Top 12 Mistakes to Avoid When Planning Your Trip to Maui
As a local, I’ve really seen it all when it comes to tourists visiting Hawaii. I want everyone to have a magical experience and leave with many happy memories. I have my top 12 mistakes to avoid when planning your trip. But, I have your back with some tips on how to avoid these mistakes.
Let’s begin!
1. OVERSCHEDULING
If you’re only going to read one tip, let it be this one! It’s tempting to create a packed itinerary so that you can try to do it all while you’re here with your family. The truth is that your family will need downtime between your activities. Not only that, but packing your schedule doesn’t allow any flexibility. Maybe once you arrive, you hear about a cool spot you want to check out or a local restaurant that you have to try.
2. TRYING TO SEE TOO MANY ISLANDS
If you’re going to be here for a month or so, then, by all means, make plans to visit the other islands! But if you’re going to be here for a week or two, I highly recommend staying on one island, maybe two. It just takes a lot of time to travel between the islands, and that will eat into your trip. I also believe you could spend a week on every island and still feel like you’ve barely scratched the surface of what’s there. Wouldn’t you rather feel like you really got to know Maui?
3. NOT LEARNING A FEW HAWAIIAN WORDS/PHRASES
Learning a few Hawaiian words will really go a long way. Here are five that you should definitely know before your trip!
Aloha - hello
Mahalo - thanks
ʻOhana - family
Keiki - child
Kāne and Wahine - kāne is male and wahine is female. (This will be helpful when you’re looking for the restroom!)
4. VISITING DURING HIGH SEASON
I know this one you might not have as much control over. If you are planning a trip around spring break, then just know it’ll be much more crowded. If you have younger children or just have more flexibility in your schedule, I highly recommend coming just before and after peak season. Mid-December through March is considered peak tourist season.
5. NOT EATING/SHOPPING LOCAL
You gotta hit up the local establishments! Supporting local businesses is very important to me and our local economy (many are family-owned!). By eating locally, you’ll get to really get a taste of our cuisine. By shopping locally, you’ll be able to find something that you really can’t get anywhere else! Check out my top eight favorite restaurants for take out in and around Maui!
6. GETTING TOO CLOSE TO THE WILDLIFE
Please be respectful of the wildlife while you’re in Hawaiian. Always keep your distance and never touch a wild animal. Hey, I’ve been tempted, but it’s in everyone’s best interest to maintain a safe distance.
7. TAKING SHELLS/ROCKS HOME
With 10 million people visiting Hawaiian every year, could you imagine if all 10 million took a rock or a shell home? Please support local instead and find the perfect souvenir to bring home.
8. NOT CHOOSING HIKES FOR YOUR WHOLE FAMILY’S LEVEL
You may have certain hikes in mind, but don’t skip your research on them. Make sure the hike is at a level that everyone in your family can enjoy. Trust me; you don’t want to be stuck carrying your kid back down the trail!
9. NOT RESPECTING THE OCEAN
Please please please, be respectful to the ocean. Wear safe sunscreen, don’t litter, and be very cautious while swimming. If there’s a sign that says it’s not safe, then do not swim. You can still admire the beautiful views from shore and maybe dip your toes in the sand.
10. PLANNING A LATE DINNER/OUTING
If you are hoping for a late dinner, you might be out of luck. Many restaurants and shops close earlier than you might think. Many places will close even earlier on Sundays, so be aware of that!
11. NOT FOLLOWING/LISTENING TO ALL SIGNS
If there’s a sign, then there’s a reason it’s there! I’m surprised at how many tourists will ignore posted signs. You might see a sign that a trail/hike is closed, no swimming, or dangerous currents, and they are there for a reason! To keep you safe. Please always follow any signs that you see.
12. NOT BOOKING A VACATION PHOTOGRAPHER
Finally, the BIGGEST Mistake that I see?? Not booking a vacation photographer. You’re going to have so much fun on your Hawaiian vacation with your family! The worst thing you can do is return home with a professional full family photo on the beach. I’m talkin’ one you can print and hang on the wall to always remember your wonderful trip.
YOUR MAUI FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER
I would be honored to capture your family photos during your dream Maui vacation. Whether you’re traveling with small children or your entire extended family, I can get everyone smiling and laughing during your session with me. If you need more, here are specific reasons why you should book a family vacation photographer.
Mahalo!
