Trave OK

We'll be on the Rhapsody in May visiting Kauai, Maui, Kona and Hilo.
We're going to be with another couple and have about decided our best
bet is to rent a car in these places.  Would like to hear any advice and
recommendations on doing that.  Make reservations in advance?  Can
you do it on the ship?  Are there rental places right at the dock, or do you
have to go to the airport?  Do lots of people want to do this, long lines?

Dave

--
Dave Allen
--------------------------------
David Allen's Home Page  http://www.***ramp.net/~zuggie/
Group Cruise Web Site  http://www.***ramp.net/~zuggie/group.html

My advice is to make sure you have a car reserved ahead of time to
make sure there is one available. Rentals in Hawaii are fairly
reasonable. I covered most of Maui and Oahu when I was there and found
the driving easy and the only way to see the best of the islands.
One thing to remember, when you get to the desk, ask about local
specials. Chances are you can get a better car, like a convertible or
Jeep clone for about the same price as your reservation for a compact.
This applies to rentals anywhere...always ask for their local
promotions which will invariably get you more for your money than the
deal you originally made in advance.

I can't really help you with the logistics of the rental since I don't
know where the ship docks in all the islands. If they are going to
meet you at the pier with a car you reserved, it will not be possible
to trade up of course. In Oahu, there are car rentals at a lot of the
major hotels since they know people come without reserving cars and
decide to rent after they have tried the taxis and buses. Can't be
sure of the other islands though.

Regards,
Fred Lanyard
CRUISE VALUE CENTER
(800)231-SHIP  Residence:(732)636-0938

When we were on the Independence last May we could make rental car
arrangements thru the ship with Avis.  The price was very good.  We did
this on Maui.  There you were shuttled over to the airport which isn't
far.  It took about an hour all together from the time we left the ship
till we were in the car.  I'm sure you could make your own rental
arrangements, but then you might be stuck on getting to wherever the
rental place is and back again after you drop the car off.  Just as
with shore excursions, you may run the risk of missing the ship if you
book on your own and don't allow enough time to get back to the ship.

Barb

You have the right idea.  Rent that car at each island. That`s what we
did and we had a ball. There is usually a car rental place near the
dock. Ask for direction to it. Sometimes it`s at the airport. They will
come and pick you up and take you back. Rental is not too expensive. Go
for it !

que sera sera

Aloha...

Last September we did the same islands with Carnival and preferred to rent cars
on each island instead of taking tours.  It all worked out very well.  A shuttle
will pick up interested parties and drive you to your favorite agency where you
will wait in line with the other 50 cruise colleagues who decided to do the same
thing and with the same agency. But in a matter of an hour or so, you should be
on your way to tour the island.  We are returning again with Carnival in April
for a second time around.  I have now booked in advance car with Budget but

rate that no other company or even Budget international could match.  There are
no fees for this service and confirmation numbers are validated and given out
for each booking.  No advance payment or credit card # required.  We will just
have to see how reliable this way of doing business pays off.  Happy
trails...John.

: >We'll be on the Rhapsody in May visiting Kauai, Maui, Kona and Hilo.
: >We're going to be with another couple and have about decided our best
: >bet is to rent a car in these places.  Would like to hear any advice and
: >recommendations on doing that.  Make reservations in advance?  Can
: >you do it on the ship?  Are there rental places right at the dock, or do you
: >have to go to the airport?  Do lots of people want to do this, long lines?
: >
: >Dave

: Hi Dave,

: My advice is to make sure you have a car reserved ahead of time to
: make sure there is one available. Rentals in Hawaii are fairly
: reasonable. I covered most of Maui and Oahu when I was there and found

Use a cell phone to make the reservations from the ship.  Use the line
that the cruise ship IS NOT using.  This will save you hours of trauma.

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