Is it a good idea to rent a convertible in Maui
Mar 29th, 2002, 07:14 AM
#1
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Is it a good idea to rent a convertible in Maui
We're thinking about renting a convertible on a trip to Maui ... Can any provide some advice on this ... Is it too hot and windy? We are travelling in December.
We would also like to take the trip to Hana which we understand is now ok for rental cars.
Any thoughts/advice would be appreciated.
We would also like to take the trip to Hana which we understand is now ok for rental cars.
Any thoughts/advice would be appreciated.
Mar 29th, 2002, 08:15 AM
#2
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Definitely, if you will be out and about a lot. And from what I understand, it is definitely a recommendation for the drive to Hana. We had thought about a convertible for our upcoming trip in May because we are doing the drive. But ended up getting a jeep because Alamo is running a special on the jeeps.
Hope this helps.
Hope this helps.
Mar 29th, 2002, 08:44 AM
#3
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We rented a convertible in Maui and enjoyed it, but NOT for the drive to Hana. We did the whole loop, and the back stretch is very rough. It is hard on a car. That convertible probably needed an alignment afterward, and we would have been more comfortable in a larger, higher vehicle.
Also, there is very little trunk space in a convertible, and it is inconvenient leaving anything in the car. Next time, I probably would not get a convertible.
Also, there is very little trunk space in a convertible, and it is inconvenient leaving anything in the car. Next time, I probably would not get a convertible.
Mar 29th, 2002, 09:06 AM
#4
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We also rented a Jeep b/c of a special with Alamo 2 years ago. We enjoyed it although we always had to make sure not to leave anything valuable in it b/c of the soft top. We brought 2 backpacks w/us from home so no big deal. On our way to Hana we drove with the top down and wore plenty of sunscreen. We took the back road back to the hotel but put the top on. Very bumpy, bouncy, and dirt flying everywhere. The road is not paved.
Apr 2nd, 2002, 10:27 AM
#6
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It's personal preference, of course. If you prefer air conditioning generally over fresh air and you don't care for a lot of sun, a hard top would be best for you. But gasoline is VERY expensive and running the air conditioning is going to eat up gasoline if you plan to do alot of driving = $$$. We choose/reserve the Sebring convertable over any other type of car - personal preference, again. However, the back seats do get more wind than the front seats.
Since you didn't mention if it's two or more persons in your group, one other thing to keep in mind is how many people you'll be traveling with. My husband and I love having a convertable for our trips to the islands for just the two of us, we consider it a real treat, but back seat space is usually quite cramped for leg room if the front seats are slid back, so if you've got adults in the backseat, they may not enjoy it as much (kids will love it). We tried a jeep wrangler once and while it was great for off-road exploration and alot of fun, it was not as comfortable as a car, plus when we got a brief shower, we had to stop, jump out and run around the car to put up the covers and got a little wet in the process! Not a problem usually, but you may mind if it's on the way to a nice dinner some place! A convertable is pain free in that regard and the best of both worlds, push a button and the top goes up and you lock it in, and you've got wind protection when you're dressed up for an evening out but the sun and ocean breeze during the day.
If this is your first trip to the islands, give a convertable a try, you can probably exchange it if you don't like it (but check for sure before-hand) since the convertable was and probably still is the most popular rental on the islands and the agency would probably be thrilled to get one back to re-rent out!
We've driven to Hana a number of times and tried to take the back road on the return once some time ago, but it was so rough that we turned around since at that time the car insurance didn't cover you if you went the back way and incurred any damage. It may be fully paved all away around now (and a non-issue), I don't know about that. We just drove back on the highway, it's a beautiful ride and we never get tired of it. Warning: do not to leave any valuables in sight on the seats since there may be break-ins (a good rule for any automobile). We put only non-essentials in the trunk and leave the top down all the time when short term parking during the day. (We do put the top up at night and if we're away from the car for an extended period of time). Aloha!
Since you didn't mention if it's two or more persons in your group, one other thing to keep in mind is how many people you'll be traveling with. My husband and I love having a convertable for our trips to the islands for just the two of us, we consider it a real treat, but back seat space is usually quite cramped for leg room if the front seats are slid back, so if you've got adults in the backseat, they may not enjoy it as much (kids will love it). We tried a jeep wrangler once and while it was great for off-road exploration and alot of fun, it was not as comfortable as a car, plus when we got a brief shower, we had to stop, jump out and run around the car to put up the covers and got a little wet in the process! Not a problem usually, but you may mind if it's on the way to a nice dinner some place! A convertable is pain free in that regard and the best of both worlds, push a button and the top goes up and you lock it in, and you've got wind protection when you're dressed up for an evening out but the sun and ocean breeze during the day.
If this is your first trip to the islands, give a convertable a try, you can probably exchange it if you don't like it (but check for sure before-hand) since the convertable was and probably still is the most popular rental on the islands and the agency would probably be thrilled to get one back to re-rent out!
We've driven to Hana a number of times and tried to take the back road on the return once some time ago, but it was so rough that we turned around since at that time the car insurance didn't cover you if you went the back way and incurred any damage. It may be fully paved all away around now (and a non-issue), I don't know about that. We just drove back on the highway, it's a beautiful ride and we never get tired of it. Warning: do not to leave any valuables in sight on the seats since there may be break-ins (a good rule for any automobile). We put only non-essentials in the trunk and leave the top down all the time when short term parking during the day. (We do put the top up at night and if we're away from the car for an extended period of time). Aloha!
