Getting around · Maui · United States
Getting around Maui
Public transport, passes, airport connections and when a car makes sense.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Boydsk2000, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Maui is built around driving: public transport is limited, and most sights — Haleakalā, the Road to Hāna, Upcountry and the beaches — are an hour or more apart. Allow plenty of time, as roads are slow and traffic builds around Kahului and the Honoapiʻilani Highway. Yes.
Key facts
- Main way around
- Car
- Airports
- OGG, JHM
- Need a car?
- Sometimes
- Travel pass
- America the Beautiful pass
Ways to get around
Car
A hire car is essential for exploring. The airport rental centre at Kahului has the main companies, and a standard car handles all paved roads including the Haleakalā summit.
Book early for winter and summer, when cars sell out, and check rental contracts before driving unpaved or restricted roads.
Bus
Maui Bus, run by the county, links Kahului with Kīhei, Wailea, Kāʻanapali and Upcountry towns on limited routes, at low fares but with infrequent services.
Ride-hailing
Uber, Lyft and taxis operate around the airport and resort areas, but are expensive for longer trips and scarce in rural areas.
Boat
Snorkel, whale-watching and sunset cruises leave Māʻalaea Harbor, Kīhei and Kāʻanapali Beach.
Cycling
Resort areas such as Kāʻanapali and Wailea have walking and cycling paths, and guided downhill bike tours run on the lower slopes of Haleakalā.
Tickets and passes
America the Beautiful pass
The US national parks annual pass covers entry to Haleakalā National Park, including Kīpahulu; a separate sunrise reservation is still required.
From the airport
Kahului Airport (OGG) handles almost all flights, including direct services from the US mainland. It is about 30 minutes by car to Kīhei and Wailea and 45–60 minutes to Kāʻanapali and Kapalua. Small Kapalua Airport (JHM) in West Maui has limited inter-island flights.
Do you need a car?
Yes. A car is the only practical way to reach Haleakalā, Hāna, Upcountry and most beaches; staying put in a resort without one is possible, but limits you to tours.
Reaching the day trips
| Destination | Travel time | How |
|---|---|---|
| Hāna town and Hāmoa Beach | About 2.5–3 hours each way by car | Car on the Hāna Highway |
| Kahekili Highway and Kahakuloa | About 1.5–2 hours to drive the loop | Car from Kapalua towards Wailuku |
| Honolulu and Pearl Harbor | About 40 minutes by plane | Inter-island flight from Kahului to Honolulu |
Questions travellers ask
+Do you need a car in Maui?
Yes. A car is the only practical way to reach Haleakalā, Hāna, Upcountry and most beaches; staying put in a resort without one is possible, but limits you to tours.
+How do you get from the airport to Maui?
Kahului Airport (OGG) handles almost all flights, including direct services from the US mainland. It is about 30 minutes by car to Kīhei and Wailea and 45–60 minutes to Kāʻanapali and Kapalua. Small Kapalua Airport (JHM) in West Maui has limited inter-island flights.
+What is the best way to get around Maui?
Car: A hire car is essential for exploring. The airport rental centre at Kahului has the main companies, and a standard car handles all paved roads including the Haleakalā summit.