Maui Car Rental

BY BUCK QUAYLE

If visiting, Maui car rental is the way to go. Yes, you'll probably want to rent a car. Think of it as the price you pay for your freedom to explore the island at will and have fun.

Depending on how many of you there are, you might want a camper or a van-my choice. Some people like little trucks or jeeps. They work. With the usual Maui weather, a motorcycle-hog or chopper-might not be amiss.

This brings me to another story. Remember the movie Easy Rider? With Jack Nicholson and Peter Fonda on their choppers. This has absolutely nothing to do with a Maui car rental-but Fonda used to anchor his yacht in front of "my" house.

One fine day we-The Lahaina Sun Staff-were all invited aboard. Guess who didn't go? That's right-Don Graydon, my beloved Editor, said someone had to stay and work. I was someone. I stayed and worked.

Oh well. Sorry I didn't get to meet you Peter. Everyone else had a great time.

Here are some links-to the outside-where you may play around looking at various and sundry vehicles with various and sundry prices. If you're on a tight schedule or near a big holliday you would do well to book in advance. If not, just rent at the airport.

hawaiicarrentaldiscount.com

mauicarrentals.net

alohacampers.com

hawaiidrive-o.com

If you're staying on Maui, you might want to buy something used. I did. Try this link to Jim Flak Motors of Maui. Just don't bang on the hood. It might fall off.

usedcarsmaui.com

If I may be free with advice, do yourself a favor and get no-fault insurance. I was very glad I did once in Honolulu while driving up a mountainous residential area. The streets were very narrow and curvy with many almost blind intersections. I was driving uphill when a crazed man came screaming down and broadsided me-caving in the left side of the car, right behind the driver's door.

Back at the rental agency, tossing the keys on the counter, "A guy hit me," I said. The Lovely Young Lady frowned. "What happened?"

"It doesn't matter it's no-fault insurance, right?" She nodded, yes. Then I told her. Another frown. "Thanks." I said, walking away.

Better to pay an extra $20 a day and leave a girl frowning in your wake, then to shellout another $l,200 in car repairs. Even when you're not planning on an accident.