Car needed on Maui?
 

We will be going to Maui for one week in August and wondering whether to hire a car or not. We will be staying in the Westin and would like to eat locally. We are not fussed about driving on the road to Hana and would take a tour instead. Will we be missing out if we don't hire a car and do guided tours instead?

I guess to some extent it matters what you mean by "eat locally" -- yes, you can eat at Whaler's Village every night, and that's next door to the Westin, but even Lahaina is 3 miles away, so not sure how you'd get there at night (there may be a shuttle to Kaanapali?). I'd personally want a car, but then I just like the freedom to come and go.

hire a car..go explore the island instead of hanging one week at the Westin.
I'm not a guided tour kind of person..depends on what works for you.
Westin is a great resort and Whaler's Village is fun to walk to and drink and have lunch/dinner..we like Hula Grill and Lealani's.
Aloha and have fun!

Definitely rent a car. Even if you don't use it every day, you will be glad to have it to explore the island a bit, or even just run over to Lahaina or Kapalua for dinner if you want to stay close.

Unless you want to hang around the resort for a week you will need a car to see the sights, snorkel. try various restaurants, etc.

There is a bus service on Maui that will get you to some other places, but it does not go to Hana.

Your experience is really much better if you rent a car.

Most definitely!

Absolutely, rent a car!

Definitely rent a car!!! To my way of thinking Oahu (Waikiki/Honolulu area) is the only island you can make do without one.

i can't imagine doing maui without a car, and I'm one to not rent a car if i have a choice.

O'ahu has the BEST Transit system on the planet..love the bus!

Guide I better book that car then! thanks for all your help

Sorry - should read guess I better book that car!

Get a convertable and you will love it. Also, the drive to Hana is spectacular in a convertable and you can stop many times along the way. Don't forget the drive to Haliakala (sp?)

We just rented a full size car through priceline for 12 day on Maui in late March for $10.00 a day.

Rent a car now (or before you go). If you don't rent one now, you will be renting one after a day or two anyway from the hotel. While in the states, I'd suggest that you go with the term "rent" instead of "hire". It'll be more easily interpreted. I like the Priceline guy's idea, too. But be SURE that you are going on the trip before using P-line. Have fun!

Can't believe only one person so far has mentioned the drive up Haleakala (the dormant volcano in the center of the island). That alone is worth having your own car (unless you are a very nervous driver and can't handle a mountain climb with some hairpin turns). IMHO it is one of the great drives in the world and not to be missed, but hope for a clear day. The Hana road is ok (probably still violates many rental car contracts to drive that route), but don't be too disappointed if you can't do that.