How to get from Kahului Airport to Lahaina
Kahului Airport (OGG) to Lahaina is straightforward: choose between renting a car, a taxi/rideshare, an airport shuttle, or the Maui Bus (with a transfer). Here’s how each option works, with step-by-steps and planner links.
At A Glance (Kahului Airport to Lahaina)
| Mode | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 🚘 Rental Car (OGG → Lahaina) | ~40–60m via HI-380/HI-30 (traffic-dependent) | Flexibility, beach/food stops en route |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~US$55–120/day + fuel/tolls/parking » compare airport rentals | alt. prices | ||
| 🚖 Taxi / Rideshare | ~40–60m | No driving, late arrivals, heavy luggage |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~US$80–160 per car, surge possible » fixed-price quotes | ||
| 🛺 Airport Shuttle (Shared/Private) | ~50–80m (hotel rounds) | Solo travelers, no-stress meet & greet |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~US$30–55 pp shared; private varies » compare transfers | more options | ||
| 🚌 Maui Bus (Transit) + Short Walk/Taxi | ~1.5–2.5h (connection-dependent) | Lowest cost, light luggage |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~US$2–4 per ride (exact fare), day passes available on island | ||
Which Option or Route Should You Choose?
- Fastest/Most Convenient: Taxi or rideshare straight from OGG to your hotel in Lahaina.
- Best Overall Flexibility: Rental car—great if you’ll explore Ka’anapali, Kapalua, Upcountry, or Road to Hāna on other days.
- Value Without Driving: Prebooked shuttle (shared or private) with meet-and-greet in baggage claim.
- Cheapest: Maui Bus using the OGG stop → Kahului Transit Center connection → West Maui route to Lahaina/Ka’anapali.
How to Book and Practical Tips
- Car rental inventory: Peak periods sell out—compare on Booking.com Car Rental (OGG) or Trip.com and lock in early.
- Rideshare pickup zones: Follow airport signs to the designated rideshare area outside baggage claim; have your app ready (cell data).
- Shuttle meet points: Look for counters in baggage claim; your voucher will show the exact desk/exit.
- Maui Bus etiquette: Exact fare recommended; light luggage only; expect a connection at Kahului Transit Center for West Maui service.
- Staying overnight near OGG? Search close-to-airport and West Maui hotels on Booking.com (Lahaina/Ka’anapali).
🚘 Option #1 — Rental Car (Most Flexible)
Freedom Easy for luggage Parking cost
- Overview: Pick up your car at OGG’s consolidated rental facility and drive HI-380 → HI-30 (Honoapiʻilani Hwy) to Lahaina/Ka’anapali. Simple route with coastal views.
- How to book (with price): ~US$55–120/day depending on season/vehicle. Compare live inventory on Booking.com Car Rental (OGG) or Trip.com Car Hire.
- Pros: Door-to-door, perfect if you’ll tour the island. Cons: Parking fees at resorts; driver stays alcohol-free.
Step-by-step: Rental Car
- After landing at OGG, follow signs to the rental car tram and pick up your vehicle.
- Set navigation to Lahaina (or your hotel). Route: Keolani Pl → Dairy Rd (HI-380) → merge onto HI-30 westbound.
- Allow 40–60 minutes depending on traffic; fill up before returning the car (gas is pricier in West Maui).
- For sightseeing days, plan parking at popular beaches early.
Getting to the main embarking points (OGG Car Rentals → Lahaina)
- Pick-up: On-airport rental center connected by tram from baggage claim.
- Drop-off: Many West Maui hotels have paid self/valet parking—check your rate.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚖 Option #2 — Taxi / Rideshare (Fastest Door-to-Door)
No driving 24/7 Surge pricing
- Overview: Request a rideshare or take a taxi from the airport curb for a direct ride to Lahaina/Ka’anapali.
- How to book (with price): Typical US$80–160 per car depending on time/traffic. For fixed quotes or larger vehicles, compare GetTransfer (Maui).
