Are you planning a trip to Maui but aren’t sure how to get to Lahaina from the airport? Keep scrolling to find out how to get from Kahului Airport to Lahaina.
This guide to how to get from Kahului Airport to Lahaina was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Landing in Maui and heading to the beautiful beaches of West Maui?
Getting from Kahului Airport to Lahaina and Ka’anapali is easier than you think, but there are a few things you need to know in 2026.
I’ve made this drive more times than I can count over my 40+ visits to Maui, and I’m going to walk you through all your options.
A Word About Lahaina
Before we get into transportation, I need to address something important. The August 2023 wildfires devastated historic Lahaina town, and the recovery continues today.
The historic town core remains closed as rebuilding efforts progress.
But here’s what’s open: Ka’anapali, Napili, and Kapalua are fully operational and welcoming visitors.
Many restaurants and businesses outside the burn zone in Lahaina have reopened. Lahaina Harbor reopened in December 2025 for commercial tours.
West Maui needs tourism. Your visit supports local families and helps the community rebuild.
Just be respectful, avoid closed areas, and don’t ask locals about the fires unless they bring it up first.
Quick Facts About Getting to West Maui
From Kahului Airport (OGG) to Lahaina is about 24 miles. Without traffic, you’ll typically make it in 35-45 minutes.
With traffic? It can stretch to 60-90 minutes, especially during afternoon rush hour when construction workers are heading home.
Here’s something I always warn my Hawaii travel consultation clients about: the drive almost always takes longer than you expect. Plan extra time.
And here’s a safety reality check from personal experience. My family once got caught in a wildfire on the highway (not the 2023 one) where they closed the road for 12 hours.
There’s really only one way in and out of West Maui. We ended up grabbing ice cream and waiting it out, but it reminded me why you always need a backup plan.
The Best Ways to Get from Kahului Airport to West Maui
Rent a Car (My Top Recommendation)
If you want to explore Maui beyond your resort, rent a car. It gives you the freedom to drive the Road to Hana, head up to Haleakala, or hit up my kids’ favorite shave ice spot in Kihei.
The rental car facility at Kahului Airport is super convenient. You’ll take a quick tram from baggage claim to the Conrac center, where you’ll find about a dozen rental companies.
My favorite way to book? Through Discount Hawaii Car Rental. They compare rates from all the major companies like Alamo, Budget, Avis, and Enterprise, so you get the best deal without the hassle.
Pro tip from a professional tourist: Book as early as possible. Rental cars sell out fast on Maui, especially during peak season.
The downside? Parking fees at West Maui resorts can add up quickly. Many hotels charge $30-50 per night for parking.
Book your Maui rental car: Discount Hawaii Car Rental
Rideshare Apps (Uber, Lyft, Holoholo)
Uber and Lyft both operate on Maui, and there’s also Holoholo, a great local rideshare option. The pickup area is between the taxi stand and rental car area, and the apps will show you exactly where to meet your driver.
From Kahului Airport to Ka’anapali, expect to pay around $55-75 with UberX or Lyft. That’s cheaper than a taxi and more convenient since you can track your driver and pay through the app.
But here’s the catch: surge pricing during busy times can shoot those prices way up. And availability can be spotty, especially early morning or late at night.
Holoholo is worth checking out because they offer fixed pricing without surge charges and use local drivers who know the island well.
Note: None of these services provide car seats, so you’ll need to bring your own if you’re traveling with young kids.
Airport Shuttle (Budget-Friendly Option)
SpeediShuttle is the main shuttle service at Kahului Airport, and they make it super easy. Their greeter meets you in baggage claim wearing red aloha attire and guides you to your van.
The best part? They offer flat-rate pricing for their 11-passenger vans. For less than $50-60, you can get your entire group plus luggage to West Maui. That’s a steal if you’re traveling with family or friends.
You don’t need to book in advance, but I recommend it to guarantee your spot. The downside is you’ll make a few stops at other hotels before reaching your destination, so plan for extra time.
Book your airport shuttle: SpeediShuttle Maui
Taxi
Traditional taxis are available at the airport with a dispatcher outside baggage claim.
The flat rate to West Maui runs around $100-120, which is more expensive than rideshare apps but can work well for larger groups since one cab holds 6-7 people.
