Big Island: Convertible vs. Jeep
 

We cannot decide on whether to rent a convertible or an SUV (similar to a Jeep Wrangler) for getting around on the Big Island. Any suggestions?

cingen:
I would go with the jeep, here you will get the best of both convertible and a jeep for those areas that may require it. Have fun.
Gina

Convertibles are fun for about the first 15 minutes. Then you get sunburned, you lose stuff, your eyes get windblown. And it rains quite frequently on the east side of the island. I don't think of Jeep Wranglers as SUV's. If you reserve an SUV, it's going to be more like a regular Jeep Cherokee, no soft or convertible top.

There is very little secure storage space in an open ( or soft-top) Jeep. You have to essentially take everything with you if you go shopping, hiking, or parking at a beach. I don't find that they are very convenient.

There are very few places you should be going on TBI that you would need 4WD. I think it is a waste of money.

Convertible! Get the Thunderbird convertible. Get the most fabulous hat you can and wear it with attitude. Better yet, an Hermes scarf! Don't forget your Clinique sunblock! D & G, Fende or Chanel sunglasses are a must! You must look your best when arriving at the Four Seasons.

I'm going to be a big wet blanket on this. I say neither. Ag3046 pointed out the issues involved with a convertible or any soft-top vehicle. Jeeps, IMHO, are a pain to drive on the highway and unless you plan to do off-road driving (which some rental companies forbid)there is no good reason to have one.

We love having a Jeep Wrangler when we are in Hawaii. Even though we do have to be careful not to leave anything of value in it, for us it is part of the experience. We've rented one on Oahu, Kauai and Maui and have a jeep reserved for an August trip to the Big Island.

We have had the open jeep and the convertible. I would go with the convertible. Our worst experience is being in an open jeep with wind, rain and cold for 8 days on Maui. The convertible gives you options. You can always put the top up if you need to.

I had a similar issue last year - convertible or hard top car. Jeep/SUV is not comfortable and with driving around the big island I wanted comfort.

Problem with any car is if you can't "hide" your luggage in the trunk - but that's the same issue for a small convertible or an open back SUV.

Remember that although the rental car website says a particular type of convertible or SUV, it may not carry it at all. We have found that to be so with our upcoming trip to Maui. National (cheapest I've found) has almost 100% mustangs = small trunk.

Big Island has LOTS of driving, so you will want a comfortable car. Honestly, other than the Saddle Road, which is prohibited by most car rental companies, anywhere you'll want to go is paved, so a 4x4 is not necessary.

I agree that a Mustang has a small trunk, and the convertibles are even smaller. I drive a Mustang every day, and believe me, ONE large suitcase is all it will hold!