Tips for Renting a Car on the Big Island
Vacationing on the beautiful Big Island of Hawaii opens the door to extraordinary experiences. Many areas are accessible by public transportation or through a tour agency. However, you won’t be able to get the true experience of the islands if you rely on public services. That’s why we highly recommend renting a car on the Big Island. Not only will you have unparalleled freedom to explore its diverse landscapes and hidden gems, but you’ll also be able to set your own pace for your island adventure.
In this article, we’ll give you tips on how to rent a car in Hawaii. We’ll talk about the best rental car agencies, choosing the right vehicle, and how to navigate the mountains surrounding our Volcano bed and breakfast. With the wind in your hair and the open road ahead, renting a car unlocks unforgettable adventures in paradise.
Researching Rental Options
As you begin the search for your rental car, you may ask yourself “Where do I begin?” First and foremost is the cost. This will depend on several factors.
Online Platforms & Booking Websites
- RentalCars.com – Using rentalcars.com will allow you to search for a car among many providers and reserve the vehicle without any upfront payment. This gives you the freedom to cancel and change the reservation if you end up finding a better deal elsewhere!
- Kayak – Not only do we advise booking as far ahead as possible but also bundling your car rental with your flight reservations. Making a reservation through Kayak will allow you to do just that. You’ll get a good discount and ensure you have a vehicle once you land.
Local Rental Agencies vs. International Chains
- Discount Hawaii Car Rental – You’ve surely heard the phrase “buy local.” Discount Hawaii Car Rental has established reputable relationships with national car rental agencies to provide customers with discounted fares. There are no booking or cancellation fees and no prepayment. Not only would you be supporting a smaller business run by those most knowledgeable of the area, but you could very well end up getting a better deal and better service.
- Turo is a great cost-effective option for those coming in from the airport with hundreds of options to choose from. This is a service where you rent a car from someone that is a resident of the island, basically Airbnb for cars. You can also arrange to have your car pick-up and drop-off at your hotel or vacation home to save on time and simplify the process.
For those who are familiar with international agencies and prefer to go that route, options are plentiful. Car rental companies like Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Thrifty, Hertz, and National have stations outside the Kona and Hilo airports.
Understanding Rental Policies & Requirements
Always read the fine print when renting a car. Each company has different rules and associated fees. For example, a “drop fee” can be added if you drop the car off in a different location than it was picked up. If you choose to rent a car in Volcano, HI, we recommend picking the car up at the same airport or location from which you rented.
Ask the agency what roads are acceptable to drive on in your rental car. For example, “off-roading” could be excluded from things that can be covered by the company. Especially taking it to the top of Mauna Kea, or across the dirt road to the Green Sand Beach. If anything were to happen with the car while driving on roads not covered by insurance, you may end up paying a large sum out of pocket.
You should also be aware of “underage” driving. If you’re under 25 years old there may be additional daily fees. If you’re under 21, it may be impossible for you to drive a rental car in Hawaii.
Lastly, make note of the company’s refueling policy. You can choose to prepay for a tank of gas which allows you to return the car with any amount of fuel left over. If you opt into letting the car agency refuel it for you, note that the refueling costs set by these companies can be far more expensive than the going rate of gas on the island, and gas in Hawaii is more expensive than on the mainland U.S.
Choosing the Right Vehicle
Here in Volcano, we are in the mountains and sometimes that means rougher roads. But let us assure you, renting a 4×4 vehicle is not necessary. The only place that requires an AWD on the Big Island is summitting Mauna Kea on the northern side and some rental car companies do not allow driving to the top of Mauna Kea.
For those who enjoy beach combing, pick a vehicle that has enough storage for all your beach toys. This advice is the same for those traveling with family. A little extra elbow room on longer drives can really make a difference!
If you prefer to enjoy the cooler air of Volcano and only travel to the beach every now and then, a smaller car may be the way to go. You’ll save on the rental and the cost of gas.
Booking Process and Timing
If you’ve read some of our other articles, you’ll know that planning for your trip ahead of time will save you a lot of trouble. We love what we do here at Volcano Village Lodge and want each guest to have a great time during their stay. So, we will stress again: book your car as far in advance as possible!
Early Booking Advantages
Much like with airline fares, the longer you wait to book, the higher the cost of a rental car will be. Some companies will require no upfront payment. But paying ahead instead of at the counter can save you a great deal of money if that’s what’s required.
Consider the length of your trip. Many companies will offer weekly discounts for longer durations. Once you arrive, you’ll surely want to stay for a while!
For Last-Minute Travelers
For those who don’t have the advantage of booking weeks or months ahead of time, there are ways to rent a car at the last minute. Many agencies outside of the Kona and Hilo airports offer rentals by the day. However, the selection of cars may be limited and the lines at the counter can be long without a reservation.
Understanding Cancellation Policies & Fees
It’s important to know what happens if you were to cancel your car rental before you pick up the car. Every company is different. Some companies have no cancellation fee, but others will have a specific deadline you must cancel by to avoid a fee.
Refunds and modifications can be another layer of cost to look out for. Some companies may offer a full or partial refund depending on when you cancel. Changing a pickup or drop-off location can be an added cost. Upgrading and downgrading your vehicle is usually possible – be prepared to negotiate a good price!
All that said, always be familiar with fees throughout the rental process, beginning to end.
Navigating The Big Island
Driving in Hawaii is a unique experience, we drive on the left like on the mainland of the United States, and milage and speedometers are in miles, not kilometers.
Even though a 4×4 is not required around Volcano, that doesn’t mean the roads are in perfect condition. Many roads are remote, which means you’ll run into plenty of potholes and gravel roads.
You’ll find an abundance of wildlife in Hawaii’s rainforests. Always keep your eyes peeled for creatures on the road, especially at night. Stray pigs and goats can be a problem on Saddle Road from Kona to Hilo is often misty and rainy, so take your time and keep a close eye out for animals. The rainforest also means variable weather. The rain lets up significantly in the summer months, but showers are still frequent. Rain can reduce visibility quickly so practice caution. When in doubt, go slow.
Be respectful of communities and follow posted speed limits. Hawaii’s speeding laws have steeper penalties than those found on the US mainland. When safe and possible, use cruise control to avoid a ticket and to give yourself a chance to absorb the scenery.
Finally, a surprise to many who rent a car is parking fees. At main tourist attractions and resorts, free parking can be very difficult to find. In larger cities like Hilo and Kona, expect to pay a few bucks an hour at central lots. If you want to visit the beaches or a popular trail, consider going early in the morning for the best chance to find a spot. Don’t worry, though. Parking is plentiful and free here at Volcano Village Lodge!
In Conclusion
Renting a car on the Big Island of Hawaii is the best way to get around, public transport is non-existent. It offers you timely flexibility and freedom to choose where you want to explore.
- Book as far in advance as possible.
- Explore different companies and read all their policies and fees.
- Consider a longer vacation to save on cost and maximize enjoyment.
- Choose the right vehicle for your group and itinerary.
We want all our guests to have the best vacation at our Big Island bed and breakfast. Don’t hesitate to send us an email with questions. We’ll be more than happy to help. See you soon!