If you are considering Maui for your next vacation, you are making the right decision. Maui is the second largest Island in Hawaii and promises a lot of fun outdoor activities. In addition, it has beautiful beaches and resorts where you can relax with your friends and loved ones.
With this in mind, you should plan your vacation days properly by calculating how long it will take you to drive around the whole of Maui and experience the island fully.
Without making any stops at any of the destination spots, it will take about 10-12 hours to drive around Maui. But if you want to enjoy everything the island has to offer, it will take you about 3 days.
By the end of this article, you will learn the estimated time it will take you to drive all around Maui, helpful tips for driving around the island, and what to visit while in Maui, including directions, attractions, and time estimates for each location.
Let’s get started!
What’s the time estimate to drive all around Maui?
Maui has 727.2 square miles, making it the 17th largest island in the United States. If you are not making any stops, it will take only a few minutes to get to some locations.
The time estimate to drive all around the island is 10-12 hours, but it will vary depending on how fast you drive and how many times you decide to stop.
Starting from Maui airport in Kahului, here is the estimated time it will take you to drive to these locations:
| From Kahului to: | Estimated time |
| Lahaina | 40 minutes |
| Kaanapali | 45 minutes |
| Kapalua | 55 minutes |
| Maalaea | 15 minutes |
| The Hana Lava Tube | 2 hours, 30 minutes |
| Hana | 2 hours, 40 minutes |
| Kihei | 15 minutes |
| Wailea | 30 minutes |
| Makena | 35 minutes |
| The summit of Mount Haleakala | 1 hour, 30 minutes |
| Iao Valley State Park | 15 minutes |
Recommended stops around Maui
Maui is a beautiful Island, and if you want to make the most out of it, check out these destinations and recommended stops.
Road to Hana
This is the most popular drive in Maui. It is a 52-mile drive along the East Maui rainforest. A few miles beyond Hana, the highway switches to Piilani highway. It has beautiful scenery with so many waterfalls by the roadside.
This is the most beautiful sight for many visitors. If you decide to drive to Hana back to your hotel, you need to schedule about 10-12 hours, especially if you’re making several stops to check out the waterfalls take lunch, or view the sights.
But if you want to take in all the scenery, schedule a day for it so you can stop often.
Also, you need to start early to avoid traffic congestion.
Haleakala National Park
Located in southern Maui, Haleakala National Park is home to one of the world’s largest dormant volcano craters. You can find it at Mile Marker 41 Hana Hwy.
From South Maui, it will take you two hours to get there, while it will take approximately 3 hours from West Maui.
Estimate half day or full day for this park. There are many areas to visit, such as Haleakala’s summit, which stands more than 10,000 feet above sea level.
The mouth of the volcano can also be seen at the top of Haleakala. You can go down into the mouth of the volcano.
Waianapanapa State Park
The Waianapanapa State Park is at Mile Marker 41 Hana Hwy. One of the lovely things about this place is the jet-black sand. The beach is composed of pebbles and rocks.
You can make a quick stop on your way to Hana highway and view the scenery. The volcanic coastline offers solitude and peace away from the hustle and bustle of urban life.
The Ke Ala Loa O Maui/Piilani Trail is also located there. Consider checking out the freshwater caves.
Other attractions include the native Hala forest, a religious temple, sea stacks, and a small black sand beach.
Map out 12 hours or more for this destination.
Pipiwai Trail
The Pipiwai trail is one of the best trails in Maui. You will find it at the Haleakalā National Park.
It is a 4-mile trail that will take you through beautiful tropical vegetation.
Makahiku Falls, Waimoku Falls, and ‘Ohe’o Gulch can also be found along the trail.
The scenery is beautiful and tranquil. You should dedicate at least 3 hours to enjoy it, even more if you want to see every bit of it.
Makena Beach State Park
The Makena beach is located in Southern Maui. It is located at the state park a little more than 4 miles south of Wailea. From South Maui, it can take you about 20-30 minutes to get there.
The beach features cinder cone Pu‘u Ola‘i and a large white sand beach. You can swim when the sea is calm or engage in bodysurfing, shore fishing, and the like.
Depending on your schedule, you can spend 2 – 3 hours there.
