Where the Kihei DMV is located and what it handles

The Kihei office is a satellite location of the Hawaii Department of Transportation. It sits in central Maui and serves residents and visitors in the Kihei, Wailea, and surrounding communities. This office handles many routine transactions but not all DMV services — knowing what it can and cannot do before you go saves a trip.

The Kihei DMV processes driver's license renewals, address changes, duplicate licenses, and vehicle registration transactions. It does not issue new driver's licenses to first-time applicants or handle commercial driver's license (CDL) matters. For those services, you must visit the main DMV office in Wailuku, which is about 30 minutes north.

The office is smaller than the Wailuku location, so wait times can vary widely depending on the day and time. Arriving early in the morning, particularly on weekdays, typically means shorter waits than afternoons or Saturdays.

Key Takeaways

  • The Kihei DMV handles renewals, address changes, and vehicle registration but does not issue new licenses or process commercial driver's license applications.
  • The office is located in central Maui and serves Kihei, Wailea, and nearby communities, with the main Wailuku office handling services Kihei cannot provide.
  • Weekday mornings typically have shorter wait times than afternoons or weekends.
  • You will need to bring original documents or certified copies — Hawaii DMV does not accept digital copies for most transactions.
  • The office does not take appointments, so you arrive and take a number based on the service you need.

What documents to bring to the Kihei DMV

The documents you need depend on your transaction. For a driver's license renewal, bring your current license and proof of residency. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days, or a government letter addressed to you at your current address.

For an address change on your license or vehicle registration, bring your current license or registration card, proof of your new address (same options as above), and a completed process form. You can pick up the form at the office or read it from the Hawaii DMV website before you go.

For vehicle registration renewal or changes, bring your current registration card, proof of insurance, and your vehicle's title or a certified copy. If you are registering a vehicle for the first time in Hawaii, bring the out-of-state title, a bill of sale, and proof of a safety and emissions inspection completed within the last 60 days.

Bring originals or certified copies — Hawaii DMV does not accept photographs of documents or digital copies for most transactions. If your documents are in a language other than English, bring a certified English translation along with the original.

Hours, location, and how to get there

The Kihei DMV is located at 303 Ohukai Road, Kihei, HI 96753. It is in a commercial area near the Kihei town center, close to shops and restaurants. Parking is available in the lot, though it can fill during peak hours.

The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. It is closed on Sundays and state holidays. Hours can change seasonally or due to staffing, so check the Hawaii DMV website or call ahead before making the drive, particularly if you are visiting from out of town.

From Lahaina, take Highway 30 south toward Kihei; the drive is about 45 minutes. From Wailuku, take Highway 311 south; the drive is about 30 minutes. If you are staying in Wailea, the office is about 10 minutes north. Public transportation on Maui is limited, so having a car is practical for this visit.

What to expect when you arrive

When you enter the office, look for the service counter and take a number based on the type of transaction you need. The office uses a queuing system, and your number will be called when a clerk is ready. Wait times range from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on staffing and how busy the office is that day.

Have your documents organized and ready before you reach the counter. The clerk will review what you brought, tell you if anything is missing, and process your transaction if everything is in order. If a document is missing or incorrect, you will need to go home and return with it — the office cannot hold your place in line.

Most transactions are completed on the same day. Driver's license renewals and address changes typically take 10 to 15 minutes at the counter. Vehicle registration transactions may take longer if the title needs to be verified or if there are liens on the vehicle.

When you cannot use the Kihei office

If you are explore for your first driver's license, you must go to the Wailuku DMV. First-time applicants need to pass a written test and vision screening, and only the main office administers these tests. You will also need to schedule an appointment for a first-time license, which you can do through the Hawaii DMV website.

Commercial driver's license (CDL) applications and renewals are handled only at the Wailuku office. If you need a CDL, you must make the 30-minute drive north. The same applies if you need to take a written or skills test for any license class.

If your transaction involves a title issue, a lien, or a vehicle that was previously registered outside Hawaii, the Kihei office may refer you to Wailuku. Call ahead if you are unsure whether your specific situation can be handled at Kihei.

Paying fees and what happens after

The Kihei DMV accepts cash, check, and credit or debit card. Fees vary by transaction. A driver's license renewal costs less than a new license. Vehicle registration renewal fees depend on the vehicle's weight and age. Ask the clerk for the exact fee before payment, or check the Hawaii DMV website for current rates.

For most transactions, you receive your new document or confirmation on the same day. A renewed driver's license is printed at the office and handed to you before you leave. A vehicle registration card is also issued when ready. If your transaction requires a title transfer or involves a lien, the office will mail documents to you within one to two weeks.

Keep your receipt. It serves as proof of your transaction if there are any questions later, and it is useful if you need to follow up on a mailed document.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my driver's license online instead of going to Kihei?

Hawaii allows online renewal for some driver's licenses, but only if your license is not expired and you meet other requirements. Check the Hawaii DMV website to see if you are may be able to access. If you are not, you must visit the Kihei office or another DMV location in person.

What if I do not have proof of residency?

You will need some form of proof of residency to complete most transactions. If you have just moved and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, bring a government letter, bank statement, or insurance document addressed to your new address. Call the Kihei office ahead of time to ask what alternative documents they will accept.

Do I need an appointment at the Kihei DMV?

No. The Kihei office does not take appointments. You arrive during business hours, take a number, and wait to be called. Arriving early in the morning on a weekday typically means a shorter wait than other times.

What if the office is too busy when I arrive?

If the wait is very long, you can leave and return at a different time. There is no penalty for not waiting. Weekday mornings before 10 a.m. are usually less crowded than afternoons or Saturdays.

Can I handle my transaction by mail instead?

Some transactions, like driver's license renewal, can be done by mail if you meet the requirements. Contact the Hawaii DMV or check their website to see if your specific transaction qualifies. If it does, you can mail your documents and payment instead of visiting in person.