On NCL/POA --West MAUI ... Recommended Day One Car Rental Itinerary ....

We would like to commit Day 1 to a car rental and see the highlights of the western portion of Maui. What do you suggest that we include? [We're big on beaches, scenery. But gardens, aquariums, museums, etc., are also okay if you think they are worth the time and effort].

We may want to possibly include a luau at the end of the day. If so, which one would be convenient for the Kahului port location?

How does car rental return pickup and return work? Are there any available at the port? If not, is there a shuttle available to-and-fro. And what are its hours of operation? [hopefully 24 hours].

There are many threads here with the info you seek.

First, all rental car operations are at the airport, a short distance from where POA docks. A shuttle transports you. You need to ask the company you rent from about their hours. Worst case, you might need to taxi back to the ship after dropping off your car.

Second, while there are luaus in Wailea, (about 25 minutes from the ship) they are hotel based, and not the quality found elsewhere. Instead, the commonly recommended ones are in Lahaina, 45 minutes from the ship. But ending your day at one of those after touring the West Maui area is perfectly logical.

When are you sailing? Whale watching, or snorkeling from Lahaina would be a serious option as well.

There are many threads here with the info you seek.

 

First, all rental car operations are at the airport, a short distance from where POA docks. A shuttle transports you. You need to ask the company you rent from about their hours. Worst case, you might need to taxi back to the ship after dropping off your car.

 

Second, while there are luaus in Wailea, (about 25 minutes from the ship) they are hotel based, and not the quality found elsewhere. Instead, the commonly recommended ones are in Lahaina, 45 minutes from the ship. But ending your day at one of those after touring the West Maui area is perfectly logical.

 

 

 

When are you sailing? Whale watching, or snorkeling from Lahaina would be a serious option as well.

We will be there at the end of July 2017

We would like to commit Day 1 to a car rental and see the highlights of the western portion of Maui. What do you suggest that we include? [We're big on beaches, scenery. But gardens, aquariums, museums, etc., are also okay if you think they are worth the time and effort].

 

We may want to possibly include a luau at the end of the day. If so, which one would be convenient for the Kahului port location?

 

How does car rental return pickup and return work? Are there any available at the port? If not, is there a shuttle available to-and-fro. And what are its hours of operation? [hopefully 24 hours].

To make it easier, why don't you name some more specific places you may have read or heard about and may be interested in seeing to narrow down the vast field of possibilities here.

We would like to commit Day 1 to a car rental and see the highlights of the western portion of Maui. What do you suggest that we include? [We're big on beaches, scenery. But gardens, aquariums, museums, etc., are also okay if you think they are worth the time and effort].

 

We may want to possibly include a luau at the end of the day. If so, which one would be convenient for the Kahului port location?

 

How does car rental return pickup and return work? Are there any available at the port? If not, is there a shuttle available to-and-fro. And what are its hours of operation? [hopefully 24 hours].

Do some research on Maui attractions to help plan your itinerary. Trip Advisor website is a great resource. I hope you do not restrict yourself to West Maui only. Although I enjoy Lahaina and the Kaanapali Beach area in West Maui, the scenery is far less attractive there IMO as it is very dry and desert like, and not the lush green you will find in other areas of the island.

We like the route through the "upcountry" higher elevations in route to the top of Mt Haleakala, the lush, green dormant volcano which is totally different in appearance from Volcano National Park in Hawaii. The views on the way up are wonderful. You'll have to backtrack a bit to pick up the road toward Lahaina. I'd end the day there with a luau.