If you want the TLDR—for most travelers, renting a car in Maui is going to be 100% worth it, given that Maui is HUGE, its attractions are quite spread out, and you probably didn't fly all the way here to not explore this incredible island.
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Do I need a car to get around on Maui? You can get around Maui by shuttle, tour bus, taxi or public transportation. But to really experience Maui, you should consider reserving a rental car in advance from the Kahului or Kapalua airports.
Your vacation to Maui may not require a rental car. If you are planning on relaxing at your resort or condo, then a rental car may be overkill. Many condos in Kihei are within walking distance of the Kihei shopping centers with the beach outside your condo.
Options to Travel Around Maui Without a Rental Car. Maui towns do not score well on walking. Only a few towns like Lahaina, Kihei, and Pa'ia are easily walkable. Even if you are staying in these towns, you will want to venture out to see other beaches, restaurants, and sites.
Unless you want to just relax at your hotel, the answer is yes. Driving is the best way to get around and will provide you with the most flexibility. Hawaii Island is known as “The Big Island” for good reason — spanning 10,931 square miles, it has a lot of ground to cover.
While other islands, like Kauai, would be almost impossible to navigate without a car, Oahu is well connected by public transportation and ride share. Plus, most of Honolulu's main sites are close together. There are lots of alternatives to renting a car in Oahu in order to see and do a lot on the island.
Oahu is the best Hawaiian Island to visit without a rental car. Traveling around the island is cost-effective with a mix of Ubers or taxis, guided tours, and staying in Waikiki.
Featured Walkable Areas of MauiAs an added bonus, the North Shore bike path runs to the West of town, through Spreckelsville and into Kahului. Paia is the one area of the island where you really could go for longer stretches without driving. Walkable Wailuku : Downtown Wailuku is the seat of Maui County Government.
Road conditions on MauiThe roads are generally in good condition, but there are some areas that can be a bit challenging to navigate. Make sure to take extra caution when driving around the Hana Highway and on the Road to Hana. These areas are known for their winding roads and narrow shoulders.
A week won't be too long at all. That gives you just enough time to get the aloha in your blood. On our last trip we stayed 10 days and had plenty to do. Theres lots of things to keep you busy...so you can pick a few days to be really active, and a few days to relax.
Ride-sharing services Uber and Lyft also operate in Maui. 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.
The average visitor to Maui spends 8.1 days on the island. How long you should stay depends on what you want to do, but you should plan to spend a minimum of five days on Maui.
Wailea: For high-end lodgings, look no further than Wailea. This area includes several incredible beachfront resorts, condo complexes, a lovely outdoor mall, and several quality restaurants. Our favorite luxury resorts include the Four Seasons Maui, Hotel Wailea, the Wailea Beach Marriott, and the Grand Wailea.
Maui is family friendly and also perfect for a romantic getaway. Of Maui pros and cons, Bruce says Maui requires a lot of driving, and that while it increases in popularity it is getting more “touristy” and is the most expensive island to visit. “It's getting really expensive over there.
We highy recommend doing a tour with large windows, an experienced local guide, and only going to safe, legal, epic spots! In order to truly experience Hana, it helps to know more about the history and legends of the area.
It is a very small, very quiet island. If you are looking to just take it easy and do a couple of activities here and there Kauai may be perfect for you. If you're looking to have activities and things to explore around every corner, Maui may be a better choice. I agree with everything here!
Is 4 Days Enough for Maui? There are enough gorgeous beaches, adventurous hikes, and scenic road trips on Maui to keep you occupied for a week or more without ever wanting to leave. But if you're island-hopping, I advise spending a minimum of 3 to 4 days on Maui.
It will absolutely make you want to go to Maui again. But it's also a LOT less pricey than a full week! Maui is a fairly expensive destination, and it may end up being more doable to spend a few 3-day weekends in Maui over the course of a few years rather than a full week.
Maui's leeward side inarguably presents the best beaches on the island—if by “best” you mean golden sand, perfectly-swimmable waters, outstanding snorkeling opportunities, lulling waves gentle enough for first-time surfers, and sunshine in spades.
Should I rent a car on Oahu? Restaurants, shops, beaches, activities and several major attractions (including the Honolulu Zoo, Waikiki Aquarium, Kapiolani Park and the U.S. Army Museum) are within walking distance of most hotels in Waikiki, so if you're not going anywhere else, you won't need a car.
What is the requirement to drive in Hawaii using my valid foreign license? Countries that ratified the Geneva Convention on Road Traffic (1949), may use their foreign national driver's license along with their valid passport to legally drive in Hawaii.