Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP) is a joint civil-military airport located about 10 miles from both Minneapolis and St. Paul. It can conveniently be reached by highways 5, 77 or 62. Flights usually last for 11 to 12 hours to Kahului (OGG), and upon arrival in Maui, you will be near to highways 36 and 37 for transport around the island.

Attractions

Haleakala National Park is situated on the slopes of an inactive 10,000-foot high volcano, and the entire island can be viewed from its summit. Iao Valley State Monument was formerly used by natives as a pilgrimage site for worship, but is now a popular excursion for tourists. The rock formation known as Iao Needle is a 2,200-foot high pointed rock formation, rising up above the valley.

The Maui Ocean Center houses several full aquariums that display fish, stingrays, coral and turtles, and offers educational talks on the migration of humpback whales and other marine life. Kaanapali Beach is generally considered the finest beach in the area, with an open-air shopping area and numerous fine hotels, shops, restaurants and golf courses nearby.

Hints and tips

Most places on Maui receive little rainfall but when it does occur showers tend to be light and short-lived. Temperatures are warm throughout the year, and humidity is often high, so it is best to be prepared for high heat and mugginess.