Pono Express
5 • 19 reviews
6 guests
Sleeps 4
17 ft. long
1996 Toyota HIACE CAMPERVAN
The Pono Express is your one stop van ready to take you on any adventure. Be it at the beach or up the mountains, Pono is gonna do it right. Turbo charged diesel engine, and tight turn radius makes the van zippy and easy to navigate Maui’s narrow backside roads. Being a Japanese import and a Toyota, you can rely on its dependability. Also being a little more slender than most other vans it makes it much easier getting into and out of small spaces yet being a large van that’s spacious inside. From the pop top pent house to the bottom dinette that folds into a bench or queen sized bed, this van sleeps 3 adults comfortably. It can also sleep 4 people (2 adults and 2 children) The bottom bed is a queen size (60x80) and the top pent house is a large twin (40x75) Each bed is super comfortable as there is nothing worse camping then a terrible nights sleep. Amenities include solar with a 200 ah lifepo battery so you are never in the dark. Electric fridge to keep your favorite drinks cold that includes a small freezer section. A sink in the back with a fresh water reservoir ables you to wash your hands, do the dishes, or heat some water for a relaxing tea or energizing coffee. A portable shower with a powerful pump allows you to rinse off after a sick surf sesh or wild mountain hike. Inside and outside table allow you to prep you favorite meal in the jungle while using the two separate stoves to sizzle a steak, sautée some vegetables or perculate that perfect coffee. A cuisine art bbq adds that smoky flavor. Pono is stocked with an extra table, pop top bed boards, 3 inch twin size memory foam mattress, cassette toilet, bbq, and shower upon request. These are at no additional charge. Able to leave these aside as well to give you more room depending on your needs. Also an inverter is available to charge your phone or laptop. No matter where you go or stay on Maui, Pono Express will get you there and back in style. What's includedFresh bedding depending on the amount of guests, towels, all the basic cookware needed , (pots, iron skillet, chef knife can openers etc) coffee percolator, salt, pepper, aluminum foil, cooking spray, paper towel, toilet upon request, toilet paper, chairs upon request, table, dining set, flashlights, first aid kit. Just ask! RecommendationsGo where you please all over Maui. It’s all epic. High or low. Personally Hana area is my favorite:). More details available upon request so don’t hesitate to ask!Other things to noteNo smoking. No Ganga. No vape. No use of awning due to Mauis unpredictable winds. No going to Haleakala summit or above 4000 feet!! You will forfeit your $500 deposit in doing so. No going backside of West mountains and backside of Haleakala. Roads are treacherous and there is no cell service. You will forfeit your $500 deposit in doing so. Please respect the van and Respect the Aina and the locals! Don’t be a kook! Shaka and aloha go a long way here. Do not park illegally anywhere at any time! During the day you can go and park anywhere that’s legal. At night you MUST have a private campground booked. No illegal overnight parking at the beaches. This is illegal and greatly frowned upon by the locals. So if you are not looking for a knuckle sandwich or a van up in flames plus hefty fines, be Pono and do what is right. No exceptions! We live on an island that all want to enjoy but priority always goes to the local Hawaiians. Please ask me any questions of where to stay and I will help you. You must book the campsites in advance so do not procrastinate as you will find them all booked if you try to do it last minute. Also when driving, especially on your way to Hana, pull over to let the locals pass. Always Shaka and smile. Don’t stop in the middle of the road like most tourists do that drives the locals insane and may ruin your day after you get the opposite of the aloha treatment. Hawaiians and the aloha spirit are some of the most amazing life experiences, but remember that respect goes both ways. Please refuel with DIESEL. There is a $125 refueling fee if van is not returned with a full tank.
