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
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.