Since 1986
✓ Your Hilo car rental, for less. Local experience, over 40 years of established rental-agency partnerships, and straightforward reservations where you pay at the counter—so you spend less time comparing and more time exploring Hilo, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, waterfalls, and the Big Island.
The Hawaii Car Rental Difference
More freedom for your Hilo & Big Island trip
| Deep Savings Consistently lower rates than booking direct with major brands. | Risk-Free Reservations Pay directly at the counter on your rental day with no cancellation fees. |
| Bonus Perks Two free additional drivers on Thrifty and Dollar bookings. | Guaranteed Inventory Exclusive fleet availability during sold-out and peak rental periods. |
| Diverse Fleet Brand new SUVs, Wranglers, Convertibles, Passenger Vans, and Economy options. | Convenient Pickup Pickups available directly at Hilo International Airport (ITO). |
| Expert Guidance Local agents with 30+ years of Hawaii car rental expertise. | Local Support Proudly 100% Hawaii-owned and operated local business. |
Plan With Confidence
Hilo Car Rental Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a rental car in Hilo?
Yes. The Big Island is expansive, and public transit or rideshare options in East Hawaii are limited. Renting a car gives you total freedom to explore Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Rainbow Falls, the Hamakua Coast, and scenic island drives on your own schedule.
Can I rent a car directly at Hilo International Airport (ITO)?
Yes. Major rental brand desks and vehicle pickup lots are conveniently located directly at Hilo International Airport (ITO) right across from the terminal.
Can I pick up a rental car in Hilo and drop it off in Kona?
Yes. One-way car rentals between Hilo Airport (ITO) and Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA) are available through select rental partners, allowing you to easily travel across the Big Island.
Do I need a 4WD or Jeep rental in Hilo?
No. Standard sedans, compacts, and SUVs can comfortably reach almost all top attractions around Hilo, including Volcanoes National Park, Saddle Road, ʻAkaka Falls, and Kona. Standard rental agreements prohibit off-road driving or summiting Mauna Kea past the visitor station.
Can I drive a standard rental car on Saddle Road / Daniel K. Inouye Highway?
Yes. Saddle Road (Route 200) is a modern, fully paved multi-lane highway connecting Hilo to Kona. Driving standard rental vehicles on Saddle Road is permitted by major rental companies.
What is the minimum age to rent a car in Hilo?
The standard minimum rental age in Hawaii is 21. Through our partnership with Dollar and Thrifty, drivers aged 20 to 24 can rent vehicles with discounted young-driver surcharge fees.
Are there free additional drivers on Hilo car rentals?
Yes. Thrifty and Dollar reservations booked through Hawaii Car Rental include 2 free additional drivers.
Can I rent a car at Hilo Airport with a debit card?
Yes. Our Dollar and Thrifty partnerships accept debit cards with no credit check and waived flight-itinerary requirements when reserved at least 24 hours in advance.
Are there prepayment requirements or cancellation fees?
No. Reservations made through us require zero deposit or prepayment, and there are no cancellation penalties. Pay directly when you pick up your car at Hilo Airport.
How long is the drive from Hilo to Volcanoes National Park?
The drive from Hilo to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park along Highway 11 is approximately 30 miles and takes about 40 to 45 minutes by rental car.
Make the Most of Your Rental
Plan Your Hilo Activities & Excursions
Book popular Hilo activities and tours through our Viator partner links:
Hilo "One of One" Collection Explore Collection →
Hilo Helicopter & Air Tours Book on Viator →
Hilo Volcanoes National Park Tours Book on Viator →
Hilo Things to Do & Attractions Book on Viator →
Hilo Waterfalls & Caves Tours Book on Viator →
Hilo Cruise Ship Shore Excursions Book on Viator →
Hilo Snorkeling & Dive Tours Book on Viator →
Explore the Island
Top 10 Things to Do Around Hilo
From active volcanic craters and lush tropical rainforests to cascading waterfalls and black sand beaches, these are the top East Hawaii experiences to explore with your rental car.
| 01 Explore Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Drive Crater Rim Drive, walk through the Thurston Lava Tube (Nāhuku), and witness steam vents and active volcanic landscapes. | 02 Visit Rainbow Falls & Peʻepeʻe Falls Located just minutes from downtown Hilo, view the iconic 80-foot Rainbow Falls throwing morning mist over basalt lava caves. |
| 03 Tour ʻAkaka Falls State Park Take a short paved rainforest loop hike to view the towering 442-foot ʻAkaka Falls plunging into a lush tropical gorge. | 04 Stroll Through Liliʻuokalani Gardens Walk through Edo-style Japanese gardens featuring stone lanterns, torii gates, and tranquil views across Hilo Bay. |
| 05 Drive the Scenic Hamakua Coast Drive north along Highway 19 past ocean gulches, botanical gardens, and dramatic sea cliffs toward Waipiʻo Valley lookout. | 06 Shop at the Hilo Farmers Market Browse tropical fruits, local produce, Hawaiian crafts, and street food vendors in historic downtown Hilo. |
| 07 Swim & Snorkel at Carlsmith Beach Park Relax in spring-fed lava lagoons frequently visited by Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu). | 08 Explore Kaumana Caves State Park Descend into a skylight opening of a massive lava tube formed by Mauna Loa's 1881 eruption. |
| 09 Drive Saddle Road / Daniel K. Inouye Highway Take the scenic mountain drive across the island plateau between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. | 10 Drive to Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach Drive south from Hilo to view jet-black volcanic sand shores and sea turtles resting along the coast. |