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2463 S. Kihei Rd #C-14, 96753 KiheiView map
Kihei stretches along the south-west coast of Maui, one of the Hawaiian islands. Here, you do not make a big crossing: the island is small, and its most famous roads each take a day. The Haleakalā volcano rises above 3,000 m, the Hana road coils around the wet coast, and the western shore leads towards Lahaina. Our partner EagleRider has a branch here, with Harley-Davidson, BMW, Indian, Triumph and Yamaha in the catalogue.
The branch is at 2463 S. Kihei Rd, unit C-14, on the town's main street. Kahului airport is about twenty kilometres to the north, across the isthmus, and all the island's roads meet within two hours in the saddle.
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Where to pick up your vehicle in Kihei?
Road trip ideas
Road trips from Kihei
1 The Hana road
- Kihei
- Kahului
- Paia
- Twin Falls
- Wailua
- Hana
- Paia
- Kihei
Make your way to Kahului then Paia, the last town before the north-east coast. The Hana road, Route 360, strings together more than 600 bends, dozens of one-lane bridges, waterfalls and bamboo forests. You ride slowly there, and rain is frequent.
Set off early to enjoy the stops, as far as Hana and its black beaches. The return is by the same road: check in the rental contract whether the southern section beyond Hana is allowed.
- Distance
- about 250 km
- Recommended vehicle
- Roadster or light cruiser, manoeuvrable in the bends
2 The summit of Haleakalā
- Kihei
- Pukalani
- Haleakalā National Park
- Kula
- Kihei
Climb via Pukalani and Route 378, which rises in hairpins to more than 3,000 m in Haleakalā National Park. The view of the crater, above the clouds, is one of the most famous in Hawaii. The air quickly becomes cold and dry at altitude.
Watching the sunrise generally requires a reservation, and access to some areas of the park may change: check. Come back down via Kula for its gardens and highland farms.
- Distance
- about 150 km
- Recommended vehicle
- Touring bike or adventure bike, with a warm jacket for the altitude
3 West coast, Lahaina and the Kahekili Highway
- Kihei
- Maalaea
- Lahaina
- Kapalua
- Kahekili Highway
- Wailuku
- Kihei
Follow the west coast via Maalaea and the Honoapiilani road, which overlooks the sea towards Lahaina. This town was badly hit by the fire of August 2023: find out about access and respect for the place. Continue to Kapalua and its sheltered beaches.
North of Kapalua, the Kahekili Highway, very narrow and winding, continues along the cliff. Its most difficult part is reserved for experienced riders. Return via Wailuku without hurrying.
- Distance
- about 180 km
- Recommended vehicle
- Roadster or adventure bike, for the narrow width of the road
4 Wailea, Makena and the south of the island
- Kihei
- Wailea
- Makena
- La Pérouse Bay
- Ulupalakua
- Kula
- Kihei
The shortest outing: ride south via Wailea and its beachfront hotels, then Makena and Big Beach. At the end of the road, ancient lava flows line La Pérouse Bay, a rugged, dry landscape.
Then head up to Ulupalakua and its winery, perched on the slope of the volcano, then back down to Kihei. Nothing urgent, a good format for the first or last day.
- Distance
- about 90 km
- Recommended vehicle
- Cruiser or Indian Scout for a leisurely ride
Weather and seasons
When to go in Kihei?
Best time
April to June, September and October
April to June, September to October
highs 26.5 to 28.8 °C, lows 20.3 to 22.3 °C
The most pleasant months, fairly dry: a high of 26.5 °C in April, 27.9 °C in June, 28.8 °C in September. June has only 35 mm of rain and September 42 mm. The sea is at 25.3 °C in April and 27.2 °C in October, and the sun shines more than 11 hours a day in June.
High season
July and August
July to August
highs 28.7 to 29 °C, lows 22 to 22.3 °C
The hottest months: a high of 29 °C in August, with the sea at 27.3 °C. Rain stays moderate in July, at 52 mm, and rises to 82 mm in August. It is the tourist high season: accommodation and motorcycles book up very early.
November to March
November to March
highs 25.2 to 27.4 °C, lows 19 to 21.1 °C
The coolest and wettest season: a high of 25.2 °C in February, with 103 mm of rain and 9 rainy days. Nothing harsh, motorcycling remains possible, but the Hana road becomes more slippery. The water is at 24.8 °C in February.
Climate in Kihei, month by month
Most pleasant months: March to January.
