679 thoughts on “Savings Guide: 2023 Hawaii Car Rentals”
Mike S.
I like what you said about taking pictures of your car before driving it off the lot so that you don’t get accused of damaging it. My sister has been telling me about how she wants to drive a different car in the coming weeks.
We used Turo on our last trip to the Big Island in November 2019. It started out like a nightmare due to a bait and switch by the young con artist we inadvertently rented from. It took the greater part of our second day there to get a new car arranged as most were already out for the day. We had taken many photos to back up our complaint. We finally got a new 2019 Honda Accord in its place at an even lower price. We would rent through them again but only through someone who has had many positive reviews and satisfied customers.
Also, I would like to add that some (most?) of the main companies might charge for an extra day after the grace period (1 hour late = 1 day rental fee added).
From everything I’ve heard, it seems to be the main policy now, although staff are free to choose whether they’re going to apply the rule or not.It depends a lot on the customer’s attitude. Being gentle and contacting the rental agency early to inform them of your delay is a good start.
I am a former Maui resident. Last month, at the last moment, I able to rent a clean 2003 Toyota Hylander for $150 a week from Kahului Auto Sales on Maui.
Maui Cruisers will leave you a car in the airport parking lot. I’ve used them for years. (Edited by Beat of Hawaii).
I primarily go through Costco and a few time Discount Carrental Hawaii. Both are good.
I just did a check on off airport rentals on the Big Island. Renting at Waikoloa vs renting at airport is significantly higher. I don’t know about the other islands, but probably on Oahu you might get a better price in Honolulu.
Terrific article, thanks very much.
We traveled between the SF Bay Area and the islands for 2 weeks every year from 1985 to 1999, then again in 2006, and I’ve been on your e-mail list since about 1990, visiting your website often. Only financial reversals, starting with the recession in 2001, have prevented another visit, but my wife and I are hoping for a 2020 visit to Kauai and the Big Island.
I am amazed at your “READ THIS FIRST” warning. It’s amazing that decent manners are not a given anymore. I know this warning has only appeared within the last year or two, and it’s a sign of the political times. Don’t let those turkeys discourage you when you provide such a wonderful, helpful website in which you obviously do a great job of researching everything about which you write. Thanks again for all the help you’ve provided everyone.
Thanks so much! This article is a fantastic resource. In early December, I was trying to reserve a rental car for the last two weeks of December (i.e. peak holiday season). Orbitz prices STARTED at $650. Auto Slash provided a better car with a national rental car company for $488! Turo also had a good offer. It was my first time working with either of these two services and I was very happy.
When I have a longer lead time I’ve also had great success with Discount Hawaii Rental Cars. Also, if you don’t care about a really used car, I have used Rent a Wreck. Basic but heavily used cars available at good discounts.
We have used DISCOUNT HAWAII CARS for 7 years while on the Big Island for 9 weeks from Mid Jan to April. I sometimes have multiple reservations for the same time period and once I find it cheaper, it is simple to just cancel previous reservations. I normally booked for all 9 weeks and I would always check with my Canadian Insurance company if I was covered for that time period…always received the same response…covered for 92 days out of country. In 2017, the agent informed me that my coverage was only for 30 day increments as it was for a RENTAL CAR! Discovered with more calls, that she was correct. To then have to go back to DISCOUNT HAWAII CARS and to change my bookings into 30 day increments…so close to leaving…cost me an additional $800. I then realized for 6 years, after 30 days, I had been driving with no insurance….even though, I had done my due diligence every year by calling twice to check on 92 day coverage. If you are CANADIAN…check with your insurance about 30 day coverage as it is different if you rent a car or are driving your own vehicle.
I like what you said about taking pictures of your car before driving it off the lot so that you don’t get accused of damaging it. My sister has been telling me about how she wants to drive a different car in the coming weeks.
We used Turo on our last trip to the Big Island in November 2019. It started out like a nightmare due to a bait and switch by the young con artist we inadvertently rented from. It took the greater part of our second day there to get a new car arranged as most were already out for the day. We had taken many photos to back up our complaint. We finally got a new 2019 Honda Accord in its place at an even lower price. We would rent through them again but only through someone who has had many positive reviews and satisfied customers.
Thank you for the article.
Learned a lot!
Also, I would like to add that some (most?) of the main companies might charge for an extra day after the grace period (1 hour late = 1 day rental fee added).
From everything I’ve heard, it seems to be the main policy now, although staff are free to choose whether they’re going to apply the rule or not.It depends a lot on the customer’s attitude. Being gentle and contacting the rental agency early to inform them of your delay is a good start.
Cheers.
ADO
Hi Ado.
Thanks.
Aloha.
I am a former Maui resident. Last month, at the last moment, I able to rent a clean 2003 Toyota Hylander for $150 a week from Kahului Auto Sales on Maui.
Maui Cruisers will leave you a car in the airport parking lot. I’ve used them for years. (Edited by Beat of Hawaii).
I primarily go through Costco and a few time Discount Carrental Hawaii. Both are good.
I just did a check on off airport rentals on the Big Island. Renting at Waikoloa vs renting at airport is significantly higher. I don’t know about the other islands, but probably on Oahu you might get a better price in Honolulu.
Terrific article, thanks very much.
We traveled between the SF Bay Area and the islands for 2 weeks every year from 1985 to 1999, then again in 2006, and I’ve been on your e-mail list since about 1990, visiting your website often. Only financial reversals, starting with the recession in 2001, have prevented another visit, but my wife and I are hoping for a 2020 visit to Kauai and the Big Island.
I am amazed at your “READ THIS FIRST” warning. It’s amazing that decent manners are not a given anymore. I know this warning has only appeared within the last year or two, and it’s a sign of the political times. Don’t let those turkeys discourage you when you provide such a wonderful, helpful website in which you obviously do a great job of researching everything about which you write. Thanks again for all the help you’ve provided everyone.
Hi Bruce.
Thank you!!!
Aloha from Rob and Jeff
You can avoid the airport concession fee by renting from a location near your hotel. I guess that should result in a lower net fee.
Thanks so much! This article is a fantastic resource. In early December, I was trying to reserve a rental car for the last two weeks of December (i.e. peak holiday season). Orbitz prices STARTED at $650. Auto Slash provided a better car with a national rental car company for $488! Turo also had a good offer. It was my first time working with either of these two services and I was very happy.
When I have a longer lead time I’ve also had great success with Discount Hawaii Rental Cars. Also, if you don’t care about a really used car, I have used Rent a Wreck. Basic but heavily used cars available at good discounts.
Hi Cynthia.
Thank you.
Aloha.
May I have your turo coupon? I’ve tried from your link but the promotion didn’t appear!
Hi Alice.
It looks as though Turo has removed that offer. We have updated the post accordingly.
Aloha.
We have used DISCOUNT HAWAII CARS for 7 years while on the Big Island for 9 weeks from Mid Jan to April. I sometimes have multiple reservations for the same time period and once I find it cheaper, it is simple to just cancel previous reservations. I normally booked for all 9 weeks and I would always check with my Canadian Insurance company if I was covered for that time period…always received the same response…covered for 92 days out of country. In 2017, the agent informed me that my coverage was only for 30 day increments as it was for a RENTAL CAR! Discovered with more calls, that she was correct. To then have to go back to DISCOUNT HAWAII CARS and to change my bookings into 30 day increments…so close to leaving…cost me an additional $800. I then realized for 6 years, after 30 days, I had been driving with no insurance….even though, I had done my due diligence every year by calling twice to check on 92 day coverage. If you are CANADIAN…check with your insurance about 30 day coverage as it is different if you rent a car or are driving your own vehicle.