Island in Hawaii, United States
Maui
Hawaii's favorite island for beaches, whale watching, Road to Hana and Haleakala sunrise. A car is essential; very expensive, quiet nights and housing shortages after the 2023 Lahaina fire limit stays.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$4,600–6,600Comfortable, one person · $4,600–6,600Details
- Value for money5/100Better value than 4% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goApr–May, Sep–OctWarmest: Sep, 22°CDetails
- Air quality2 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2021) · Meets the WHO guidelineDetails
- Internet307 MbpsFixed broadband, United States medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTap water is safe and comes from aquifers and mountain streams; avoid drinking stream water on hikes.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: spoken almost everywhereDetails
- Doctor's visit$170–350Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberYou'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards work almost everywhere; carry cash for farm stands, roadside food trucks on the Road to Hana, and beach vendors.Details
Where to stay in Maui
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Kihei | Affordable condos, beaches and snorkelling |
| Wailea | Upscale resorts and calm beaches |
| Paia | Boho beach town, windsurfing and cafés |
| Kaanapali / Napili | Resort beaches on the west side |
| Upcountry (Makawao, Kula) | Cool, quiet stays with ranch and farm views |
Apps that work in Maui
Ride-hailing
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: iMessage/SMS
- Transit: real-time public transport in most cities
- OpenTable: restaurant reservations
- Taxis: Rideshare can be hard to find in Hana, Upcountry and late at night. Pre-book taxis or rent a car.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in United States.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards work almost everywhere; carry cash for farm stands, roadside food trucks on the Road to Hana, and beach vendors.
- ATMs: Bank ATMs charge foreign cards about US$3–5; standalone ATMs in shops often more. Decline the ATM's currency conversion.
- Tipping: Expected: 18–20% at sit-down restaurants, 15–20% for taxis and rideshare, US$1–2 per bar drink, US$2–5 per night for hotel housekeeping.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely accepted. Venmo, Cash App and Zelle generally need a US bank account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Visa Waiver travellers need an approved ESTA (US$40) before departure; apply only at esta.cbp.dhs.gov, ideally 72+ hours ahead.
- CBP has proposed making five years of social-media identifiers mandatory on ESTA; check the form's current questions and answer truthfully.
- Presidential proclamations since June 2025 restrict entry for nationals of a growing list of countries; check travel.state.gov before booking.
Emergency numbers
Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · All emergencies 911
Plugs
Type A, B · 120 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Prepaid SIMs at carrier stores, Walmart and Target, roughly US$25–50 for 30 days; no ID usually needed. A travel eSIM is easiest. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in United States
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- Washington, D.C.Capital city
Going to Maui solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Maui meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- Maui Bus (County of Maui Department of Transportation)
- Hawaii Department of Transportation Airports (OGG)
- Maui Visitors Bureau
- Maui Health
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.