ARCHIVED "Renting Cars on Maui - Options, Questions, Suggestions" thread
Nov 20, 2012, 3:29 pm
#151
Join Date: Apr 2011
Programs: AA PLT Pro (2MM), HH DIA, IHG PLT
Posts: 496
I have historically rented directly from the majors but the last couple of times I have been pleasantly surprised with what I have found with:
http://www.discounthawaiicarrental.com/
Recent rentals through them ended up with a major but for pretty significant discounts from what the majors wanted.
http://www.discounthawaiicarrental.com/
Recent rentals through them ended up with a major but for pretty significant discounts from what the majors wanted.
Nov 23, 2012, 11:57 am
#152
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 206
I wouldn't go without a car. With all the codes available you shouldn't need to spend more than $30/day on one either.
Dec 6, 2012, 4:48 am
#153
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Edmonton, AB, Canada
Programs: AC 75K, Hertz President’s Circle, Accor Gold, Hilton Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 10,069
I do without a car on Maui for the most part (other than arrival day for a Costco run) but I have seen all there is to see and am going there to relax. Where I need transport I use the bus, incl return to the airport (I only have carry on). The bus is slow and routes somewhat cumbersome. For most people, and especially for a 2 day stay, a car is prudent. I often use Hertz points in Hawaii to make things work 
Dec 8, 2012, 2:28 am
#154
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 206
I do without a car on Maui for the most part (other than arrival day for a Costco run) but I have seen all there is to see and am going there to relax. Where I need transport I use the bus, incl return to the airport (I only have carry on). The bus is slow and routes somewhat cumbersome. For most people, and especially for a 2 day stay, a car is prudent. I often use Hertz points in Hawaii to make things work
Dec 8, 2012, 9:40 am
#155
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: NJ, USA
Posts: 2,837
Thank you! I rented through them for January for 15 days full size car only $503. What a difference as on orbitz most companies were around a thousand
Last edited by cblaisd; Dec 8, 2012 at 9:56 am Reason: Fixed quote-code
Dec 26, 2012, 7:30 am
#156
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,188
Avis vs Budget at OGG
Any firsthand experiences? I realize they're in the same corporation, but service, selection of cars, etc. can vary. For Maui, the rental is just 3 days, and total price difference $30. For Kona, it'd be for 8 days and price difference much greater. Interestingly, although I find Avis generally more expensive, at our next stop (PDX), Avis is considerably less expensive. We did check prices at Enteprise, Hertz and others. Using a USAA discount code.
Last edited by cblaisd; Dec 28, 2012 at 10:23 pm Reason: Redacted poster's combined post about Maui/KOA into appropriate separate threads
Jul 17, 2013, 10:17 am
#157
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Sacramento
Programs: UA 2MM/GS; SPG Lifetime Plat; MHC Lifetime; Tar Heel forever; and I "Dig the Pig" at Piggly Wiggly
Posts: 12,152
Car rental "at the dock" in Lahaina
I am going on a cruise this fall to Hawaii. Two of the stops are in Lahaina and Hilo. In both of these ports, we want to rent a car (Lahaina for a drive to Haleakala, in Hilo to Akaka Falls, Gardens, etc.)
In each port, is there a "better" rental car agency to use as far as picking up the car? Do any of the agencies bring the car to the dock? Any suggestions?
In each port, is there a "better" rental car agency to use as far as picking up the car? Do any of the agencies bring the car to the dock? Any suggestions?
Last edited by cblaisd; Jul 20, 2013 at 3:43 pm Reason: Please use this thread for Lahaina comments only. Hilo questions/info split into its own thread. Thanks.
Jul 17, 2013, 11:53 am
#158
Moderator: Hawaii-based airlines & Hawai'i forums
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Ka ʻĀpala Nui, Nuioka
Programs: NEXUS/Global Entry, Delta, United, Hyatt, IHG, Marriott, and Hertz
Posts: 18,041
Hmmm. Lahaina is going to have to be a portage stop as the deep draft harbor is at Kahului. I think you might need to rely on whatever companies have locations in the town (which appear to be Dollar and Hertz); the nearest airport location would be JHM, a few miles away. As a UA Elite, you should have Hertz Gold status which should expedite your check-out, plus you could use your ZE1 points in lieu of paying the rate. I'm not a big fan of Dollar - too many horror stories.
Enjoy your trip to paradise!
Enjoy your trip to paradise!
Last edited by cblaisd; Jul 20, 2013 at 3:44 pm Reason: Removed Hilo info, since that's now in its own split-off thread
Jul 18, 2013, 6:55 am
#159
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Canadia
Programs: A loyal Amerisuites customer... oh wait
Posts: 2,033
CruiseCritic forum boards probably cover this in good detail as well.
Dec 29, 2013, 7:14 pm
#160
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 350
Maui - Car Rental
Travelling to Maui next month. We'll be 2 adults and 2 young kids. We're planning on doing the road to Hana as well as the drive up Haleakalā mountain.
In regards to the car rental, what sort of car is recommended? Small, Intermediate or some sort of SUV?
Thanks
In regards to the car rental, what sort of car is recommended? Small, Intermediate or some sort of SUV?
Thanks
Dec 29, 2013, 7:23 pm
#161
Join Date: May 2002
Location: raleigh,nc
Posts: 217
We usually rent an intermediate. The rent is only $17-$18 per day
for January on Avis (it just dropped!) No need for an SUV.
Fuel is a bit pricey in my opinion so smaller is better.
for January on Avis (it just dropped!) No need for an SUV.
Fuel is a bit pricey in my opinion so smaller is better.
Dec 29, 2013, 7:58 pm
#162
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: BOS
Programs: SPG Gold
Posts: 620
Agreed, we did both the Road to Hana (to mile marker 10 at least) and the top of Halekala back in August with an intermediate rental from Hertz. Plenty of room for my 7 and 4 year olds. We never had to go off road so preferred the smoother ride of a car over an SUV.
Dec 29, 2013, 8:20 pm
#163
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 350
Thanks. Where are you seeing $18 per day? I"m seeing closer to $40 per day for intermediate.
Dec 30, 2013, 3:36 pm
#164
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: TX
Programs: SPG Platinum, Southwest Rapid Rewards A-List, HHonors Gold
Posts: 252
Has anyone rented a convertible lately? National is charging an additional $500/week from a midsize. Any suggestions from those that have rented a convertible in the past? Thanks in advance.
Dec 30, 2013, 3:46 pm
#165
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Programs: Hyatt Diamond, Fairmont Platinum, Aeroplan Diamond, HHonors Gold, SPG Gold
Posts: 18,686
All I can say is keep looking at as many websites as possible for booking rates. Nowadays, Costco website and expedia prepaid are pretty good options. If you must have a convertible and rates are still astronomical, I would suggest finding a hotel/accommodation contract rate code and book with that method.