Trying to figure out if it's worth having a car the 5 days we'll be in Maui. We are spending a week on the Big Island and then the last part of our trip in Maui. Because we intend to do a lot of hiking around VNP and other places on the Big Island, we figure this will be our time to just relax and enjoy the ocean/beach. Maybe one day trip to do the Road to Hana or go up to Mama's Fish House or Lahaina.

We've reserved a rental car, but not sure it's worth it given the cost of the rental and the valet parking fee. The rental could easily be another $700.00 with tips for valet for one good day of use. I contacted the hotel to see what options there were for getting to the hotel and they sent me this:

If you would like the assistance with your transportation arrangements contact Concierge at (808) 243-4703 or via email [email protected]

TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS

The Concierge desk would be happy to assist with reservations for chartered sedan service or shared-ride shuttles from Kahului Airport. In addition to chartered sedan service or shared-ride shuttles, taxi transportation is available on demand. The Concierge desk would also be happy to charter a sedan or limousine service with The Limo Company for your airport transportation. Chartered Sedans are generally larger size Lincoln Town cars with extra leg-room, drivers are chauffer trained and cleanliness of the vehicle can be expected. The driver will meet you at baggage claim and escort you to the vehicle upon your arrival. The driver will track your flight number and arrive earlier or later if change in flight arrival time. For the return to the airport the driver will stage 10-15 minutes prior to your reservation and has the ability to wait for late passengers. Chartered Sedans can accommodate up to 3 passengers and are $245.01 each way for transfers to and from the airport. Larger vehicle types are available such as SUVs $280, and Coaches if you have more than 3 passengers. Please let us know so we can quote the rate for the required vehicle.

Taxi fare varies but is generally in the range of $56 - $60 for a one way transfer to/from the Kahului airport. The airport operates a first-come, first-serve taxi line in the ground transportation area for on-demand service. Reservations can be made for service as well, which would depart from Station #2 in the ground transportation area. Communication with the taxi company upon arrival via mobile phone will be necessary to coordinate with the driver. For a flat rate of $75, a meet and greet can be arranged with a taxi provider which would include meeting at baggage claim and assistance with luggage to your vehicle. Vehicles are 7 passenger mini vans.

Additionally, the Concierge would be happy to assist with reservations on a Shared-Ride Shuttle service. Our preferred service is Roberts Hawaii. The rate starts at $42 for one passenger per one way transfer. For two or more guests, the price is $24 per person. If travelling with more than one guest we generally suggest a taxi – as rates then become comparable and there is a possibility you will have to stop at multiple locations to allow other passengers to board or disembark during your transfer via a shared-ride shuttle service. Please let us know if we can assist with reservations or further information.

Are there any other options?

I think it depends on how much you are going to leave the immediate area around wailea and kihei. While not super plentiful, there are ubers to take you into kihei or to other resorts/restaurants in wailea. If you want to head further afield, then the convenience of having a car may be worth it. $700 seems like it would pay for a lot of ubers though, even one or two trips up to Lahania (which the google says is around $50 each way). I think the Road to Hana may be the tie breaker. if you;'re going to do it, then it may justify the car.

I would just rent the car for the one day that you are doing RTH

Are the parking fees removed for Globalist on this property or do they game the system on that also?

They wiped them for me in October.

Thanks!

Parking is free for Globalists on awards, not paid rates.

For anyone who has stayed at both, which would be better as a diamond?

Andaz at 25k points or Regency at 270 a night out the door?

Of course I tried to inquire about making a reservation on points for 10 nights and altering it down and the globalist line refused. Incidentally, currently it appears to be an 8 night minimum according to my tests... just long enough to preclude DSU use.

After an hour on phone, a supervisor and begging her to call the hotel and argue for me, she got them to book a 5 night stay and use a DSU. Boy that shouldn't be hard.

make the reservation for 8 nights. Hang up. Call again to shave off one night. You should not have any issues,

what suite did you get? the pool side? (asking re: my comments above with my ordeal in applying a tsu recently)

I was told pool side.

Depends on what you are seeking. The Regency at 270 OTD is an *extremely* good rate. What time frame/corp rate are you on? 25K is worth a lot more than that.

270 was with citi 4th night at a base of 265 plus taxes, and actually was after adding 20 for parking. I know they are different, that's why I asked. I used a DSU at the andaz as well. Just want to know which one people think is the overall better experience for the value... andaz at 25k points, or the regency at 250 plus parking fee

Looks like they've updated the website. Pool Suite now shows as Standard and Partial/Full Ocean View Suite now show as Premium.