- Pros: Quick and simple after a long flight. Cons: Peak-hour surges; limited luggage space in smaller cars.
Step-by-step: Taxi / Rideshare
- From baggage claim at OGG, follow signs for Ground Transportation and the rideshare/taxi pickup zones.
- Open your ride app and enter Lahaina or your hotel; verify license plate and driver before boarding.
- Ride ~40–60 minutes via HI-380/HI-30 to West Maui; tip your driver.
- If traveling with kids, pre-request a vehicle with child seats or bring your own.
Getting to the main embarking points (OGG Curb → Lahaina Hotels)
- Pickup: Designated rideshare/taxi zones are outside baggage claim—follow the overhead signs.
- Drop-off: Most resorts have a dedicated rideshare/taxi lane at the lobby.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🛺 Option #3 — Airport Shuttle (Shared or Private)
Meet & greet Budget-friendly solo Hotel rounds add time
- Overview: Prebook a shared shuttle for the best price per person, or a private van for families. Counters are inside baggage claim; drivers stage just outside.
- How to book (with price): Shared from ~US$30–55 pp; private vehicles vary by size. Compare providers and inclusions on GetYourGuide or Klook.
- Pros: No driving; space for luggage. Cons: Multiple hotel stops increase total time.
Step-by-step: Airport Shuttle
- Book your shuttle before you fly; note the meeting point shown on your voucher (usually a counter in baggage claim).
- After landing at OGG, check in at the shuttle counter and receive boarding instructions.
- Load luggage and ride to Lahaina/Ka’anapali; confirm your hotel is on the service list.
- For return trips, confirm pickup time the day before.
Getting to the main embarking points (OGG Baggage Claim → Shuttle Staging)
- Check-in: Show your voucher/ID at the shuttle counter in baggage claim.
- Boarding: Staff will direct you to the curb lanes outside the terminal.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚌 Option #4 — Maui Bus Public Transit (Cheapest)
Budget Frequent Light luggage
- Overview: From the OGG Airport stop or nearby stops, ride to the Kahului Transit Center, then transfer to the West Maui route serving Lahaina/Ka’anapali. Expect one connection and a longer total time, but the fare is the lowest.
- How to book (with price): Pay on board (exact fare recommended). For planning, use the official Maui Bus website/app; if you prefer a tour on another day, browse GetYourGuide for island activities.
- Pros: Cheapest way; no parking worries. Cons: Not ideal with big bags; evening frequencies may be lower.
Step-by-step: Maui Bus
- From OGG, walk to the signed bus stop (or take a short ride to Kahului Transit Center if your timing fits a direct express).
- Board the bus toward the Kahului Transit Center and purchase your fare/day pass from the driver.
- Transfer to the West Maui/Lahaina route and ride to your preferred stop (Lahaina town, Cannery Mall, or Ka’anapali resorts).
- Walk or take a brief taxi/rideshare from the bus stop to your accommodation if needed.
Getting to the main embarking points (OGG Stop & Kahului Transit Center)
- OGG stop: Follow terminal signs to public transit; confirm next departure with the official app/website timetable.
- Kahului Transit Center: Central transfer hub for routes to Lahaina/Ka’anapali; staff can advise the best stop for your hotel.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
FAQ (Kahului Airport to Lahaina)
How long does it take from OGG to Lahaina?
Typically 40–60 minutes by car depending on traffic; transit can take 1.5–2.5 hours with a transfer.
Is rideshare available at OGG?
Yes—follow airport signs to the designated pickup zones; pricing can surge at peak times.
What’s the cheapest way?
The Maui Bus is the lowest fare option if you’re traveling light and don’t mind a transfer at Kahului Transit Center.
Where should I stay?
Lahaina/Ka’anapali have many beachfront properties; compare availability and prices on Booking.com (Lahaina/Ka’anapali).
Any seasonal tips?
Reserve cars/transfers early for holidays and summer; aim to arrive in West Maui before sunset for easier check-in and parking.