Maui -- Convertible worth it?
 

Is paying extra for a convertible on Maui worth the cost? Seems to add about $30/day to the rental rate. Alternately, how can I get a deal on renting a convertible (or any other car for that matter). We are going in May, and spending 5 nts on Maui and 7 nts on the Big Island.

I'd go for a jeep wrangler... much for fun for Maui!

My suggestion would be to book a compact or standard. You will most likely be able to upgrade once you get there. We were able to upgrade a compact priceline rental on the Big Island for $20 for the week at the rental counter at Avis (we got a very nice Mustang convertible). If I remember correctly, every time I've rented in Hawaii, I've been offered to upgrade to a convertible for a small fee (at most $5 day).

It's Hawaii. You have to get a convertible. Our family has the best memories of driving through the pouring (I mean pouring) rain in Waikiki in a jeep with no top except for a little 'bikini' top with which we could have covered a small part of the front street drivers. The rain did not last long. You might want to put the roof up if you go to Mt Haleakula in the early AM. It can be quite cool them.

YES YES YES. Had a Chrysler Sebring Convertable in Waikiki and a Jeep Wrangler soft top in Maui. The ONLY WAY TO TRAVEL.

Absolutely get a convertible! During the last two visits to Hawaii we have gotten them and it's a great way to travel!!!!

A convertible? ABSOLUTELY! A Jeep? Well, personally, I'd rather die than ever ride in one of those again. Way too bumpy (I thought my kidneys would die from shock), and there's No place to put your stuff. But if it's what you want, definitely go for it.

A dissenting opinion here. We had a convertible on Maui. It was in the 90's every day & leaving the top down was just too hot. We also had trouble with sunburn even with lots of sun block. We were glad the top was UP when it suddenly started to pour on the road to Hana. We did enjoy having the top down when it was a bit cooler in the mornings and early evening. But not enough to have paid the extra.

If it gets hot with the top down simply turn on the air conditioning full blast. We thought this gave us a great contrast of warm and cool. Put on your sunscreen and least 30 minutes before you hit the sun.

You should be able to get a convertib;e for $25 a day on priceline- i got one for an upcoming trip to maui in april 24-may 2. $200 for 8 days plud taxes and fees of about $65 for a total of $265. The only negatives are you don't know which car co. you'll get-i got alamo- and you have to prepay when your bid is accepted

I'm going to be the poophead here. I think convertibles are a huge ripoff. I have rented both for various trips to Hawaii and I honestly was just as happy in a compact.

I am also a "NO" vote, but we had four of us and it was really hot in Maui in June. I much preferred the big, cool sedan we rented in Honolulu. It also rained on us on the Road to Hana, which is why I wanted the convertible in the first place! Rented through Alamo and I wasn't impressed with them either. I prefer National and will use them from now on.

We just returned from Maui a couple of weeks ago and had a convertable and I say ABSOLUTLY YES!!!! It was awesome to be able to see that beautiful island with no obstructions, just breathtaking. I went to United airlines web site and went to car rentals-got one through Alamo at just under $300 for 8 days-cheapest that I could find at the time-then when the trip was almost here I went to price line and got one for $200 for 8 days and it was from Alamo too. I think you can get a great deal from priceline if you wait till it's almost time for the trip. Have fun!! Consider where you will put your luggage in a jeep-no trunk!!

We do, every year. Chrysler Seabring, I think it's called. You really get to see the majestic beauty all around you. Definitely go for it. :)

It makes the road to hana soooo much better. With the top down, the smell of guava is just overwhelming

<< I am also a "NO" vote, but we had four of us and it was really hot in Maui in June.>>


WOW, I thought THAT was the reason to go to HAWAII. It SHOULD be hot. Crank up that air conditioning even with the top down. The ONLY way to fly.

Definitely and make sure it is bright red!

A convertible is a MUST!!! I've been to Maui in May 10 years ago and it was such an awesome and incredible trip that when I returned from my vacation I was so depressed from missing Maui and all the fun that I went out and bought a VW Cabrio conv.!!! It brought back that temporary feeling of Hawaii! Have a great time!!!

check out http://hawaiicarrental.com/--I've gotten really good rates from them in the past.

