Drive times to and from West Maui

Question

We live kaanapali and are experiencing sporadic, unpredictable traffic delays, for people travelling to or from the Lahaina side of West Maui.

On Wednesday we had two friends check out of the Mahana and get stuck in a 45 minute gridlock of stopped traffic.

They got to Kahului airport and experienced a slow process in TSA . One friend finished with TSA and ran to her airline’s gate. She asked the airline to wait for her travel companion . They wouldn’t . So they were separated , with one being the last to board the plane and the other rebooking for the Thursday flight and staying one night at the Marriott.

Two more stories of road delays from friends from Wailuku and Kihei on Thursday. 1 hour and 20minutes drive time from central Kihei to North Ka’anapali . 1 1/2 hours from Wailuku to North Ka’anapali early on Thursday morning .

These road delays are unpredictable and Mr Getaway seems to dodge most road delays. His plan of allowing extra drive time has helped us arrive on time or early. We do not go “to the otherside “ as frequently as we used to. Sometimes we just sail right through with no traffic delays. Mr Getaway takes credit for the clear sailing with no traffic delays and explains “I phoned ahead” . His positive attitude works on Green lights and prime parking spaces too.

Lahaina never completed the Bypass Highway that was supposed to avoid Lahaina town and merge with Highway 30 at North Ka’anapali.

The road delays in West Maui have been listed on the morning tv news traffic reports.

Allow extra drive time, especially if you have reservations somewhere. Maybe combine activities for a West Maui day. We hope this information is helpful

Practice aloha

The Getaways

Answer

West Maui, especially the corridor between Ka’anapali, Lahaina, and Kahului, is known for unpredictable traffic delays. Even though the distance may not seem far, congestion can vary dramatically depending on the time of day, local events, and construction.

Some recent experiences illustrate the variability in drive times:

Guests leaving the Mahana in Lahaina experienced a 45-minute gridlock just getting out of town before heading to Kahului Airport.
Travelers from central Kihei to North Ka’anapali have reported drives taking up to 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Those driving from Wailuku to North Ka’anapali experienced delays of about 1.5 hours in the early morning.

Because of these delays, planning ahead is crucial:

Always allow extra travel time if you have reservations or flights. Delays are unpredictable and can significantly impact your schedule.
Consider combining multiple activities in one area of West Maui for a day to minimize driving back and forth across congested zones.
Monitor local traffic reports on morning TV or apps to get a real-time idea of road conditions.
Note that the Lahaina Bypass Highway was never completed, so all traffic must pass through Lahaina town, which can be a major bottleneck.

Practical tips for minimizing stress during travel:

If possible, schedule flights and reservations with ample buffer time to account for delays.
Try to travel outside of peak commute hours (early morning and late afternoon) when traffic tends to be heaviest.
Check with locals or concierge services, like “Mr. Getaway,” for real-time insights or alternate routes. Sometimes even minor changes can help avoid congestion.
Be patient and maintain a positive attitude – staying calm can make a big difference when stuck in traffic.

In summary, West Maui drives can be highly variable. Always allow extra time, plan your activities strategically to minimize backtracking, and monitor traffic conditions in advance. Combining awareness, planning, and a flexible schedule will help you navigate West Maui more smoothly.

Drive times to and from West Maui

More Maui Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions