Kahului Travel Guide 2025

Resting on the shore of Kahului Bay in central Maui, Kahului is one of the most immersive and authentic communities on the Hawaiian Islands. Those seeking an experience that offers insight into the Hawaiian way of life, along with the relaxed ambiance that Maui is famous for, will love staying in Kahului.

As an epicenter of commerce and community life, Kahului invites travelers to experience a different side of Hawaii — the one that islanders and locals have loved for thousands of years.

Our Kahului Travel Guide will help you plan your trip to one of the top vacation spots in the U.S., allowing you to soak up the excitement of planning a visit to paradise.

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Traveling to Kahului is only the first step, with the next being learning how to get around the city as well as the island of Maui. Fortunately, there are many transportation options in this city, which is considered to be a central hub on the island.

The Maui Bus is the public transportation system on Maui, connecting both residents and travelers to the biggest cities and destinations on the island. The bus system consists of 12 routes and of those, two routes make stops at the Kahului Airport, allowing travelers to easily hop on a bus in order to get to their hotel after arriving on Maui. All routes run seven days per week, including holidays, making it one of the most convenient and accessible ways to get around Maui.

Car rentals are popular among travelers, particularly those who want to journey on the Road to Hana. If you are planning to stay in Kahului but want to explore many different areas around Maui, then you may want to consider renting a car. Car rental prices will vary significantly based on the make and model that you choose as well as the duration and timing of your rental. Convertible car rentals are particularly popular among tourists, as they allow visitors to see and experience the island in all of its glory.

While well-known rideshare companies, such as Uber and Lyft, offer travelers the opportunity to get a ride on the spot in Kahului, many people on Maui rely more heavily on the locally owned rideshare company, Holoholo. Holoholo offers convenient transportation to and from destinations around Maui, including in Kahului, Hana, Kapalua, Kihei and Wailea. Setting itself apart from other rideshare apps, this company offers fixed pricing, which appeals to budget-friendly travelers.

In Kahului and throughout Maui, you can find a wide range of unique rentals, including golf carts, bikes and scooter rentals. Bicycle rentals are relatively affordable, with a city cruiser bike usually costing about $75 for the week. Scooter rentals, on the other hand, are a tad more expensive, costing travelers about $350. However, some visitors find that the cost is worthwhile, as scooters and mopeds are easier to park than cars, allowing tourists to access some of the more congested areas of the island. In a surprising twist, golf carts are one of the most in-demand rental options and travelers are often shocked to learn that they are street-legal vehicles in Hawaii, if the speed limit on the road is less than 35 miles per hour. Golf carts are convenient and energy-efficient and are a great option for large groups who may have different goals and preferences for their trip.

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While the seasonal weather changes define other destinations, Kahului enjoys year-round warmth and abundant sunshine, making it a favorite tropical getaway among travelers searching for a great beach. In short, the best time to visit Hawaii is year-round, but each season has particular offerings.

Summer is the peak travel season in Kahului and throughout Maui and for good reason. The months of June, July and August are the warmest and driest months of the year in Hawaii. While other warm-weather destinations experience high levels of heat and humidity in the summer, Kahului boasts moderate temperatures that rarely climb above 80 degrees during the summer. This is the best time of year to visit Kahului if you are looking to enjoy the surf and sand.

However, during the winter months, you will find that Kahului enjoys the same balmy temperatures. The average high temperature in December, January and February is about 78 degrees, which is quite comfortable when compared to other destinations around the world. While the winter is the rainy season, you should not expect all-day rain in Kahului. This is the best time of year to book a trip to Kahului if you want to experience crushing waterfalls and enjoy the annual humpback whale migration. Tourist crowds are typically lower during the winter season.

As it stands, there is no truly wrong time to visit Kahului. The best time to consider traveling to Kahului will depend on what you want to do during your stay. Continue reading our guide to Kahului to learn more about the top things to do in Kahului and throughout Central Maui.

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While not considered to be the primary tourist destination on Maui, Kahului still offers plenty of things to do for travelers of all ages and preferences. In fact, it's one of the best places in Hawaii to experience the authentic lifestyle that locals enjoy, giving you an opportunity to enjoy immersive and interactive activities that highlight the beauty of the Hawaiian culture.

These are just a few of the top things to do in Kahului:

Affectionately referred to as the MACC by local Maui residents, the Maui Arts and Cultural Center is a performing arts venue that has been increasing access to the arts in the local community for more than 30 years. While the Maui Arts and Cultural Center is known to host headline events and major performers who are on tour throughout the year, the true mission of this performing arts venue is to preserve and promote Hawaiian cultural expression.

Travelers who are looking for a way to experience Hawaiian dance, music and theater should make a point to catch a show during their trip to Kahului. Home to the first pā hula in Maui, which is one of only four pā in the state, the MACC is the perfect place for visitors to experience the ancient Hula tradition in a way that is both respectful and appropriate. Other Hawaiian cultural events that take place at the MACC throughout the year include a ukulele festival, a Hawaiian film festival and more, giving travelers plenty of opportunities to soak up the spirit, culture and tradition of Hawaii.

