced surfers.

Not surprisingly, summer is Maui’s busiest season. The roads are a bit more congested, beaches and attractions tend to become very crowded by midday, and hotel and rental car rates are significantly higher. Honeymooners and couples looking to spend a quiet, romantic weekend alone may want to avoid the summer months.

While there are tons of daytime activities available on the island of Maui, there’s no real nightlife to speak of. Options are limited, with only a handful of clubs open after midnight. There is, however, one notable exception in regards to nightlife - Halloween night in Lahaina, the “Mardi Gras of the Pacific,” which attracts some ten thousand costumed revelers each year.

For the majority of travelers, a week spent in Maui should be more than sufficient. First time visitors to Hawaii may want to consider island hopping, spending three days on one island before moving on to the next.

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