Hawaii Rental Cars
Rent-a-Ride
No matter whether your plans involve natural exploration or just trips to nearby restaurants and museums, transportation is key to making the most of your visit to Hawaii. Many travelers enjoy the independence and economy of rental cars, but there are a few things to keep in mind if you should decide to follow this route.
Hawaii offers an incredible natural landscape, one that many vacationers will be impatient to delve into. Getting from the beaches and towns to the top of the volcanic mountains is no easy task, though, and rental cars are often required to help eager travelers experience the full range of opportunities presented by the islands. This is a particularly attractive option for many Americans, who will not have to contend with learning foreign traffic rules.
A few words of warning should be extended to renters, however. Hawaii is an exceptionally rugged area and there are many roads that are closed to rental cars. If you see a sign that indicates that the rental cars are not permitted, take note and choose another route. Even the more-frequently used paths can be rough and many of the island roads are in poor condition, so be prepared to drive with extra caution.
When selecting a rental agency, travelers should consider where they’ll be doing most of their driving. You may fly into Honolulu, but if you’ll be spending the majority of your time on Molokai or Kauai, it probably makes more sense to wait and pick your rental car up that the local counter to avoid costly transfer fees. Many of the major hotels on the islands can also arrange rental car reservations for guests and offer recommendations about services. It is generally advisable that travelers stick with well-known companies to ensure that they are using a reliable agency. In the chart below you’ll find contact and location information for a few of the most notable options:
Rental Agency | Locations | Telephone |
---|---|---|
Avis | Hilo, Hawaii Kailua-Kona, Hawaii |
808-935-1298 808-327-3000 |
Koloa, Kauai Lihue, Kauai Princeville, Kauai |
808-742-1627 808-245-7995 808-826-9773 |
|
Kahului, Maui Kihei, Maui Lahaina, Maui Wailea, Maui |
808-871-7575 808-874-4077 808-661-4588 808-879-7601 |
|
Honolulu, Oahu | 808-834-5536 | |
Budget | Hilo, Hawaii Kailua-Kona, Hawaii |
808-935-6878 808-329-8511 |
Lihue, Kauai | 808-245-9031 | |
Kaanapali, Maui Kahului, Maui |
808-661-8721 808-871-8811 |
|
Hoolehua, Molokai | 808-567-6877 | |
Honolulu, Oahu | 808-836-1700 | |
Dollar | Hilo, Hawaii Kona, Hawaii |
866-434-2226 866-434-2226 |
Lihue, Kauai | 866-434-2226 | |
Lanai City, Lanai | 808-565-7227 | |
Hana, Maui Kahului, Maui Lahaina, Maui |
866-434-2226 886-434-2226 866-434-2226 |
|
Hoolehua, Molokai | 866-434-2226 | |
Honolulu, Oahu | 866-434-2226 | |
Thrifty | Hilo, Hawaii Kailua-Kona, Hawaii |
877-283-0898 877-283-0898 |
Lihue, Kauai | 877-283-0898 | |
Kahului, Maui | 877-283-0898 | |
Honolulu, Oahu Waikiki, Oahu |
877-283-0898 808-971-2660 |
Rental rates can vary widely with particular consideration toward whether or not you’re renting during the high, or “peak,” season. Depending on where they choose to rent and what type of car they’d like, travelers can expect quotes to be between $30(USD) and $75(USD) per day, with weekly rates starting around $150(USD). Weekly rates usually offer significant savings and may also qualify renters for free upgrades and other perks. Smart travelers should also take note of minimum contract lengths and age requirements. If you have any questions at all, be sure to contact the agency directly in order to avoid costly misunderstandings.
Rental cars can provide vacationers with a sense of independence and allow for exploring the gorgeous islands of Hawaii on your own time. Convenient and familiar, it’s no wonder that they’re popular with travelers. Take a while to consider all of your transportation options and if you ultimately decide you’d like to rent a car you can feel comfortable knowing that there are plenty of agencies and options available to you in Hawaii.