How to Travel on Public Transportation in Maui
Maui has a relatively new public transportation system that is easy to navigate and which offers the most inexpensive way to travel around the island. The growing bus system is seeing increases in its ridership each year, and you will find tourists and locals alike riding the Maui bus.
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Instructions
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Riding the Maui bus
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1
Locate a bus stop.
For visitors, your hotel will usually have a Maui bus schedule handy and know where the nearest bus stop is. If you cannot find the bus stop or a schedule, call Roberts Hawaii at 808-871-4838 for locations. After you have found the Maui bus stop sign, stand or sit near the sign so that the bus driver knows to stop for you when he approaches. -
2
Verify you are on the right bus.
Maui bus drivers are used to visitors who are unfamiliar with the island riding the bus, so don't be afraid to ask if you are getting on the right bus. In order to get an accurate answer and not delay the driver any more than necessary, make sure you know exactly where you are going and its proper name. For example, don't say "I am going to the grocery store." Say, "I'm going to the Safeway." Most bus drivers are more than happy to call out your stop when it approaches. Also, bus schedules are always located on the plastic partition behind the driver. -
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3
Know bus etiquette.
If the bus is empty you are free to sit where you want and most people choose seats that are unoccupied before sitting next to a stranger. If the bus is full, move to the back of the bus and take the first available seat. When all seats are taken, it is OK to stand on the bus just as long as you are not past the yellow line next to the bus driver. Do not sit on the bus steps or the luggage carrier. If you are on a larger bus with two doors, stay clear of the second door at the back of the bus when you approach a stop because the door opens inward towards passengers. Always remember that the first two or three seats at the front of the bus are reserved for handicapped and elderly passengers. If a wheelchair-bound passenger or elderly person boards the bus, please give up your seat to them. -
4
Know the rules.
If you are traveling from the airport, large suitcases are not allowed on the Maui bus. Only small carry-on luggage will be permitted. Grocery bags are allowed on the bus as long as you can carry them in your arms and store them under your seat, if necessary. All golf clubs and fishing rods must be in their proper container. Surfboards and sandboards are not allowed, and pets must be in a caged container. All baby strollers need to be collapsible. -
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Have exact change.
The Maui bus accepts cash only and does not make change. The fare for most routes is $1 per person, per route. There are no transfer tickets. There are three routes that are free; they are: Kahului Loop, Wailuku Loop and Lahaina Villager. For locals and long-stay visitors, bus drivers sell bus passes --- these are good for one month. A single route costs $20 for students and senior citizens and $25 for all others. An all-route bus pass costs $40 for students and senior citizens and $45 for all others. -
6
Getting off the bus.
When you see the bus driver approaching your stop, simply pull the cord on either side of the bus until you hear a "ding" sound and the "Stop Requested" sign at the front of the bus lights up. Wait until the bus driver completely stops before leaving your seat.
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Tips & Warnings
Always have $1 bills handy. Grab a bus schedule from the plastic partition behind the bus driver. The first three seats on a bus are always reserved for handicapped and elderly passengers. Never bring a surfboard on the bus. All baby strollers must be collapsible.
Some bus stops are not indicated on the printed bus schedule. If you are unsure about your stop, always tell the bus driver where you are going and ask him to call out your stop when it approaches.
