679 thoughts on “Savings Guide: 2023 Hawaii Car Rentals”
Gerhard
Yes, it is different this year. Last year in October, I got a Hertz car on Maui for 5 weeks for a total of $675.00, everything included. I just rented a another from Hertz for October gain, $ 800 a week. What difference a year makes.
This is the conclusion my wife and I are coming to. Unless something breaks, our vacation money will be spent elsewhere because in a cost/benefit analysis, Hawaii is becoming no longer worth it.
Agreed! Hawaii has done nothing but ruin the vacation experience. The expense is so high, the red tape is rediculous. We loved Hawaii, bit will be going elsewhere.
The car rentals can raise the prices 250% because they make more mo Et that way than buying a new fleet of cars! It’s simple economics.
However people will start going to Florida, Mexico and the Carribean. Is that what we really want????
It is price gouging pure and simple and the state should put a stop to it. I did notice that prices were coming down next year ($55-60 a day) but they were still were up quite a bit when compared to 2019 rates.
We aren’t the car rental companies, so obviously can’t say with any certainty. Visitors are reporting that they are successfully obtaining their reserved rentals.
I certainly HOPE SO! We reserved a vehicle nearly a year ago when we made our condo reservation. It ‘seemed steep’ at the time, but by today’s standards it turns out to be a bargain. And, Yes, we hope the the contract is honored. Wonder if there is any recourse it they don’t? We will have a ‘baby on board’ this trip and we surely don’t need the hassle after a long flight with the grand child. Thanks for the tips. But, truthfully, had we not already gotten a vehicle at a reasonable price, we would be heading to Mexico or Florida instead. Why throw so much money away on an auto rental. Too many other places to go. Just wait for Hawaii to ‘normalize’ – if that ever happens.
I booked a rental car about 3 months ago for June 25th, pick up in Kailua. I’m very concerned that the car won’t be available when we arrive. It’s booked at $225 for the entire week. Crossing my fingers…
We will be headed back to the BI in January and have got all our reservations. My question is, have there been any problems for people who booked well ahead of time not having a car available when they arrive?
We booked our car for Kauai in October last year and when we arrived in May they did not have any cars available. We along with nearly 50 other tourists were stuck at the car rental agency without transportation. Good luck!
My wife and I booked through Turo back in late April and had no issues whatsoever. Communication with the owner was great. The best part was being able to walk directly to our car at the airport and not having to wait in a long line at a car rental counter. And I got the car I wanted – no surprises. Was told by my insurance company that they would cover the car, just like a regular rental. I will definitely look at using them from now on. This was in Maui
I made my car reservation a couple of months ago for our September trip. Just checked the reservation and everything is the same as when I made the reservation. $500 for 10 days through National Car Rental (I’m Executive status in their Emerald Club, so I can choose any vehicle I want in the Emerald Aisle and pay the mid-sized car price), but the airport/concession and taxes add another $234!
I was able to use my Autoslash bookings through Hertz in Honolulu and Lihue without a problem and got the quoted (and unbelievable) discounted price. I am so grateful to BOH for pointing out this amazing resource! There were plenty of cars in both lots when I was there.
Before the pandemic in Feb 2020, I was paying $40 day for a 4×4 Jeep in Kauai. I have paid $20 a day for basic car on the Big Island. These prices are ridiculous!!!!
Yes, it is different this year. Last year in October, I got a Hertz car on Maui for 5 weeks for a total of $675.00, everything included. I just rented a another from Hertz for October gain, $ 800 a week. What difference a year makes.
How about don’t bother going to Hawaii right now…
This is the conclusion my wife and I are coming to. Unless something breaks, our vacation money will be spent elsewhere because in a cost/benefit analysis, Hawaii is becoming no longer worth it.
Agreed! Hawaii has done nothing but ruin the vacation experience. The expense is so high, the red tape is rediculous. We loved Hawaii, bit will be going elsewhere.
The car rentals can raise the prices 250% because they make more mo Et that way than buying a new fleet of cars! It’s simple economics.
However people will start going to Florida, Mexico and the Carribean. Is that what we really want????
Just a good example of price gouging!!! Just like when a hurricane is predicted the price of plywood, water, generators skyrockets.
It is price gouging pure and simple and the state should put a stop to it. I did notice that prices were coming down next year ($55-60 a day) but they were still were up quite a bit when compared to 2019 rates.
If I booked a rental car back before the prices went up. Will they still have to honor the contract. Thanks
Hi William.
We aren’t the car rental companies, so obviously can’t say with any certainty. Visitors are reporting that they are successfully obtaining their reserved rentals.
Aloha.
I certainly HOPE SO! We reserved a vehicle nearly a year ago when we made our condo reservation. It ‘seemed steep’ at the time, but by today’s standards it turns out to be a bargain. And, Yes, we hope the the contract is honored. Wonder if there is any recourse it they don’t? We will have a ‘baby on board’ this trip and we surely don’t need the hassle after a long flight with the grand child. Thanks for the tips. But, truthfully, had we not already gotten a vehicle at a reasonable price, we would be heading to Mexico or Florida instead. Why throw so much money away on an auto rental. Too many other places to go. Just wait for Hawaii to ‘normalize’ – if that ever happens.
I booked a rental car about 3 months ago for June 25th, pick up in Kailua. I’m very concerned that the car won’t be available when we arrive. It’s booked at $225 for the entire week. Crossing my fingers…
We will be headed back to the BI in January and have got all our reservations. My question is, have there been any problems for people who booked well ahead of time not having a car available when they arrive?
We booked our car for Kauai in October last year and when we arrived in May they did not have any cars available. We along with nearly 50 other tourists were stuck at the car rental agency without transportation. Good luck!
My wife and I booked through Turo back in late April and had no issues whatsoever. Communication with the owner was great. The best part was being able to walk directly to our car at the airport and not having to wait in a long line at a car rental counter. And I got the car I wanted – no surprises. Was told by my insurance company that they would cover the car, just like a regular rental. I will definitely look at using them from now on. This was in Maui
I made my car reservation a couple of months ago for our September trip. Just checked the reservation and everything is the same as when I made the reservation. $500 for 10 days through National Car Rental (I’m Executive status in their Emerald Club, so I can choose any vehicle I want in the Emerald Aisle and pay the mid-sized car price), but the airport/concession and taxes add another $234!
Mahalo, BOH!
Hi Ed.
Thanks. Smart move to have gotten that reservation nailed down back then!
Aloha.
I was able to use my Autoslash bookings through Hertz in Honolulu and Lihue without a problem and got the quoted (and unbelievable) discounted price. I am so grateful to BOH for pointing out this amazing resource! There were plenty of cars in both lots when I was there.
Hi Aniruddh.
Glad to hear that Autoslash worked out for your two rentals.
Aloha.
Before the pandemic in Feb 2020, I was paying $40 day for a 4×4 Jeep in Kauai. I have paid $20 a day for basic car on the Big Island. These prices are ridiculous!!!!