They’ll help with luggage and accept car seats, which is convenient. But you’ll wait in line, and there’s no app to track your driver.
The Maui Bus (Not Recommended for Most Visitors)
Technically, you can take the Maui Bus from the airport to West Maui. Routes 35 and 40 stop at the airport and connect to Route 29 (the West Maui route) at Queen Ka’ahumanu Center.
But here’s why I don’t recommend it: You’re limited to one bag per person that fits on your lap (22″H x 14″W x 9″L max). The buses run every 90 minutes. You’ll need to transfer. And the total trip takes about 90-120 minutes or longer.
It costs just $2 per person, so it’s the cheapest option if you’re traveling super light with just a backpack and you’re not in a hurry.
How to Choose the Right Transportation
Choose a rental car if: You want to explore the island, drive to Haleakala, do the Road to Hana, or visit multiple beaches. Just factor in parking costs.
Choose Uber/Lyft/Holoholo if: You’re staying put at your resort and only need a few rides. The cost is reasonable for 1-2 people.
Choose a shuttle if: You’re traveling with a group and want the most budget-friendly option. The flat rate makes it economical.
Choose a taxi if: You need immediate transportation and don’t mind paying more for the convenience.
Making the Most of Your Maui Trip
Figuring out transportation is just the first step. If you want to make sure you don’t miss anything on your Maui trip, I’ve got you covered.
I’ve put together a comprehensive Maui Travel Guide for Families with daily itineraries, restaurant recommendations, and all my insider tips from years of visiting the island.
Want to start planning right now? Grab my free 7-day email course on planning a trip to Maui. Each day, you’ll get actionable steps to plan your perfect Maui vacation without the overwhelm.
And if you want personalized help? I offer one-on-one Hawaii travel consultations where I can answer your specific questions and help you create a custom itinerary based on your family’s interests.
I also cover West Maui extensively on my podcast, Hawaii Travel Made Easy. Check out these episodes:
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Maui airport is closer to Lahaina?
Kapalua Airport (JHM) is only about 6 miles from the Lahaina area, but it doesn’t accept direct flights from the mainland. Almost everyone flies into Kahului Airport (OGG), which is about 24 miles from Lahaina.
How long does it take to drive from Kahului Airport to Ka’anapali?
Without traffic, plan on 40-50 minutes. During afternoon rush hour or if there’s construction, it can take 60-90 minutes. Always build in extra time.
Do I need a car in West Maui?
It depends on your plans. If you’re staying at a resort and just want to relax on the beach, you might not need one. But if you want to explore the island, visit different beaches, or do activities across Maui, a car makes everything easier.
Can Uber drivers provide car seats on Maui?
No, but most drivers are happy to install car seats if you bring your own.
What’s the best way to save money on Maui car rentals?
Book early and use a comparison site like Discount Hawaii Car Rental to find the best rates across all the major companies.
Planning Your Maui Vacation
As a Hawaii travel expert who’s been visiting Maui since I was a kid, I’ve learned that getting the transportation piece right makes everything else fall into place.
Start with getting from the airport to your hotel sorted out. Then focus on planning the activities and experiences that will make your trip unforgettable.
Need help figuring out the best beaches, restaurants, and activities? That’s exactly what I cover in my Maui Travel Guide.
Or if you’re planning to visit multiple islands, check out my Hawaii Island Hopping Guide.
West Maui is waiting for you. The beaches are gorgeous, the sunsets are spectacular, and your visit helps support a community working hard to rebuild.
Safe travels!
Related Posts:
- Best Things to Do in Ka’anapali
- Best Maui Beaches for Families
- How to Plan a Trip to Maui
- Best Luaus in Maui
Capture Your Maui Memories: Want professional photos of your family vacation without the hassle?
Book a Flytographer session and save $20 with my link. They’ll meet you at your favorite beach or sunset spot and capture beautiful moments you’ll treasure forever.
Tours & Activities: Browse Viator or Get Your Guide for snorkeling tours, luaus, Road to Hana adventures, and more. Book in advance to secure your spot.
Where to Stay: Search for hotels in West Maui on Expedia to compare rates and find the perfect resort for your family.
