Not old enough to rent a car, not wanting to spend the money for it, or just don’t want to worry about the responsibility that comes with it? You’re not alone. Many of our guests come to Maui without rental cars.
While it’s true that your options for destinations open up when you have the freedom and flexibility that access to a vehicle has, it’s still totally possible to get around without one.
Let us introduce you to the Maui Public Bus, where you can get to Central, West, South, and Upcountry Maui to towns like Kihei, Paia, Lahaina, Kahului, Haiku, Kula and more!
Navigating Maui’s Public Bus
It is $2 each way, but we highly recommend just getting a day pass, which will save you the hassle of paying on the way back and/or save you money if you have to transfer buses. A day pass is $4, and all you need to do is ask for one when you step on the bus. Do note that it is cash only, and exact fare is needed for the bus, as they do not give change. Schedules change, so check times in the Maui Bus app before you go.
The main terminal is the Kahului Transit Center on Vevau Street.
This is often (but not all the time) where you will transfer buses from/to Wailuku if you need to.
Here are some helpful routes and tips below to assist you in getting to your destination from the hostel:
To Kahului Transit Center:
You can catch the #1 or #2 Wailuku Loop from the State and County Buildings stops on High St. or Wells St., or from N. Market St./Pi’ihana Terrace. Both run about once an hour. From the Kahului Transit Center, you can catch the #6 Kahului Loop, #35 Haiku Islander, or #39 Kula Islander depending on where you want to go further into Kahului.
To Kahului (OGG) Airport:
You can catch the #1 or #2 bus to the Kahului Transit Center (see above), and then bus #35 Haiku Islander or #40 Upcountry Islander. The Maui Bus allows one carry-on-size bag, no bigger than 22” x 14” x 9”, and it can’t go in the aisle or on a seat. With a bigger bag, take a rideshare.
To Paia:
You can catch the #1 or #2 bus to the Kahului Transit Center (see above), and then bus #35 to Paia.
To Upcountry:
You can catch the #1 or #2 bus to the Kahului Transit Center (see above), and then bus #39 Kula Islander or #40 Upcountry Islander.
To Kihei:
You can catch the #1 or #2 bus to the Kahului Transit Center (see above), and then bus #10 Kihei Islander to Kihei. Alternatively, you can take the #29 West Maui Express to Ma’alaea Harbor Village, then the #15 Kihei Villager.
We can’t wait to have you experience Maui for yourself!
Looking for a little more guidance? Feel free to stop by the Howzit Hostel reception desk. Our staff can provide more customized tips to help you make the most of your Maui vacation.