Car Rental Companies in Maui?

Question

I’m vacationing again in Maui next year. I’m wondering which car rental company offers the best deals, and what car rental agency do you prefer? Pick up and return at Kahului Airport. My worst experience was with Budget.. I’m going in March and staying for 10 days. I’d prefer making a reservation and paying for it once I arrive. Anyone use Discount Hawaii Car Rental? Or Hawaii Car Rental? Or Costco Travel for car rental? Any experience or recommendations would be appreciated.

Answer

Planning a trip to Maui is always exciting, and finding the right car rental can make the experience even better. March is a popular time to visit Maui, so it’s great that you’re thinking ahead about your car rental options. Based on your previous experience with Budget, here are some suggestions and alternatives for booking a car rental in Maui:

1. Major Car Rental Companies at Kahului Airport:

At Kahului Airport (OGG), you’ll find the big name car rental agencies such as Enterprise, Alamo, Hertz, Avis, National, and Budget. While your experience with Budget wasn’t ideal, the other agencies can offer similar rates, and it’s worth checking reviews to see if there are any improvements or changes with customer service. Many travelers prefer Enterprise and Alamo for their friendly service and relatively smooth experiences, but rates can vary depending on the season and availability.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car: Known for good customer service, and they often have a wide range of vehicles available. Their pricing tends to be competitive with other major companies.
Alamo: A favorite for those looking for quick and efficient service, especially for families or groups. Their rental process is straightforward, and they offer a good variety of vehicles.
Hertz: Another popular option with a reputation for good service. They offer a range of cars, including more luxurious options if you want a special treat for your vacation.

2. Discount Hawaii Car Rental & Hawaii Car Rental:

Both of these companies are well-known in Hawaii and often offer good deals for rentals. They are not actual rental car companies but aggregators, meaning they allow you to compare rates across multiple car rental agencies. This can be helpful to find the best deals for your trip.

Discount Hawaii Car Rental: This site partners with many major agencies and offers competitive prices, often lower than what you’d find directly through the rental companies. They have a reputation for offering good customer service and reliable rentals. Some travelers mention that it can be easier to navigate than the direct rental company websites.
Hawaii Car Rental: Similar to Discount Hawaii Car Rental, this website allows you to book rentals with major agencies at competitive prices. It also offers customer reviews and ratings for specific locations, which can be very helpful when deciding which agency to book with.

3. Costco Travel:

If you are a Costco member, using Costco Travel can be a great option. Costco partners with major car rental companies like Alamo, Avis, and Enterprise, offering discounted rates and extra perks like free additional drivers or discounts on upgrades. Many travelers find that booking through Costco can be less stressful, as you know you’re getting competitive rates and reputable service. Keep in mind that you’ll need to pay for the rental in advance when booking through Costco Travel, unlike the "pay later" options from some other agencies.

Pros: Discounted rates, extra perks (e.g., free additional drivers), and often better customer service.
Cons: Only available to Costco members, and payment is required upfront.

4. Booking and Payment Options:

Since you prefer making a reservation and paying for it upon arrival, it’s important to check the rental company’s policy on payment. Some agencies, especially Discount Hawaii Car Rental and Hawaii Car Rental, offer the option to reserve the car without immediate payment. You can pay when you pick up the vehicle, and in some cases, you can modify or cancel the reservation without penalty (up to a certain date).

For other companies like Enterprise or Alamo, they might require a credit card hold or advance payment for certain types of reservations, but it’s usually possible to cancel or modify the booking with a few days' notice.

5. Recommendations:

If you are looking for flexibility and want to compare rates across different agencies, Discount Hawaii Car Rental or Hawaii Car Rental are both great choices.
If you are a Costco member, I would recommend booking through Costco Travel to take advantage of the extra perks and discounted rates.
If you prefer sticking with a major car rental agency, I recommend checking out Enterprise or Alamo for good service and a wide range of vehicle options.

Overall, I would recommend booking ahead of time to secure the best rates, especially since March is a busy time in Maui. However, it’s always good to check cancellation policies in case plans change. Keep an eye on deals and specials, and be sure to check the rental agency’s reviews to ensure you get the best experience possible.

Have a wonderful trip to Maui!