Transportation (Kahului, Wailuku: for rent, home, buying)

[Topher]

Was just wondering....Any Motorcycle or scooter type dealerships on Maui or would they be concentrated mostly on the Big Island? Is traveling on a scooter such as a "Vespa" in lieu of an automobile dangerous due to the smaller roads and amount of traffic? I've read alot about people shipping transportation over from the mainland but not to much on purchases made on the Islands. I would assume that the prices must be through the roof though...Topher

[whynot?]

You knew I would be lurking here, no doubt. I am not a know-it-all -- I just have plenty of time and lots of interests. There are lots of scooters/cycles on Maui. Most dealerships -- of any kind -- are in/around Kahului and Wailuku. There is also a considerable market in the Maui News classifieds (online and in print) and other local papers that are mailed to residents. The prices vary. New vehicles obviously include the cost of shipping, which goes up every day now. A lot of people avoid local used vehicles for the same reasons as on the mainland, maybe more so because of the effects of constant exposure to sand and salt. The (dreaded) Superferry does give you the opportunity to buy on Oahu, where there are more choices, and bring your vehicle to the outer isles. As for "safety," I'd say it's "average." I gave up my motorcycle privileges on my last driver's license renewal, but I have several friends who ride regularly. For me, the issue was, ironically, "congestion." Once you get out on the more open roads, no problem. But in and around towns, there are so many cars (and large trucks/SUVs), and so many, um, "distractions" for other drivers (never me, of course) that I would not be completely comfortable. There are reasonably straightforward laws for scooters and bicycles, but they are rarely complied with or enforced. (A lot of riding on the wrong side of the road and a lot of not acknowledging signs and signals.) There are very few bicycle paths, and even fewer marked lanes for motorbikes. The road shoulders (particularly in West Maui) are in poor condition, which makes for a difficult ride there. There are plenty for rent, too! Take a look when you're driving, then give it a try. If you dare. (I'm kidding. A little.) It's a beautiful place to ride, though, and plenty do.

[Topher]

Hey there "whynot?" Please continue to "lurk" here! I did look up trip advisor and most , if not all, said that Maui could be very dangerous for scooter and/or motorcycles and advised against it due to the topography. Said roads are very narrow, often times poor road conditions exist etc. with no out or avenue of escape from the vehicular traffic. Watch out for that first step, it's a "doozie"#@%%&**! Guess that's one more thing to observe while I'm there. Don't want a stretch of the roadway named after me! Topher P.S if you don't mind me asking ( I hope ). What did you end up doing for transportation?

[oneblessedmommy]

I was just wondering ... How is the bus system compared to driving?

[Brav989]

Originally Posted by oneblessedmommy

I was just wondering ... How is the bus system compared to driving?

Bus system in Oahu was ranked best in the country two times. I've also heard good thing about it from people. Also is quite cheap too ($40 a month for adult pass). TheBus Home Page

[whynot?]

In contrast, the bus system on Maui is getting better, but is not as dependable and the routes are not as widespread. They are working on it, and you can get from major place to major place, but it's not like Oahu's better-established transit system.

[oneblessedmommy]

Oooooh nice thanks! I dont think we will be buying a car then