Since 1986
✓ Your Kona 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 Kailua-Kona, the Kohala Coast, beaches, and the Big Island.
The Hawaii Car Rental Difference
More freedom for your Kona & 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 Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA). |
| 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
Kona Car Rental Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a rental car in Kona?
Yes. The Big Island is expansive, and rideshares or public transportation are limited outside central Kailua-Kona. Renting a car gives you total freedom to visit world-class beaches along the Kohala Coast, coffee farms in Holualoa, Volcanoes National Park, and scenic drives across Saddle Road.
Can I rent a car directly at Kona International Airport (KOA)?
Yes. Major rental brand facilities and shuttle pickups are located directly at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA) just across from baggage claim.
Do I need a 4WD or Jeep rental in Kona?
No. Standard sedans, compacts, and SUVs easily access almost all major sights, resort areas, coffee farms, and beaches around Kona. Standard rental terms prohibit off-road driving or taking rental cars past the visitor center on Mauna Kea.
Can I drive a standard rental car on Saddle Road / Daniel K. Inouye Highway?
Yes. Saddle Road (Route 200) is a smooth, modern paved highway connecting Kona to East Hawaii and Hilo. Driving standard rental vehicles on Saddle Road is fully permitted by major rental suppliers.
What is the minimum age to rent a car in Kona?
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 reduced young-driver surcharge rates.
Are there free additional drivers on Kona car rentals?
Yes. Thrifty and Dollar reservations booked through Hawaii Car Rental automatically include 2 free additional drivers.
Can I rent a car at Kona Airport with a debit card?
Yes. Our Dollar and Thrifty partnerships allow debit card rentals with no credit check when reserved at least 24 hours in advance.
Are there prepayment requirements or cancellation fees?
No. Reservations require zero upfront deposit or prepayment, and there are no cancellation fees. Pay directly when you pick up your car at Kona Airport.
How long is the drive from Kona to Volcanoes National Park?
The drive from Kona to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park via Highway 11 South is roughly 80 miles and takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours depending on stops.
Can I pick up a rental car in Kona and drop it off in Hilo?
Yes. One-way car rentals between Kona Airport (KOA) and Hilo International Airport (ITO) are available through select rental partners, making cross-island road trips effortless.
Make the Most of Your Rental
Plan Your Kona Activities & Excursions
Book top Kona excursions and adventures through our Viator partner links:
Kona "One of One" Collection Explore Collection →
Kona Night Manta Ray Snorkeling Book on Viator →
Kona Boat Tours & Snorkel Cruises Book on Viator →
Kona Coffee Farm & Cultural Tours Book on Viator →
Kona Helicopter & Air Tours Book on Viator →
Kona Luau Experiences Book on Viator →
Kona Zipline & Adventure Tours Book on Viator →
Explore the Island
Top 10 Things to Do Around Kona
From night swimming with giant manta rays to white sand beaches and volcanic coastlines, these are the top West Hawaii destinations to visit in your rental car.
| 01 Night Snorkel with Manta Rays Experience Kona's world-famous night boat tours to watch gentle giant manta rays feed beneath illuminated rafts. | 02 Relax at Hāpuna Beach State Park Drive north along the Kohala Coast to spend the day at one of Hawaii's premier expansive white sand beaches. |
| 03 Snorkel at Kealakekua Bay Explore pristine marine life and historic waters near the Captain Cook Monument via boat tour or kayak. | 04 Stroll Historic Kailua Village Walk along Aliʻi Drive to visit Huliheʻe Palace, Mokuaikaua Church, and oceanside dining and shops. |
| 05 Tour Holualoa Kona Coffee Farms Drive up the slopes of Hualālai to sample 100% pure Kona coffee and tour historic working orchards. | 06 Visit Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau Step back into Hawaiian history at the City of Refuge National Historical Park with carved kiʻi and tidal pools. |
| 07 Swim at Kahaluʻu Beach Park Enjoy Kona's favorite family-friendly cove renowned for shallow coral reefs and frequent sea turtle sightings. | 08 Explore Kaloko-Honokōhau Park Discover ancient fishponds, Hawaiian green sea turtles, and coastal walking paths just north of Kailua-Kona. |
| 09 Drive the Saddle Road Highway Drive past lava fields across the high-elevation saddle between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa toward Hilo. | 10 Sunset & Luau on Kona Shore Experience authentic Polynesian music, hula performance, and island dining along the western Kona coast. |