Getting to Maui

Kahului Airport (OGG) is the Maui’s main airport. There are two smaller commuter airports as well: Kapalua Airport (JHM) in West Maui and Hana Airport (HNM) in East Maui. Many airlines offer non-stop flights direct to Maui. You may also fly into Honolulu International Airport (HNL) on Oahu before heading to Maui on a short, 30-minute flight. There is also daily ferry service to and from the nearby islands of Airport Travel Tips

• Check-in baggage is limited to 2 per person.
• Carry-on baggage is limited to one piece, along with one personal item such as notebook computer bags, purses, briefcases, cameras, etc.
• Be careful not to have overweight baggage; U.S. weight restrictions when flying domestically are 50 pounds, 70 pounds when flying internationally. The flight from the continental U.S. to Hawaii is a domestic flight.
• Hang identification tag on your baggage and affix an identifying label on your laptop.
• When departing from Hawaii, all baggage must first pass through Agriculture Quarantine before proceeding to the airline counter for check-in. It is best not to bring fruit or other plants, unless you show proof that you are allowed to export them. Without proof, fruits, vegetables and plants will not clear Customs and will be confiscated.
• Once you check-in for your flight, you must go through a security scan. You must have your boarding pass and identification or passport ready.
• Follow the recommended airport arrival and boarding time given by your airline or travel agency. It’s always best to arrive at the airport early.

Staying on Maui

There are a wide range of accommodations on Maui, including high-end resorts, hotels, bed and breakfasts, and rentals. You’ll find resorts and hotels in Kaanapali,Lahaina, Kihei, Makena and Wailea on Maui’s sunny western coast as well as one resort inHana in east Maui.

Anytime of year is a good time to visit Maui. The average temperature here is between 75˚-85˚ F. Summer, between April and November, is warmer and drier while winter, between December and March, is a bit cooler. Trade winds keep things comfortable year-round. It is generally drier on the western (leeward) side and wetter on the eastern (windward) side.

Traveling on Maui

You can get around Maui by shuttle, tour bus, taxi, or public transportation. But to really experience all that Maui offers you should consider reserving a rental car in advance from the Kahului or Kapalua Airport.

Currency Exchange

Hawaii’s currency is the U.S. dollar. You can exchange currency at Kahului Airport (OGG), at the other major neighbor island airports, and at resort destinations. Major credit cards are widely accepted and ATM machines are plentiful. Traveler's checks are accepted at many businesses.

What to Pack

It's warm in Hawaii, so pack your summer attire. You may want to bring a jacket or sweater for the evenings. Bring warmer clothes if you plan on visiting higher elevations like Haleakala National Park. Suits and ties are very rarely worn here. Bring some casual dress clothes or resort wear if you plan on experiencing Hawaii's nightlife. You can buy an aloha shirt and flip-flops (or slippers, as the locals call them) when you get here.

Tipping

U.S. standards on tipping apply:
Restaurants: 15-20%. Check to see if “gratuity” is included for large parties
Bar: $.50-$1 US per drink
Housekeeping: $1 US per bed, per night
Luggage porters: $1 US per bag
Doorman: $1 US for calling a taxi
Room Service: 10-15% of the total bill
Taxi: 15% of fare

Language

The official languages of Hawaii are English and Hawaiian, although Hawaiian is not commonly spoken. Major resort areas often have customer service representatives who speak Japanese.

Internet and Electricity

Internet access is readily available in Hawaii. Electricity in the U.S. is 120 volts (120 v) at 60 cycles (60 Hz) per second. If your device does not accept this voltage, you may need to purchase a voltage converter.

Agricultural Inspection

The U.S. Department of Agriculture enforces strict rules regarding the exportation of uninspected plants and animals and requires a declaration form for each person arriving in Hawaii. When departing, your luggage must pass a pre-flight screening for uninspected fruits and plants. You are welcome to take inspected fresh flowers and fruits home. Items purchased at the airport or mailed home form local vendors are inspected for you.

Useful Phone Numbers and Links:

The area code for the state of Hawaii is (808)
Ambulance/Police/Fire Department: 911
Maui Visitors Bureau: (808) 525-MAUI (6284)
Kahului Airport Visitor Information: (808) 872-3893
Marriage License: (808) 586-4545
Hospitals: Maui Memorial Medical Center: (808) 244-9056, Hana Community Health Center: (808) 248-8294