Most people rent cars to get around Maui, as public transportation is not usually a convenient option and taxis are very expensive due to the significant distances needed to travel. I am not aware of activities such as whale watching picking people up at the hotel, but maybe others know different. Thanks to the couple mile long beach walk that fronts all the resorts in Wailea, you could walk to the nearby resorts (most would be 5-20 minute walks). But then you would be limited to just those restaurants. A cab round trip from the airport to the FS would cost at least as much as 2-3 days of a rental car, so I think it also makes financial sense to rent a car. Now there are people who just like to go to a wonderful resort like the FS and never leave (enjoy the spa, pool, beach, restaurants, etc.). If that is the case, then skip the rental car. But otherwise I think you will need it to get around.

you will need a car to get around ---- dont you plan to do any sightseeing on your own

The first response nailed it.

You could do without a car, but I wouldn't recommend it. We have done the Pacific Whale cruise, and I know we had to drive to it. The only activities where they might pick you up would be Haleakala or Road to Hana, and both of those are far better on your own so that you can explore.

Without a car, even some of the basics would be difficult. Joe's, at the Wailea Tennis Club, is a great place for dinner. It is a very easy drive or a pretty long walk. The same goes for Capische.

For reference: We are renting an SUV for our January trip. Total cost for ten days is going to be about $600.00 (we need the SUV because we are bringing a lot of stuff, but otherwise I would never recommend one for Maui). In contrast, a cab to and from FS will run around $200.00 with tip. You probably could get a compact car (all you need, and easier to handle on the Maui roads) for about the same price.

We always reserve a compact or sub-compact. Sometimes we get that category. Sometimes they are all out when we arrive and we get mid-size or larger at the same cost. The last two years we rented via the Costco Travel Department and saved a little. Feb. 2008 will be just under $700 for the month.

Maui is a small island. Roads are good and clearly marked, making sight-seeing easy. Taxi's are expensive. You can rent for less than taking taxi's everywhere. (Although I believe that you will have to pay for parking and valet service at the hotel.)

If you decide you do not want to rent, there are shuttle services from the airport to the hotels that would cost less than a taxi.

Have a wonderful time escaping Chicago's winter for a while! (She writes, watching the beginning of a predicted seven-inch snowfall.)

IIRC when I stayed at the Kea Lani, there was a shuttle that serviced all the resorts in Wailea - so we would, for example, walk to the Shops for dinner while it was light, then take the shuttle home (I believe we had to call for it?). So if you didn't want to drive to/from dinner you wouldn't have to.

But I really would recommend that you do some sightseeing on your own - it is much more fun than being stuck on a bus all the time.

Yes, please rent a car!! You will be glad you did.

Thanks to all- we will definitely rent a car!