The best way to get around and explore Maui is by renting your own car, this way you have the most flexibility to see the gorgeous coastline and extended areas of the island at your own pace. Without a vehicle, you are limited to your hotel and the beach, you can walk around the surrounding areas but you need a car to see other spots and it allows you to choose where and when you go. The bus service can be limited and taxis are expensive.

Taxis are available on Maui but can be expensive, rates are determined by the distance you travel and the prices can add up quickly, generally you will not be able to hail a cab on the island, it is best to call or have your hotel contact a taxi service to arrange for a ride. Rates can run at about $3 a mile.

The County of Maui operates an extensive public bus system providing service between the main towns and the airport. The Upcountry and Haiku Islander routes stop at the Kahului Airport. Route 40 (Upcountry Islander) operate daily from 7:15 am – 10:15 pm and runs every 90 minutes. Route 35 (Haiku Islander) operates daily from 6:45 am – 9:45 pm also running every 90 minutes. Tickets run around $2 per person, check the website for departure times and rules for luggage www.co.maui.hi.us or call -808-871-4838 for more information.

Many hotels and resorts in the popular tourist destinations offer complimentary shuttle services to and from the airport as well as to nearby attractions. Check with your hotel for details on shuttle services offered for guests.

The free Whaler`s Village shuttle is offered if you are staying on the Kaanapali coastline, it stops at major resorts in the area and runs every half hour from 9 am – 6 pm.

The Lahaina Express shuttle is also free it runs from 9 am – 10 pm and takes passengers in and out of Lahaina and along the Kaanapali strip.

The West Maui Shopping Express runs from Lahaina to Kapulua and Kaanapali hotels and shopping areas and costs about a $1 it runs until the early evening.

The South Maui Shopping Express travels to Wailea, Makena and Kihei and costs around $15 for adults and about $5 for children for a one-way trip. If you make a purchase in the areas you can show the driver your receipt and your return trip is free.

The Island offers a ferry service operated out of Lahaina harbor. A ferry runs from here to Manele harbor to the nearby area of Lanai several times a day, departures start at 6:45 am an end around 6:45 pm. Roundtrip rates cost approximately $60 for adults and about $40 for children, one way trips run about half these prices. There is a daily service between Maui and Molokai through Discover Molokai that runs around $70 each way for adults.

Getting around on foot is fine if you plan to stay in one area and only see the surrounding neighborhoods or the beaches close to where you are staying. Local transport is limited and getting around to the main attractions will require some form of transportation.