Car Hire Maui Coast Hotel — Your Gateway to South Maui’s Sunniest Beaches
Staying at the Maui Coast Hotel puts you right in the heart of Kihei, where the sun shines nearly every single day of the year. This stretch of South Maui coastline is famous for its golden sand beaches, laid-back surf town vibes, and some of the best snorkelling spots on the island. But here’s the thing — whilst you can walk to Kihei’s shops and restaurants, the real magic of Maui happens when you venture further afield. Having your own set of wheels means you can chase the best waves, find secluded beaches, and explore upcountry Maui without waiting for tour buses or shelling out for pricey taxis.
What makes this area particularly brilliant for drivers is the location itself. Kihei sits perfectly positioned between the upscale resorts of Wailea to the south and the historic towns up north. You’re also just a reasonable drive from Haleakalā’s summit and the legendary Road to Hana. The traffic flows fairly smoothly compared to Oahu, and the coastal views along South Kihei Road are the sort that make you want to roll down the windows and breathe in that salty Pacific air. Trust me, you’ll want the freedom to pop over to the morning fish market or catch a sunset at a different beach each evening.
Picking Up Your Rental Car in Maui Coast Hotel
Most visitors flying into Maui land at Kahului Airport (OGG), which is about a 25 to 30-minute drive from the Maui Coast Hotel. The major car hire companies — including Alamo, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National — all operate from the airport’s dedicated rental car centre. It’s located just across the street from the baggage claim area, and a quick shuttle whisks you there in under five minutes. I’d strongly recommend picking up your vehicle at the airport rather than arranging a separate hire in Kihei, simply because you’ll have far more vehicle options and better rates. Plus, after a long flight, the last thing you want is to queue for a taxi or rideshare.
When you arrive at the counter, you’ll need your driving licence (your UK photocard licence works fine for most rental companies), a credit card in the driver’s name, and your booking confirmation. Hawaii law requires all passengers to wear seatbelts, and the rental company will ask about additional insurance. Your travel insurance might already cover collision damage, so double-check before you go — it could save you a fair bit. If you’ve booked a convertible (highly recommended for the coastal drives), ask specifically about the roof mechanism, as some operate differently than others.
Where to Go with Your Rental Car
Wailea Beach Path — Just 10 minutes south along Wailea Alanui Drive, this paved oceanfront walkway connects several of Maui’s most beautiful beaches. Park at either Ulua Beach or near the Grand Wailea resort. The snorkelling here is fantastic, and you can easily spend a whole day beach-hopping along this stretch.
Makena Landing and Big Beach — Continue another 10 minutes past Wailea and you’ll reach Makena, home to the stunning Big Beach (Oneloa Beach). The drive along Makena Alanui offers gorgeous views, and the beach itself is one of the largest on Maui. Get here early on weekends though — locals love this spot too.
Haleakalā National Park — The drive up to the summit takes about 1.5 hours from Kihei. Head north on South Kihei Road, connect to Highway 311 (Pilani Highway), then merge onto Highway 37 before turning onto Haleakalā Highway. The sunrise view from 3,000 metres above sea level is worth the early start, but bring warm layers — it’s genuinely cold up there.
Road to Hana — From the hotel, allow about 45 minutes to reach the official start of the Hana Highway (Route 360) in Paia. This legendary drive features 600 curves and 59 bridges through lush rainforest. Take your time, stop at the banana bread stands, and don’t rush — it’s about the journey, not just the destination.
Lahaina and Kaanapali — Head west about 45 minutes along Highway 311 and Highway 30 to reach this historic whaling town. Front Street is brilliant for shopping and dining, and the nearby Kaanapali Beach offers excellent swimming. Note that Lahaina is still recovering from the 2023 fires, so check which businesses have reopened before making the trip.
Tips for Driving in Hawaii
Hawaiian driving culture is refreshingly relaxed compared to mainland US cities. Locals often wave to acknowledge courtesy, and aggressive driving is generally frowned upon. The speed limit on most highways is 45 to 55 mph, though you’ll find 20 to 25 mph zones through towns. Police do enforce limits, particularly in school zones, so keep an eye on those signs. There are no toll roads anywhere in Hawaii, which is a lovely change from many other American destinations.
Parking can be tricky at popular beaches, especially on weekends and holidays. Many beaches have free parking lots that fill up by mid-morning, so arrive early or be prepared to circle a bit. The county beaches along South Kihei Road usually have decent parking, but places like Big Beach in Makena get packed quickly. Some hotels in Wailea charge for parking, so factor that in if you’re planning to visit resort areas for lunch or shopping.
Weather-wise, Maui’s microclimates mean you might drive through sunshine, sudden showers, and back to sunshine within half an hour. The windward (east) side gets more rain, whilst Kihei and South Maui stay dry most of the year. If you’re heading up to Haleakalā or the Hana coast, expect wetter conditions. And a crucial local tip: never leave valuables visible in your parked car, even at beach car parks — unfortunately, break-ins do happen at popular tourist spots.
One more thing about island driving: you’ll encounter one-lane bridges, particularly on the Road to Hana and in upcountry areas. The rule is that the driver closest to the bridge has right of way, but in practice, locals often wave visitors through. A friendly shaka hand gesture goes a long way towards showing your appreciation.
Ready to hit the road? Use the search widget at the top of the page to compare rates from trusted car hire providers near Maui Coast Hotel. Booking in advance usually secures better prices, especially during peak travel seasons. Safe travels and enjoy exploring the Valley Isle!