I've been to Maui a number of times, and have only rented a convertible once, the last time I went (a red Seabring) ... Loved every second of it. Next trip to Maui it will be rented again.

Hi,

Me and my girlfriend are pretty set about getting a convertible, and was wondering which option you think is best:

1) go through Alamo/Avis/etc. now and pay about 425-450 total (based on extra driver, taxes, etc.)

2) go through Alamo/Avis/etc., book a cheap car, and hope for a good deal offered to us as an "upgrade" when we arrive.

3) go through a small company like http://www.mauicarrentals.net/ which lists mustang convertibles for about 300 a week?

Priceline told me it doesnt do convertibles in Maui.. I will try again though.

Thanks!

I got a priceline convertible (alamo) for 30/day in maui

What kind of convertible was it? I am assuming a cavalier or sebring convertible? I wonder if it would be worth the extra $80 or so for a mustang.. (assuming I could get it for the same price you did).

I'd forget about Maui Car Rentals and go here to book a convertible from a major rental agency for the same price, or less (they are showing $290/week for a Sebring right now): http://www.discounthawaiicarrental.com/ (Brand X is usually Thrifty, btw.) You can make your reservation here, and cancel it later if find a better rate elsewhere. They merely make reservations with the agency for you--you don't pay anything up front, not until you arrive to pick up your car.

MCR has older cars and I have heard one too many sad stories about the condition of the car, break-downs, no A/C, etc.

I'd forget about Maui Car Rentals and go here to book a convertible from a major rental agency for the same price, or less (they are showing $290/week for a Sebring right now): www.mauicarrentals.net/ (Brand X is usually Thrifty, btw.) You can make your reservation here, and cancel it later if find a better rate elsewhere. They merely make reservations with the agency for you--you don't pay anything up front, not until you arrive to pick up your car.

MCR has older cars and I have heard one too many sad stories about the condition of the car, break-downs, no A/C, etc.

thanks for the advice. i reserved with MCR (about 270 for the week total including taxes).. the person said it would be a 2000-2002 mustang.. maybe i will check out the other place you referred to. has anyone else had an experience with MCR?

Thanks!

p.s. i went to that site.. and they basically offered me the same thing that i could get by going to thrify's web site.. the total came out to over $400 with taxes (i need the car for about 4 hours over a week, so i get charged for 8 days). maui car rentals is charging me 269 including taxes.. so i guess the questions are 1) is a possibly newer car (by 2-3 years) worth paying 150 more and 2) can i get it cheaper if i wait longer and use priceline or do something else?

thanks!

We rented a Chrysler Sebring Convertible from Thrifty for less than $260 for a week and loved every minute of it. You can get your best rate directly from the website when you reserve a car.

The only drawback to a convertible was the small trunk {because the top has to fit in there when down}. We rode with the top up during the heat of the day and down in the morning and evening.
It was so easy to put the top on that we did it in less than 2 minutes at a stop light!

I didn't want a convertible at first, but my husband really wanted one and it was his vacation too. I pulled my hair back and wore a hat (it's windy in Hawaii anyway}. It was so much fun tooling around with the top down and Hawaiian music playing on the radio!

The trip to Hana just wouldn't have been the same in an ordinary car.

Duster

I Just booked my Sebring Convertible yesterday with Priceline. Offered them $28.00 per day, and it was accepted! On Maui, ya gotta have a Convertible! Try Priceline...
Lori

Lori, What was the total with Priceline including taxes and fees for the convertible? I'm going in August. Should I wait close to that time to put in a bid?

marie:
The total with all taxes is $290.00. Verses $475.00 going through the regular channel's.
You could try now, if they don't except it, try again closer to your travel time... It's worth a try though! Good Luck.
lori

Lori, How many days did you rent the convertible? Marie

Marie,
We got our's for 8 day's total.
We'll be there on maui May 18th ~ the 26th. Can't wait, it never get's old.
Lori

Lori, Thanks for the information. Have a great time! Marie

Marie, You too. Good Luck!
Lori