How Long to Drive Around Maui?

How long does it take to drive around Maui? It’s a question every traveler asks—and the answer depends on how much you want to see along the way.

While you could technically circle the island in a single day, rushing through Maui would mean missing out on its hidden treasures: jaw-dropping ocean views, secret waterfalls, and charming local spots you’ll only find when you take the time to explore.

So, should you pack it all into one epic day or stretch it out into a more relaxed adventure? In this guide, we’ll break down what to expect, tips for planning your route, and how to make the most of every mile around this stunning Hawaiian island.

How Long to Drive Around Maui?

Even though Maui is the second-largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago, it’s still tiny. 

This is great because you can make every excursion into a day trip— although you can always spend a night or two on a different side to really soak up all it has to offer.

You’ll find other drivers have plenty of aloha. Once you’re done reading this article, you’ll be prepared for everything the Valley Isle can throw at you. 

🚗 How Long Does it Take to Get from One Side of Maui to the Other?

Getting from Kahului to Kihei will take about 30 to 45 minutes, but if you wanted to drive around the island, you’d be looking at a total Maui driving time of 9 hours.  

🚗 Can You Drive Around the Entire Island of Maui?

Yes! A large percentage of the island of Maui is undeveloped and, consequently, not accessible by car. 

However, you can drive all along the coast and do an entire loop of the island. You probably don’t want to do a whole Maui loop in one day— but it is possible. 

Driving around the entire perimeter of Maui would take about 9-10 hours, not including stops. 

Each side of Maui is unique and gorgeous. 

You’ll want a fully charged camera, whichever portion you explore. 

🚗 How Long is Maui in Miles?

Maui is a grand total of 48 miles long. The second largest in the Hawaiian islands is a land area of 735 square miles.

That makes it about the same size as Delaware or Rhode Island. 

🚗 Is it Easy to Drive Around Maui?

Yes! Maui is easy to drive around. The roads are typically in good condition and well-marked. Like most places, you’ll experience some traffic during rush hours.

Some roads in the more mountainous regions require technical driving and can be scary if you’ve never driven on single-lane, windy roads. 

However, the aloha spirit that Hawaiian culture is famous for extends even to the roads. Drivers are friendly and kind. Remember to throw out a friendly shaka when someone lets you merge!

🚗 Do You Need a 4WD Car to Get Around Maui?

You don’t need a 4WD car to get around Maui. I drive a regular sedan and have done each scenic drive on the island without problems. 

If you can’t get the idea of a jeep out of your head— don’t worry, you won’t be alone! Driving a jeep in the lush jungle to Hana is quintessential Hawaii. 

So, while you might not need the 4WD, it’s still fun to have.

Driving in Maui Tips

Now that you know where to go, let’s discuss some top tips for driving around Maui. 

📌 Maui Driving Requirements

You must have a valid US or Canadian driver’s license to drive in Maui.

 If you’re from another country, you’ll also need an English-written valid driver’s license and an International Drivers Permit or an international driver’s license. 

📌 Speed Limits in Maui

Island time is more than just a saying! The fastest you can go on Maui’s highways is 55 mph, and most of the time, you’ll be driving a lot slower than that. 

In the towns, the speed limit typically drops to 35 mph. The views are great no matter where you are, so what’s the rush?

📌 Road Navigation 

Maui is a simple place to navigate. However, having a physical map or downloading one on your phone is a good idea. 

Many parts of the island need better cell service, and you won’t be able to access GPS using cellular data. 

Services like Google Maps let you download maps and even note where you want to go. I recommend setting that up before coming. 

📌 Watch Out for One-Lane Bridges

You’ll come across plenty of one-lane bridges on the road to Hana. These bridges accommodate traffic from both directions. 

There’s a yield sign and room to pull over on both sides. 

If you’re the only car, head on through! Otherwise, you’ll have to wait until it’s your lane’s turn to cross.

Please note that if a lineup of cars is on one side of the bridge, the whole lineup crosses at once. 

📌 No Honking!

Honking at other cars on Maui is considered rude, and you’ll hardly ever hear it. In fact, most of the time, it’s a friendly beep of someone saying hi! 

Save your honking for moments of emergency— or driving through the Pali tunnel on the way to the west side! 

📌 Watch For Cattle on the Roads

There are plenty of free-roaming cattle on Maui. You’re bound to see several when you do the Road to Hana or drive Upcountry.

Keep an eye out for roadsigns and cattle guards! That’s your cue to be aware. 

Cows tend to hand out near the roads, so slow down and drive carefully. 

They’re challenging to see at night— I’ve been in a few close calls where I didn’t see one until almost the last second. 

📌 Gas in Maui

Hawaii has some of the highest gas prices in the United States! 

There are also a limited number of gas stations, so when going out on one of these scenic drives, always check your gas levels before hitting the road.

Ensuring your gas tank is full is a good rule of thumb.

The best gas price is Costco in Kahului. It will be the cheapest option every single time. 

However, if you don’t have a Costco membership, the Safeway gas station in Kahului offers comparable prices. 

📌 Parking in Maui

Street parking in Maui is free, but finding a spot can be challenging in some popular tourist areas like Paia and Ka’anapali.  

Taking safety precautions is also a good idea, especially when parking in more remote areas (such as a trailhead). Rental cars are recognizable and more likely to be broken into.

Don’t leave valuables in the car; leave the windows slightly cracked. 

A good rule of thumb on Maui is that you can park anywhere— as long as there’s no signage saying you can’t, and you’re not parking dangerously. 

📌 Slow Down and Enjoy the Ride

Maui is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the mainland. Take your foot off the gas, roll down the windows, and deeply breathe the glorious sea air. 

Everything moves slower on the island— you should, too.

How Many Days in Maui is Enough?

I would argue that you can never have “enough” time on Maui, but I recommend spending a minimum of 5 days. 

That allows you to do some bigger adventures and have some relaxed beach days in between. 

Of course, if you have more time, you can do more! 

What is the Famous Route in Maui?

The Road to Hana is the most famous route in Maui and is an amazing road trip. It’s chock-full of adventures and breathtaking views. 

What is the Death Road of Maui?

Kahekii Highway, aka Hawaii Route 340, is a narrow road along the coastline of West Maui.

It’s considered one of the most dangerous roads in the country, but it is incredibly scenic.  

Why are There So Many Broken Cars in Maui?

There are a variety of reasons why there are so many broken cars in Maui. One is that everything costs more, including auto repairs. 

Another likely option is that the damaged car was stolen and then abandoned. 

Can You Drive to the Volcano in Maui?

Yes! The drive to Haleakala is gorgeous and offers some of the most stunning views of the valley. 

What Roads to Avoid in Maui?

If you’re uncomfortable driving windy, narrow roads, you’ll probably want to avoid Kahekili and Hana Highway. They can be challenging to navigate. 

Consider booking a tour instead so you can still explore those gorgeous areas. 

Final Thoughts: How Long to Drive Around Maui

Given its small size, you might be surprised by how long to drive around Maui. 

With so much to see and do along the way, driving is the best way to get the full experience on this lush tropical island. 

Whether you choose to adventure up to the summit of Haleakalā for a chilly sunset or head out on the winding road to Hana, you’ll experience a variety of microclimates, hikes, and more adventures. 

The Valley Isle is the perfect place to explore by car!