DRIVING THE ROAD TO HANA
The Road to Hana is one of the most beautiful and scenic drives on Maui, but it can also be challenging due to its narrow, winding roads and numerous one-lane bridges. To ensure your safety and protect the rental vehicle, please follow these guidelines:
- 1. Drive Carefully on Narrow, Winding Roads
- The Road to Hāna is very narrow with sharp curves and many blind corners. Take it slow and be prepared for oncoming traffic.
- Yield to oncoming vehicles on one-lane bridges. Let the car already on the bridge pass first.
- Keep an eye out for pedestrians and bicyclists, especially near popular stops.
- 2. Use Turnouts to Let Others Pass
- There will be frequent turnouts along the way. Use them to let faster drivers pass, and to pull over safely if you want to enjoy the views or take photos.
- 3. Warning About Continuing Past Kipahulu Visitor Center
- If you decide to drive past Hana town to the Kipahulu Visitor Center, please note that the road after the visitor center is unpaved and rough for several miles.
- It is not recommended to drive further, as the road conditions can easily cause flat tires or damage to the vehicle.
DRIVING HALEAKALA
The drive to the summit is an unforgettable experience, but it's important to follow these tips to protect the brakes on your rental vehicle. Steep downhill grades can lead to brake damage if not handled correctly. Here's how to make the descent safely:
- 1. Use Engine Braking (Downshift the Gears)
- When driving downhill, shift to a lower gear (e.g., "2" or "L" for automatic transmissions).
- This helps the engine slow the car down naturally, reducing the need to constantly apply the brakes.
- 2. Brake Gently, Don’t Ride the Brakes
- Avoid continuous braking, which can cause the brakes to overheat.
- Instead, apply the brakes briefly but firmly to reduce speed, then release and let the engine do the work.
- This “pulse braking” technique gives your brakes time to cool.
- 3. Keep a Safe Distance
- Maintain a larger distance between your car and the vehicle in front, so you won’t need to brake frequently.
- 4. Use Turnouts to Cool Off
- If your brakes feel hot or smell burnt, use one of the many turnouts along the road to stop and let them cool.
ABOUT GASOLINE
The car will be delivered to you with a full tank of gasoline. Please return the car with a full tank as well. Additionally, take a photo of your fuel receipt that clearly shows the date, time, number of gallons, and cost. Upload these photos to the "Trip photos" section in the Turo app. We recommend using Costco gas station (if you have a Costco card) or the Safeway gas station located near the airport, as they offer the cheapest gasoline on the island! For added convenience, you can also visit the gas station on your way to the airport Aloha Island Mart. Upon returning the vehicle, we will confirm that the gas tank is full. If the vehicle is returned with less than a full tank, an additional fee will be charged.
EV CHARGING
The electric car will be delivered to you with more than 80% battery. Please return the car with more than 80% battery as well. We recommend using the charging stations at Kahului Park & Ride, located near the airport. Upon returning the vehicle, we will confirm that the battery is more than 80%. If the vehicle is returned with less than 80%, an additional fee will be charged. If you added prepaid charging to your reservation, you can return the car with at least 10% battery.
CLEANING POLICY
We clean all our vehicles before each trip. You aren’t expected to clean the vehicle before returning it to us unless it is in a condition caused by irresponsible or abusive behavior. In such cases, we will charge you a cleaning violation fee of $150. Eligible cleaning issues:
- An extreme amount of caked-on mud, dirt, sand, or insects requires professional-level exterior detailing.
- Major stains or residue that covers a large area of the vehicle’s interior and would require steam cleaning or a full detail.
- Significant amounts of pet hair.
- Spills or waste that requires cleaning inside of vents or between the door panel and window.
- Biowaste or bodily fluids.
For more information, click here.
The best car washes with strong vacuum cleaners near the airport are Maui Express Car Wash and Papa's Car Wash Maui.
NO SMOKING POLICY
We have a strict no smoking policy for any tobacco or tobacco-related products, marijuana or marijuana substitutes, e-cigarettes, or personal vaporizers. If there is evidence that you or your passengers smoked in the car, we will charge a $150 smoking violation fee.
REGARDING RETURNS
Always return the car to the same pickup/parking location. If you wish to return the car to a different location, please change the location in the Turo app, additional fees may apply. Additionally, please text us in the app to inform us that you have completed your trip.
ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AFTER AN ACCIDENT, A BREAKDOWN, OR OTHER ISSUE
If you can still drive: Contact us to inform us of the situation. Then continue your trip and report the damage within 24 hours from the time of the incident. Use Turo Damage reporting center to file your report.
If you were in an accident with another vehicle: Record the other driver’s full name, address, and contact information. Obtain the vehicle registration number and insurance provider information. Collect contact information from any witnesses and take clear photos of the other vehicle and all damage. Provide the other party involved in the accident with the Turo Incident Information card. If the vehicle needs to be towed and you cannot wait for the repair or if the vehicle cannot be repaired at that time, call Turo roadside assistance at 1-415-965-4525.
If the vehicle breaks down or won’t start: Immediately contact us and then call Turo roadside assistance at 1-415-965-4525.
FLAT TIRE DAMAGE
If you get a flat tire during your trip, you will be charged the cost to repair or replace the tire. Flats caused by accidents or vandalism are your responsibility. However, if you have chosen the Premier protection plan, you will not incur flat tire costs. For more information, click here.
DEAD BATTERY
If the car battery dies, contact us first. If we are nearby, we will happily assist you. Call Turo Roadside Assistance, if we're unavailable or you're far away, contact Turo roadside assistance at 1-415-965-4525.
Preventing a Dead Battery: Avoid long use of electronics. Don’t use the radio, phone chargers, or other accessories for extended periods while the engine is off. Close all doors securely. Leaving doors slightly ajar can drain the battery if interior lights stay on. Turn off all lights. Be sure to switch off headlights, interior lights, and any other electronics when the vehicle is parked.