Having become a beloved tradition over the past 40 years, the Maui Swap Meet is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. This swap meet is hosted each week on Saturday mornings from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the heart of Kahului. Operating in the parking lot of the University of Hawaii Maui College, the swap meet is conveniently located nearby the MACC, making it easy to incorporate into your Saturday itinerary in Kahului.

The Maui Swap Meet blends the best of Hawaii, bringing together longtime locals who love the island with tourists who want to experience the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere that Kahului is known for. During this swap meet, budget-savvy tourists will be able to secure the best deals on local products, including fresh fruits, hand-painted clothing items, flowers, authentic Hawaiian art and more. On any given Saturday, you will find more than 200 vendors ready to strike up a deal with you, including food vendors who are serving up traditional Maui delicacies for a fraction of the price that you will find at nearby restaurants in more popular tourist destinations.

When you imagine Kahului, you probably conjure up images of crushing ocean waves and swaying palm trees. Perhaps you might think about the fresh pineapples that can be sliced and added to your Mai Tai, but you may not realize that, at its core, Maui is actually an agricultural community.

The Maui Tropical Plantation, which is located in the heart of Kahului, showcases the role that agriculture plays in the local Hawaiian economy. Tourists are invited to experience the Maui Tropical Plantation by taking a ride on the Tropical Express Tour, which takes guests around the plantation in order to learn more about the fresh fruits and vegetables that are grown in Kahului. During the tour, you may be able to smell the tropical flowers that naturally perfume the island, sample fresh fruits and vegetables or even see a coconut husking demonstration.

Combining education with entertainment, the Maui Tropical Plantation provides Kahului travelers with insight into the local way of life as well as access to the true flavors of the Hawaiian Islands. Not to mention, it's one of the best places in Kahului to soak up the lush, sweeping landscapes of the central valley.

Located on the grounds of the Maui Tropical Plantation, the Maui Zipline Company offers one of the most thrilling experiences on the island. Adventure-seekers will love having the opportunity to glide across the valley of the island on a family-friendly zipline course. This zipline course features five side-by-side ziplines, allowing you to enjoy the experience of a lifetime with everyone in your travel party. It's the best way to see Maui from a bird's eye view, giving you the chance to soak up the lush landscaping that this island destination is known for.

Just 10 minutes away from Kahului, you will find Historic Downtown Wailuku, which is famous for its colorful, wooden buildings that embody an era gone by. Rather than finding the typical souvenir shops that you will find in other tourist hotspots on the island, in Wailuku, you can support residents who have operated the storefronts of Market Street for generations. Along Market Street, you will find general stores selling traditional Hawaiian products, contemporary boutiques featuring one-of-a-kind items and bakeries selling fresh pastries made from locally sourced ingredients.

If you are looking to add a dose of history to your day, consider embarking on the Rediscover Wailuku Tour, which is a walking tour that takes visitors to more than 20 different historical attractions and landmarks in the city. Along the way, you will be able to see Ka'ahumanu Church, the ʻĪao Theater and the Bailey House, among other points of interest in this historic town, which is considered by many to be one of Maui's hidden gems.

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If you want to explore all that Maui has to offer, Kahului is one of the best places to stay on the island. Home to the island's airport, Kahului has convenient and affordable hotels that allow you to create a home base during your Maui vacation.

These are some of the best places to stay in Kahului:

The AAA Three Diamond Designated Courtyard by Marriott - Maui Kahului Airport hotel is clean, comfortable and offers the most convenient location for those who are flying in and out of Maui. Offering on-site dining, a fitness center and a relaxing outdoor pool and hot tub, this hotel attracts both business travelers and families who want to experience everything that Kahului has to offer. Shuttle service is available to and from the airport, making this an appealing hotel for travelers who are island-hopping around Hawaii.

Ideally located on the Kahului harbor, the AAA Diamond Approved Maui Seaside Hotel effortlessly blends traditional Hawaiian hospitality with the expectations of modern travelers. The rooms at this hotel have recently been renovated, allowing guests to enjoy state-of-the-art accommodations in a lush, tropical setting. Featuring an outdoor pool and harborfront views, the Maui Seaside Hotel is an excellent place to stay if you want to relax in splendor as well as enjoy the best things to do in Kahului

The AAA Four Diamond-designated Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort offers a true Hawaiian escape for guests seeking luxury, overlooking more than 15 acres of beachfront. This hotel offers incredible amenities as well, including tiered infinity pools that overlook the ocean. The spirit of Aloha is alive and well at this resort, which has earned a reputation for its commitment to excellent customer service and hospitality. Guests also can experience the Polynesian culture when they enjoy an authentic luau dining experience on the resort grounds

Located on the shores of Kaanapali Beach near the infamous Black Rock, the AAA Three Diamond-designated Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa is a popular hotel near Kahului for families who are spending their vacation together. In particular, guests at this hotel enjoy the winding pool and lush landscaping that makes this hotel feel like a true Hawaiian paradise. It's also located near a quiet cove, which is a favorite sport for snorkeling in Maui.

