






Road Genius makes it easy to find great rental car offers in Wailea, Maui. Compare prices and book in one place. Check live deals from Kahului Airport, Wailea resort desks and nearby Kihei offices, and pick the vehicle that fits your plans and budget before inventory thins out in high season.
| Location | Description | Advantages | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wailea Resort Locations | Enterprise, Avis and Budget have desks at major resorts (Grand Wailea, Wailea Beach Resort) |
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| Kihei Locations | Rental offices along South Kihei Road (10 min drive) |
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| Kahului Airport (OGG) | All major rental brands at airport consolidated facility |
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If planning to rent in Wailea rather than at OGG:
On average, car rentals in Wailea cost around $128 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $26 per day.
Compare pick-up spots: Resort desks skip the 11% airport surcharge but daily rates are higher. Run the numbers against a Kihei office (10-min ride) or OGG airport after adding shuttle/taxi costs.
Rent only on "road-trip" days: Wailea is walkable and most resorts have shuttles. Grab a car just for the Haleakala or Hana runs and dodge $30-40 per night parking fees.
Target shoulder seasons (Apr–May, Sep–Nov): Rates drop up to 50% compared with winter and summer. Set flexible dates in the search box to catch the sweet spot.
Book a week, not 4-6 single days: Weekly pricing often beats the sum of daily rates on Maui. Even if you return early, some suppliers prorate.
| Location | Availability | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wailea Resorts | Guaranteed for guests | Self-parking fees apply at most luxury resorts |
| Public Beaches | Limited | Free but fills early at Ulua, Wailea and Polo Beach access points |
| The Shops at Wailea | Ample garage parking | Free for first hour with validation, fees thereafter |
| Makena State Park | Good availability | Small fee for non-residents |
| Wailea Golf Courses | Dedicated lots | Free for players with tee times |
Right turn on red allowed after a complete stop unless posted otherwise
Wailea enjoys consistently sunny weather and less rainfall than other parts of Maui
Having your own wheels lets you move beyond the resort area and explore Maui at your own pace.
Makena / Big Beach – beaches
Kihei – dining, shopping
Haleakala Summit – sunrise
Road to Hana – waterfalls, rainforests

Is it necessary to rent a car for my entire stay in Wailea?
Not really. Many people rent a car for just part of their trip to explore the island. The rest of the time, they enjoy their resort. This can save you money on both rental and parking costs.
Are there car rental delivery services to Wailea resorts?
Yes, some local companies will deliver a car to your Wailea resort, either for free or for a small fee. This means you don't have to pick up your car at the airport.
How early should I reserve a car during high season?
For busy times (like Christmas, New Year's and spring break), you should book 3–6 months in advance. If you want a luxury or specialty car, you should book it even earlier.
Can I park overnight at public beaches in Wailea?
No. Most beach parking lots close at sunset and overnight parking is not allowed. They might ticket or tow your car if you leave it there after hours.
Do I need a 4WD vehicle when staying in Wailea?
No. You can get to all the main attractions and beaches in a standard 2WD car. You only need a 4WD for some unpaved roads past Makena, but most rental agreements don't let you drive on those roads anyway.
What's the best strategy for visiting Haleakala from Wailea?
If you want to see the sunrise, you should leave Wailea around 3:00–3:30 AM to get there before dawn. You need to make a reservation for your car ahead of time (available on Recreation.gov) for entries between 3:00 AM and 7:00 AM. For a daytime visit, plan for a 1.5–2 hour drive and bring warm clothes, as it is much cooler at 10,000 feet.
Is there free public parking in Wailea?
You can find some free public parking at beach access points, but these spots fill up very early. The Shops at Wailea offers free parking for the first hour if you get your ticket validated.
How reliable is cell phone service for navigation in South Maui?
You'll get excellent cell service all around Wailea and Kihei. Your signal might get weak only when you go to remote places, like parts of the Road to Hana or the top of Haleakala.