Gateway Town
Kahului
Big airport, bigger shopping. Last real stop before the volcano—fuel up, stock up, crash here.
Quick facts
- Town Type
- Supply Depot
- Population
- 26337
- Best Known For
- Main airport hub and shopping center for Maui
- About This Town
- Kahului is Maui's largest commercial and transportation center, home to the main airport (OGG) and principal shopping centers. It's the practical last stop for fuel, groceries, and lodging before heading to Haleakalā. Not a tourist destination itself—travelers pass through here to resupply and access the island.
Town overview
- Town Type
- Supply Depot
- Population
- 26337
- Best Known For
- Main airport hub and shopping center for Maui
- About This Town
- Kahului is Maui's largest commercial and transportation center, home to the main airport (OGG) and principal shopping centers. It's the practical last stop for fuel, groceries, and lodging before heading to Haleakalā. Not a tourist destination itself—travelers pass through here to resupply and access the island.
Park access
- Distance From Park
- 38.4 km northwest
- Nearest Airport
- Kahului Airport (OGG) is located in town—the main commercial airport for Maui
Where to stay & eat
- Hotel Count
- 7
- Bnb Count
- 2
- Lodging Variety
- Chain hotels and guest houses
- Restaurant Count
- 74
Things to do
- Main Attractions
- Maui Arts and Cultural Center, Maui Nui Botanical Gardens, Kahana Pond Bird Sanctuary, Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum, Kanaha Beach Park (Kite Beach), helicopter tours of Moloka'i
- Summer Activities
- Beach visits at Kanaha Beach Park, windsurfing at Kite Beach, golf at The Dunes at Maui Lani, helicopter tours
- Shopping District
- Queen Kaahumanu Center and Maui Mall on Kaahumanu Avenue; major retailers along Dairy Road
- Events Festivals
- Ki Ho'alu Slack Key Guitar Festival (June), Maui Ukulele Festival (September), Na Mele OMaui choral festival (December)
Planning advice
- Stock Up Here
- Dairy Road has major retailers. Hit Queen Kaahumanu Center and Maui Mall for shopping. Fuel up here—gas is cheaper than resort areas. This is the best stop for fair prices before heading to the volcano.
- The Vibe
- Kahului is Maui's working hub, not a resort town. Practical, affordable, sprawling, and car-dependent. Stay here to save money and access the airport; stay in West Maui if you want tourist vibes.
- Best Time To Visit
- Year-round, with peak crowds during local festival season: Ki Ho'alu Slack Key Guitar Festival (June), Maui Ukulele Festival (September), Na Mele OMaui (December). Best for shopping and services outside major holiday weeks.
- Tips Advice
- Rental car companies (Maui EVs on Hobron Ave, 10 AM–10 PM daily) are available—pick one up here
- Kaahumanu Avenue (Route 32) is the main commercial strip
- Maui Nui Botanical Gardens is worth a quiet stop before heading to the volcano
- Gas and groceries are significantly cheaper here than in tourist areas
More details
- Insider Tips
- Kanaha Beach Park (Kite Beach) is free with strong windsurfing conditions
- Blue Hawaiian, Air Maui, Sunshine Helicopters, and Maverick all offer helicopter tours from here—high-end packages include landing with refreshments
- The Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum has outdoor exhibits and the restored sugar mill is visible across the street
Location
Frequently asked questions
How far is Kahului from Haleakalā?
38 km northwest, roughly 45 minutes by car. Budget extra time for airport-area traffic.
Where do I rent a car?
Maui EVs is on Hobron Ave (10 AM–10 PM daily). Several other agencies operate at the airport.
What should I stock up on here?
Gas, groceries, supplies. Prices are fair and you won't find better rates heading toward the volcano.
How many restaurants are there?
About 74 restaurants and cafes in the area—everything from chains to local spots on Kaahumanu Avenue.
Can I explore attractions while passing through?
Yes. Maui Arts and Cultural Center, Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum, and Kanaha Beach Park are nearby.
Do I need to book hotels in advance?
During festival season (June, September, December), book ahead. Otherwise, walk-ins are usually fine.
More at Haleakalā National Park
Recommended gear for Haleakalā National Park
Sources
- YourNPGuide Editorial
Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works.
Last updated July 2026. Report an issue.