Situated at the end of the Road to Hana, the AAA Three Diamond-designated Hana-Maui Resort is like the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. This luxury boutique hotel is ideal for travelers who are looking for a quieter, more peaceful Hawaiian getaway. Not only is this hotel located near Hana Town, where guests can enjoy the authentic spirit of Aloha that permeates the atmosphere, but it is also situated near the iconic waterfalls that the Road to Hana is famous for. Featuring saline water pools and some bungalow-style rooms, it's truly one of the most unique hotels near Kahului.

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As the commercial hub of Maui, there is no shortage of great places to eat in Kahului. From family-friendly diners to cafés that allow you to soak up that Polynesian charm, these are some of the best restaurants in Kahului:

If you are looking for outdoor dining during your trip to Kahului, then you will definitely want to make time to eat at Brigit and Bernard's Garden Cafe. Famous for having the largest outdoor patio in Central Maui, this café offers European flavors in a tropical setting. The menu is largely comprised of Swiss and German items, giving travelers the opportunity to enjoy hearty fare before they begin their Hawaiian adventures. If you happen to be traveling to Kahului during the fall, you can join in on the Oktoberfest celebrations that take place at this café each year.

Located in the heart of Kahului, Bistro Casanova has a sophisticated vibe, which is perfect for travelers who are hoping to enjoy a date night in Maui. The menu is anchored by traditional Italian staples as well as wood-fired pizzas, allowing Kahului travelers to enjoy a culinary trip around the world. It is consistently ranked as one of the top restaurants in Maui, thanks to its excellent menu and its commitment to the spirit of Aloha.

For endless romance and panoramic views of the Maui mountains, consider dining at Fuego Argentinian Steakhouse in Kahului. Known as one of the best restaurants in Maui, this steakhouse offers the flavors of Argentina as well as the magic of Maui. Meals are prepared over a wood-fired grill in the traditional Argentinian style and diners can choose from indoor or outdoor dining. The outdoor patio is particularly romantic, offering candlelight dinners and sweeping views of the mountains in the distance. This restaurant stands out in our guide to Kahului as one of the top places to eat.

Cafe O'Lei Kihei is an upscale restaurant situated in the heart of Kihei. While its menu is anchored by steak and seafood — and enhanced by locally-sourced Maui ingredients, including macadamia nuts — it also appeals to travelers with young children because it offers a kid's menu. Both lunch and dinner are served at this restaurant, but it's worth noting that the last dinner seating takes place at 8 p.m.

For a truly memorable dining experience on Maui, head to Humuhumunukunukuapua'a, an incredible luxury restaurant in Wailea. This restaurant is a favorite among honeymooners and couples who are celebrating their love for one another, largely because it offers one of the most romantic experiences on the island. The outdoor dining space stretches over the water, giving guests uninterrupted views of the Hawaiian shoreline. With an authentic Polynesian atmosphere, this restaurant serves artful seafood creations and tiki-style craft cocktails.

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From those iconic waterfall photos to stunning sunsets over the Pacific Ocean, these are the best Kahului photo spots:

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Located in the central part of the island, Kahului is the perfect place to start any Maui adventure. Day trips are one of the best things to do in Kahului and there are so many incredible spots that can easily be reached from this city.

These are the best day trips from Kahului:

Haleakala is a dormant volcano that rises above the island of Maui and its summit is one of the best places to watch the sunrise. It's an experience that is truly unforgettable, allowing you to witness the sheer power and grandeur of nature. The best way to reach the summit is to book a Haleakala Sunrise Tour, which begins bright and early before the sun rises and lasts for 10 hours. Ticket prices begin at $186 per person.

Stretching and winding for more than 6 miles along the outer edge of Maui, the Road to Hana is one of the most breathtaking island experiences. Along this journey, you will not only enjoy stunning panoramic views, but you also will have the opportunity to get out and hike the rainforest in search of waterfalls. On a guided tour experience, you will relax in style as you are transported around this infamous highway to the most iconic spots. This 9-hour tour includes both breakfast and lunch and ticket prices start at $219 per person.

If you are interested in island hopping, you can always take a day trip to Oahu, where you will have the opportunity to see Pearl Harbor and experience the sights and sounds of Waikiki Beach.

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Kahului is known as a budget-friendly destination on the island of Maui. Here are a few tips to save money when traveling to Kahului:

Plan Your Kahului Vacation with AAA

Once you’ve gathered inspiration for your dream Kahului trip on Trip Canvas, contact one of AAA’s Travel Agents today to start making your dream a reality, using your AAA membership to access exclusive deals. No matter your budget, they can help you simplify the planning process with prepackaged trips or à la carte options.