Reliance the bus or taxi service if staying outside of the George Town-Seven Mile Beach-West Bay corridor is not advisable.
If staying around Rum point, the bus service terminates at Chisholm's Grocery store in the village of North Side, about 5 miles from Rum Point and taxi service must be arraigned for in advance. Taxi fare from the airport to Rum Point is $70 US each way, plus tip for up to 3 people and 2 bags each.
Bus route information and maps:
http://caymanislandsyp.com/Island/Getting-Around/index-2.phpWhen traveling with a group, we have found multiple cars make all the difference. Lets folks split off and do their own thing every now and then.
A van or mini van rental probably would not accommodate 8 people, plus luggage. The mini-vans are on the small side.
Minivans and SUVs carry a premium in regards to price, so I would guess two compact or mid-size cars would not be much more, unless you load up on insurance.
McCurley's is a good option when staying on North Side, as they have a tour van that can pick you up at the airport and drive you out to your rental (stopping along he way for groceries and supplies). Your car(s) would be waiting at your lodging.
We normally use Thirfty/Dollar (same owners) or Budget (open until 10:00 PM if arriving late). Just about every rental agency is pretty good, so relying on the best deal is not a bad strategy. The local Budget franchise has a name your own price option that has saved us some $$ on occasion.
http://budget.ky/name_price.htmlIn addition to you considerations and others mentioned above, Avis/Cico, Marshalls and Hertz are the other on-airport rental agencies.
