Do I need a 4x4 to reach must-see places on Maui? [closed]

We'll be visiting Maui for a week or so next spring -- our first time in Hawaii. Are there any must-see places that require a 4x4 to reach them, or will we be fine with a regular car? I'm not talking about serious off-roading. I've read that parts of the Hana highway are unpaved but passable by a normal car. Apart from that, any spots that are more demanding?

I had an unlucky experience in Iceland few years ago, where I rented a pseudo-SUV (Honda CR-V) that couldn't take us down some roads that needed more aggressive tyres or better fording depth. Just want to make sure I won't make the same mistake here.

Best Answer

The highways that loop around both the West Maui Mountains and Haleakala are both in poor condition, but can be driven in a standard sedan, four wheel drive is not necessary. However, your rental contract may prohibit driving around the backside of Haleakala (and some also prohibit driving the West Maui Mountain road). This prohibition stems mostly from the cost or in some cases the refusal by tow trucks to service those remote areas.

Both of these roads are simply roads, without any major points of interest, mostly just a way to go all the way around the island. All of the main island POIs can be reached by sticking with the other roads (perhaps an out 'n back such as the Hana Highway).

A couple of driving tips from a former kama'aina ... When descending from Haleakala shift your transmission into lower gears to slow the car, don't ride the brakes all the way down. Too many Maui rentals have warped rotors from being overheated while descending the mountain ... When driving the Hana Highway, pull off when you have a couple of cars behind you and let them pass you by. Nothing more frustrating to locals than being stuck in a group of six cars behind a tourist driving at 15 mph, and the Hana Highway has very few places to pass safely. Don't be pilikia, let em by.

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Do you need an SUV to drive around Maui?

An SUV is not required. The road although curvy and narrow at parts, is paved and in excellent condition. You will require a large vehicle to insure your passengers are comfortable on this three hour drive, You must eat at at the Barefoot Caf\xe9 which is a little caf\xe9 by the beach in Hanah.

Do you need a 4x4 for Haleakala?

Re: Need 4wd for Haleakala Volcano drive? It is a paved road to the top and 4wd is not necessary.

Is 4-wheel drive necessary in Hawaii?

What is this? The short answer is no, you don't. Well, I guess if you want to drive to the Mauna Kea summit, it is officially said that a \u201c4-wheel drive vehicle is required\u201d to drive past the Maunakea Visitor Information Station, although there are reports of tourists driving up in a normal car.

Do I need 4WD for Road to Hana?

4WD is not necessary for making the drive to Hana. If you plan on going off of the Highway, you may need one due to muddy unpaved roads, but you're not likely to do this.

WHAT NO ONE TELLS YOU ABOUT MAUI...🏝

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