Planning a Trip

Maui has so many places to explore, things to do, sights to see -- it can be bewildering to plan your trip with so much vying for your attention. Where to start? That's where I come in. In the pages that follow, I've compiled everything you need to know to plan your ideal trip to Hawaii.

I strongly advise you to fly directly into Maui; doing so can save you a 2-hour layover in Honolulu and another plane ride. If you're heading to Molokai or Lanai, you'll have the easiest connections if you fly into Honolulu.

Next, be sure to read my descriptions of the various areas of Maui, to make sure that the destination matches your dreams. Maui accommodations can vary from landscaped luxury resorts in sunny, dry areas to romantic lush tropical rainforests.

And finally, I recommend booking a rental car as soon as you make your plane and hotel reservations. Due to the downturn in the economy, car rental agencies have cut back on the number of available cars.

Daylight Saving Time  -- Since 1966, most of the United States has observed daylight saving time from the first Sunday in April to the last Sunday in October. In 2007, these dates changed, and now daylight saving time lasts from 2am on the second Sunday in March to 2am on the first Sunday in November. Note: Hawaii does not observe daylight saving time. So when daylight saving time is in effect in most of the U.S., Hawaii is 3 hours behind the West Coast and 6 hours behind the East Coast. When the U.S. reverts to standard time in November, Hawaii is 2 hours behind the West Coast and 5 hours behind the East Coast.