Transportation in Maui, Hawaii: Complete Guide

While a rental car gives you the most flexibility, don’t discount other Maui transportation options. Think about how you want to spend your trip and consider these ways of getting around the island:

Renting a car gives you the freedom to Maui at your own pace. There are several international car rental companies at Kahului International Airport, such as Alamo Rent a Car and Enterprise Rent-A-Car that are popular and offer affordable deals.

To get the best rental car rates in Maui, you’ll probably want to book online through third-party rental sites or the rental company’s website rather than trying to negotiate over the phone.

If you’re planning to visit popular spots during peak season like the Hana Highway, remember rental cars are in high demand so book well in advance. Plus, you’ll get better deals by booking early.

Getting to your hotel from the airport is easy, and there are different options available. For those who don’t want to rent a car, airport shuttles are a convenient and stress-free option in Maui.

The first option is to book a shuttle service with your accommodation in Maui, which is the most convenient way, 

It’s worth noting that shared airport shuttles are affordable but make several stops along the way so this is a longer transportation option than taxis. Alternatively, you’ll find several agencies at Maui Airport that offer reasonable prices and convenient departure times.

Talking about the airport and flights, while staying on the Valley Isle, make sure to check out the complete tour of Maui by helicopter, which guarantees a fun time out and you’ll have incredible views from above!

This Hawaiian island has a public bus called The Maui Bus. It’s an affordable and reliable way to get around Maui. A single one-way ride is $2 but you can also get a day pass for $4.00.

You can also view real-time bus locations on the Maui bus Live Map, and that is very convenient.

The Maui bus operates 7 days a week with service as early as 5:30 am and as late as 11 pm depending on the route. Buses mainly service the central, northern, and southern areas with the least coverage in the west.

Uber and Lyft are both great options for getting around Maui, offering flexibility and convenience without the need to rent a car. With just a few taps on either app, you can request a ride to popular destinations like Lahaina, Kihei, or the airport.

There are enough drivers during the day, and they are often locals, and they might share insider tips during your ride.

Alternatively, go local and try the Maui-based ride-sharing app Holoholo.

Renting a car and public transportation aren’t the only ways to get around Maui, and there are other options that you might want to consider, which we list here below.

Maui Trolley

The free Ka‘anapali Trolley is a fun way to get around Ka’anapali if your hotel or activity is in the area.

This open-air trolley runs every 20-30 minutes and makes frequent stops between Whalers Village, Ka‘anapali Golf Course, the Fairway Shops, and various resorts.

You won’t need a car and this will allow you to get to know the area. If you’re going to Lahaina town from Kaanapali Beach another shuttle service runs between the two.

This takes about an hour by car or around 1.5 hours by public transportation with the last leg taking an hour on foot so it’s clear why the local shuttles and trolleys are part of your Maui Transportation options.

The shuttle from Lahaina to Ka’anapali costs a small fee of $2 so this is a great option. Plus, the shuttle runs until 9:30 PM so you have time to enjoy the sunset views from Lahaina.

Maui on Two Wheels

Bike rentals are another option but since the distances between towns are far, don’t expect dedicated bike lanes. However, some areas have bike-friendly paths.

They are available throughout the island in popular tourist areas and cost between $75 per week for a cruiser and upwards of $250 for an electric bike rental.

A couple of the best places to rent Maui bikes are Boss Frog’s and South Maui Bicycles.

Scooters and mopeds are another option if you want to take it easy. Prices vary but you can expect to pay about $60 a day or $350 or more a week.

If you don’t feel comfortable driving in an unfamiliar place, consider booking yourself onto one of the many guided tours and be a passenger instead of the driver. To have a truly Hawaiian island experience, try out tours in Maui that include transportation.

Popular options include the famous Road to Hana tour, where you’ll be driven along winding coastal roads to breathtaking waterfalls, black sand beaches, and gorgeous rainforests.

Whale-watching tours, especially during the winter months, offer an incredible experience as you’re guided to prime spots to see them in their natural habitat.

Luaus in Maui, like the Old Lahaina Luau, often include transportation, letting you enjoy traditional Hawaiian cuisine and performances without the hassle of driving.