Maui's Transport Options: To Rent or Not to Rent a Car? PLUS 5 Money-Saving Tips!
Maui, Hawaii is a stunning island that offers breathtaking views and exciting activities to visitors. When planning a trip to this paradise, one of the most important decisions you will have to make is how to get around. In this article, we will break down all your transport options and give you seven tips on how to save money on a rental car.
Firstly, it's essential to understand that Maui is a large island. The airport is located in central north Maui, and from there, it can take up to 45 minutes to get to some of the main resort areas, such as Wailea, Kihei in south Maui, and West Maui. To get to activities located in other areas, you would need to go back up to central Maui. This is why renting a car can be a great idea. Our rule of thumb is if you're staying more than seven days and plan on doing three or more activities, then renting a car pays for itself. However, it's always good to do your math and compare the costs of renting a car versus taking a taxi, Uber, or Lyft.
The cost of renting a car from the airport is around $50 per day on average. If you're staying for a week, a rental car will cost approximately $350. The selection of cars is vast, ranging from economy and compact cars to luxury convertibles and jeeps. Renting from the airport is also the most convenient option, but you can also find other rental companies off-site, local family-run companies, and even Turo. Keep in mind that Maui also has mopeds and some fun cars available to rent, such as Porsches.
Turo functions similarly to Car Next Door, providing daily rentals of people's personal vehicles. We found a woman who managed a fleet of high-end cars, including Lexus, Porsche, Mercedes, and Audis. The car was in excellent condition and only a 15-minute walk from our hotel. I highly recommend Turo as a viable alternative to traditional car rental.
If you're not renting a car, taking a shuttle to your hotel is a super cheap option, costing only $20 per person round trip. However, taking a taxi, Uber, or Lyft to other activities can add up, as each round trip will cost you around $120-$150. So, it's worth comparing the costs before deciding whether to rent a car or not.
If you decide to rent a car, we have 5 tips to help you save money!
1 - Always look for hotels that offer free parking as many hotels and resorts charge for parking, which can be $35 per night or more.
2 - Check out Discount Hawaii Car Rental, which often offers cheaper rates than renting directly from big brand companies such as Avis, Hertz, or Thrifty. This family-owned rental car place on Maui is another good option, as it offers lower-cost cars to keep rates affordable.
3 - Try Turo where you can rent direct from the owner.
4 - Fill up your gas tank at Costco or Safeway Express, which are located five minutes from the airport and offer gas for 50 cents to 80 cents cheaper per gallon than other gas stations.
5 - When renting a car, consider getting an economy or compact car, as they are cheaper than luxury or larger cars.
Overall, renting a car is a great way to get around Maui, but it's always worth doing your math to see if it's cost-effective for you. Whatever you decide, Maui has plenty of transport options to suit every budget and preference.