In light of the tragedy that occurred in Lahaina on August 8, 2023, we have updated our FAQ page accordingly. We send all of our love to those impacted by the fires, and continue to donate and contribute in the ongoing efforts to help.
- Is Maui open for tourism?
According to Maui’s Mayor Bissen, the island is open for tourism. However, Lahaina is closed until further notice. Geographically speaking, Lahaina makes up about 5 sq. miles of the island. Maui is about 750 sq. miles. It is a small and mighty town, but it is not the entirety of Maui.
It would be insensitive and unsafe to go to Lahaina at this time as the community is grieving and the area is blocked off. There are so many other stunning places on the island to see; steer clear of Lahaina, and you’ll be sure to have a beautiful trip. The Road to Hana is open, as well as Makawao, Paia, Kihei, Wailea, Haiku, and more! - How can I help the community of Maui on my trip?
Donations to charities and local families are two great ways to help the island during this difficult time. Taking the time to research locally owned businesses, restaurants, food trucks, etc. and shopping at those places is another way you can help (we list many in our welcome letter!). Being respectful, polite, and gracious on your trip is also (always) appreciated. Treating people with care is welcomed here on Maui! - How can I donate directly to families?
The instagram page @lahaina_ohana_venmo has links to Venmo and/or donate to families directly. This is a great way to ensure your generous donations go directly to those that need them most. - Which charities are reputable to donate to?
Here are a few options;
Maui Food Bank,
Hawaii Community Foundation (Maui Strong)
Maui Hub
Common Ground Collective
Kāko’o Fund - Which campsites are available to utilize?
Our welcome letter has campsite updates ready for you! Though there is a campsite closure on the west side of the island (near Lahaina) thru the end of September, there are many other campgrounds available for your trip! - Should I cancel my trip?
We hope you’ll still support the island by maintaining your trip, and supporting local business! If your trip was primarily going to be in the Lahaina area, then we recommend finding other camp areas on the island to explore. We are a small, locally owned business and appreciate your support. Our cancellation policy remains the same at this time. We are more than willing to work with you in adjusting your trip, booking different campsites, etc., and look forward to hosting you on your adventure!
General Questions
- Is camping legal on Maui?
Yes! However, there are strict enforcements for LEGAL camping. In our letter, you’ll find the best LEGAL campsites and links for camping permits. It is NOT permitted to pull vehicles over on the side of the road and camp where you want to. We do not recommend this, and require our guests to book with legal campsites. If you stick with us, you’ll be sure to stay both RESPECTFUL and legal. - Why can’t I camp where ever I want to on the island?
Maui is a home to a very delicate ecosystem. There are places with facilities for camping, and it is imperative that you stick to these places. It’s not only out of respect for the local community, but it also protects the land. - Is there a minimum age requirement to rent a vehicle?
You need to have a valid driver’s license and be at least 21 years old. If you are under 25, you must provide your own, full-coverage insurance. - I am not from the US, but I have a driver license from my country. Is that valid?
To qualify for insurance coverage, international travelers must complete a DMV check through our booking platform, which requires an international driver’s permit (IDP), and a valid passport. The turnaround time for approval is 1-3 business days, so please submit this once your booking is confirmed to make sure you’re covered! - What’s the best time of the year to visit Maui?
Short answer: Anytime!Long-ish answer: It depends! It’s a little hotter in the summer, but the tradewinds often kick up around 11am and carry on through the afternoon and evening. If you want to go sailing/kitesurfing/windsurfing, summer is the time to visit. The winter is a little cooler, though, never too cold, and some areas of the island can get a little bit more rain (North Shore, Haiku, and East Maui – Hana side). However, this makes for much more dramatic waterfalls! Also, the humpback whales are only here in the winter, so if you want to get out on a boat, or watch from shore, they start showing up late November and stick around until early April.
- Can you recommend some spots to camp and to explore on Maui?
We provide a list of our favorite spots upon booking confirmation. - What camping gear will Zazu provide?
You can find the detailed list here. - Will you give us an instruction on how to set up the tent?
Absolutely! Upon confirmation of your booking, you’ll get an intro message that includes a link to a video that shows how to set up the tent. If there are any questions after viewing the video, we are here for you throughout your stay via phone or email. - We are a family of 5 (2 adults and 3 kids), can we fit in the tent?
It depends. We have had families of 5 rent before. If you’ve got 3 younger kids, it would be a squeeze, but it could work. The dimensions of the floor/mattress in the tent is 96” x 72” – basically a California King plus a foot of length. If you don’t want to squeeze, we can provide you with an extra (ground) tent with another set of bedding. Also, keep in mind that the provided camping gear takes up the majority of the trunk space, so if you do want to go for it, pack lightly! - How much luggage can I bring?
As mentioned above, majority of the trunk space is taken up by the camping gear that comes with the Jeep. You can fit a few small luggage items in the truck, but the majority of our guests use the back seat area for luggage storage. - Can we make payment via credit card? Do we need to put down a rental deposit?
Yes, we take credit and debit cards. You’ll be asked to provide one or the other when making your reservation request. Once we confirm availability, we’ll run your card for 15% of the total as a deposit. The remaining 85% will be automatically charged 7 days prior to your pick-up. Additionally, a $500 hold will be charged to your card 2 days prior to pick-up, and will be returned up to 7 days after your return. - Are we required to put down a security deposit?
Yes, a $500 security deposit will be charged to the same card used to reserve the Jeep 2 days prior to your pick-up, and will be returned up to 7 days after your return. You will run the risk of losing your security deposit if you go against the rules of camping legally. - Will you meet us at the airport? And where do we drop off the Jeep?
We make the pick up and drop off experience as seamless and easy as possible. We work with you directly to coordinate Jeep pick up and drop off locations, and will be available every step of the way! - We would like to change/cancel our booking. How does this work?
- Free cancellation for 48 hours after booking, as long as you cancel more than 14 days before departure.
- If cancelled 7+ days prior to pick-up:
- Insurance is refunded
- 75% of the booking total is refunded
- The service fee is not refunded
- If cancelled within 7 days of pick-up:
- Insurance is refunded
- 50% of the booking total is refunded
- The service fee is not refunded