Consolidated "Renting at OGG (Maui); What Kind of Cars to Expect?" Thread
May 18, 2019, 12:52 am
#17
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: west coast
Programs: Hyatt Gold Passport, Starwood, Marriott, HRC
Posts: 6
Yes, returns went relatively smoothly on day one, but the operators were still learning about the trams (the tram needs to pull away before the disembarked passengers can walk across, so folks running late will be stressed at the safety barrier interlock until it all gets a little more slick.
Jul 4, 2019, 9:06 pm
#20
Moderator: Alaska Mileage Plan
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 12,319
I had my first rental using the new Consolidated Car Rental Center (ConRAC). It is a light-years better experience.
My flight was late, so I was in a hurry and didn't have time to do a deep study.
At 2 pm, the Gold, 5* and PC Ultimate Choice areas were all fully stocked. Lots of Hyundais, Nissans and Chevys. There were midsize SUVs in both 5* and PC. I didn't see any minivans. I chose an Infiniti Q50 with 9K from PC. There were also a few Impalas.
I didn't get a chance to check out the Upgrade Area.
There were lines out the door for non-express customers at Hertz and National.
There was only one Hertz exit lane open, so it took about 10 minutes to get on my way.
Pro tip: Hertz is on the same level as the tram when you arrive. The fastest way to Ultimate Choice is to walk to the right (away from the Hertz counter on the left) to the end of the building and walk behind to the Hertz section of the parking lot. The Ultimate Choice areas are clearly signed.
My flight was late, so I was in a hurry and didn't have time to do a deep study.
At 2 pm, the Gold, 5* and PC Ultimate Choice areas were all fully stocked. Lots of Hyundais, Nissans and Chevys. There were midsize SUVs in both 5* and PC. I didn't see any minivans. I chose an Infiniti Q50 with 9K from PC. There were also a few Impalas.
I didn't get a chance to check out the Upgrade Area.
There were lines out the door for non-express customers at Hertz and National.
There was only one Hertz exit lane open, so it took about 10 minutes to get on my way.
Pro tip: Hertz is on the same level as the tram when you arrive. The fastest way to Ultimate Choice is to walk to the right (away from the Hertz counter on the left) to the end of the building and walk behind to the Hertz section of the parking lot. The Ultimate Choice areas are clearly signed.
Sep 14, 2019, 10:21 am
#21
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
Arrived yesterday (Friday) around 1:30 pm. 5* and PC were both fully-stocked with roughly the same stock. The PC side had mostly Chevy Impala Premiums, a Ford Explorer, and a 2018 G4 Infiniti Q50 3.0t AWD with 12,000 miles on the odometer; guess what I took?
There was a Grand Caravan and Pacifica in the PC section as well.
There was a Grand Caravan and Pacifica in the PC section as well.
Last edited by FlyinHawaiian; Sep 25, 2019 at 5:42 am
Sep 30, 2019, 6:10 pm
#23
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 28
Just rented in OGG. Both PC and 5* were stocked with 10 cars each. Selection in PC was not as good as I had hoped. I wish they allocated more than 10 spots for the section. Mostly Impalas, One Ford Taurus, One Caravan, One Inifiniti Q50 and One Chrysler 300. Was hoping for some better selection, maybe an SUV like I've seen in many at other airports with PC.
Took the Infiniti Q50 and regretted it. This is absolutely not a luxury car. Did not have built-in navigation or SiriusXM. The two-screen display looked like it was designed 10 years ago. Trunk space is abysmal as it inexplicably narrows inward due to poor wheel well design and results in a total trunk volume that's 2/3rds of most luxury sedans. Don't get it if you are traveling with family as you won't be able to fit in any reasonable amount of luggage. True MPG is 21.5, way worse that other comparable luxury sedans.
Took the Infiniti Q50 and regretted it. This is absolutely not a luxury car. Did not have built-in navigation or SiriusXM. The two-screen display looked like it was designed 10 years ago. Trunk space is abysmal as it inexplicably narrows inward due to poor wheel well design and results in a total trunk volume that's 2/3rds of most luxury sedans. Don't get it if you are traveling with family as you won't be able to fit in any reasonable amount of luggage. True MPG is 21.5, way worse that other comparable luxury sedans.
Oct 4, 2019, 10:50 am
#26
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: On a plane or a beach
Programs: Yes
Posts: 3,156
I rented a Chevy Camaro SS + Brembo and nearly got stuck in Hana.
YMMV
Oct 5, 2019, 3:25 pm
#27
Moderator: Alaska Mileage Plan
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 12,319
A Jeep in Hawaii seems like a good idea until you rent one. I'm not a fan of convertibles either, but I realize that's a YMMV. Get a luxury car or SUV if you're not going to Hana or a small SUV if you are.
Oct 6, 2019, 11:58 pm
#28
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Danville, CA, USA;
Programs: UA 1MM, WN CP, Marriott LT Plat, Hilton Gold, IC Plat
Posts: 15,722
Correct. Also keep in mind that if you drive to Hana with luggage you will be better off with a trunk than an exposed luggage compartment. Parking lots along the Road are notorious for vehicle break-ins as the thieves know that people will stop to hike for an hour, etc. So I recommend a sedan with a trunk if you plan to travel anywhere with your luggage (except to/from airport).
Oct 7, 2019, 9:52 am
#29
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: On a plane or a beach
Programs: Yes
Posts: 3,156
Correct. Also keep in mind that if you drive to Hana with luggage you will be better off with a trunk than an exposed luggage compartment. Parking lots along the Road are notorious for vehicle break-ins as the thieves know that people will stop to hike for an hour, etc. So I recommend a sedan with a trunk if you plan to travel anywhere with your luggage (except to/from airport).
Oct 9, 2019, 5:21 pm
#30
Moderator: Alaska Mileage Plan
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 12,319
This is controversial advice, but I follow it when I'm in Hawaii:
Lots of locals leave their car doors unlocked and windows open if they don’t have anything to steal inside. It’s unlikely a thief will go through the effort to steal your car; they just want an easy score. If they see your windows open and doors unlocked, they’ll assume you don’t have anything valuable inside. Many thieves will assume the owner of the car is local and will leave it alone.
Lots of locals leave their car doors unlocked and windows open if they don’t have anything to steal inside. It’s unlikely a thief will go through the effort to steal your car; they just want an easy score. If they see your windows open and doors unlocked, they’ll assume you don’t have anything valuable inside. Many thieves will assume the owner of the car is local and will leave it alone.