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Getting Around on Maui

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It’s time to head for Maui! You’ve dreamed about it all: hiking Haleakalā, watching the sunrise, sipping Upcountry wines and even ziplining through the rainforest. But how exactly will you get to these amazing places? Because Maui is an island, it poses a few challenges for transportation. But with a little creativity, you can still find many different ways to get around. Here are the most popular options.

Rent-and-Go

For greatest freedom of exploration of all of Maui, Hawaii, rent your own car. Compact car rentals can be snagged for as low as $30 per day: a small price for complete flexibility. Looking for the best rental? Avis, Hertz, Dollar, Enterprise, Alamo, Thrifty, Advantage, and National are among the nationally-known options available at Maui’s main airport, Kahului (OGG). For ecologically-friendly options, alternative car rental brands like Bio Beetle offer biofuel and electric vehicles. Like most states, Hawaii requires you be at least 25 years of age to rent. Be sure your selected car rental includes GPS, or that your phone plan allows enough coverage to run Google Maps. Consider adding collision insurance, as Hawaii is a no-fault state. offroad near Hana (Maui, Hawaii)

Tours

Tours are another great way to gain transportation. Any of Skyline Hawaii’s tours, for example, ushers you around Haleakalā and the Upcountry in our climate-controlled vans with extra-large windows for optimal viewing. This is a wonderful way to explore Maui in a completely stress-free fashion, with a professional guide at your side who knows the history, culture, and ecology of the area. Plus, being carefully curated, a tour is also a great way to ensure you don’t miss out on the “quintessential Maui experience” because you’re trying to read the map or whiz past your turn.

Shuttles

Feeling a little less ambitious? If you plan to stay at a resort, check with the concierge in advance for shuttle options. Many resorts offer airport shuttle service (for a small fee). Some also provide complimentary transportation to nearby attractions, or between different resorts in the same area.

Cabs & Uber

Cabs are available on Maui; however, they also can be elusive. At $3/mile, the cost of a cab racks up quickly, too. Rideshare alternative Uber operates on the island as well, but service can be spotty at night. Don’t forget to consider costs again; Maui may look small on a map, but it is actually 48 miles long and 26 miles wide. Though a driver may be able to take you to a remote site, s/he might be more difficult to relocate for pickup. Tourist on Hawaii taking photo with camera phone during car road trip on the famous Road to Hana

Pedal Power

For those who enjoy taking a spin, consider renting a road bike. Many of the biggest roads offer at least a shoulder if not a full biking lane. Pick up a biking map for complete information, but keep in mind that relying completely on a bike is probably not feasible for all excursions.

Trolleys

For a fun twist in town, hop on a trolley. Two shopping routes are served by trolleys: the West Maui Shopping Express and the South Maui Shopping Express. Each runs daily. Or, ride the Sugar Cane Train, a 1890s style locomotive traversing Lahaina and KaÊ»anapali, plus six miles of scenic plantation countryside.

Ferry

Want to check out nearby Lanai, another Hawaiian Island? An inter-island ferry service is available to take you there and back again. Trips run from 6:45 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. The ferry will cost you $60 per adult round-trip, or $30 for one-way travel. Children run $40 and $20 respectively. Aloha! And see you on Maui soon. About the Author: Skyline Hawai’i is committed to the preservation of Hawaii’s landscape and culture, and we want as many people as possible to experience the natural wonder of the Hawaiian Islands. Learn more about our conservation efforts: www.skylinehawaii.com.