Car rental at Kahului cruise port, drive to Hana

Question

I want to rent a car at Kahului cruise port, and then drive to Hana.

Is that realistic?

Or is that difficult?

Are there car rental offices at Kahului cruise port?

My cruise ship arrives at Kahului at 8 AM. I guess when I get on the land, it will be 10 AM.

Most local "Road to Hana" tours depart at 7 AM.

Answer

Renting a car at the Kahului Cruise Port and driving to Hana is absolutely realistic, though it requires a bit of planning to ensure the experience goes smoothly. The Road to Hana is a beautiful and scenic drive, but it’s important to consider a few details before embarking on the trip.

Here are the key points to consider:

Car Rental at Kahului Cruise Port: There are car rental agencies located near the Kahului Cruise Port, but they may not have offices directly at the port. Most car rental companies in Maui have their offices in the nearby Kahului Airport (OGG) area, which is just a short 5-minute drive from the cruise terminal. Some rental agencies might offer a shuttle service to pick you up directly at the port. It's a good idea to check with the rental agency ahead of time to confirm their process for picking up at the cruise port, or if they will need you to take a shuttle to their office.
Timing: Your cruise ship arrives at 8 AM, and you'll likely be on land around 10 AM (after disembarking and completing any port-related procedures). Most Road to Hana tours depart early in the morning, around 7 AM, so you’ll be a bit behind on timing. This isn’t necessarily a problem, as the drive to Hana can take several hours, and you can easily drive yourself if you prefer more flexibility. However, be aware that the journey to Hana is winding and slow, with many places to stop along the way, so it will take most of the day to complete.
Drive to Hana: The drive itself is about 52 miles from Kahului to Hana, but it can take anywhere from 2.5 to 4 hours depending on stops, road conditions, and how long you linger at scenic points. If you plan on making stops, hiking, or exploring, it’s advisable to start the drive as early as possible to make the most of your day. Be prepared for a slow and winding road with many one-lane bridges and curves.

Considering these points, the trip is feasible but requires careful planning:

Plan for Rental Car Pickup: Confirm in advance with your rental agency about the pickup process at the cruise port or nearby location, and allow some extra time for that. Once you have your car, you’ll be ready to start your drive.
Road to Hana Timing: Although most tours leave early, you can still enjoy the Road to Hana later in the day. You can make stops along the way at scenic viewpoints, waterfalls, beaches, and the Seven Sacred Pools (Oheo Gulch) before turning back. If you’re not planning on doing a round trip, be sure to allocate enough time to return to Kahului before dark.
Prepare for the Drive: The Road to Hana is a famous and beautiful route, but it’s also a challenging one. Make sure you’re comfortable with narrow, winding roads. It’s also important to carry snacks, water, and possibly a full tank of gas, as services can be limited along the route.

Overall, it’s completely realistic to rent a car and drive the Road to Hana, but it will take some time to get everything sorted with the rental car and the drive itself. You’ll need a flexible schedule and be ready for a full day of exploration. If you prefer not to drive yourself or are worried about timing, you might consider joining a tour that departs later in the morning or in the afternoon.

Have a fantastic time exploring the stunning scenery of Maui!