7 Things People From Phoenix, AZ Might Not Expect When Visiting Maui
Phoenicians, this one’s for you.
Thanks to those handy direct flights from Sky Harbor International to OGG, more people are visiting Maui from Phoenix than ever. But when Phoenix dwellers trade the desert for the tropics, they’re met with a handful of surprises.
Are you a Phoenician planning your first visit to Maui? Don’t get caught off guard. Here are seven things people from Phoenix don’t expect when visiting Maui for the first time.
The Intensity of the Humidity
Phoenix residents are well-acquainted with high temperatures. Summertime highs of 115°F make Maui’s low 80s look like a breeze, but many first–time visitors underestimate the impact of the humidity.
Take it from someone who travels between Arizona and Maui: dry heat is much more tolerable than humid heat.
The humidity on Maui makes the air feel heavier and the heat more intense. Visitors from the desert often struggle to adjust to Maui. The most helpful tip I can offer is to stay extremely hydrated—because you’ll be sweating more than usual.
The Need For Extra Sunscreen
With an average of 300 sunny days a year, people from Phoenix are no strangers to the sun. That’s why many Phoenicians are surprised when they get a searing sunburn on their first day on Maui.
Since Maui is closer to the equator than the mainland states, the UV index is higher. The ocean’s reflection can also increase exposure, so lathering up in SPF is even more critical if you’re spending time on a boat or at the beach.
Tip: use more sunscreen than you usually would, reapply more often, and cover up as much as possible. Maui sunburns are no joke.
The Sunscreen Laws
And on that note…
If you’re from Phoenix, you probably don’t have to think twice about what sunscreen you slather on on a summer’s day. But believe it or not, there are actual laws about what type of sunscreen you can use here on Maui.
Leave the orange tube of Banana Boat at home. Mineral sunscreen is the only type of sunscreen available for sale and use here on Maui. All other types of chemical sunscreens were outlawed in October 2022.
Why? To help preserve the reef. Chemical sunscreens can damage young and vulnerable corals, while mineral sunscreens have less of an impact. Mineral sunscreens are better for you, too! Luckily, you can find mineral sunscreen for sale in just about every convenience store and supermarket on Maui – with lots of locally made options.
The Local Wildlife (And Lack Thereof)
Desert-dwelling wildlife like coyotes, javelinas, and snakes are the norm in Phoenix. That’s why Phoenicians might be surprised to learn that Maui has seldom land-dwelling animals—save for a few ungulates brought by Polynesians and Western explorers.
The good news? Phoenix residents don’t have to worry about sneaking up on a snake while hiking on Maui. Yes, Maui (and all Hawaiian Islands) is void of snakes.
Instead, marine life proliferates on Maui. You can look forward to seeing turtles, eels, tropical fish, and humpback whales in season. If you’re extra lucky, you might spot dolphins, manta rays, or even a Hawaiian monk seal.
The Variability in Weather
There’s a saying on Maui: If you don’t like the weather, just wait five minutes.
In Phoenix, weather patterns are pretty predictable, with little variation throughout the year. But Maui’s weather is significantly impacted by trade winds and a multitude of microclimates.
As you move from one part of the island to another, you’ll notice subtle – and sometimes drastic – changes in the climate. It might be hot, sunny, and still in South Maui while it’s howling wind and pouring rain on the North Shore.
Sometimes, it even snows on the summit of Haleakala, proving that you can experience four seasons in a day on Maui.
The Culinary Delights
Phoenix has recently come into its own as a foodie destination – where tacos and Sonoran hot dogs abound.
Maui might not have the resources of a large city, but we can hold our own when it comes to culinary delights. Phoenicians will be pleasantly surprised by the quality and creativity of food on Maui. And trust us, the poke here is better, fresher, and more authentic than anywhere in Phoenix. Move over, Koibito Poke.
While good Mexican food is hard to find on Maui, we recommend turning your focus to island cuisine. Eat your way through Maui’s food truck lots and visit famous local establishments like Sam Sato’s or Tin Roof for a taste of the islands.
The Craft Beer Connection
Phoenix is a craft beer city, through and through. There are dozens of craft breweries in Phoenix and the surrounding areas. Four Peaks, the oldest and largest craft brewery in Arizona, is even based in Phoenix (well, technically Tempe, but we’ll take it).
And wouldn’t you know it… the largest craft brewery in Hawaii is based on Maui: the esteemed Maui Brewing Company. Craft-beer-drinking Phoenicians might not have expected much from Maui’s beer scene, but it’s surprisingly solid. In addition to Maui Brewing Company, the island boasts two other award-winning breweries: Kohola Brewery and Mahalo AleWorks.
So there ya have it, folks. Phoenix-dwellers, remember what we learned today. Next time you visit Maui, slather on the reef-safe sunscreen, pour yourself an ice-cold glass of Maui Brewing Company beer and get comfortable on your lanai as you adjust to the humidity.
Visiting soon? Check out our Maui activities page for great things to do. We hope to see you soon!
