Car rental at airport or cab/uber upon arrival?

Question

Hi all, we’re flying into Maui for the first time in March at 9:45pm. Is it recommended to pick up a car rental at the airport or worry about it the next day and roll into a cab/uber? We’re staying in Kihei, which I understand is about 25 minutes drive from airport.

Answer

For your arrival in Maui at 9:45 PM, you have two good options to consider for getting to your accommodation in Kihei. Whether you choose to rent a car at the airport or use a taxi/Uber depends on your preferences, but here are the pros and cons of each option:

Option 1: Rent a car at the airport

Convenience: Renting a car directly at the airport gives you the flexibility to go where you want as soon as you arrive. Since you’re staying in Kihei, having a car will be handy for exploring the area and the island at your leisure, especially if you plan to visit beaches, shops, or restaurants in Kihei or beyond.
Late-Night Availability: Most major rental car agencies at Kahului Airport (OGG) are open late, so even though you’ll be arriving at 9:45 PM, you should still be able to pick up your car. Be sure to confirm the hours of your specific rental agency when booking.
Cost: While rental rates may be slightly higher for last-minute bookings, renting a car for the entire stay can be more cost-effective if you plan to explore the island over several days. It also gives you flexibility for day trips.
Driving in the Dark: Maui’s roads are generally well-lit and easy to navigate, but since you’re arriving late at night, you may find it a bit challenging to get used to driving on the island in the dark, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the roads. That said, the drive from the airport to Kihei is straightforward and should take about 25 minutes.

Option 2: Take a Taxi or Uber

Ease of Arrival: Taking a taxi or Uber from the airport to your accommodation means you won’t have to worry about driving after a long flight. This can be a great choice if you're tired or just want to relax and enjoy the ride to Kihei without worrying about navigating in a new place at night.
Cost: The taxi or Uber ride from the airport to Kihei will cost around $40-$50 each way, depending on traffic and time of day. While this is more expensive than renting a car, it’s an easy option if you don’t need to drive immediately.
Car Rental for the Next Day: If you don’t need a car for your first night, you could easily rent one the next morning when you’re more rested and ready to hit the road. Most car rental agencies in Kihei offer pick-up locations, so you won’t have to drive back to the airport to collect your car.
Peace of Mind: Taking a cab/Uber on the first night can be a low-stress option. If you’re not familiar with the area, it might be nice to get to your hotel and take some time to get your bearings before dealing with parking or car rental arrangements.

What to consider:

If you plan on staying in Kihei for the majority of your trip and want to be able to easily explore nearby beaches and restaurants, renting a car at the airport might be the most convenient choice.
If you’re not planning on venturing far from Kihei on your first night or simply want a stress-free arrival, taking a taxi/Uber to your accommodation and renting a car the next day can be a more relaxed approach.
Keep in mind that parking in Kihei is generally available at most hotels and resorts, and driving on Maui is fairly easy, but you may need to adjust to the slower, winding roads in certain parts of the island.

In conclusion, both options are viable depending on your preference for flexibility versus ease of arrival. Either way, you’ll be able to enjoy your time on Maui without too much hassle!

Car rental at airport or cab/uber upon arrival?

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