December 17, 2023 - Phone communications are crucial for renting a car in Maui. Having a working phone is essential not only for coordinating your Maui rental car's pickup and return, but also for answering routine questions that might arise like "Why won't the rear doors open?" (Answer: because you activated the child lock) or "Why won't the windows roll up and down?" (Answer again: because you activated the child lock) or "Why don't any of the dash lights work?" (Answer: because you turned the dimmer switch all the way down). If you have a major carrier like AT&T or Verizon, you'll have 5G or 4G coverage in most of the populated areas of Maui (see pics), and the answers to all your questions are just one quick speed-dial away, the very moment they arise. But, and this applies in particular to some of our customers from Canada, if your plan does not provide out-of-area coverage, then you are counting on a payphone network that has either been dismantled or is in serious disrepair (see pic). 

Coverage guide: www.whistleout.com/CellPhones/Guides/

With X-mas just one week away, Maui car rental rates are remaining very soft, with no sign of the expected bump that brings holiday cheer to rental car companies island-wide. Lowest advertised rate for a one-week rental from Maui's Kahului Airport (OGG), starting Monday 12/18/23: 

Off-airport (with shuttle): $155.92

Airport Rentacar Center: $195.69

Source: rentalcars.com