How to Get Around Maui

With miles of pristine beaches, lush valleys and rich cultural attractions, there are many places to explore and sights to see in Maui. If you’re unsure about the best way to get around, these tips can give you some ideas and help you get where you want to go.

Car

Most visitors to Maui rent a car to get around the island. You may want to rent a car with a satellite navagation system to help you find your way. Local roads are often labeled in Hawaiian, which can be confusing if you’re not familiar with the language. Make sure to respect the rules of the road. Drive slowly, let locals pass and don’t tailgate. You can rent a car from one of the many rental companies at Kahului Airport.

Motorcycles & Scooters

If you want to feel the wind in your hair, motorcycles and scooters are also available for rental. Typically, they can be rented by the hour, day or week.

Bus

Maui County offers a public bus system that provides service in and between various Central, South, West, Haiku, Kula and Upcountry communities. It does not provide service to out-of-the-way places such as Haleakala National Park or Hana. A single ride costs $2, and day passes are available for $4. Buses run every day, starting around 5:30 a.m. and ending around 11 p.m., depending on the route. Buses come with front-load bike racks, so if you want to further explore or get around, you can rent a bike as well.

Taxi

While cabs are available, relying on them for long-distance travel is costly. The standard rate on the island is $3 per mile, so it adds up quickly. If you take a cab to your hotel from the airport, it will run you anywhere from $40 to $70. Ride-sharing services such as Lyft and Uber also operate in Maui.

Shuttle

Many hotels and resorts offer complimentary shuttle services to and from the airport, nearby attractions and shopping areas. If you want to explore more of the island, a different mode of transportation is your best bet.

Maui Helicopter Tours

Taking a helicopter tour is an excellent way to get the lay of the land and take in the spectacular sights of Maui. Maverick Helicopters offers several breathtaking aerial tours of the island.

The Hana Rainforest Experience is a one-of-a-kind immersive Hawaiian tour that gives you the opportunity to explore Maui’s remote landscape with a 30-minute landing in the lush Hawaiian rainforest. Our knowledgeable pilots also act as guides and provide extensive information about the island. You’ll see breathtaking views of the northern shore’s sea cliffs and shoreline perspectives above Paia, Hookipa and Haiku, the famous surfing destination.

The Maui Spirit helicopter tour flies above Haleakala National Park, home to the world's largest dormant volcano. See the amazing waterfalls of the Hana Rainforest, soar high above jagged cliffs and get a bird’s-eye view of some of the most isolated areas of the island. If you take a tour during the winter, you might even spot some humpback whales.

The Molokai Voyage helicopter tour departs at the Kahului Heliport and provides a stunning aerial tour of both Maui and Molokai. View some of the world's largest sea cliffs, Kahiwa Falls and the vast Molokai fish ponds. Best seen from the air, Elephant Rock is an amazing islet that resembles an elephant. The tour also features striking views of western Maui, including Iao Valley State Park, a vegetation-covered lava rainforest, Honokohau Falls and distant views of the Haleakala volcano.

With a little planning, getting around Maui can be a breeze. Once you’ve got it all figured out, sit back, relax and enjoy your vacation!