Maui's answer to the car rental shortage: A shuttle that costs up to $50 per person for a one-way ticket
The rental car shortage has been an issue in many states since the return of travel started earlier this year. The state that seems to keep getting the most headlines though is Hawaii — some visitors even resorting to renting U-Hauls to avoid the astronomically high prices of renting a car.
Hawai'i's Tourism Authority has resources on its website to give visitors an idea of alternative forms of transportation when they can't find a rental car. You could even rent a motorcycle on your vacation.
And starting today through July 17, visitors to Maui have another transportation option from Kahului Airport (OGG) to some of the surrounding resorts: the Maui ALOHA Shuttle.
What is the Maui Aloha Shuttle?
The pilot shuttle program is part of a larger effort to improve Maui's ground transportation experience and will offer transportation to select South Maui at Wailea hotels and West Maui hotels at Kā'anapali Beach. Popular hotels on the shuttle's route include the Westin Maui Resort and Spa, Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa, the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort and the Grand Wailea Maui.
How often will the shuttle run?
From July 3 through July 17, the Maui ALOHA Shuttle will run three times a day on both routes. A Polynesian Adventure Tours motorcoach will pick up newly arrived visitors at OGG at 11:30 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. for those headed to West Maui. Another motor coach will service South Maui also three times a day at 11:15 a.m., 1:15 p.m. and 3:15 p.m.
Tickets to ride the shuttle can be purchased at the airport counter at baggage claim. The shuttle can also bring travelers back to the airport from their hotel — you will just need to arrange a return trip to the airport either through the concierge at your hotel or online at www.polyad.com.
The pilot program is scheduled to end on July 17 but that could run through the end of the summer.
How much does the Maui ALOHA Shuttle cost?
Travelers going to West Maui will pay $50 one-way for adults and $35 for children aged 4 to 12 years old. Children 3 and under are free. If you're going to South Maui and Wailea the cost is $35 one-way for adults, $20 for children 4 to 12 years old and free for children 3 and under.
Bottom line
The rental car shortage has been difficult on travelers the last several months. The Maui ALOHA Shuttle program promises to offer some relief to visitors who are unable to reserve a rental car or are unwilling to pay inflated prices. Let's hope the program is successful and is able to continue at least through the rest of the summer.
Photo by Pierre Leclerc / Shutterstock.com
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