Hulagirl

We're going to Maui & Kauai next year. Is it worth the upgrade to get something nicer than a compact?
What would you suggest? Convertable or Jeep? ??

Suzie

Convertible. Comfortable and great for sightseeing! We got one this last time after driving around in a regular car before and being jealous of the people in convertibles!!!!!

Rick

I second that..convertible no question,,
don't need the 4WD and you can put the top up in seconds if you run into a shower.

SEW

Hulagirl,

Go for the convertible. Nothing better!

Marti

We rented a convertible, except for the road to Hana, that is best in a jeep. You can get daily rentals on the jeep for a good price, we didn't make reservations in advance, and it was no problem gettting one.

e

Convertible on Maui, but I'd opt for one of the small SUV's on Kauai, or something with a roof. It rains way too much, and too often for a convertible and the hassle of always putting the top up and down outweighs the advantages. Good Luck !!

xxx

Only go for a convertible if there's just two of you and you're not bringing a ton of luggage.

Julie

Whatever kind of car you decide upon, I'd advise against renting it from Alamo. One time we were in Maui we rented from Alamo and ended up spending the first 4 hours waiting (along with about 50 other people) in the Alamo rental agency until we finally got the car. What a waste of good vacation time!

p.

Julie,
Are the other agencies better ? I don't know but the size of the Alamo place is indeed amazing, I suspect the others are similarly swamped at times .. anyone ?
First time (Maui) it was about 30mins, we arrived in prime time (mid afternoon on a Saturday, in October) but considering the line they did well. Second time, last May (mid afternoon but a Sunday), I was the only one there, took five minutes !
I shop prices but generally Alamo is the better deal for me.
p.

p.

Woops, got wrapped up replying to the previous I forgot to address the original question, sorry.
We've taken regular (so called mid size) sedans on both islands & not noticed that we missed anything worth the price difference to upgrade - on either island you're not driving great distances.
However, last trip,to Maui, we got a Jeep as Alamo was having an excellent special so I thought, why not ? It was fun tho' didn't need the 4wd of course but definitely a vehicle for a vacation. Little secure storage if that's a concern. Next trip (soon) to Kauai we're again opting for a special, this time on Camaros so we'll see how that goes ! Other than specials, really can't see spending the considerable premium for these but that's just MHO.
Either way, you'll have a great trip but you already know that if you're a Hulagirl. Enjoy, it's magic.
p.

dakine

Don't get a car that is larger than midsize if you plan on driving to HANA. Even midsize is stretching it. Get anything on Kauai it's not very crowded on the roads as compared to Maui.
I've been to HANA three times and never rented a jeep and had no problems. Jeeps aren't very comfortable in the back set if you have passengers. Smaller cars are much more manueverable. If you are a convertible person rent one if not use the AC. If you want to save a few bucks for that one special meal or several T-shirts don't worry about the car. Ask anyone about their Hawaii memories and the car will be the last on the list!

bob

We rented from Alamo and had great luck with them. We rented right from the West Maui Airport about five minutes from Kaanapali. We also rented from Budget while in Hawaii and would NEVER rent from them again. They put numerous holds on our credit card amounting to an amount that would have taken months to use up and then denied that they did that. They were rude and unscrupulous.

Nova

Marti, the road to Hana is best in a jeep??? Why ??? It is paved road all the way !! Why the hell would you need a jeep ??

holyamos

I have been to both Maui and Kauai and can say that I was glad I had a jeep on both trips. Bottom line is that a jeep gives you many options that other rentals do not. While you can probably get by in Maui without a jeep. It is a must in Kauai.

In Maui the toad to Hana was incredible with any car that is a convertible. However, there were a couple of side trip were a jeep is helpful. While the backside of Haleakuna (sp?) is usually passable with most regular cars, if there is some rain you will be glad you have a jeep.

In Kauai get a jeep hands down. There are so many areas where a jeep will help give you piece of mind. In fact, there are some areas were a jeep really is necessary.

For all of those tourists who stay on the “paved” roads it is probably best that you stay there. While there are many beautiful sights from the “paved” roads on both islands if you want to access some of the remote areas you do need a jeep.