$37 Car Rental Hilo, HI

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Hilo

Renting a car in Hilo offers the freedom and flexibility to explore this beautiful city and its surroundings at your own pace. Adventure seekers, nature lovers, and cultural explorers will find that having a rental vehicle allows for easy luggage management and spontaneous travel plans. You can effortlessly visit key attractions such as the University of Hawaii at Hilo, which provides a modern educational experience, or relax at Carlsmith Beach Park and Rainbow Falls, both perfect for outdoor adventures and romantic outings.

Additionally, a rental car makes it convenient to venture to nearby destinations like Hawaiian Paradise Park, located 12 miles away, where you can enjoy Ha'ena Beach and the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory. Explore Wainaku for its scenic beaches and parks, including Honoli'i Beach Park and Coconut Island Park. The neighborhood of Keaukaha also offers beautiful spots such as Liliuokalani Park and Gardens. With a rental car, you can maximize your time in Hilo, ensuring a memorable journey through its stunning landscapes and vibrant culture.

Most popular car rentals in Hilo

• Midsize SUV: A popular choice for travelers in Hilo, the midsize SUV accommodates up to 5 people and offers space for up to 3 large suitcases. This makes it an ideal option for families, couples, or small groups seeking adventure and flexibility. With its roomy interior, a midsize SUV is perfect for exploring the stunning scenery of Hilo while easily managing your luggage.
• Standard SUV: The standard SUV is well-suited for 5 travelers and can hold up to 2 medium suitcases, making it a great fit for couples, families, or groups. This vehicle type provides a balanced combination of comfort and space, ensuring you can enjoy the natural beauty of Hilo without feeling cramped. It's a reliable choice for those who want to explore at their own pace.
• Fullsize: If you're traveling with a larger group or have more luggage, the fullsize car option is an excellent choice. It fits up to 5 travelers and can accommodate either 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This flexibility makes it ideal for families and groups looking to maximize their travel experience in Hilo. With ample space for everyone and their gear, you'll be ready to dive into the outdoor adventures that await.

Top rated car suppliers in Hilo

• Alamo Rent A Car: Alamo is a popular choice for travelers seeking a reliable rental experience in Hilo. With one rental location in the area, they are known for their friendly service and quick pickup, ensuring a hassle-free start to your adventure. Alamo boasts an overall rating of 7.6 out of 10, highlighting customer satisfaction with clean vehicles and short wait times. Most travelers opt for their Midsize and Fullsize cars, making it a solid option for exploring Hilo's attractions.
• Thrifty Car Rental: Thrifty Car Rental has established itself as a favored supplier in Hilo, offering two convenient locations. They provide a range of vehicles, with Midsize and Compact SUVs being the most popular choices among customers. Thrifty is praised for its competitive pricing and accessible service, making it a great choice for those looking to explore Hilo's beautiful surroundings at their own pace.
• Hertz: Another excellent option for travelers in Hilo is Hertz, which also features two rental locations in the area. Hertz is well-regarded for its selection of Midsize SUVs and Fullsize cars, catering to various travel needs. Customers appreciate the quality of service and the well-maintained vehicles, making it a reliable supplier for your car rental needs while discovering the scenic beauty of Hilo.

Where to go in and around Hilo

• Hawaiian Paradise Park: Located 12 miles away from Hilo, Hawaiian Paradise Park is an inviting village known for its outdoor adventures and scenic experiences. Visitors can enjoy activities at the campground and recreational areas, or play a round of golf. Key attractions include Ha'ena Beach, ideal for a beach vacation, and the University of Hawaii at Hilo, perfect for a city getaway. The nearby Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory offers a unique glimpse into local agriculture. The peak visiting season is from December to February.
• Wainaku: Situated within Hilo, Wainaku is a charming village that appeals to families and adventure seekers alike. Travelers can explore the public market or enjoy outdoor activities at the campground. Notable points of interest include Honoli'i Beach Park, suitable for beach vacations, and the stunning Rainbow Falls, which is perfect for romance and outdoor adventures. Coconut Island Park provides a family-friendly atmosphere for outdoor relaxation. Visitor numbers tend to peak between December and February.
• Keaukaha: This neighborhood around Hilo is a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts and those in search of scenic views. Visitors can enjoy recreational activities at the campground and explore the local beaches. Key highlights include Carlsmith Beach Park, a fantastic choice for a beach vacation, and Liliuokalani Park and Gardens, which is great for family outings and city exploration. Coconut Island Park also offers a delightful experience for families. Similar to the other areas, visitor numbers peak from December to February.

10 tips to save on your Hilo car hire

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search based on vehicle type and desired features. Whether you're in need of an SUV for added space, a convertible for summertime enjoyment, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilize Expedia's filters to discover the perfect vehicle for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary depending on demand, so it's advisable to secure your reservation well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you are more likely to access lower rates and enjoy a wider selection, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are typically more affordable to rent and easier to navigate and park in bustling areas. Mid-size rentals offer a balanced option in terms of price, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age restrictions before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental companies require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you need to return the car with a full tank to avoid additional fees. This is generally the most advantageous option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fueling alternatives, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure you return the car empty in those cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often comes with an additional surcharge, but it may be worthwhile for the convenience it offers.
7. Know your payment options: Most car rental companies only accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind in case of unforeseen events during your trip. It's easy to add rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning long road trips, search for rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra fees.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a vehicle.

Best time to rent a car in and around Hilo

The best time to rent a car in and around Hilo is September, when prices are slightly low and demand is average. May also offers a good value, featuring low prices and low demand. Meanwhile, January and February are the busiest months, with slightly high demand and average prices. December stands out as the most expensive month, often leading to higher rental costs and steady demand. This pattern shows that planning around September can offer the best rental experience.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	68.9°F (20.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
February	68.2°F (20.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
March	68.0°F (20.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
April	68.2°F (20.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly High
May	69.4°F (20.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
June	70.7°F (21.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
July	72.1°F (22.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	72.5°F (22.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
September	73.4°F (23.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
October	73.4°F (23.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	71.2°F (21.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
December	69.4°F (20.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Hilo

Using our Search Wizard

If the deals that are available on our page do not suit your needs, then enter Hilo into the search wizard at the top of the page. We will compare all the best deals available for your car rental in Hilo and provide you with a list of the cheapest options, with no added fees.

Renting a car in Hilo

Pay at pickup is available, so you don’t have to worry about spending your money until you arrive at your vehicle in Hilo. We partner with reliable partners that guarantee an enjoyable experience for solo travelers, couples, and families. Package your car with a flight or hotel to unlock even more savings from Expedia.

Expected prices in Hilo

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $37.

Flexibility & Cancellation

Most car suppliers offer penalty-free cancellations, so you don’t have to worry about losing money if your plans change. To cancel your booking log into your account through the Trips portal. Click manage booking and cancel this car. If you needed to alter your booking, then you can create a new one once you have canceled.

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Car classes available from Expedia in 2026

The classes of vehicles available will change depending on your chosen location.

• Compact car rentals    
• Convertible car rentals    
• Economy car rentals    
• Fullsize car rentals    
• Luxury car rentals
• Midsize car rentals    
• Mini car rentals    
• Minivan rentals    
• Pickup car rentals    
• Premium car rentals
• Sportscar rentals    
• Standard car rentals    
• SUV rentals    
• Van rentals