The Pono Express is your one stop van ready to take you on any adventure. Be it at the beach or up the mountains, Pono is gonna do it right. Turbo charged diesel engine, and tight turn radius makes the van zippy and easy to navigate Maui’s narrow backside roads. Being a Japanese import and a Toyota, you can rely on its dependability. Also being a little more slender than most other vans it makes it much easier getting into and out of small spaces yet being a large van that’s spacious inside. From the pop top pent house to the bottom dinette that folds into a bench or queen sized bed, this van sleeps 3 adults comfortably. It can also sleep 4 people (2 adults and 2 children) The bottom bed is a queen size (60x80) and the top pent house is a large twin (40x75) Each bed is super comfortable as there is nothing worse camping then a terrible nights sleep. Amenities include solar with a 200 ah lifepo battery so you are never in the dark. Electric fridge to keep your favorite drinks cold that includes a small freezer section. A sink in the back with a fresh water reservoir ables you to wash your hands, do the dishes, or heat some water for a relaxing tea or energizing coffee. A portable shower with a powerful pump allows you to rinse off after a sick surf sesh or wild mountain hike. Inside and outside table allow you to prep you favorite meal in the jungle while using the two separate stoves to sizzle a steak, sautée some vegetables or perculate that perfect coffee. A cuisine art bbq adds that smoky flavor. Pono is stocked with an extra table, pop top bed boards, 3 inch twin size memory foam mattress, cassette toilet, bbq, and shower upon request. These are at no additional charge. Able to leave these aside as well to give you more room depending on your needs. Also an inverter is available to charge your phone or laptop. No matter where you go or stay on Maui, Pono Express will get you there and back in style. What's includedFresh bedding depending on the amount of guests, towels, all the basic cookware needed , (pots, iron skillet, chef knife can openers etc) coffee percolator, salt, pepper, aluminum foil, cooking spray, paper towel, toilet upon request, toilet paper, chairs upon request, table, dining set, flashlights, first aid kit. Just ask! RecommendationsGo where you please all over Maui. It’s all epic. High or low. Personally Hana area is my favorite:). More details available upon request so don’t hesitate to ask!Other things to noteNo smoking. No Ganga. No vape. No use of awning due to Mauis unpredictable winds. No going to Haleakala summit or above 4000 feet!! You will forfeit your $500 deposit in doing so. No going backside of West mountains and backside of Haleakala. Roads are treacherous and there is no cell service. You will forfeit your $500 deposit in doing so. Please respect the van and Respect the Aina and the locals! Don’t be a kook! Shaka and aloha go a long way here. Do not park illegally anywhere at any time! During the day you can go and park anywhere that’s legal. At night you MUST have a private campground booked. No illegal overnight parking at the beaches. This is illegal and greatly frowned upon by the locals. So if you are not looking for a knuckle sandwich or a van up in flames plus hefty fines, be Pono and do what is right. No exceptions! We live on an island that all want to enjoy but priority always goes to the local Hawaiians. Please ask me any questions of where to stay and I will help you. You must book the campsites in advance so do not procrastinate as you will find them all booked if you try to do it last minute. Also when driving, especially on your way to Hana, pull over to let the locals pass. Always Shaka and smile. Don’t stop in the middle of the road like most tourists do that drives the locals insane and may ruin your day after you get the opposite of the aloha treatment. Hawaiians and the aloha spirit are some of the most amazing life experiences, but remember that respect goes both ways. Please refuel with DIESEL. There is a $125 refueling fee if van is not returned with a full tank.
Features
1996 Toyota HIACE CAMPERVAN
- Sleeps 4
- 6 seatbelts
- Fresh water: 10 gal
- Fuel type: Diesel
- Fuel capacity: 15 gal
- Automatic transmission
- Sleeps 4
- 6 seatbelts
- Fresh water: 10 gal
- Fuel type: Diesel
- Fuel capacity: 15 gal
- Automatic transmission
Amenities
- Toilet
- Outside Shower
- Solart
- CD Player
- Stove
- Refrigerator
- Kitchen Sink
- Dining Table
- Toilet
- Outside Shower
- Solart
- CD Player
- Stove
- Refrigerator
- Kitchen Sink
- Dining Table
Rules and policies
- Not pet friendly
- No music festivals
- No tailgating
- No smoking
- Unlimited mileage
24/7 roadside assistance
Learn more about Roadside AssistanceRoadside assistance on every rental, plus help planning your trip or operating the RV.
Learn more about Roadside AssistanceAdd-ons
Enhance your trip with these add-ons. Available at checkout.
