Plan Ahead
Hawaii Car Rental Tips
Expert Advice from 40+ Years of Experience
- Book early, then continue monitoring rates for possible price drops.
- Coordinate your rental dates and times carefully with your airline reservations.
- Compare the total cost, including drivers, insurance, taxes, fees and optional extras.
- When booking multiple islands, compare 5-day and 7-day rates before finalizing your plans.
- For a non-prepay reservation, recheck the rate periodically and modify the booking if a better rate becomes available.
Lock In Your Rate and Monitor for Price Drops
Reserve your car now to lock in your rate, then keep an eye on our site for price drops. If rates go down, simply update your reservation anytime to save even more.
It's the Little Things That Count!
When renting a car, consider the extras. GPS, car seats, and insurance options as these are not included.. If you're traveling with little ones, weigh the pros and cons of bringing your own car seat, considering safety, cost, and convenience. Knowing the safety rating of your car seat, cleanliness, and cost are reasons to take yours with you. Many major US airlines allow car seats on planes for free, as long as they meet guidelines, so check with your airline.
As for insurance, your auto insurance policy may have rental coverage, but it's crucial to check your policy to confirm. Additionally, many credit cards offer rental car insurance as a benefit, but the coverage and terms can vary widely.
Secure the Best Rate
You can land the ultimate deal simply by planning ahead. Start by solidifying your itinerary, including locations, dates, and rental times. Once you've got a good sense of the market, place a reservation for a non-prepay vehicle. Then, set a quick calendar follow-up in a few weeks to re-check rates and potentially score an even better price. Repeat this process until you're satisfied. If you don't find a lower price, you lose nothing—and you won't get caught in a peak rate or sold-out situation.
Stop Overpaying for Car Rentals!
Has been our motto for decades. AA Aloha Cars R Us Inc, also widely known as Hawaiicarrental.com has been in business since 1986. We are here to take care of your car rental requirements! You can use our guidance and services to book your car or just window shop.
Look Beyond the Price
When renting a car, consider more than just the vehicle cost. Think about how many drivers you actually need. It's an unpleasant surprise to expect driving privileges for your spouse or others, only to find the counter agent has different ideas. Often, you can find a similar rate with a different company that allows additional drivers at no charge. Do your due diligence before you get to the counter – you'll be glad you did.
Why Do Quotes Have Estimated Totals?
You may wonder why most quotes, if not all, include estimated totals. The reason is that changes in Hawaii's tax or fee structure can impact the bottom line of existing reservations. Since tax and fee changes can occur at any time due to new legislation, estimated totals help account for potential fluctuations.
One Way Fees
Consider a one way rental for convenience or to explore more of the island. One way fees vary by location, ranging from $15 to $85. Note sometimes we are able to waive the fee for Kona to Hilo rentals.
Young Driver Fees
In Hawaii, drivers between 20 and 24 years old can rent cars, but are subject to a daily young driver fee. We offer a substantial daily discount for drivers under 25. Additionally, our updated contract with Thrifty & Dollar allows renters aged 20-24 to drive with a reduced daily fee of just $8 (applicable to Thrifty & Dollar only, and added at the counter).
Early or Late Return Fees
Returning your rental car early or late can change the rental period and trigger agency policies. Be aware of two key scenarios: If you book a monthly rate but return the car after a week, you won't receive a prorated refund. If you book a weekly rate for a 5-day rental and return the car a day early, you may be charged a daily fee. If you're running late, most agencies offer a short grace period, typically under 30 minutes, without extra fees. However, some agencies may charge early return fees. To avoid unexpected charges, contact the rental agency directly before returning the car to understand their policies and any potential fees.
Why Should You Use Our Service?
Rent the same Hawaii rental car for less money!
Hawaii Car Rental Questions
Here are answers to some of the most common questions travelers have when planning a Hawaii car rental.
1. When should I book my Hawaii rental car?
Booking early is recommended. Once your itinerary, dates, locations and rental times are established, make a non-prepay reservation and continue checking rates periodically for a possible price drop.
2. Can I change my Hawaii rental car reservation if the price drops?
If your reservation allows changes, monitoring the rate after booking can give you an opportunity to modify the reservation if a lower rate becomes available.
3. Should I coordinate my rental car with my airline reservation?
Yes. Aligning your flight and rental car schedules can help avoid overtime charges and additional rental-day charges.
4. Is a 5-day Hawaii car rental sometimes the same price as 7 days?
When booking multiple islands, compare the base rates carefully. A 5-day base rate before taxes can sometimes equal a 7-day base rate, so planning your rental around the rate structure may help maximize your savings.
5. Does my auto insurance cover a Hawaii rental car?
Your auto insurance policy may provide rental coverage, but policies differ. Check your policy before your trip to confirm exactly what is covered.
6. Do credit cards offer rental car insurance?
Many credit cards offer rental car insurance as a benefit, but coverage and terms can vary widely. Check the specific benefits and requirements for your card before relying on the coverage.
7. Can I rent a car in Hawaii if I'm under 25?
Drivers between 20 and 24 years old can rent cars in Hawaii, but a daily young-driver fee may apply. Thrifty & Dollar renters aged 20-24 may qualify for a reduced $8 daily fee under the contract described above.
8. How much are one-way rental car fees in Hawaii?
One-way fees vary by location and can range from $15 to $85. In some cases, the fee may be waived for Kona-to-Hilo rentals.
9. What happens if I return my Hawaii rental car early?
Returning early can change the rental period and may affect the rate or charges. For example, a weekly rate on a 5-day rental could result in a daily charge if the vehicle is returned a day early. Check with the rental agency before changing your return plans.
10. What should I look for besides the rental car price?
Look at the complete rental cost and the policies that matter to you, including additional-driver charges, insurance, optional extras, rental dates and return policies. A slightly different advertised rate can sometimes provide better overall value.
Ready to Start Planning Your Hawaii Rental?
Use our experience and guidance to help plan your Hawaii car rental, compare your options, and find the right vehicle for your trip.