$38 Car Rental Hawaii Island, HI

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Hawaii Island

Renting a car on Hawaii Island offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the beautiful landscapes and attractions at your own pace. With a rental car, you can easily access key sites like Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, located 9 miles away, or Mauna Loa, just 7 miles from your starting point. The ability to manage your luggage conveniently allows for spontaneous stops and adventures along the way.

For those seeking outdoor experiences, a rental car makes it easy to visit scenic spots like Kealakekua Bay, located 18 miles away, or explore charming cities such as Honaunau and Honaunau-Napoopoo, both 13 miles from Hawaii Island. These locations feature attractions like Puʻuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park and Captain Cook Monument. Additionally, Holualoa, situated 16 miles away, offers unique experiences like the Hula Daddy Kona Coffee Plantation. Overall, renting a car enhances your travel experience on Hawaii Island, enabling you to discover its natural beauty and rich history without the constraints of public transportation.

Where to stay around Hawaii Island

• Holualoa: Experience the charm of Holualoa, located 16 miles from Hawaii Island. Renowned for outdoor adventures and stunning scenery, this city offers activities such as golfing and exploring recreational areas. Nearby attractions include the breathtaking Hualālai volcano, the eco-friendly Hula Daddy Kona Coffee Plantation, and the scenic Kailua Pier. With various food and drink options, including restaurants and breweries, Holualoa is an excellent base for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.
• Honaunau-Napoopoo: Honaunau-Napoopoo, a quaint village 13 miles from Hawaii Island, is ideal for those seeking outdoor experiences and beautiful beaches. Popular activities include underwater sports and visiting recreational areas. Key points of interest are the historic Puʻuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, the Captain Cook Monument, and Kapahukapu Manini Beach. With local restaurants nearby, this village provides a perfect blend of culture and relaxation for travelers.
• Keauhou: Located 19 miles from Hawaii Island, Keauhou is a vibrant neighborhood perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Visitors can enjoy golfing at the Kona Country Club or relax at the beautiful Keauhou Bay Beach and Magic Sands Beach. The area is also home to parks and various dining options, making it a great spot for both relaxation and exploration. Keauhou offers a scenic backdrop for memorable vacation experiences.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Hawaii Island

1. Use filters to find the right car: Streamline your search by specifying vehicle type and desired features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to help identify the best options for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it’s wise to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you’re more likely to lock in lower rates and enjoy a wider selection, especially during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to navigate and park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain types of vehicles—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This could also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age requirements before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements mandate a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is usually the most economical choice. Others might offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which can be acceptable as well. Just remember to return the car empty in such cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at the airport often incurs a surcharge, but the convenience may justify the extra cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provide peace of mind if something unforeseen occurs during your trip. Adding car rental insurance when booking through Expedia is a simple process.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on embarking on long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is essential for renting a car.

Car rental prices on Hawaii Island

The Big Island is yours with rental car prices starting at $38*. The island's many natural wonders are popular, so reserving your car in advance may help you lock in good car rental prices on Hawaii Island. Prices vary depending on car class and pick-up location, but you can find some good deals as you prepare for the adventure of a lifetime with a car rental near the Mauna Loa volcano.

Finding some of the best deals for cheap car rentals on Hawaii Island

Islands are notoriously expensive, but Expedia's "Great Deal" function helps you find the lowest prices available for Hawaii Island car rentals in each class. Select the features you need for your journey to the Umauma waterfalls or your relaxed beach vacation at Hualalai to be sure that you've got a great deal. Pay now options may also be the best way for you to lower the car rental cost on the Big Island, so you and your family can dive into its incomparable natural wonder.

Some of the best car rental companies on Hawaii Island

Thrifty and Dollar are some of the best car rentals on the Big Island in Hawaii, but many other brands have fleets of cars on the island as well. Expedia works with companies you can trust so you can rest easy when searching for some of the best deals for your relaxed island getaway or your family adventure to explore the lava fields and hike through a lava tube in the Kaumana caves.

Some of the best places to rent a car on Hawaii Island

Most car rentals on the Big Island are at the two big airports, Kona and Hilo, offering convenient solutions for your whole trip. But, depending on how much time you plan to spend relaxing on the beach, you may want to wait to get what could be the best deal for car rental on Hawaii Island. Reserve a rental car in Kailua-Kona or Waimea (Kamuela) to add some exploring onto your beach vacation or make your way from one side of the island to the other.

Advice on car rental on Hawaii Island for first-time visitors

Even though there are a lot of similarities to the mainland, driving a rental car on Hawaii Island is a bit different. Gas prices are higher than on the mainland, and speed limits change frequently, which means a slower speed in general helps avoid speeding tickets and improve your fuel economy. When you pick up your rental car on Hawaii Island, it's a good idea to check with the company for updates on road conditions. Due to its size, the Big Island also has more wildlife than the rest of Hawaii, so keep your eyes out for unexpected animals.

Hawaii Island car rental types

With its bountiful selection of active vacation and outdoor adventure spots, SUVs are a popular choice for a car rental on Hawaii Island, especially if you're heading up along Hawaii State Highway 200, also known as the Saddle Road, or to the summit of Mauna Kea, which requires 4WD. On a romantic getaway for two? Then maybe it's time to finally snag that sports car rental on Hawaii Island you've been dreaming of and hug the curves along the coast on the Mamalahoa Highway. Or, make your trip smooth sailing from start to finish with a luxury car rental on the Big Island to transport you to and from Kona airport and around the beaches of the northwest coast in style.

One-way and long-term car rentals on Hawaii Island

If you want to make the most of your time exploring the beaches of the northwest coast, it might be a good choice to book a one-way car rental on Hawaii Island from Kona to Hilo airport. Staying for a few months and want to stay mobile? Our partners also have great options for long-term rentals, so you can spend more time exploring the incredible nature around Mauna Kea, the tallest mountain in the world as measured from its sea floor base.

Benefits of booking a car rental on Hawaii Island with Expedia

Booking a Hawaii Island car rental with Expedia gives you access to our massive selection of cars, so you can compare and make sure you get the best deal for your stay. We let you see if previous customers recommend the brand, so you know if it's good value for the money. You also get a comprehensive overview of the cancellation policy. With Expedia, you can get even lower prices for car rentals on the Big Island by booking together with your hotel, be it on sandy Mauna Lani beach or inland by the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

*Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms may apply.