Maui, HI

Maui travel guide

Haleakalā sunrises and the Road to Hana

Find flights to Maui See fares from $210

Airports: OGG Kahului Airport
Region: Hawaii & Alaska
Best time to visit: April–May and September–early November are dry, calm and cheaper.
Shortest flight: 5h 25m from San Francisco
Round trips from: $210 (live)
Time zone: Pacific/Honolulu

About Maui

Maui divides into resort coasts and wild interior. South Maui (Kihei, Wailea) is sunny and beachy; West Maui (Kaanapali, Kapalua) has the classic resorts and calm winter whale-watching; Upcountry sits on Haleakalā's slopes; and the Road to Hana winds along the lush eastern coast. Lahaina's historic town was destroyed by the 2023 wildfire and is rebuilding — respect closures and support local businesses.

Getting in: Kahului (OGG) is 30–45 minutes from Wailea and 45–60 minutes from Kaanapali. Almost everyone rents a car; reserve early, because Maui's fleet sells out in peak weeks and rates jump. Shuttles (SpeediShuttle, Roberts Hawaii) cost $40–$70 per person to West Maui.

Stay in Wailea for luxury resorts, Kihei for condos and value, Kaanapali for the resort strip and Napili for a quieter West Maui base. Fresh poke, banana bread stands on the Hana road and the Upcountry farm scene keep lunch at $12–$20; resort dinners run $60–$100 per person. Reserve Haleakalā sunrise permits (recreation.gov) up to 60 days ahead.

Best time to visit

April–May and September–early November are dry, calm and cheaper. December–March is whale season with higher prices; summer is warm and busy with families.

Where to stay

Neighborhoods our travelers like: Wailea, Kihei, Kaanapali, Napili / Kapalua, Paia / Upcountry.

Flights to Maui: typical round-trip fares

What economy round trips to OGG usually cost from major US cities, alongside the lowest live fare we can see in the next 90 days. Prices are per traveler and include taxes.

From	Flight time	Typical fare	Lowest live fare	Actions
Los Angeles (LAX)	5h 45m	$328	$225 · Tue, Oct 6	Search dates →
San Francisco (SFO)	5h 25m	$338	$210 · Tue, Oct 6	Search dates →
Seattle (SEA)	6h 5m	$368	$289 · Tue, Dec 8	Search dates →
Denver (DEN)	7h 35m	$468	$290 · Tue, Oct 6	Search dates →
Dallas (DFW)	8h 15m	$498	$277 · Tue, Oct 6	Search dates →

Typical fares are editorial estimates for economy round trips booked 3–8 weeks out. Live fares refresh several times a day and are shown for the cheapest departure date we found.

Airports in Maui

Kahului Airport (OGG)Kahului · Medium airportOGG

What to do in Maui

The places our editors send first-time visitors.

1
Haleakalā sunrise
Watch dawn from 10,023 feet above the clouds; sunrise reservations required, and it's cold — bring a jacket.
2
Road to Hana
64 miles, 620 curves and 59 bridges of waterfalls, black-sand beaches and banana bread; start by 7am and take the whole day.
3
Molokini snorkeling
A crescent volcanic crater with 150-foot visibility; morning boat trips from Maalaea harbor.
4
Kaanapali Beach
Three miles of golden sand with the Black Rock snorkeling spot and sunset cliff diving at the Sheraton.
5
Whale watching
Humpbacks fill the Auau Channel from December to April; boat trips leave from Maalaea and Kaanapali, and you can often see them from shore.

Maui weather by season

Average highs and lows in °F, with what each season means for fares and crowds.

Winter

80° / 65°

Whale season; occasional rain on the north shore.

Spring

82° / 66°

Dry and calm — best value.

Summer

87° / 71°

Warm and sunny; trade winds in the afternoon.

Fall

86° / 70°

Warm water, fewer visitors.

Travel tips for Maui

Reserve a rental car the day you book flights — Maui runs out in peak weeks.
Haleakalā sunrise permits are $1 per car on recreation.gov, released 60 days out and again two days before.
Drive the Road to Hana clockwise and don't try to reach the far side after dark.
Condos in Kihei with kitchens cut food costs dramatically; Costco is next to the airport.
Some West Maui areas remain closed as Lahaina rebuilds; check current guidance and be respectful of the community.

Maui flights: frequently asked questions

Which cities have nonstop flights to Maui?

Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland, Seattle, Portland, Phoenix, Denver, Dallas/Fort Worth, Salt Lake City and Las Vegas, plus seasonal service from Chicago and others. From the East Coast you'll connect on the West Coast or in Honolulu.

Is Maui open to visitors after the Lahaina fire?

Yes. Kaanapali, Kapalua, Kihei, Wailea and the rest of the island welcome visitors, and tourism supports the recovery. Historic Lahaina town itself remains closed as it rebuilds.

Do I need a car on Maui?

Yes for almost every trip — the beaches, Haleakalā and Hana are spread across the island and public transit is limited. Book early; rental cars sell out.