$45 Car Rental Hawaii Island, HI

These Hawaii Island insights are based on real traveler data from Expedia, aggregated using AI to help you plan your trip. Updated: August 17, 2026.

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Hawaii Island

Renting a car on Hawaii Island offers the freedom and flexibility to explore this beautiful destination at your own pace. With a rental car, you can easily visit key attractions such as Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, located 9 miles away, and Mauna Loa, which is just 7 miles away. For those looking to enjoy scenic beach experiences, Kealakekua Bay is a short 18 miles from Hawaii Island. The convenience of having a car allows you to manage your luggage with ease and tailor your travel plans to your interests. Whether you're an adventure seeker or simply want to soak in the stunning scenery, a rental car makes it easy to discover popular destinations like Honaunau and Honaunau-Napoopoo, both 13 miles away, where you can find historical parks and beautiful monuments. Holualoa, located 16 miles from Hawaii Island, also offers attractions like the Hula Daddy Kona Coffee Plantation. With a rental car, you can maximize your outdoor adventures and experience the unique beauty of Hawaii Island without the constraints of public transportation.

Where to stay around Hawaii Island

• Holualoa: Located 16 miles from Hawaii Island, Holualoa is a charming city perfect for those seeking outdoor adventures and scenic views. Visitors can enjoy activities such as golfing at local courses, exploring recreational areas, and visiting landmarks like the Hualālai volcano and Hula Daddy Kona Coffee Plantation. With nearby options for food and drinks, including breweries and restaurants, Holualoa offers a delightful blend of adventure and relaxation.
• Honaunau-Napoopoo: Situated 13 miles away from Hawaii Island, Honaunau-Napoopoo is a serene village known for its beautiful beaches and outdoor activities. Travelers can engage in underwater sports and explore the stunning Puʻuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park and the Captain Cook Monument. With family-friendly beaches and local dining options available, this location is ideal for those looking to unwind and embrace nature.
• Keauhou: Keauhou, located 19 miles from Hawaii Island, is a vibrant neighborhood that attracts adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts alike. With access to beautiful beaches such as Keauhou Bay Beach and Magic Sands Beach, as well as the Kona Country Club for golf lovers, Keauhou offers numerous outdoor experiences. Dining options abound, making it a great area for both relaxation and fun.

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

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting the vehicle type and features that suit your needs. Whether you're looking for an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the perfect match 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 travel dates. By booking early, you're likely to obtain better rates and increased availability, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles typically cost less to rent and are easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between price, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain types of vehicles—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be available to them. This could also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the most favorable option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling choices, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure you return the car empty in such cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Expect to pay a surcharge when picking up your rental car at airports, though the added convenience may justify the cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies only accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can protect you from unforeseen expenses and provide peace of mind in case of unexpected incidents during your trip. It's easy to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning lengthy road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to avoid incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a car.

Car rental prices on Hawaii Island

The Big Island is yours with rental car prices starting at $45*. 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.