Frommer's EasyGuide to Hawaii 2014 by Jeanette Foster

Author:Jeanette Foster [Foster, Jeanette]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781628870350
Publisher: FrommerMedia

GETTING AROUND

BY CARThe only way to really see Maui is by rental car; there’s no islandwide public transit. All of the major car-rental firms—including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, and Thrifty—have agencies on Maui. For tips on insurance and driving rules in Hawaii, see “Getting Around Hawaii”.

Maui has only a handful of major roads, and you can expect to encounter a traffic jam or two in the major resort areas. Two of the roads follow the coastline around the two volcanoes that form the island, Haleakala and Puu Kukui (the West Maui Mountains); one road goes up to Haleakala’s summit, one road goes to Hana, one goes to Wailea, and one goes to Lahaina. It sounds simple, right? Well, it isn’t because the names of the few roads change en route. Study a map before you set out.

A traffic advisory: Be alert on the Honoapiilani Highway (Hwy. 30) en route to Lahaina, because drivers who spot whales in the channel between Maui and Lanai often slam on the brakes and cause major tie-ups and accidents. Since this is the only main road connecting the west side to the rest of the island, if there is an accident, flooding, a rock slide, or any other road hazard, traffic can back up for 1 to 8 hours (no joking)—plan accordingly.

If you get into trouble on Maui’s highways, look for the flashing blue strobe lights on 12-foot poles; at the base are emergency solar-powered call boxes (programmed to dial 911 as soon as you pick up the handset). There are 29 emergency call boxes on the island’s busiest highways and remote areas, including along the Hana and Haleakala highways and on the north end of the island in the remote community of Kahakuloa.

BY MOTORCYCLEFeel the wind on your face and smell the salt air as you tour the island on a Harley, available for rent from Cycle City Maui, 150 Dairy Rd. (www.cyclecitymaui.com; 808/877-7433). Rentals start at $99 per day (9am–6pm daily). A second location is at 602 Front St. ( 808/677-2800).

BY TAXI & SHUTTLEAlii Taxi ( 808/661-3688) offers 24-hour service island-wide. You can also call Kihei Wailea Taxi ( 808/877-7000) or Surf Taxi Maui ( 808/870-9974) if you need a ride.

Maui Public Transit is a public/private partnership that has convenient, economical, and air-conditioned shuttle buses on 11 routes, all operated by Roberts Hawaii (www.mauicounty.gov/bus; 808/871-4838). These routes are funded by the County of Maui and provide service in and between various Central, West, South, and Upcountry Maui communities (including the airport). All routes operate daily. They go from as far south as Wailea up to as far north as Kapalua. Fares are $2 for most routes.

[FastFACTS] MAUI

American ExpressTheir office is in West Maui at the Westin Maui Resort at Kaanapali Beach ( 808/661-7155) from 8am to 6pm in the lobby, beachside kiosk from 7am to 5pm; this is for Amex activities only. For lost or stolen cards, call 888/246-1076.

DentistsEmergency dental care is available at Hawaii Family Dental, 1847 S. Kihei Rd.

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