Maui: The Jewel of the Hawaiian Archipelago

• HelloAloha
  [ah-loh-hah]
• GoodbyeA hui hou
  [ah hoo-ee hoh-oo]
• YesʻAe
  [ah-eh]
• NoʻAʻole
  [ah-oh-leh]
• Please/You're welcomeE ʻoluʻolu
  [eh oh-loo-oh-loo]
• Thank youMahalo
  [mah-hah-loh]
• Excuse me/SorryE kala mai
  [eh kah-lah my]
• How are you?Pehea ʻoe?
  [peh-heh-ah oh-eh]
• Fine. And you?Maikaʻi. A ʻoe?
  [my-kah-ee ah oh-eh]
• Do you speak English?ʻOlelo ʻoe i ka ʻōlelo haole?
  [oh-leh-loh oh-eh ee kah oh-leh-loh hah-oh-leh]
• I don't understandʻAʻole wau i lohe
  [ah-oh-leh wow ee loh-heh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMakemake au e ike i ka papahana, e ʻoluʻolu
  [mah-keh-mah-keh ow eh ee-keh ee kah pah-pah-hah-nah eh oh-loo-oh-loo]
• I don't eat meatʻAʻole au i ʻai i ka ʻiʻo
  [ah-oh-leh ow ee ah-ee ee kah ee-oh]
• Cheers!Hauʻoli!
  [how-oh-lee]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMakemake au e uku, e ʻoluʻolu
  [mah-keh-mah-keh ow eh oo-koo eh oh-loo-oh-loo]

• Help!Kōkua!
  [koh-koo-ah]
• Go away!E hele aku!
  [eh heh-leh ah-koo]
• Call the Police!Kele aku i ke kānāwai!
  [keh-leh ah-koo ee kay kah-nah-wye]
• Call a doctor!Kele aku i ke kauka!
  [keh-leh ah-koo ee kay kow-kah]
• I'm lostWau i ʻoihanai
  [wow ee oy-hah-nah-ee]
• I'm illWau maʻi
  [wow mah-ee]

• I'd like to buy...Makemake au e kūʻai...
  [mah-keh-mah-keh ow eh koo-ah-ee]
• I'm just lookingʻO wau wale nō e nānā
  [oh wow wah-leh noh eh nah-nah]
• How much is it?Heaha kēia?
  [heh-ah-hah kay-ee-ah]
• That's too expensiveʻO ka nui kēia
  [oh kah noo-ee kay-ee-ah]
• Can you lower the price?Hiki iāʻoe ke kīʻai i ka uku?
  [hee-kee ee-ah oh-eh keh kee-ah-ee ee kah oo-koo]

• What time is it?He aha ka manawa?
  [heh ah-hah kah mah-nah-wah]
• It's one o'clockʻEkahi wale nō
  [eh-kah-hee wah-leh noh]
• Half past (10)ʻUmi me ka hapaha
  [oo-mee meh kah hah-pah-hah]
• MorningKakahialiʻi
  [kah-kah-hee-ah-lee-ee]
• AfternoonAuinalā
  [ow-ee-nah-lah]
• EveningAhiahi
  [ah-hee-ah-hee]
• YesterdayPōʻino
  [poh-ee-noh]
• TodayKēia lā
  [kay-ee-ah lah]
• TomorrowʻApōpō
  [ah-poh-poh]
• 1ʻEkahi
  [eh-kah-hee]
• 2ʻElua
  [eh-loo-ah]
• 3ʻEkolu
  [eh-koh-loo]
• 4ʻEhā
  [eh-hah]
• 5ʻElima
  [eh-lee-mah]
• 6ʻEono
  [eh-noh-noh]
• 7ʻEhiku
  [eh-hee-koo]
• 8ʻEwalu
  [eh-wah-loo]
• 9ʻEiwa
  [eh-ee-vah]
• 10ʻUmikūmākolu
  [oo-mee-koo-mah-koh-loo]

• Where's a/the...?ʻAuhea ka...?
  [ow-heh-ah kah]
• What's the address?He aha ke kūkākūkā?
  [heh ah-hah keh koo-kah-koo-kah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Hiki iāʻoe ke hoʻololi iaʻu (ma ka palapala ʻāina)?
  [hee-kee ee-ah oh-eh keh hoh-oh-loh-lee ee-ah-oo mah kah pah-lah-pah-lah eye-nah]
• When's the next (bus)?ʻAia i hea ka hopena (ʻaʻole)?
  [eye-ah ee heh-ah kah hoe-peh-nah ah-oh-leh]
• A ticket (to ....)He kāleka (i...)
  [heh kah-leh-kah ee]

The island of Maui, known as the 'Valley Isle,' was first settled by Polynesians over a thousand years ago. These early settlers established thriving communities, developed sophisticated agricultural systems, and built impressive heiau (temples). They lived in harmony with the land, practicing sustainable fishing and farming techniques that have left an enduring legacy on the island.

