Since so many of you are so familiar with, and knowledgeable about, Maui, I'm hoping you might help with some time we have to kill. My son and I arrive 3 hours before my husband at Kahului airport. Would we have enough time to visit someplace nearby after picking up our Alamo rental car or would traffic, etc.(3:15 arrival) keep us from from wanting to stray ? It's our first trip to the island and it will be very difficult to just hang around an airport. Would Makawao be realistic? or a pretty beach with a snack shack or something nearby? Suggestions please. Thanks!

Which date? Are you on AA via DFW? Suggest you look at "Maui Revealed" for ideas in that area.

See my other reply.

We arrive on a Sunday, We will be picking my husband up from a United flight if that's important. As wonderful as MR is, the book doesn't tell me if traffic etc. would affect us leaving and returning to the airport.

Hi, have a safe journey - I only asked because I arrive same time, but another day, and thought I might be able to help you guys since it's your first time in. But here_today offers great ideas. Enjoy Maui!-

Blacktie, that intention was really nice! Baldwin Beach or Iao Valley Park look like good possiblities for us. This forum is great- thanks!

Depends upon how long it takes to collect your car. I've used Alamo there and it's ranged from a few minutes to half an hour or so. With that in mind, if you're staying in a condo you could go shopping at Costco (nearby) or the Queen K Mall. Otherwise I'd head out of the airport to Hana highway (a mile or so), turn left and go a few miles to Hookipa Beach overlook. By that time of day the wind will be up and there'll be windsurfers to watch. It's a nice spot right where you park and you can climb down to the rocks etc. Take some water for sure and maybe a snack. Very quick to/from the airport.
Makawao would be too far.
There is a beach very close to the airport where kite surfers play, over behind the car rental places, don't know the name.