Get relevant, data-driven information to help you rent a car in The Big Island, including pricing trends, ideal booking times, and more.
How far in advance should you book a rental car in The Big Island?
You should book your rental car in The Big Island around 45 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.
What is the most popular rental car in The Big Island?
Rentals in the SUV category (Chevrolet Equinox or similar) are the most popular option in The Big Island, costing 371 ﷼/day on average. Some users have found deals as low as 186 ﷼/day.
What is the cheapest month to rent a car in The Big Island?
The cheapest month to rent a car in The Big Island is September at an average cost of 196 ﷼/day. December is the most expensive month to rent a car in The Big Island when prices are 313 ﷼/day on average, which tends to be 374% above the yearly average rental price for The Big Island.
The Big Island car rental price comparison by vehicle type
Find the right rental car in The Big Island by comparing prices across vehicle types.
Small
Medium
Large
SUV
Van
Pickup truck
Luxury
Convertible
Small cars
151 ﷼ - 258 ﷼
All Car Types
233 ﷼ - 412 ﷼
How much does it cost to rent a small car in The Big Island?
How much does it cost to rent a medium car in The Big Island?
How much does it cost to rent a large car in The Big Island?
How much does it cost to rent an SUV in The Big Island?
How much does it cost to rent a van in The Big Island?
How much does it cost to rent a pickup truck in The Big Island?
How much does it cost to rent a luxury car in The Big Island?
How much does it cost to rent a convertible in The Big Island?
Small car rentals in The Big Island typically cost around 193 ﷼ per day. The best time to book is May, when prices average 151 ﷼ per day which is about 22% less than the yearly average. Small cars are usually 36% cheaper than the average rental in The Big Island, making them ideal for budget-conscious travelers.
Medium car rentals in The Big Island typically cost around 247 ﷼ per day. The best time to book is October, when prices average 197 ﷼ per day which is about 21% less than the yearly average. Medium cars are usually 18% cheaper than the average rental in The Big Island, offering a good balance of space and value.
Large car rentals in The Big Island typically cost around 226 ﷼ per day. The best time to book is September, when prices average 177 ﷼ per day which is about 22% less than the yearly average. Large cars can be 25% cheaper than the average rental in The Big Island, offering more comfort for longer trips at a valuable price.
SUV rentals in The Big Island typically cost around 308 ﷼ per day. The best time to book is September, when prices average 240 ﷼ per day which is about 23% less than the yearly average. SUVs are typically 3% more expensive than the average rental in The Big Island, but provide extra space and capability for groups or road trips.
Van rentals in The Big Island typically cost around 422 ﷼ per day. The best time to book is May, when prices average 317 ﷼ per day which is about 25% less than the yearly average. Vans are typically 30% more expensive than the average rental in The Big Island, but are the best choice for families or groups needing maximum passenger capacity.
Pickup truck rentals in The Big Island typically cost around 353 ﷼ per day. The best time to book is September, when prices average 299 ﷼ per day which is about 16% less than the yearly average. Pickup trucks are typically 16% more expensive than the average rental in The Big Island, ideal for hauling gear or outdoor adventures.
Luxury car rentals in The Big Island typically cost around 361 ﷼ per day. The best time to book is September, when prices average 242 ﷼ per day which is about 33% less than the yearly average. Luxury cars are typically 18% more expensive than the average rental in The Big Island, but deliver premium comfort and style for special occasions.
Convertible rentals in The Big Island typically cost around 315 ﷼ per day. The best time to book is September, when prices average 240 ﷼ per day which is about 24% less than the yearly average. Convertibles are typically 6% more expensive than the average rental in The Big Island, perfect for scenic drives and warm-weather destinations.
Good to know
Most popular car type
Medium
Top tips for renting a car in The Big Island
Driving on the Big Island of Hawaii can be both exciting and exotic. Visitors to the island will likely want to consider a tough four-wheel drive for exploring the volcano national park or Mauna Kea Forest Reserve. Or perhaps a convertible might seem like a good idea for cruising the streets of Hilo or Kailua-Kona. What rental drivers might not realize, however, is that gasoline is priced quite differently in Hawaii than it is on the mainland. Therefore, when choosing your rental vehicle for the Big Island, be sure to consider gas mileage along with utility.
The maximum speed limit on interstate highways and rural freeways in Hawaii is 60 mph; however, the limit is only 25 mph in residential areas. Therefore, it is always important to watch for posted speed limits as these may change depending on road type. While drivers may use their mobile phones in hands-free mode, it is against the law to text while driving on any roadway in Hawaii. Children under one year of age or weighing less than 20 pounds must be secured in rear-facing car seats. Between the ages of one and four years, children may ride in forward-facing car seats, after which time they may transition to booster seats.
Your Big Island adventure will only be made more fun and exciting with a vehicle rental. However, there are some things to keep in mind about driving in Hawaii, which may be a little different from other states. For example, when driving in the parks or reserves, it’s important to use caution before going off-road. The reserves on the Big Island contain beautiful forest and jungle landscapes, which will often include protected or poisonous species of flowers or other plants and should be avoided. Likewise, driving off-road in the volcano national park carries obvious risks as well. Have fun in Hawaii, but always stay safe.
Small rental cars in The Big Island are around 41% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about renting a car in The Big Island
Should I hire a car in The Big Island?
Renting a car on the Big Island means having the freedom to go anywhere and explore all that this incredible paradise has to offer. When you rent a car, you bypass the need to rely on public transportation, which isn’t always available, or even taxis or private rideshares, which can be very expensive in Hawaii. With your rental vehicle, you can attend a meeting in downtown Hilo, then cruise over to the beach in Captain Cook and watch the sun slip into the Pacific, all on your schedule.
What is driving like in The Big Island?
Driving on the Big Island can be generally summed up in one word: beautiful. There are many roads on the island with breathtaking views of both the land and the sea. For the most part, the roads on this island are well-maintained and convenient, whether you’re in downtown Hawaii or uptown Hilo, or just circling the coastline in your fancy rented convertible. Signage may be a little sparse at times, and traffic can sometimes form in the cities, but wherever your Hawaiian adventure takes you on the Big Island, you’re sure to enjoy every moment and every mile.
How old do you have to be to hire a car in The Big Island?
In the state of Hawaii, including on the Big Island, you must be at least seventeen years old to hold an unrestricted driver’s license. After that, you may rent a car beginning at age eighteen. Generally, car rental agencies will apply a surcharge to your rental agreement if you are under the age of twenty five. This additional fee may be applied on a daily basis or can be assessed as part of the overall rental price. All drivers, regardless of age, will need to present a valid driver’s license, in addition to certain other documents, at the time of rental agreement signing.
How can I find car rentals near me in The Big Island?
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