Maui holds a significant place in Hawaiian mythology, named after the demigod Maui who is said to have fished the Hawaiian Islands out of the sea. According to legend, Maui slowed down the sun to lengthen the days, helping his mother to dry her kapa (bark cloth). These stories are integral to the cultural fabric of the island, symbolizing the deep connection between the Hawaiian people and their environment.

In 1778, British explorer Captain James Cook became the first European to record contact with the Hawaiian Islands. Although he did not land on Maui, his arrival marked the beginning of increased Western interest and eventual colonization. The subsequent years saw the arrival of traders, whalers, and missionaries, profoundly altering the island’s social and economic landscape.

In the late 18th century, King Kamehameha I sought to unify the Hawaiian Islands under his rule. Maui was a central battleground in this quest. In 1790, the Battle of Kepaniwai took place in the Iao Valley, where Kamehameha's forces clashed with Maui's warriors. The battle was fierce, leaving many casualties, but ultimately resulted in Kamehameha’s victory and the eventual unification of the islands.

The arrival of Protestant missionaries in the early 19th century brought significant changes to Maui. They established schools, churches, and introduced Western education and Christianity to the local population. The missionaries’ influence extended to social, cultural, and political aspects of life on Maui, leading to the adoption of Western customs and the decline of traditional Hawaiian practices.

The mid-19th century saw the rise of the sugarcane industry on Maui. Plantations sprang up across the island, transforming the economy and landscape. This period attracted a diverse workforce from China, Japan, Portugal, and the Philippines, creating a multicultural society that still characterizes Maui today. The industry dominated the island’s economy until its decline in the late 20th century.

During World War II, Maui played a strategic role in the Pacific theater. The island hosted military bases and training facilities, including Camp Maui, which was home to the 4th Marine Division. The war brought an influx of military personnel and resources, significantly impacting the local economy and infrastructure. Remnants of this era, such as bunkers and airstrips, can still be found on the island.

The latter half of the 20th century saw Maui's transformation into a major tourist destination. The development of resorts, hotels, and tourist attractions revitalized the island’s economy. Today, Maui is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, outdoor activities, and rich cultural heritage, attracting millions of visitors from around the world each year. The tourism industry continues to evolve, balancing economic growth with the preservation of the island’s unique environment and traditions.

Maui is accessible by air, with Kahului Airport (OGG) being the primary airport. It serves direct flights from major U.S. cities, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and others. Additionally, there are inter-island flights from Honolulu, the capital of Hawaii. Once you arrive at Kahului Airport, you can reach your accommodation via rental car, taxi, shuttle service, or public bus.

Maui offers various transportation options. Rental cars are popular for their flexibility, but book in advance during peak seasons. Maui Bus provides public transportation with routes covering major towns and attractions. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available but can be costly for long distances. Biking is another option, especially for short trips in bike-friendly areas like Lahaina and Kihei.

The official currency is the U.S. Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are plentiful, but it’s advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and remote areas. Traveler’s checks are less commonly used but can be cashed at most banks and hotels.

Maui is generally safe for tourists, but exercise standard precautions. Petty theft can occur, particularly in tourist hotspots like Lahaina and Kihei. Avoid leaving valuables in parked cars and be cautious in isolated areas. Some areas, such as parts of Kahului and Wailuku, have higher crime rates, so be extra vigilant there. Always stay informed about local conditions and heed any warnings.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for ambulance, police, or fire services. Maui Memorial Medical Center in Wailuku is the main hospital for serious medical issues. Pharmacies are available in most towns for minor health concerns. Always have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For natural disasters like hurricanes, follow local advisories and have an emergency kit ready.

Fashion: Do wear casual, breathable clothing suitable for tropical weather. Avoid overly revealing swimwear when not at the beach. Religion: Do respect local customs and be mindful when visiting religious sites. Public Transport: Do be courteous and give up your seat to elderly or disabled passengers. Don’t eat or drink on the bus. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Aloha'. Eating & Drinking: Do try local Hawaiian dishes such as poke and laulau. Don’t refuse food offerings, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Maui like a local, visit farmers' markets where you can find fresh produce and local crafts. Participate in community events and cultural festivals to immerse yourself in Hawaiian traditions. Try dining at local 'plate lunch' spots for authentic Hawaiian meals. Respect 'kapu' (sacred) sites and learn about their cultural significance. Engage with locals, who are often eager to share their knowledge about the island.