Wailea Beach
Wailea Beach has a serene atmosphere compared to other beaches in Maui. You will see palm trees lined in the sand. It is perfect for swimming, relaxation, and snorkeling because of the calm water. Ten-twelve hours spent on this beach will be worth it.
Kaanapali Beach
The Kaanapali beach is located at Kaanapali park. It is excellent for surfing and sunbathing because it stretches 3 miles of the island’s northwest coast.
There are two golf courses and the lively Whalers Village open-air shopping center.
You can perform several activities here, such as whale watching, and the shallow water makes it perfect for snorkeling.
The sunset cliff diving spectacle at Puu Kekaa is another spectacular activity. This is used to pay tribute to King Kahekili, Maui’s last independent King.
Iao Valley State Park
Situated at the end of Iao Valley Road, the Iao Valley State Park features a beautiful landscape and rock features with the popular Kuka’emoku, also called the Iao needle. It is 1200 feet from the valley floor.
From South Maui, it will take about 40 minutes to an hour to get to this park.
The hiker’s trail offers an excellent view, and you will see the Iao needle properly. This was formed by erosion. Now it is covered in the island’s tropical foliage, making it appear green.
Napili Beach
Napili Beach is at Nue drive. It has really calm waters compared to other beaches on the island. It is particularly great for swimming, sunbathing, and paddle boarding.
It is a few miles south of Kapalua on Maui’s northwest coast. It can be accessed from Honoapiilani Highway (Route 30).
Is Maui easy to drive around?
Maui is easy to drive around. The route is mostly straightforward. The roads are good and well-maintained. If you drive carefully and obey the standard road rules you already know, it is easy to navigate.
However, you may find it challenging to get used to driving around Maui because the roads are different from what you are accustomed to.
Here are a few things you need to know about the routes:
- There are tight corners and cliff sides.
- Roads in many places narrow down to a single lane.
- Multi-lane freeways are rare.
- There are one-lane bridges.
To drive safely in Mau Mau, follow these tips below.
Stay focused
Maui is a beautiful Island with serene and visually appealing scenery, so it’s easy to get distracted when driving. That’s why you should be careful, stay focused on the road, and stop and park the car if you want to take in the views.
Look out for cattle on the road
One of the dangers on Maui roads is running into cattle roaming on the road. You need to look out for that, so you don’t end up hitting any of them.
Stick to the speed limit
The driving speed in Maui does not exceed 55 miles per hour. People that use the road take their time while driving around. You should bear this in mind any time you are out.
The slow speed will even help you see any road obstruction by vegetation, rain, or mud.
Obey the road signs
Always pay attention to the road signs. Unlike the mainland, there are no multi-lane freeways, and they mostly have one-lane bridges, especially along the Hana highway. Therefore, you need to drive carefully and obey the road signs.
Do not use your cell phone
Using your phone while driving is illegal in Maui. Avoid texting, calling, or using any handheld device to perform any task while driving on the roads.
Always check the weather report
Before heading out to any destination in Maui, always check the weather report. The island has a flooding issue, especially on the road to Hana.
When it is flooded, driving in the rain can be dangerous. The best thing to do is to utilize essential tips that will help you traverse a flooded road or turn back.
Avoid honking
Unless it is absolutely necessary, do not honk to protest or react to other road users. The residents find it annoying. So only do so if it is an emergency.
Traffic situation
Rush hour traffic starts at 4 pm. Because most roads are two-lane roads, traffic congestion occurs during that time. Pay attention to this and plan ahead.
Get a full tank
Ensure you fill up your gas tank before heading out because there are few gas stations. On the east side of the island and central Maui, you may find it difficult to find gas stations, unlike in Lahaina and Kahului.
You may also like: How long does it take to drive around Kauai island
Conclusion
Maui is a great holiday destination that will offer you all the relaxation, fun, and beautiful sights you need.
It takes about 10-12 hours to drive around the island, but it will take more than that if you have to make a few stops to take in the excellent views of the island.
The roads are also easy to navigate, and you will avoid a lot of trouble if you obey road signs and keep to the driving tips.
Check out Roadtripbuzz for other exciting road trip tips.
