Kahului
Maui, HI
Kahului is Maui’s vibrant commercial hub and entry point for most travelers, home to Kahului Airport, Maui’s main shopping centers, and the bustling Kahului Harbor. Although often overlooked by tourists, it offers genuine island life, with farmers markets, local restaurants, and landmarks such as the Maui Nui Botanical Gardens and the Alexander and Baldwin Sugar Museum. As the starting point for adventures like the Road to Hana (Hana Highway) or Haleakala summit tours, Kahului offers practical convenience and authentic Hawaiian charm.
The Basics
Kahului is Maui’s principal shopping district and its offerings are diverse: Stock up at a big retailer like Costco or a small farmer’s market; visit the island’s largest mall, shop chic boutiques, or find hidden treasures at a popular swap meet. Shopping attracts most island locals, but in-the-know travelers also can enjoy the white sand of Kanaha Beach Park, view local fauna and flora at the botanical gardens and Kanaha Pond State Wildlife Sanctuary, and learn the city’s history at the Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum.
Things to Know Before You Go
Kahului is the spot to stock up on groceries and other big-city necessities before heading to the island’s smaller towns.
Kanaha Beach Park—located right behind the airport—is the best place to catch your first rays of Maui sunshine.
Kahului is the starting point for the scenic Road to Hana (Hana Highway).
How to Get There
Kahului is the jumping-off point for most Maui vacations, and the city can be reached by plane, cruise, or ferry. There are nonstop flights to Kahului from the mainland US and other Hawaiian islands.
When to Get There
Crowds flock to Maui in the winter and summer; consider visiting in the spring or fall to catch the slower shoulder seasons. Keep in mind that Kahului is located on Maui’s windward side, so regardless of when you visit, the city gets rain year-round.
Driving the Road to Hana
Known as one of the most scenic drives in the world, the Road to Hana follows the Maui coastline from Kahului to the remote village of Hana. Prepare for hairpin turns, narrow bridges, and some of the island’s most spectacular cliff-top viewpoints. Along the way, stop to explore waterfalls, beaches, and trails.
Ways to explore
Kahului serves as the primary launch point for many of Maui’s full-day adventures, including guided excursions to Haleakalā Crater, Iao Valley, and the Road to Hana—many of which originate near the airport or cruise harbor. You can explore Kahului on your own by shopping at the Queen Ka'ahumanu Center or visiting local attractions like Kanahā Pond Wildlife Sanctuary or the Maui Nui Botanical Gardens. Kahului is the jumping-off point for most Maui vacations, and you can access the city by plane, cruise, or ferry.
Accessibility
Most Maui Bus vehicles and stops throughout Kahului (including at the transit center and airport) are wheelchair‑accessible.
Age limits
Kahului is family-friendly and offers attractions suitable for all ages.
What to pack
Cash or credit card for shopping, water bottle, sunscreen
What to wear
Comfortable walking shoes for exploring the town and harbor areas, light layers, breathable clothing
Not allowed
Littering, feeding wildlife
Amenities
Public restrooms at the Kahului Transit Center and harbor, visitor information desks at OGG Airport, several cafes and shops around Queen Kaʻahumanu Center
Address
Kahului is Maui’s main commercial and transport hub, home to the island’s busy Kahului Airport (OGG), main cruise harbor, large shopping malls, and service-oriented attractions. It’s the launch point for tours to destinations including Haleakalā National Park, the Road to Hana, and Iao Valley. Many visitors arrive via flights or cruise ships docking at Kahului Harbor.
Driving
Renting a car or using ride-share services from Kahului Airport or nearby hotel areas is straightforward; roads are well-marked, parking is ample, and Kahului acts as a central hub for Maui exploration.
Public transportation
Maui Bus provides public transportation through Kahului, with ADA-accessible vehicles serving the Kahului Airport, Transit Center, and local town routes, including the Upcountry Islander, Haiku Islander, and Kahului Loop.
Best times to visit
Morning and mid-afternoon
Best days to visit
Weekdays offer the most relaxed pace, lighter traffic, and easier access to parking; however, that changes on weekends when cruise ships come in.
Best months to visit
The dry season (April through October) is ideal for outdoor walking and sightseeing, while whale season is December through March.
Special events
The family-friendly Maui County Fair, held in October, features carnival games, rides, food, and a community art show.
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