A vacation to Maui is the trip of a lifetime – a wonderful, beautiful, and fun experience you will never forget. Research and plan your activities to maximize your time on "The Valley Isle." As soon as I knew we were going to Maui, I spent hours online reading blogs and looking up info on all the places I wanted to visit. However, we learned so much more while in Maui, and I wanted to share that information with anyone who will be staying in the future. Here are the top tips you need to know before journeying to this tropical paradise.

***After the wildfires of 2023, there are several critical things to remember.

1. First and foremost, please exercise respect, etiquette, and thoughtfulness for the Maui community and its environment. 100 people lost their lives in the wildfires, and their families and loved ones will never be the same.

2. While Maui welcomes tourists with open arms, most of Lāhainā is still recovering and will be for years. Certain areas are closed off to the public, and out of respect for all those affected, people should not take pictures of the area, even from afar.

3. Your visit supports Lāhainā's ability to rebuild and Maui's economy. Support local businesses and buy locally. Visit mauinuifirst.com for suggestions.

4. While relief efforts continue in West Maui, you can make a donation to help families and communities recover through the Maui Strong Fund. Hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/maui-strong

Rent a Car

While Maui does have a public bus transportation system, there are only 13 routes, and waiting for the bus can take up a lot of time. In addition, you'll need your own transportation to get to places like Hāna, Kula Botanical Garden, Ocean Vodka Organic Farm and Distillery, or Ali'I Kula Lavender. Having a car allows you to travel at your own pace and not miss out on any activities you really want to experience.

Stay Hydrated

It may seem obvious, but you must stay hydrated in the hot Hawaiian sun. This is especially true on West Maui near Lāhainā and Kā’anapali. (Lāhainā literally means "merciless sun" in Hawaiian.) In the summer, temperatures in Maui reach the high 80s, and with little to no cloud coverage on most days, the sun is relentless. Always have a water bottle with you (I love my ThermoFlask), a hat or ball cap, and a portable fan.

You Must Use Reef Safe Sunscreen

In 2018, Hawaii passed a law banning the sale and use of sunscreens containing chemicals that contribute to the bleaching and destruction of the state's coral reefs and other ocean life. Even a tiny amount of oxybenzone and octinoxate can leach coral of its nutrients. You can buy reef-safe sunscreen when you get to Hawaii or bring some from home. We used Blue Lizard and Thinksport on our trip, and each one worked great.

Motion Sickness on the Road to Hana is Real

The Road to Hana is a must on any traveler's to-do list, with lush vegetation, breathtaking views, and fun activities. That being said, motion sickness is very real due to the slow speed limit and countless twists and turns. To combat this, Dramamine or some ginger before starting the journey can make all the difference. Jaws Country Store, one of the first stops on the Road to Hana, sells the famous Hana Tonic, a unique, organic concoction that provides fast-acting relief for motion sickness. Finally, while you want to have your phone or camera out and ready to take pictures, staring down at the screen increases your chances of feeling nauseous and uncomfortable.

Keep Water Shoes in Your Bag, Always

While walking on the sand in bare feet is something everyone loves, there are certain instances where water shoes are a must-have. I.e., stubbing your top, stepping on rocks, walking on hot sand, etc. There are several beaches on Maui where I regretted not having my water shoes with me – I'm looking at you, Black Sand Beach. Water shoes also provide excellent arch support and extra traction when walking on slippery surfaces.

Watching Sunrises at Haleakalā Requires a Reservation

Maui's highest point is the crater at Haleakalā National Park. At just over 10,000 feet above sea level, it is the perfect place to watch the sunrise. However, you will need a reservation if you want to witness the sun rising from above the clouds. Reservations can be made online up to 60 days before your sunrise visit on recreation.gov and are only valid for the day reserved. Tickets are released daily at 7 AM HST and are for one vehicle. Don't delay – tickets go extremely fast, as only a certain number of cars are allowed up the summit each morning.

Explore Each Area of Maui

While the size of Maui is 729 square miles, each area of the island is gorgeous, beautiful, and unique. To get the most out of your trip, allow half a day to one full day for each area. The main areas are Central Maui, West Maui, East Maui, and South Maui. While there are several highways, some roads are the only thing that connects towns to other parts of the island. Allow for plenty of time, as traffic and accidents aren't uncommon. Be sure to have plenty of gas in the tank before you leave, as gas stations are less populated than on the mainland.

The Ocean is a Powerful Force of Nature

Rule #1 when spending time on Hawaii's beaches is "Don't Turn Your Back on the Ocean." Even when the water looks calm, it can change quickly, and Mother Nature is unpredictable. On all the islands, currents can easily pull you out, and undercurrents are random. Whether swimming, surfing, snorkeling, or just walking, be aware of your surroundings and help watch out for others. Check the current ocean and weather conditions, heed all lifeguard warnings, and be aware, not afraid.

Aloha and happy travels!