My 18 year old daughter is headed off to Maui with some friends. Since they are only 18, they can't rent a car. Has anyone ever found themselves in this situation on Maui? Do you have suggestions for things to do besides the beach? They are staying at the Whaler's Inn which is a good location -- if you don't have a car. Any experience with the island buses?

Maui does not have a public bus system, the way Oahu does. You are on your own........ If a person is staying in Lahaina or Kaanapali, there is a shuttle that runs back and forth between the two areas, but if you want to go anywhere else on the island, you must rent a car or take a tour. Actually, a group of 18-year olds could probably stay busy in the Lahaina-Kaanapali area!

Actually there is a bus system on Maui tho' I've never tried it:
http://www.akinatours.com/maui_shuttle.htm

That is great news, pspercy. Just reading up on the new system. They've needed that for a long time, and I see that it started in 2002. For people who stay in the major resort areas and only want to go elsewhere for a couple of days, that is a great way to go, rather than renting a car for a whole week!

You didn't ask, but make sure everyone in group is at least 18 and that hotel does not have some higher minimum age to stay in room - we just ran into situation with group of 17 and 18 year olds in New York where hotel was carefully checking age of travelers to make sure they were all 18. While researching hotels, we found some that had a higher minimum age to stay in room without parent or guardian.

We just returned from Maui and our 23 year olds could not rent or drive our car. They took the Speedi Shuttle from the airport to The Whaler area for less than $50.00 each round trip. I think you get a discount if you do it online. If all else fails there is always a taxi but I agree they could probably stay pretty busy in Kaanapali area. How long will they be there?

They will be there for 5 nights. All will be 18 and they are staying in a condo owned by one of their grandmothers. I'm glad to read about the new bus system. Thanks to all!