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun | Sea |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 26 °C | 19 °C | 79 mm | 10 h/day | 25 °C |
| Feb | 25 °C | 19 °C | 103 mm | 10 h/day | 25 °C |
| Mar | 26 °C | 20 °C | 60 mm | 10 h/day | 25 °C |
| Apr | 27 °C | 20 °C | 70 mm | 11 h/day | 25 °C |
| May | 27 °C | 21 °C | 45 mm | 12 h/day | 26 °C |
| Jun | 28 °C | 21 °C | 35 mm | 12 h/day | 27 °C |
| Jul | 29 °C | 22 °C | 52 mm | 13 h/day | 27 °C |
| Aug | 29 °C | 22 °C | 82 mm | 12 h/day | 27 °C |
| Sep | 29 °C | 22 °C | 42 mm | 11 h/day | 28 °C |
| Oct | 29 °C | 22 °C | 49 mm | 11 h/day | 27 °C |
| Nov | 27 °C | 21 °C | 55 mm | 10 h/day | 27 °C |
| Dec | 26 °C | 20 °C | 81 mm | 10 h/day | 26 °C |
Averages 2016–2025 computed from Open-Meteo data (ERA5 reanalysis).
Practical tips
Everything to know before hitting the road
Helmets: check the rules
In Hawaii, the helmet requirement depends on the rider's age: check before you leave. Wearing an approved helmet remains recommended everywhere, especially on the island's wet, winding roads.
Hana road: patience
One-lane bridges force you to give way, and tourist cars travel slowly. Allow the whole day, do not ride at night and slow down as soon as the road is wet or covered with leaves.
Cold and wind at altitude
At the summit of Haleakalā, the temperature can be far lower than at the seaside, and the wind is strong. Bring a warm jacket, gloves and a waterproof layer, even in clear weather in Kihei.
No long distances
The island does not lend itself to long trips. It is better to favour several day outings than to try to link everything. Petrol stations are rare on the Hana coast: fill up in Paia before you leave.
Rental contract and prohibited roads
Some sections of the Kahekili Highway or of the road south of Hana may be excluded by the rental company or the insurance. Re-read the contract and ask the branch which roads are allowed before you leave.
What travellers ask
Your questions about a road trip in Kihei
Where do I pick up my motorcycle in Kihei?
At the EagleRider branch at 2463 S. Kihei Rd, unit C-14, on Maui's south-west coast. Kahului airport is about twenty kilometres away. Your confirmation gives the pick-up arrangements.
Which motorcycle for Maui?
For the Hana road and the Kahekili Highway, a manoeuvrable motorcycle such as a Triumph Scrambler or a Harley Street Bob. For Haleakalā two-up, a touring bike such as a Street Glide. Availability depends on the branch.
How many days to tour Maui?
Three to four days are enough for the big outings: Hana, Haleakalā, the west coast, and a fourth day for the south or rest. The island remains small.
Can I return the motorcycle on another island?
No, Maui is an island: the motorcycle is returned in Kihei or, depending on the rental company, at another branch on the island. The nearest Rider departure cities are on the Pacific coast, more than 3,700 km away.
Are there trikes in the catalogue?
The EagleRider catalogue includes Harley-Davidson Tri Glide models and a Polaris Slingshot, on three wheels, depending on the branch and the dates. Ask the rental company about the licence conditions.
Frequently asked questions
FAQ — Motorcycle rental in Kihei
What licence do I present to rent on Maui?
Your motorcycle licence (category A for Europeans) must be valid, with an ID and a bank card. An international permit may be required. The minimum age varies with the model and the rental company.
Can I ride two-up on the Hana road?
Yes, with a motorcycle with a passenger seat, but the bends are tiring. Choose a comfortable seat, alternate breaks, and bring a helmet for the passenger.
Do I have to pay to enter Haleakalā?
Yes, an entrance fee per vehicle is charged in Haleakalā National Park. A reservation may also be required for sunrise: check rates and rules on the official website before you leave.
When should I go to Maui by motorcycle?
From April to June and in September-October, the fairly dry months, with 35 mm of rain in June. From November to March, it rains more, up to 103 mm in February.
Where do I store my belongings?
Touring bikes carry saddlebags and a top case, a roadster makes do with a saddle bag. Leave the rest at the hotel: you come back to Kihei every evening.
About us
Why ride from Kihei
Maui is not a land of big stages but of a succession of small, spectacular roads. Kihei is an excellent base camp: in the middle of the south coast, with the volcano, the Hana coast and the west each within two hours. You set off in the morning, come back in the evening, with a warm sea right in front.
The EagleRider branch on South Kihei Road serves as the anchor for these outings. Temperatures vary little, between 25 and 29 °C for the high, and the months from April to June and from September to October offer the driest days.
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