Maui Rental Car Guide
Yes, a rental car is generally worth having on Maui. The island's resort areas, Kaanapali and Kapalua on the west side, Wailea and Kihei on the south side, sit far enough apart that getting between them, or reaching attractions like the Road to Hana and Haleakala, generally means driving. KBM Resorts includes a complimentary rental car with qualifying longer stays, so it's worth checking your reservation before booking a separate one.
Why a rental car matters on Maui
Maui's resort areas sit in genuinely different parts of the island, with Kaanapali and Kapalua along the west side and Wailea and Kihei along the south side, so a guest based in one area faces a real drive to visit another. The same is true for the island's signature drives, like the Road to Hana and the trip up to Haleakala's summit, and for reaching beaches outside your own resort area, a rental car is generally the most practical way to get there on your own schedule.
Renting a car at Kahului Airport
Major rental car agencies operate directly out of Kahului Airport (OGG), making it straightforward to arrange a vehicle on arrival. Booking ahead of your trip is worth doing, particularly during peak travel periods, since popular vehicle categories can sell out closer to busy travel dates.
KBM's complimentary rental car program
For stays of six nights or longer, KBM Resorts includes a complimentary compact rental car, typically a Kia Soul or similar vehicle, through Avis or Budget, picked up and dropped off at Kahului Airport. The one cost not covered is the airport concession tax, roughly $15 per day, paid directly to the rental counter at pickup. Guests who would prefer a larger or different vehicle can upgrade for an added daily fee, shown on the reservation invoice or at kbmresorts.com/cars, and guests who would rather skip the rental car altogether are welcome to decline it.
When you might not need a car
A guest planning to stay within a single resort area, using its pools, beach, and restaurants without much outside exploring, could reasonably get by without a car and rely on rideshare for the occasional outing. For anyone hoping to drive the Road to Hana, visit Haleakala, or spend time in more than one of Maui's resort areas during the trip, a rental car makes the trip considerably easier to plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a rental car for a Maui vacation?
Most travelers find a rental car useful given how spread out Maui's resort areas and attractions are across the island. KBM Resorts includes a complimentary rental car for qualifying stays of six nights or longer, so it's worth confirming your reservation's eligibility before arranging a separate rental.
Does KBM Resorts include a free rental car with a Maui stay?
For stays of six nights or longer, KBM Resorts includes a complimentary compact rental car, picked up and dropped off at Kahului Airport. The airport concession tax, roughly $15 per day, is paid directly to the rental counter and isn't included, and guests can decline the rental car or upgrade to a different vehicle for an added fee.
Is it easy to rent a car at Kahului Airport?
Yes, major rental car agencies operate directly out of Kahului Airport, though booking ahead of your trip is worth doing, particularly during peak travel periods when popular vehicle categories can sell out.
Explore Maui
- Honua Kai Konea (HKK-334), Kaanapali
- Maalaea Surf (MSR-F2), Kihei
- Maui vacation rentals
- Guest FAQ: rental car program
Have a question we haven't answered here? Visit our Hawaii & Park City vacation rental FAQ.