First Glimpse of Maui, Hawaii: Arrival Tips for Travelers

When we finally traveled to Hawaii for our dream trip, the first stage was flying into Maui and settling into our accommodations. Join us as we share the first glimpses of Maui and our arrival experience.

Before describing our first day in Maui, there’s an important bit of backstory you should know.

I had been looking forward to this trip for months. I researched destinations, shopped for the perfect swimsuit, agonized over what to pack in my carry-on, and borrowed a passport holder to make travel days easier.

The night before our early morning flight I decided to check my passport expiration date—just to be certain everything was in order. The date I saw made my stomach drop: the passport expired April 13, 2013, and we were flying on April 10.

There was no time to waste. After an anxious few internet searches with little clear direction, we decided to proceed to the airport and take it step by step. My husband stayed calm and practical, reminding me the worst-case scenario would be that I wouldn’t be allowed to board. We accepted that and moved forward.

Flying into Maui from the United States posed no immigration issue for entry, so we arrived in Kahului without a problem. The real complication was returning home to Canada, and that became our top priority as we planned the rest of our trip.

Travelling to Hawaii: Arrival in Maui

Day One Itinerary: Fly into Kahului Airport

We landed at Kahului Airport around 8:30 p.m. It was already dark and we felt travel-weary; the three-hour time difference made it feel much later. From the airport we drove roughly 40 minutes to our condo in the Kaanapali Beach area.

That night we made a quick grocery stop for a snack, paying about $12 for a box of crackers and a small block of cheese—an amusing introduction to island prices. On the way out, a man on a moped dressed in a Batman suit provided a moment of unexpected entertainment, which helped lighten the mood.

Getting settled into our Hawaiian accommodations

We rose early the next morning—around 5:00 a.m.—and decided to embrace the jet lag rather than fight it. When we opened the lanai door, we were greeted by a lush garden view and, in the distance, the ocean itself.

We had booked a garden-view room at the Papakea Resort in Kaanapali based on several strong recommendations from friends. Waking to palm trees and the sound of waves confirmed it had been the right choice.

We grabbed coffee and walked to the beach to dip our toes in the sand and enjoy warmer Pacific water—definitely not bathtub temperature, but comforting after a long travel day. That first stroll along the shoreline became our morning ritual for the rest of the trip.

We even found a favorite bench where we enjoyed our morning coffee while watching the sunrise. Mornings were peaceful and quiet; early hours meant fewer people on the beach and a calm start to each day.

A significant portion of Day One involved phone calls to resolve my passport issue. After several calls, we arranged for me to fly to Honolulu for a Monday afternoon appointment at the federal building—an unexpected detour but a plan that allowed us to continue enjoying Maui.

With that plan in place, we focused on relaxing and making the most of the island, trying not to let worry overshadow the start of our vacation. The passport concern lingered in the back of my mind but didn’t dominate our time; we didn’t worry about it again until the night before our unplanned trip to Oahu.

Places to eat and see in Maui

Lunch at Kimo’s in Lahaina — we sat where the ocean waves lapped near the dining area, a memorable seaside meal.

Grocery shopping at Costco in Kahului — don’t miss fresh local pineapple when it’s in season.
We exchanged our first rental car due to a drivetrain issue and were surprised to be given a brand-new car as a replacement—our first time driving a new vehicle on vacation.
We sampled a fresh Krispy Kreme donut for the first time and loved it.
Evening shopping and strolling in Lahaina, where the galleries and shops made for a pleasant night out.