We are going to Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island in May. ON which island should we rent a convertible and which should we rent a 4 wheel drive?

You shouldn't rent a 4wd. You don't need it anywhere.

I was told to get to some beaches you need a jeep. Is this true

you don't need a 4wd on kauai unless you're going to places like blue hole, suji's grove or on the beach.

convertible? okay, watch the hats...

It's true you may not need 4WD. But I LOVED having the top down on our Jeep Wrangler to smell the plumeria while driving to and from the hospital (well...at least I am finally trying to have a sense of humor about the whole thing!) Just click my screen name if you don't get it. Really...Jeep...definately!

A word of warning from experience renting a Jeep on Oahu. We got caught in a torrential downpour and when I went to put on the top of the Jeep it turned out to be a small piece of vinyl about two feet wide. The kids in the back seat got soaked!

I'd rather smell plumeria from the comfort of a Sebring or Mustang convertible than a Jeep.

I would cast a loud vote for a convertible. Not only does a car provide for a more comfortable ride, it is a real pain to take the top off and put it back on the jeep. A few years back when we rented a jeep on the Big Island, we were told by the rental agency that they would charge us $25.00 if we did not replace the top prior to returning the car.

As far as accessing otherwise unaccessible beaches with a 4WD, I would caution you against it. You really do not want to ruin your vacation by getting stuck in a sand, damaging a rental vehicle, and/or getting injured. There are plenty of wonderful things to see in Hawaii without the extra danger element. But then, I am no longer 20 or 30 or 40 ..., and cannot really relate to this type of needs.

Anna Roz