Camping chairs
Camping chairs that are comfortable
Free
Cooling fan
12v cooling fan for a comfortable nights sleep
Free
Early Check In
Normal pick up of van is 3pm. Pick up as early as 8am with early check in.
NZ$100.80
Camping chairs
Camping chairs that are comfortable
Free
Cooling fan
12v cooling fan for a comfortable nights sleep
Free
Early Check In
Normal pick up of van is 3pm. Pick up as early as 8am with early check in.
NZ$100.80
Availability and rates
There’s a 3 night minimum stay
Fees
- Security deposit: NZ$840.00 (refundable)
- Prep fee: NZ$210.00. This fee will cover preparing and sanitizing the unit prior to each rental.
Meet your host, Joshua
Member since 2022
After meeting and traveling the world together we planted roots in Maui! We miss traveling and boating so we decided to buy a JDM camper van, this has brought us so much adventure right here on this beautiful island.
The Pono Express never disappoints us, so much so we decided to share the fun with others!
The Pono Express never disappoints us, so much so we decided to share the fun with others!
Usually answers in less than 24 hours
Pono Express
Dates
Similar rentals available on your dates
Customer reviews
Reviews
(5)5
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4
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Communication
4.9Cleanliness
5Maintenance
4.9Value
4.9Listing Accuracy
4.9Guest photos
Margaret H.
September 20240
Joshua Bode canceled the booking 0 days before departure. This is an automated posting.
Sandra G.
August 20245
It was spectacular! We enjoyed a lot! We were really comfortable in the van, Joshua was so attentive, he answered any inquiries we had right away! We loved our little adventure in Maui
Jen L.
August 20245
We had a wonderful time in the pono express! It was perfect for our family and this was our introduction to campervans. The AC was amazing, cooled the inside up immediately upon starting the van! The cooling fan at night was all we needed to be comfortable. Loved our time in Maui!
4 Photos submitted by Jen L.
Cheryl R.
June 20245
Stop looking for van rentals and book this one! The Pono Express was perfect for our three night trip along the Hana Highway. The right hand drive makes it so easy to take the right turns of Hana, and the van has a really easy turn radius. My husband is dying to buy one of these Hiaces now! The beds were so comfortable—we all said that we haven’t slept this well in ages. The van has absolutely everything you could want for food prep, too. We cooked every day with ease. We camped for two nights at Wai’anapanapa State Park (beautiful!! Plus you don’t have to fight for a spot to get into the park to see the black sand beaches) and one night at a private campground. The private campground costs more but is WORTH IT for the incredible views, peace, and proximity to Hana town. Josh was very communicative and checked in with us throughout the trip. We will be back!
4 Photos submitted by Cheryl R.
Christian S.
April 20245
The Pono Express was incredible! Definitely going to book again, 100%!!!!!! A++++++++ all around!!!
1 Photo submitted by Christian S.
Seth K.
March 20245
Great experience & Customer service.
Have a question?Get answers directly from the host
Q.Are there any special tricks and tips that would help with operating the RV easily?
A.
The bed can be the most challenging. It’s not that hard once you piece the puzzle together. The dinette doubles as a queen bed. There is a picture with the cushions all labeled on back from #1-#7. From the rear of the van facing forward starting from left to right lay out the cushions from 1-7.
Q.Do you do airport pickup?
A.
We do NOT provide airport pickup as it causes stress for both parties with delayed flights and late nights. What we do is park the van at 1090 Ho okele street at 24/7 Safeway which has the cheapest diesel on island. It’s only a 5 minute drive from the airport and taxis and Ubers are plentiful. About $10. Upon arriving at the van there is a lockbox and you will receive the code once you complete the online key exchange.
Q.How large are the beds?
A.
Bottom dinette/ sofa becomes a 80x60 queen sized bed. Top bed is a XL twin. 75x40
Q.Is it difficult to drive a right hand drive?
A.
Ha ha! Glad you asked. At first it may seem awkward, but within 5 minutes it becomes normal. The advantages are that you can see how close you get to a side of a cliff or edge of a road. Especially on your way to Hana. Not fun in a drive through, but being 8ft tall in back a drive through is not a good idea as the van is too tall. The van has excellent turn radius and no blind spots. Now you can take a whirl at what the post man drives :)
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