Hi all,
Myself and a couple of friends are heading to Maui mid year. I've done a bit of research on rental vans/vehicles for the trip. I was after any reviews, comments, suggestions on where to rent from, what vehicles work best, places with decent prices, etc. if possible. I'm seeing varied reviews of some of the vans from the places we are looking at and don't want the hassle of turning up and getting a un-safe, or unsuitable vehicle. First time in Maui for me so just trying to get as much info as possible to make it a memorable trip. Cheers!
Hey ej,
3 of us went last year, and rented from www.aloharentacar.com/
They seem to be the most commonly recommended by all the people who travel to maui to windsurf there. They pick you up from the airport along with your gear and drop you off, so it makes it pretty hassle free.
The actual website isn't that useful, but if you go through their online reservations system you can see everything that is available. We rented a middle aged minivan, a bit cheaper than the new minivans, and i think because they are a bit older you got less chance of being stung for scratches and sand in the vehicle. That being said we opted to pay for the accident coverage, can't remember what it's called, for peace of mind.
The minivan was a good size for 3 of us and gear, thou thats probably as much as you will comfortably fit in.
Dito on Aloha Rent a Car. Once you navigate the web site and select your beast, its all good. We've used them twice and both times both vehicle and service were great.
First time around we rented a behemoth van, you could practically live in this thing. As Swoosh said, they pick you up from the airport and drop you back there on returning. They also kit you out with beach chairs, and brollys we as well as sand toys if you have kids. The big van also had racks built in inside for multiple boards.
The last time we went, the missus wanted a smaller vehicle, so we opted for a Chrylser Voyager (see photos). Van was great to drive and very comfortable, plus it easily fitted a board and gear with only one back seat folded down. This time we arrived in Maui late in the evening, but the guys had left the vehicle for us at the airport and keys were easy to get, so basically no dramas.
We are heading back again in June, and I have no hesitation booking with these guys again.
We are in Maui Mid June, see you there!
We always rent from Mauivans (aloha) Bobby and Nick do a great job, no fuss, cheap, mostly reliable vans,
For $199 a week for a van that you can chuck three rigs and three peeps in comfortably, what more would you want. Most vans have aircon, powersteering and are roughish in look, but we have never had any real issues.
We have had one that kept overheating, they changed it over for us without any real issue.
The Cheap vans cannot go to some parts of the island, Definaltley not up the volcano or to Hana (if you ask nicely, they might swap you out of the van for a few days into a car that can make those trips - they gave us a cool forester one year for this very reason)
Yes, sometime the fuel gauge doesnt work, yes the speedo is probably wrong - seriously not an issue
Insurance is also a bit of a weird thing as well, we always get travel insurance, that covers our collission damage waiver (pretty sure the vans are only worth about 2-3k) - you might want to do some research on this.
Touch wood we have never had an issue.
hahahah hotsails Maui- we have rented that one as well, bloody ripper!
(you guys look like youa re looking for waves at Peahi!)
Awesome guys, thanks!
Aloha rent a Car is what we were leaning towards. Probably the E150 Van I think it's called as we have 4 windsurfers and want to get as much gear inside as possible. Apparently you can remove seats if not needed but not 100% sure on that. Racks for gear, etc. Majority of online reviews are good but there's a few regarding mechanical issues etc. but they seem to be good regarding change overs if your not happy. Yep, I'd imagine they get a lot of mileage and are getting on in age so I guess we can't expect too much.
Anyway, I'm sure I am worrying about all this for no reason as I tend to do.
We're also there in June so it sounds as though there's going to be a few of us over at the same time. Can't wait to get there.
