I happened to catch a great consumer travel segment with Susan Koeppen on the CBS Early Show. Koeppen reported that economy rental cars are very much in demand due to high gas prices. In fact, economy rental cars are quite often selling out across the country. Koeppen reported that she had tried to rent a economy car yesterday in New York City and discovered 
that the only car available was a gas guzzling Escalade.
If you’ve been following my Hawaii vacation saving tips, you know that I advise to rent the smallest car to suit your needs. With Hawaii’s gas prices being higher than the national average, it’s even more important to think about renting a car that’s easier on gas.
You might book an economy or compact car only to find out that they are all sold out when you arrive at the rental desk. You’ll likely get stuck with a car or SUV that gets lower gas mileage. If this happens:
- Never pay a higher rate for the more expensive “upgrade” rental. Make sure you are only charged the rate of the car you booked.
- Ask for compensation like a discount or free tank of gas to off set the higher gas quantities that the bigger car will require.
How do you increase your chances of getting an economy rental car while there’s such a high demand for them? Here’s some of the tips:
- This first tip is an obvious one, but worth emphasizing. Start with booking an economy or compact car in advance. (Note: I usually use a travel booking engine like Kayak.com to find the lowest rates.)
- Join the membership programs for that car rental company. You’ll likely get a preferred status.
- Consider pre-paying for the economy car, which should increase the likelihood that you’ll get what you reserved and paid for. If you don’t get the economy rental and you’ve pre-paid, you should really kick up a fuss and ask for discounts to compensate you for the higher gas consumption.
What size car do you usually rent on vacation? If you don’t normally opt for the more gas efficient cars, are you now more inclined to want to rent them now?
If you live near Seattle, you can get a one-way fare as low as $239 to Maui or Kauai on Alaska Airlines. Other cities from Washington, Idaho, Montana, and Canada can get fares as low as $289. You must create a “My Account” at AlaskaAir.com, book the travel online, and use the discount code ECFL05208 with your reservation. This fare is valid for travel between now and September 30th, but you must purchase the ticket before June 20th. Blackout dates are June 27-28 and July 5-6, 2008.
Let’s continue the series of one day Hawaii itineraries with a visit to Maui. So, what would I plan to see with only one day on Maui? I’d most definitely spend my time on the road to Hana. This drive is arguably the most beautiful drive in Hawaii. I remember my first trip to Maui, I drove the road to Hana on my last full day before I went back home. I remember thinking, that I had saved the best for last.
This winding coastal road is more about the journey, i.e., the jaw-dropping views along the road, than it is about the destination. There are numerous curves and one lane bridges that keep this drive on a slow pace. You won’t mind driving slow, though, because you’ll definitely enjoy seeing the lush green cliffs, beaches, and waterfalls along the way. It really is a feast for the eyes.
Logistically, you do need to dedicate the entire day from early morning through early evening to drive the road and take in the sights. The earlier you get started, the better. See all my tips for driving the road to Hana. Ideally, get on the road before 7:30am. You can either rent a car or if you prefer to let someone else do the driving, there are plenty of tour companies who will take care of that for you. You can even take a packaged day tour from Oahu.
What if I have two days on Maui?
If you have a second day, I suggest you plan to see sunrise at Haleakala, the house of the sun. It will be a memorable and unique experience. If possible, sneak in a visit to the Iao Valley. Then relax at DT Fleming Beach Park in Kapalua, one of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii.
Need more ideas of what to do?
Take a look at this list of seven things to do on Maui on a budget. I’ve also listed my top five Maui must do’s.
A reader recently asked if there were any free luaus on Maui. Unless you’re lucky enough to be invited to a resident’s luau, there is no such thing as a free luau. However, you can take in a free hula show at the Lahaina Cannery Mall. Shows are offered each Tuesday and Thursday night at 7pm. Keiki (children) hula shows run each Saturday and Sunday at 1pm.
In addition to the free hula shows, there are free ukelele lessions at 5:45pm on Tuesdays and Maui Paniolo (Cowboy) line dancing lessons each Sunday at 6:30pm followed by dancing from 7pm to 8:30pm.
But wait! There’s more! If you act now, we’ll throw in these free coupons at no extra charge. 
The Lahaina Cannery Mall is located on the northern end of Lahaina and parking is…you guessed it - free!
(Photo credit to Lahaina Cannery Mall.)
Here’s a post for your listening pleasure. I’ve been listening to Mountain Apple Radio online. It’s completely free and there are no commercials. There are 3 stations: traditional/contemporary, island Reggae, and for December there’s Hawaiian Christmas. Enjoy!
