Do You Need a Car on Maui? A Traveler’s Guide to Getting Around

Is a rental car a must while visiting Maui? Some swear up and down, YES, you need a car.

But the truth? Whether you need a car on Maui depends on your plans.

 

Do You Need a Car on Maui? A Traveler’s Guide to Getting Around

 

Ask yourself these questions before renting a car on Maui. Are you an adventurer or do you prefer kicking back poolside at your resort or condo? Are you staying somewhere walkable or in a more remote location? Do you want to explore on a whim, or are you planning on just relaxing?

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You SHOULD Get a Rental Car If…

• You want to explore remote parts of the island on your own time. Dreaming of hiking Waihee Ridge Trail? Maybe you want to explore Upcountry and see where the day takes you. If you like the freedom of being able to go where you want to go, when you want a go, then a car is a must.

• If you’re staying somewhere remote or not walkable. Unless you plan on staying put for your entire stay, you’ll want to rent a car if you’re in a remote or non-walkable location. Public transportation doesn’t service places like Hana, Iao Valley, Makena, or Upper Kula, and Ubers can be hard to come by in some areas. And outside of the major resort areas, you might face a long journey just to get to a coffee shop or grocery store. Check out this deep dive into the most convenient places to stay on Maui.

 

You Could Consider SKIPPING a Rental Car If…

• You’re staying in a resort community, like Kaanapali or Wailea. Kaanapali truly has everything you need at your doorstep: restaurants, shopping, golfing, snorkeling, surfing, boat tours, luaus, and more. Wailea is a bit more spread out, but still boasts amenities galore. Plus, some resorts offer complimentary shuttles within the Wailea area.

• You plan on booking guided tours. Guided tours will take you to just about anywhere. You can visit Hana, Upcountry, Haleakala, Iao Valley, or Paia. Many tours will pick you up if you’re staying at or near one of Maui’s major resorts.

 

• All you want to do is relax. If all you want to do is park your towel by the beach or pool, watch sunsets from your lanai, and soak up the warm island air, then you don’t need to stray far from your hotel.

 

Things To Consider About Rental Cars and Transportation on Maui

• The County is rolling out a new pay-to-park system, PARKMaui, to address overcrowding at popular locations. A pilot program is being tested at the Kamaole Beach Parks and in Wailuku. For now, it’s $10 a day to park. A weekly pass costs $50, while a monthly pass costs $150. Parking at these locations will be for residents only before 10 am on weekends and holidays. Keep in mind that more beaches and locations will be added soon (updated: December 2025).

• Most resorts and hotels charge a daily parking fee. Some accommodations work the parking fee into the room rate. Check ahead of time to avoid any surprises. Other hotels are valet-only with no self-parking, so it’s important to factor that in as well.

 

• Public transportation isn’t terrible on Maui, but it’s not great either. The Maui Bus is the island’s only means of public transportation. It’s fine for getting around small sections of the island, but not ideal for long distances (for instance, Wailea to Kaanapali). Wait times between buses can be an hour or more.

• Rideshares like Uber and Lyft are pretty reliable, but have limitations. You’re unlikely to get a ride (or might have to wait a loooong time) late at night, early in the morning, or in less populated areas.

 

So you see, the question of renting a car on Maui requires a complicated answer, and really depends on what type of traveler you are. You could also consider renting a car for only a few days out of your trip if you’re concerned about costs.

We hope you found this blog helpful, but more importantly, we hope to see you here on Maui soon!