This is my last Hawaii question... (well until the next one )

I am wondering about the rental vehicle... Is it worth the extra money to get a jeep or convertible on the BI? Is it guaranteed that someone will cut the top? I was thinking the kids would get a kick out of a jeep and it may be helpful on some of the rougher roads. The other thing is my 16 year old is 6'6" and thought there might be more room... No compact cars for him! What do you think? Thank you so much!!!!

It's a vacation. If it will make the kids happy, get it. Enjoy.

I booked a convertible with my two teenage kids and with the top down they hated it... too hot... too much wind... harsh sun... its rains suddenly.... at home we own a convertible and they love it, however we traded it back for a minivan and it was so much easier hauling the beach gear, luggage and my 6 foot 3 son... plus the air conditioning... sooo I would not recommend a convertible for a family in Hawaii...

Hawaii is not all that great for topless driving. we get little rain showers frequently, and they are fine if you are on a beach, but really irritating in an open car.

I agree with garyt22. We (my wife and I) rented a Ford Mustang convertible on one of our trips to Maui in the 90s. It was a waste of money, because it was too hot with the top down. Hawaii is a "paradise", but it is a hot one.

Definitely rent an SUV that has a higher clearance than a sedan. That's what's needed on those rough roads (especially the ones you aren't supposed to take the car on .) Our son is 6'4" and he was fine with the SUV. It's just too hot in the sun for a convertible.

Thanks! I got the SUV. You all made such good points... the rain, the heat, the legroom.... and I won't have to worry about getting the top cut and having to pay for that!! Thanks for your input!!!!!

Topless vehicles (jeeps) are not the best choice on Maui. We have microclimates which cause the weather to change almost around every bend, and having A/C will be a welcome event at times. There is no advantage to having an offroad vehicle since the last time I checked they don't have all-wheel drive. You're going to fry yourself to a crisp at times and that can happen even on overcast days. Do yourself a favor and go for comfort...you're not Indiana Jones! [email protected]

I wouldn't rent a Jeep unless it was a larger one (at least as big as a Liberty) if you want anybody to ride in the back seat. I am not quite 4'10" tall and I have to squish into the back seat of a standard Jeep.