Maui: What to Know Before You Go

Short answer: book your timed entry reservations for Wai'anapanapa State Park (Black Sand Beach on the Road to Hana, opening 30 days ahead), Haleakala Sunrise (on recreation.gov, opening 60 days ahead) and 'Iao Valley State Monument before your flight, pack only mineral Zinc or Titanium sunscreen (chemical sunscreens are banned by Maui County law), and always stay 3 metres (10 feet) back from Hawaiian green sea turtles.

1. The 3 Park Reservations You Must Book in Advance

You can no longer just drive up and walk into Maui's three most famous natural parks without a pre-booked online voucher:

• 1. Wai'anapanapa State Park (Black Sand Beach on the Road to Hana): required for all non-residents (check current parking and entry fees at gowaianapanapa.com; reservations open 30 days in advance at midnight HST, and the late-morning or early-afternoon slots work best).
• 2. Haleakala National Park Sunrise (Pre-Dawn to Early Morning Entry Only): requires an advance vehicle reservation per car at recreation.gov (opens 60 days ahead in the morning HST, with a second batch released 48 hours before. Note: arriving after the morning sunrise window or for sunset requires no reservation).
• 3. 'Iao Valley State Monument: book your timed parking and entry slot at gostateparks.hawaii.gov up to 30 days ahead.

2. Maui County's Strict 'Mineral-Only Sunscreen Law' & Ocean Trade Winds

By Maui County Ordinance, only mineral sunscreens (containing non-nano Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide) are legal to sell or wear in Maui. All chemical UV filters (not just oxybenzone, but avobenzone, octocrylene and homosalate) are banned to protect coral reefs. Also remember the golden snorkelling rule: always snorkel and boat in the calm early to mid-morning hours, because around midday every day, brisk northeast trade winds pick up across the channels and make afternoon ocean water noticeably choppy for swimmers, stand-up paddleboarders and outrigger canoe paddlers.