Maui Run affecting airport drive

Question

We need to drive from Westin Nanea Ocean Resort Villas in Lahaina to the airport on Sunday. Just found out about Run Maui closing down lanes. Any advice on drive time to airport? Looks like it’s normally 45 minutes. TIA!

Answer

The Maui Run (also known as the Maui Marathon or other local events) can definitely impact traffic, especially if lanes are closed due to road races or events. If you're driving from Westin Nanea Ocean Resort Villas in Lahaina to the airport on Sunday, and the race is taking place during that time, you can expect some delays. The typical drive time of around 45 minutes can be extended depending on the event's course and road closures.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Check the exact route of the Maui Run to see if it directly impacts the roadways you'll be using, like Honoapi'ilani Highway (Highway 30). If lanes are closed along that stretch, it could affect your drive.
If possible, try to leave earlier than planned, as traffic could be slower with road closures, even if they’re not right along your route.
Look out for detours or alternative routes that might be suggested by locals or the event organizers. Some events post traffic updates to keep drivers informed of any changes.
Consider using a navigation app like Google Maps or Waze to get real-time traffic updates, as these apps can help you avoid areas with closures or congestion.

In general, it's best to allow extra time—especially when it’s the day of a large local event like the Maui Run. The last thing you want is to be rushing to the airport due to unexpected traffic. I would recommend adding 15-30 minutes to your usual travel time just to be safe, depending on how close you are to the start of the race and where the event is taking place.

Safe travels, and I hope you make it to the airport with plenty of time to spare!