Book These Things Ahead Of Your Maui Vacation
Nothing beats the feeling of planning a vacation—the anticipation, the excitement, and the joy of having something to look forward to. But with all of that comes a lot of planning and preparation, some of which are crucial. If you’re planning a trip to Maui, it’s important to know what you NEED to book ahead of time in order to make sure everything goes smoothly. Here’s what you need to know!
Accommodations
The first thing you should book is accommodations. It can be difficult to find a place at the last minute since many hotels and vacation rentals are booked well in advance. Start by researching different accommodation options: beachfront villa? Affordable AirBnB? Luxury resort? Once you decide which type of accommodation best fits your budget and needs, start comparing prices and reviews online. This will help you find the perfect place for your stay. If you’re looking for lesser-known condos you can book direct, check out the Maui Accommodations Guide.
Flights
Airfare prices tend to fluctuate depending on seasonality and when tickets are purchased, so booking flights far in advance is always beneficial if possible. To save money, compare prices using different airlines before making a final decision. Additionally, don’t be afraid to use miles if you have them. If tickets are bought during certain times (like Tuesdays), you can find better rates. We really like using Google Flights to put our dates and specifics in, then have it watch and alert us as prices change. You’ll find pricing jumps up and down on the regular. So, definitely sign up for flight fare alerts that let you know when fares drop or go on sale.
Activities & Tours
Maui has plenty of activities that should be booked ahead of time, such as whale-watching tours, Road To Hana tours, luaus, snorkeling excursions, bike adventures, helicopter rides, etc. Waiting until the last minute could mean missing out on popular tours since they often fill up quickly! Some trips even require reservations to regions like Waiʻanapanapa State Park and sunrise at the summit of Haleakala National Park. If you book tours, you don’t have to worry about making these reservations on your own. Also, make sure to read reviews online before booking any activities or tours; this will give you an idea of what other travelers have experienced while visiting Maui.
Restaurants
Depending on the time of year, some restaurants are booked solid in advance. On the west side, Star Noodle is a good example. On the North Shore, Mama’s Fish House is booked a few months in advance year-round. Keep in mind you can often show up and hope for a table, but you better be ready to wait and get rejected.
Planning a vacation can be a bit overwhelming, but with proper preparation and research, it doesn’t have to be! When planning your next trip to Maui, make sure you book accommodations early as well as flights and other activities/tours so that everything goes according to plan. Most restaurants can be booked closer to the date, but a few select popular spots should be thought of early on. Doing this will ensure that your experience in Maui is stress-free and memorable! Happy travels!