A month ago, I shared a nice deal offered by the Sheraton Maui. That deal was $250 per night. Now, there’s an even better deal to share with you. the same resort is offering a special of $199 per night plus you can get 30% off their luau. Here’s the lowdown:
The Deal: $199 per night in Maui Sheraton - a $150 savings.
Why I like this deal: The four-star Maui Sheraton is located in a prime spot on Kaanapali Beach. I addition to the great rate, you’ll receive 30% off their luau.
Offer Valid Through: You must book by June 18th for travel from August 18 - December 22. (Blackout dates: September 12-14 and November 21 - 27)
Special Rate Code: TVLZ
For More Information: Find more details here.
Hawaii’s Department of Land and Natural Resources recently launched a spruced up website loaded with great information on Hawaii’s State Parks. Here’s how to use this resource to help you with your vacation plans.
Finding the State Parks
It’s easy to find the state parks for Kauai, Oahu, Maui, Molokai, and the Big Island with the interactive island maps. On each individual park page, you can find out much more about the significance of the park, hours of operation, and if there are facilities like restrooms and picnic tables, etc.
Learning Hawaii’s History and Culture
This section of the website is chocked full of information of which parks to visit to learn about life in ancient Hawaii.
Finding the Hiking Trails
You’ll find great hiking advice that is written specifically for Hawaii’s trails. You’ll find a listing of the trails maintained by the state in interactive maps. Here are the trail guides for Kauai, Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island.
Camping and other State Park Lodging
Here, you’ll learn where you can camp as well as the permit process and fees required. You’ll find information for lodging in cabins at Hawaii’s state parks. For example, you can stay in a cabin at the Kokee State Park on Kauai.
Park Rules & Health and Safety
Before you visit Hawaii’s state parks, you should review the park rules and learn about the unique safety circumstance.
(We took the above photo at Waianapanapa State Park on Maui.)
Here’s the news on this Aloha Friday edition:
- The Hawaii Volcano Observatory status report indicates that there’s
“a new [lava ocean] entry west of the main, more vigorous entry; good views of lava flowing into the ocean were available.”
- Looking for a hotel in Hawaii that’s committed to being green? According to this article, some of the Hawaii hotels with significant environmental efforts are:
- Mauna Lani on the Big Island. The article indicates that the Mauna Lani was “recognized by Condé Nast Traveler magazine as one of the world’s “Top-Earth-Friendly Resorts,” and in April it earned kudos from both the National Geographic Traveler magazine and Golf magazine because of eco-practices.”
- Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa on Oahu. This hotel was recognized on Travelocity’s IgoUgo.com list of “10 Hotels Where Every Day is Earth Day”
- Other Marriott properties across Hawaii have some green strategies as do Hawaii’s Hilton properties, Outrigger hotels and condos, and Starwood resorts.
- And finally, brace yourself for this next bit of news. Airlines have announced some new fees in the last 24 hours.
- US Airways will charge $15 for the first checked bag just like American does. The checked bag fee goes into effect for tickets purchased on or after July 9th. The airline will also start charging $2 for sodas, bottled water, juices, and coffee in August. Read more about the details here.
- United Airlines also joined the fray of charging $15 for the first checked bag. Their fee goes into effect for tickets purchased on or after today. For more on their policy, follow this link.
You never know what you are going to find when you go searching for lava flowing on Hawaii’s Big Island. Though Kilauea has been erupting consistently for decades, you can’t really predict when and where lava will pop up or disappear next. In this article, we’ll take a look at the same lava viewing point from mid-March compared to early June.
The Go Visit Hawaii official photographer and fabulous husband, Andy, took the photo below in mid-March. In that photo, you can distinctly see lava flowing on the surface (right side of photo) and into the ocean at multiple points.
Now, let’s take a look at a photo snapped last week at the very same lava viewing point. (Photo credit to a very nice reader, B. Marks from North Carolina.) Several hours before this photo, an unstable hardened lava landmass collapsed in to the ocean. As you can see from the photo, the lava viewing is indirect, but you can still see the very impressive red glow. Note that you can’t see any surface flows, because lava eventually created underground tubes over time.
Per the Kilauea volcano status report on Monday, June 9th,
officials reported that the active Waikupanaha ocean entry has now built out farther allowing direct views of lava flowing into the ocean and explosions from the Viewing Area.
So, there you can see, lava viewing is very unpredictable. I suppose that’s part of the intrigue of an active volcano.
If you are going to the Big Island to see the current lava flow, try to build in some flexibility into your itinerary, if you can. Check daily updates online and by calling (808) 961-8093. Also, see my tips for viewing the Big Island lava flow.
that the only car available was a gas guzzling Escalade.
