Voted \”Earth’s Best Island\” year after year in traveler surveys, Maui is a popular destination for a beach vacation. Here are some planning tips to ensure the holiday of your dreams.

1. When to go. High season on Maui is mid-December through mid-April. You may be surprised to learn, then, that that’s not necessarily when Maui has its best weather. Storms with heavy rains lasting one to three days occur mainly in the winter. The rest of the year, the weather is warmer but not overly hot. You’ll actually find the best prices and perfect beach weather in the fall and late spring.

2. How long to stay. Four days are enough to tour the island, but not enough to experience the island lifestyle. Try to stay 10 – 14 days. You’ll find yourself slowing down and mellowing to a Maui rhythm during a stay of that length.

3. Where to stay. Maui has few traditional hotels and almost no motels. The two main options are resorts (pricey) and condos (less expensive). Many condo complexes offer almost everything you’d want from a resort except resort prices and their add-on fees. For the best deal on a condo rental, book it directly with the owner.

4. Beach savvy. In Maui, no one owns the beach. Even at the most exclusive resorts, there is public beach access. You’ll find the public beaches, such as Kamaole Beach Park I, II or III, amazingly clean and well-kept. Unlike the resort beaches, these have restrooms, as well as lifeguards seven days a week.

5. Areas of Maui. West Maui (Ka’anapali and Lahaina) and South Maui (Kihei and Wailea) are the two most popular beach locations. Kihei is the least expensive of these, and its beaches are just as nice. Ka’anapali or Wailea offer more of a cocooned atmosphere, where you’ll see mainly other resort guests and few locals.

6. Rental car. Normally visitors rent a car upon arriving in Maui, but you can have a wonderful vacation without doing so. Just choose a condo at the beach that is located around plenty of restaurants. Then book day tours through any of the activity kiosks you’ll see, choosing operators who pick you up at your condo. Using this method of touring, you can go to the top of Haleakala, experience the road to Hana and enjoy snorkeling trips to Molokini or Turtle Town.

7. What to bring. Unless you spot a wedding party, you won’t see anyone wearing a tie during your whole trip to Maui. The island is casual and warm, both day and night. So you don’t need to pack a lot of clothing – just shorts and shirts, a pair of pants or a light dress, a bathing suit, a light jacket or sweater, sandals and sneakers. If you plan to visit Haleakala, which is more than 10,000 feet high, bring along a down vest or fleece. Consider bringing binoculars too, for watching whales and surfers.

8. Day planning. The ocean is calmest in the morning before about 10 o’clock, so that’s when you should plan to swim, snorkel and take boat tours. Every evening, there’s a spectacular sunset, and you’ll want to watch the sun sink right into the ocean. Afternoons in Maui are perfect for sitting by the pool or sightseeing.

When you plan your vacation well, you’ll accomplish everything you hoped during your stay in Maui, including that elusive goal of pure, delightful relaxation.

Melinda Makawani loves Maui. Find out about an ideally located owner-rented condo in Kihei (South Maui) that is just steps from the beach, within easy walking distance of shops and restaurants and often has last-minute availability for beach-loving vacationers: http://www.mauibanyancondorental.com

Melinda Makawani loves Maui. Find out about an ideally located owner-rented condo in Kihei (South Maui) that is just steps from the beach, within easy walking distance of shops and restaurants and often has last-minute availability for beach-loving vacationers: http://www.mauibanyancondorental.com

Author Bio: Melinda Makawani loves Maui. Find out about an ideally located owner-rented condo in Kihei (South Maui) that is just steps from the beach, within easy walking distance of shops and restaurants and often has last-minute availability for beach-loving vacationers: http://www.mauibanyancondorental.com

Category: Travel
Keywords: south maui,kihei,beach,condo,kamaole,travel,planning,trip,maui,vacation