Getting Around Maui Without a Car
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.
The main terminal is at Queen Ka'ahumanu Center.
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 Queen Ka'ahumanu Center/Kahului:
You can catch the #20 Lahaina Islander bus from High St./State and County buildings at 42 minutes or 13 minutes after the hour, or #2 Wailuku Loop or #1 Wailuku Loop on the hour, from N. Market St./Pi’ihana Terrace. (Tip: The Wailuku Loop is the more roundabout way and will take longer.) From Queen Ka'ahumanu 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 #2, #20, or #1 bus to Queen Ka'ahumanu Center (see #2 above), and then bus #35 Haiku Islander or #40 Upcountry Islander. *Please note that the Maui Public bus does not accept riders with a large amount of luggage, and you may be turned away.*
To Paia:
You can catch the #2, #20, or #1 bus to Queen Ka'ahumanu Center (see #2 above), and then bus #35 to Paia 30 minutes after the hour.
To Upcountry:
You can catch the #2, #20, or #1 bus to Queen Ka'ahumanu Center (see #2 above), and then bus #39 Kula Islander or #40 Upcountry Islander, which both alternate leaving typically every hour or half hour.
To Kihei:
You can catch the #2, #20, or #1 bus to Queen Ka'ahumanu Center (see #2 above), and then bus #10 Kihei Islander to Kihei, leaving every hour 30 minutes after the hour. Alternatively, you can also take #20 to Maalea Harbor 13 minutes after the hour, then #15 Kihei Villager leaving every hour on the hour.
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.