where can i rent a car in maui

[DelElle]

The best places to rent a car in Maui are at Kahului Airport (OGG), in the major resort areas of West Maui (like Kaanapali) and South Maui (like Wailea), or through local rental companies in Kahului town. Renting directly at the airport is the most convenient option if you're flying in, but booking a car from a resort location can sometimes offer better deals and avoid the airport's rental car facility fee. For a wider selection of vehicles and competitive pricing, the major international brands (Hertz, Enterprise, Avis) are your safest bet. However, local Hawaiian companies often provide older, well-maintained vehicles at significantly lower rates, which can be a great choice for budget-conscious travelers.

It's crucial to book your rental car months in advance, especially during peak seasons (summer and winter holidays). Maui's popularity means vehicles sell out quickly, and last-minute bookings can be exorbitantly expensive. When comparing prices, look beyond the base rate. Pay close attention to additional fees like Maui's daily facility fee (approx. $7.50/day at OGG), taxes, and charges for additional drivers or young drivers (under 25). Also, confirm the policy on taking the rental car on the famous Road to Hana; some companies prohibit it due to the rough, narrow roads.

Consideration	Recommendation & Key Data
Booking Lead Time	3-6 months in advance for peak season; 1-2 months for off-peak.
Major Rental Company Locations	Kahului Airport (all majors), Kaanapali, Wailea, Kapalua-West Maui Airport (JHM).
Sample Local Company	Kihei Rent a Car, Go Rent a Car Cruisers (known for budget Jeeps).
Average Cost (Midsize SUV)	$70-$120/day, highly dependent on season and advance booking.
Airport Facility Fee	Approximately $7.50 per day at Kahului Airport (OGG).
Road to Hana Policy	Many contracts forbid it; check explicitly or rent from a company that allows it.
Vehicle Type Advice	Convertible or Jeep Wrangler for scenic drives; SUV for Hana trip (if permitted).
One-Way Rental	Generally not available between islands; must be returned to original location.

Finally, consider the type of car that fits your itinerary. If you plan on mostly staying in resort areas, a standard sedan is sufficient. If you dream of driving the winding roads with the top down, a convertible is popular. For tackling rougher, unpaved roads like those past Hana or up to Haleakala's summit, a 4WD vehicle is recommended, but always verify your rental agreement covers off-road travel.

[EloiseMarie]

Just got back from Maui, and the easiest thing we did was rent from Enterprise right in our Kaanapali resort. Skipped the airport chaos entirely. We booked online about four months ahead and snagged a great weekly rate on a Jeep. My biggest tip? Double-check that unlimited mileage is included. You'll be doing a lot of driving to beaches and hikes, and you don't want a surprise charge. Those local rental spots in Kihei can have cool, older Jeeps for way less if you’re on a tight budget.

[DeAva]

As a frequent visitor, I prioritize convenience. Renting at Kahului Airport (OGG) is the most efficient start to your trip. The rental car facility is consolidated and well-signed. I exclusively use national brands like Hertz or Avis for reliability and a seamless membership experience. The key is enrolling in their free loyalty programs, which often allow you to bypass the counter and go straight to your car. Be prepared for the daily airport concession fee, but the time saved is worth it for maximizing your vacation.

[NoraFitz]

For families, my advice is to focus on space and reliability. Book a minivan or large SUV directly with a major company at the airport. The extra room for coolers, beach gear, and kids is non-negotiable. We always pre-pay for the rental to lock in the rate and avoid budget surprises. Crucially, we add our teenage son as an additional driver during the online booking process—it's cheaper than doing it at the counter and gives us a break on those long drives.

[KiraDella]

If you're looking for an adventure and want to save money, skip the airport and look at local Hawaiian rental companies. They often have older Jeep Wranglers and 4Runners that are perfect for exploring Maui's rougher tracks, and they're usually more lenient about driving on unpaved roads. The trade-off is that their fleets are smaller, so you need to book even earlier. You'll likely have to take a short taxi from the airport to their off-site lot, but the savings can be substantial, sometimes hundreds of dollars over a week.