When it’s finally time for your long-awaited vacation to the Valley Isle, you’ll be ready to relax, and throw caution to the (trade)winds. While it’s certainly your time to relax and enjoy the sun, sea, and sand, there are a few things to keep in mind during your trip to Maui to keep you safe, secure, and healthy!
- Wear sun protection
Nothing ruins that vacation vibe quicker than a painful sunburn, and if you spend any time at all on Maui, you’ll be sure to see a few on some regretful folks who neglected their sunscreen. Wear it everywhere—not just when you’re on the beach!—and re-apply it often. - Stay up-to-date on ocean safety
Every year, visitors to Maui drown while snorkeling, swimming, or participating in many other ocean activities. Other visitors are tossed by strong waves (leading to serious injuries), or swept out by strong undertows. Our advice: stick to calmer beaches if you’re not an experienced swimmer, research life-guarded beaches before you head out, obey all warning signs posted near the shore, and never turn your back on the ocean. Read more about ocean safety, and stay up to date on alerts here. - Keep your valuables secure
Maui is notorious for break-ins, and while everybody is at risk (even Maui locals), rental cars are easily spotted and targeted. Whenever you park your rental vehicle, lock whatever you can’t take with you in the trunk, and lock your doors. Don’t leave anything visible on the seats, and, if at all possible, bring your valuables with you. - Drive safely
While it’s a relatively small community, Maui does have some serious traffic occasionally. When driving roads that are unfamiliar, be vigilant and drive defensively; don’t get distracted by trying to take in the sights while you’re behind the wheel! If you’re set on experiencing the Road to Hana, consider taking a tour rather than driving it yourself; that way, you can focus on the waterfalls, foliage, and views, rather than navigating all the hairpin turns! - Explore wisely
When hiking, jogging, or just generally exploring Maui, keep an eye out for potentially dangerous situations. Never go off-trail when hiking, and keep your own skill level in mind before venturing down a new path. While waterfalls and still ponds may be inviting, be wary, and never dive into shallow pools!
Of course, we wouldn’t be able to cover all the safety concerns to take into consideration while visiting Maui, so take these tips as a jumping-off point to do your own research. While Maui is certainly a place to have lots of fun—especially outdoors—remember that it’s a natural environment, with all the dangers that can come with nature. Be safe, have fun, and leave the island with only happy memories!