Hawaiian Activities — island tours, luaus, and adventures across Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island.
Almost everyone lands at Kahului. Where you go next, and what it should cost, is oddly hard to find out before you arrive.
Quick Answer: Nearly all Maui visitors arrive at Kahului (OGG). Private transfer prices scale with distance: $60 within Kahului (30 minutes), $80 to or from Kihei (30–45 minutes, flight-monitored), and $140 to or from Lahaina on the west side (about an hour). A rental car usually wins for a week; a transfer wins for arrival day and for west-side stays.
TL;DR
- Kahului area: $60, about 30 minutes.
- Kihei / Wailea: $80, 30–45 minutes, flight-monitored.
- West Maui: $140, roughly an hour each way.
- Flight monitoring: Matters more than price. Delays are common on inter-island and mainland arrivals.
- Rental car: Better value beyond about three days — unless you are staying put.
What a transfer costs from Kahului
Maui is bigger than it looks on a map, and transfer pricing reflects driving time rather than a flat airport fee.
| Destination | Price | Journey |
|---|---|---|
| Kahului hotels | $60 | ~30 minutes |
| Kihei | $80 | 30–45 minutes |
| Lahaina, west Maui | $140 | ~1 hour |
These are private vehicle prices, not per seat, so a family of four pays the same as a couple. That is what makes them competitive against several taxi or rideshare fares for the same trip.
Why flight monitoring is the feature that matters
The Kihei transfer advertises flight monitoring, and it is worth more than the price difference between operators. Mainland flights into Kahului arrive late often enough that a driver holding a fixed pickup time is a real risk.
With monitoring, the driver tracks your actual arrival and adjusts. Without it, a two-hour delay can mean paying for a transfer you missed and then arranging another at the kerb, at 11pm, with luggage and tired children.
Ask specifically. It is not standard across all operators.
Transfer or rental car?
Take the rental car if you plan to drive the Road to Hana, chase surf between coasts, or stay more than about three days. Maui has little useful public transport and the good things are spread out.
Take a transfer if you are staying put at a resort, visiting for a long weekend, arriving late at night, or if your group would otherwise need two cars. West-side stays in particular are a case for it: $140 each way beats a week of parking fees at some resorts if you are barely driving.
A hybrid works well too — transfer in on arrival night, pick a car up in town the next morning, and skip both the airport queue and the first night’s parking.
Booking notes
Give the operator your flight number, not just a time. Confirm the meeting point — kerbside and baggage claim are different experiences with a lot of luggage. Check whether child seats are available, since Hawaii requires them and they are not always carried by default.
Landing at Kahului? A lei greeting at the airport is the traditional start to a Maui trip; our guide to airport lei greetings on Maui covers what they cost and how the meet-up works.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a taxi from Kahului airport to Kihei?
A private transfer between Kahului airport and Kihei is $80 for the vehicle, taking 30 to 45 minutes. Because it is priced per vehicle rather than per person, it compares well with metered fares for groups.
How far is Lahaina from Kahului airport?
About an hour by road on the west-side route. A private transfer runs $140 each way, which is the highest of the three main routes because of that drive time.
Do I need a rental car on Maui?
If you are staying more than about three days or want to drive to Hana or between coasts, yes. Maui has limited public transport. For short stays, resort-based trips or late arrivals, transfers are often simpler and can work out cheaper.
Is there a shuttle from Kahului airport?
Private transfers are the reliable option and can be booked in advance for a fixed price. Confirm flight monitoring when you book, because arrival delays into Kahului are common and not every operator tracks them.
Should I book airport transfers in advance on Maui?
Yes, particularly for late arrivals and for west-side destinations. Booking ahead fixes the price, guarantees a vehicle large enough for your luggage, and lets you request child seats.
Prices checked against operator listings, September 2026. Availability and rates are set by the operator and can change.
Sort your Maui airport transfer
Private, flight-monitored transfers across Maui with fixed prices.
Maui transfers · All Maui activities · (808) 207-9427
