Driving around the island is by far the best way to get to know the island. If you do get lost, Please pull off the road. Don't look at the map and try and drive at the same time. If you do get lost don't hesitate to ask someone, we still know what Aloha is on Maui. There is no reason to have to pass someone in the left lane. We will just end up pulling up behind you at the next light and shake our heads. Using the horn in something other than emergency is considered rude. Please, the vast majority of traffic fatalities on the island are unfortunately alcohol related. Designated drivers Please.


IMPORTANT:

Do your best not to leave anything of value in your car. Unfortunately the majority of crime over here is cars been broken into. Do not think that the trunk is a safe. One rock through the window is faster than a key to gain access to the trunk latch. The jerks doing this know that you are more likely to have something of value in the car rather than the resident, so they target rental cars. If you take something of value to the beach - wallet, camera or anything - take it onto the beach with you. If you go into the water at the beach, cover everything up in your towel and ask someone to keep an eye on your stuff for you while you are in the water. Try to keep your eye on the stuff while you're in the water.



DRIVE WITHOUT STRESS:

Remember you are on Maui. You are on vacation. Most drivers around you are also on vacation and they will take their time. There is no need to be in such a hurry to get to your destination. Allow a generous driving time if you are heading back to the airport or if you have an appointed time for an activity.



BE CONSIDERATE:

While on Maui try to incorporate the 'Aloha Spirit'. Allow fellow drivers to merge. The most you will lose is one car length or 5 seconds of time.



DON'T TAILGATE:

You are on the road with fellow visitors from around the World. They are on vacation. They are looking around at all the sites and will slam on their brakes at the most unexpected times especially during Whale season. Why ruin your leisure vacation by becoming involved in a rear-end collision. Is it worth the 3 seconds of time saved? Besides, the more the distance between you and the car in front of you, the less you have to concentrate on what they might or might not do leaving you more time to take in the beauty of Maui.




USE TURN SIGNALS:

Too many of our visitor drivers will not use their turn signals or will signal to turn one way and then turn the other way at the last moment because they are somewhat lost and/or confused.




PASSING:

Is it really necessary to pass that car especially when there is a string of cars in front of the one you are planning on passing? Is the 5 to 60 seconds that you will gain really worth an accident that can ruin your vacation?




SLOW DRIVING:

Our World-wide visiting drivers want to see everything and will slow down so as to absorb as much of what they are observing. I don't blame them. But what they fail to notice is that there are other drivers on the road and they are piling up behind them. It would be just as easy to pull over and safely enjoy the view while not disrupting the lives of others.




DRIVING THE MOUNTAIN:

When descending Mount Haleakala, try not to use only your brakes. Slip your car into 2nd gear and only use your brakes when absolutely necessary. Drivers who have relied only on their brakes to get them safely down the mountain have found themselves with overheated and useless brakes resulting in an accident.




ROAD TO HANA:

The road to Hana is not only beautiful it is narrow and winding. The road is not exclusive to cars. The road is also used by trucks, both small and LARGE. I recommend that you stay as far to the right in your lane as possible, especially when negotiating the numerous blind hairpin curves. You never can tell if a large truck or a tired or inattentive driver is coming in the other direction and is crossing into your lane.

It may sound really obvious but the drivers should keep their eyes on the road. Don't get distracted by the scenery, if you want a better look just pull your car over and take all the time you need.

When you do pull over make sure that other cars can still get around you safely. Again, it may sound obvious but we saw a couple park their car on a one lane bridge and get out to pose for a photograph.

The road gets really narrow in places and the locals (as well as some tourists) drive the highway very fast, so watch out on the sharp turns and single lane bridges.

Be considerate of the local people. You may be on vacation but they are trying to get to work so pull over and let them pass if you are driving slower than they are. Last but not least, get good directions. There are plenty of road signs and the actual highway has almost no exits that aren't driveways but some people do manage to get lost. One couple we spoke with said the drive to Hana took them 18 hours. (Apparently they went the wrong way around the entire Island of Maui... not the best part of their vacation.) So just ask your hotel concierge for directions. Be sure to get a good road map when yourent your car, they're free. 




RIGHT ON RED:

 In Hawaii you are allowed to turn right on a red light after coming to a complete stop. The key point here is 'Coming to a COMPLETE STOP'. Remember, you are on vacation and should be a relaxed driver.




THINK YOUR LOST?:

 Trying to read a map while driving? Not a good idea. You are on vacation which leaves you plenty of time to safely pull over, stop and really study the map. One nice thing about Maui is that there are so few roads (4 basic ones), thus it is very hard to get completely lost. So don't worry. Relax. Take your time.




USE YOUR HEADLIGHTS:

I cannot understand why so many drivers are hesitant to turn on their headlights, especially during sunrise and sunset. They use their 'Parking Lights'. Those lights are used when you are PARKED not driving. That is how they got their name. They are not "Running Lights". That is for boats. Check it out for yourself. An oncoming car with its headlights on can be seen at a greater distance than one without. Don't you want to warn other drivers that you are there in the oncoming lane?




USE SEAT BELTS. IT'S THE LAW:

The police take this law very seriously. They are constantly looking for drivers that are not wearing them and you will be issued a ticket. This law applies to all front seat passengers, not just the driver.




DON'T SPEED:

There is no need to exceed the posted speed limit. After all, you are on a vacation. The time gained is really not worth it because you will have to pay closer attention to your driving and will miss out on the beauty of Maui.




KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE ROAD:

Maui is a beautiful place with much to see. If you are tempted to view your surroundings while driving, please pull over to do so. For the safety and courtesy of other drivers, please keep your eyes on the road while driving.