This is the kind of destination where you really should soak up as much of the local cuisine as possible, regardless if other options are available. Like the rest of America, Maui is on board with the local food movement – here, you’ll find plates piled high with freshly caught fish and regional produce. To find these ingredients prepared the island way, you’ll want to stray from resort-heavy areas and head to towns like Lahaina, Kihei and Paia, which are home to popular restaurants like Paia Fish Market, Mama’s Fish House, Merriman’s, Star Noodle, Lahaina Grill and Nalu’s. The farther you get from Maui’s resorts, the more local mom and pop joints you’ll find. These local outposts serve such specialties as pork roasted in banana leaves, poi (ground taro root) and haupia, a creamy coconut custard. If you’re not quite sure where to start your culinary tour, ask some local residents for recommendations or sign up for one of the best Maui tours.

One very popular – and economical – way to get your fill of Hawaiian cuisine is to eat big around noon. Many local eateries served what’s called a “plate lunch,” which comes piled high with some sort of protein (usually beef, pork or fish), rice and macaroni salad. This tradition formed on the fruit and sugar plantations, where workers would gather for lunch with with bento-like boxes piled with rice and leftover meat from the previous night’s dinner. Today, it’s common to see residents and visitors alike chowing down on the mountainous servings dished out by plate lunch restaurants and stands.

If you are staying in accommodations with a kitchen, make sure to schedule a trip to a farmer’s market. In addition to the freshest produce, you’ll also find fresh fish and some readymade items, such as banana bread and passion fruit butter. Go Hawaii offers a guide to all of Maui’s farmers markets on its website. Fruit stands selling smoothies and juices are also a common sight, especially on the Road to Hana.

Getting Around Maui

The best way to get around Maui is by car, particularly if you’re planning on exploring large swaths of the island. Maui features a fairly comprehensive set of roadways, so finding your way around shouldn’t be too difficult. There is also a bus system and hotel shuttles depending on where you stay – but these won’t always be a dependable option for wide exploration.

You can easily rent a set of wheels upon arriving at Maui’s main flight terminal, Kahului Airport (OGG), located on the island’s northern coast. You’ll find two other airports on Maui: The Kapalua Airport (JHM) is located on the north coast of West Maui, while Hana Airport (HNM) sits in East Maui. Kahului services several major airlines, including United, Alaska and Delta, but both Kapalua and Hana are usually only used for inter-island transfers. If you aren’t renting a car, know you can also get a taxi from these airports as well as a Lyft or Uber.

Car

Renting a car is the best option if you’re looking to see more of Maui than your hotel and the beach. You can rent a car in Maui if you are under the age of 25 so long as you pay an additional young driver fee. Also, since Hawaii is a no-fault state, you’ll want to spring for collision insurance (if your personal car insurance doesn’t cover you). Also, drivers visiting from busier parts of the country should be prepared to tone down the road rage: Hawaiians do not use their horns unless they are in imminent danger. You will find a variety of rental agencies at the Kahului and Kapalua airports.

Bus

There are 13 public bus routes in Maui. The Nos. 1, 2, 5, 6, 8, 10, 20, 35, 39 and 40 all originate in Kahului, servicing all directions in the surrounding areas. These routes primarily run north, south and east, with the west being the area serviced the least. (You will need a car to reach western points of interest, such as Hana.) A single, one-way ride will cost $2, and day passes are available for $4. Buses run seven days a week starting as early as 5:30 a.m. and ending as late as 11 p.m., depending on the route.

Taxi

You’ll see more taxis at the airport than you will around the island, but should you need a cab, your hotel can call one to take you to a restaurant, attraction or shopping area. However, you should do your best to avoid relying on cabs for long-distance travel: The standard rate on the island is $3 per mile, so the meter will add up quickly. Ride-sharing services Uber and Lyft also operate in Maui.

Shuttle

Many hotels and resorts – especially those in popular tourist areas like Wailea and West Maui — offer complimentary shuttle services to and from the airport as well as to nearby attractions and shopping areas. If you don’t feel like exploring Maui on your own, this is a very economical way to get around. Check with your hotel when booking to see what type of shuttle service it provides.

Ferry

Inter-island ferry services operate out of the Lahaina Harbor. From here, you can catch a ferry to the Manele Small Boat Harbor on nearby Lanai several times a day with Expeditions Lanai – the first ferry departs Lahaina at 6:45 a.m., while the final return boat leaves Lanai at 5:30 p.m. Round-trip fares cost $60 for adults and $40 for children (one-way trips cost $30 and $20, respectfully).