Fodor's Travel Talk Forums - Maui in late December

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Maui in late December

Hello! Any suggestions for Maui north Dec. 24-31? Any suggestions are welcome, but I have two specificquestions. Is it normal for a car rental at that time to cost $100 a day?? We’ve never been during the holidays before and I was a little shocked, since I was expecting maybe $300 a week. Also, does anyone have suggestions for Christmas Day, especially for dinner? I already have reservations at a place called the Plantation House in Kapalua. I’m prepared for it to be $50-$60/ pp but now that I’ve seen the other prices I wonder if they are going to inflate the price to a point where the dinner is no longer enjoyable! Does anyone have insights or other suggestions for Christmas dinner? I remember a nice Japanese restaurant in the area too. It’s been many years since we’ve visited. Thanks for any and all replies!

>>Is it normal for a car rental at that time to cost $100 a day??<<

Totally normal -- that is the most expensive time to visit. And cars sell out so you have to book well ahead.

>>I’m prepared for it to be $50-$60/ pp<<

Never eaten there over the holidays so don't know if they do a special menu but since the regular menu has main courses in the $40 - $50 range w/o appetizers/sides/drinks it would only barely fit the high end of your budget.

I'm seeing a Toyota Corolla for $688 for those dates on www.discounthawaiicarrental.com, that is during the holiday season and as Janis says, cars sell out.

Definitely reserve a car soon. They do sell out. $100 a day is not outrageous especially during Christmas week. I would be surprised if you can rent a decent car for $300 at most any time of year. I don't know if restaurant prices would be inflated over the holidays or not. If you plan to eat out on evenings other than Christmas, I suggest you make advance reservations for those dates also. It is a very busy time.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ClaSP7 (Post 16971426)

Can't help you with car rental prices. I am going to Maui in September and car rental prices are nowhere near $100/day but like people said - you're going over prime time. $50-$60 per person at the Plantation House will be strecthing it regardless of whether it's holiday time. Unless you are just having entrees and/or no wine or drinks, you should expect closer to $70 per person.

Do NOT under any circumstances rent online from a company called Kimo's car rental. They are worse than Rent-a-Wreck. They tell you where to look in the parking lot and have a lock box under the trunk lid to get the car key. Their cars are more than 8 years old and look like it.
The cheapest gas on the island is at the Costco about 3 miles from the airport but expect to sit in line for about 10 minutes to get to a pump.