Renting a Car for Maui Sightseeing? Here’s What You Need to Know

It’s been just over two months since the devastating wildfires in West Maui displaced over 6,500 residents and killed 97, and the community is still a long way away from a full recovery. Search and recovery efforts are still underway, and resources for locals are very limited, but Hawaii Governor Josh Green has reiterated that other parts of the island, such as South Maui, are safe to visit.

While Lahaina, Napili, Kaanapali, and Kapalua remain off-limits to visitors, areas like Kahului, Wailuku, Kihei, and Wailea remain open – and their communities and businesses rely on tourism to thrive. The local tourism board encourages respectful travel to these areas, as the lack of income would only exacerbate the situation and make rising from this tragedy even more difficult. If you are pushing through with your travel plans to the island, renting a car is one way to be mindful of the situation, given the current strain on Hawaii’s public transportation.

Arranging Airport Transportation

Responsible tourists who are making trips to Maui are choosing to make short stays – just enough to support local businesses without putting a damper on available resources. Given this, you will want to get going immediately once you get off a flight. Renting a car from Maui Kahului Airport is recommended, as the facility for car rentals here is newly constructed and easily accessible from the airport. Simply board the tram and look for the car company you’re booked with once you reach the Conrac facility. That said, securing your car rental well before your arrival date is best, as rates can increase depending on the season. Maui is a large island with key locations pretty spread out, but with your rental car in tow, you won’t have a problem checking out everything on your sightseeing list.

Adventuring in South Maui

U.S. Senator Brian Schatz of Hawaii has posted on social media requesting tourists to “please consider South Maui.” No trip to the area is complete without a hike to the lava fields of Maui on the Hoapili Trail. These fields were created by the last known Haleakalā volcano eruption from the 17th century. This is where your rental car will come in handy – the only way to reach the trail is by car, a half-hour drive from Kihei into Makena State Park. You’ll know exactly when you’ve arrived as the pristine white sand makes way for black volcanic rocks. Nestled underneath the Red Hill Haleakala Mountain peak, this rocky pathway will take you through the coastline. Prepare to encounter dozens of wild goats and stunning sights as you venture toward the Hanamanioa Point Lighthouse.

Journeying to East Maui

The Road to Hana is considered one of the most scenic drives in the world. It’s a three-hour journey on your rental car, but you’ll be making several stops to appreciate the roadside attractions along the way, like the Twin Falls and the Hana Lava Tube. From the Road to Hana, you’ll drive an additional twelve miles to reach Kipahulu, home of the Pools of Ohe’o or the Seven Sacred Pools. This gorgeous location features several tiered pools with breathtaking waterfalls that spill into each other, a well-kept gem demonstrating Hawaii’s mythical and ancient beauty. While swimming is prohibited due to flash flood risks, the hike is relatively manageable – and the stunning views make the long trip well worth the effort.

As a tourist, there is still plenty of Hawaii that you can respectfully enjoy and appreciate, as long as you do some careful planning beforehand, especially when it comes to transportation – you’ll see why in our previous article “Aloha Hawai’i.” Whether you’re looking to visit the well-known tourist spots or venture on the road less traveled, the wonders of South and East Maui await you.