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Dreaming of exploring the stunning landscapes and vibrant culture of Hawaii? Renting a car in Hawaii is essential to planning your island adventure. Discover the perfect set of wheels to cruise the coastal highways, traverse volcanic terrains, and bask in the tropical beauty. This guide will walk you through the crucial factors to consider when renting a car in Hawaii, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable journey.
1. Looking Into A Hawaii Car Rental?
You’ve come to the right place, as I live in Hawaii, and I’m going to walk you through the process of renting a car in Hawaii.
Having rented cars in five Hawaiian islands, I’m here to simplify everything. By the time you finish reading this article, you’ll clearly understand Hawaii’s entire car rental process.
First and foremost, the most common question among travelers is about the ideal location to rent a car in Hawaii. Whenever I’m renting a car in Hawaii, I consistently choose and recommend Discover Cars, and I’ll explain exactly why throughout this article.
Ready to delve into the details of renting a car in Hawaii? Let’s dive right in, beginning with the most commonly asked questions about renting cars in Hawaii.
2. Renting A Car in Hawaii With Discover Cars
When I book a Hawaii car rental online, I recommend and use Discover Cars.
I use them because they have always had the best deals when I’ve searched, and they offer FREE cancellations up to 48 hours before your reservation. Here is the exact process I have followed to get my rental car:
Reserve Your Car Online with Discover Cars
Head to the Discover Cars website, and input your travel dates and preferred pick-up location. For more travelers, this will be the airport in the city you’re visiting.
RENT ONLY FROM WELL-RATED PLACES
I recommend sorting by ratings, as even though everyone aims for those tempting Hawaii car rental deals, the least expensive option is seldom the finest.
I avoid renting from places with ratings lower than 7 out of 10 Stars when I’m in Hawaii. As the saying goes, you truly get what you pay for. It’s not worth compromising a bit of money for subpar customer service during my vacation.
Opt for Full Coverage with Discover Cars
In Hawaii, I consistently use their Full Coverage option when renting through Discover Cars — and I’m not the only one! According to Discover Cars’ website, 85% of customers opt for their Full Coverage Policy, ensuring a worry-free rental experience in Hawaii.
For about $7-10 USD per day, Discover Cars cover up to $3300 of damage to the rental car. This includes body repair work, dings, scratches, windows/glass, tires, towing, lost keys, and more.
What’s covered with Discover Cars? (And what’s not covered?)
How Do I Make a Claim with Discover Cars?
The process is straightforward if you need to file a claim with Discover Cars while in Hawaii. You’ll find your login details in your booking confirmation email, which can be used to access your account through your laptop or the Discover Cars app.
At just $7-10 USD per day, the Discover Cars Full Coverage Policy for Hawaii is considerably more affordable than any coverage I’ve encountered when dealing directly with car rental companies. They typically charge around $30 USD daily for their direct policies.
If you prefer to obtain full coverage insurance directly from the Hawaiian car rental company, you can still do so while renting with Discover Cars. You can benefit from their competitive rates and the added advantage of a NO FEE cancellation policy.
If you need further clarification on Discover Cars, please contact the company directly. You can also read Discover Cars reviews on TrustPilot, where they have a 4.5 out of 5 Star rating, and about 100,000 reviews.
I strongly recommend Discover Cars, in case you still want to know about the other options please go through the guide below.
3. Your Guide to Renting a Car in Hawaii
Major Car Rental Chains: Catering to Diverse Budgets
When considering renting a car in Hawaii, prominent rental chains offer many choices to align with your inclinations and financial plans. Whether you’re pursuing a budget-friendly option or aiming for an opulent experience, these reputable companies offer an array of options.
- Hertz: Renowned for its varied fleet, encompassing eco-friendly choices and family-oriented SUVs.
- Avis: Presents competitive pricing, loyalty programs, and an assortment of vehicle sizes.
- Enterprise: Renowned for exceptional customer service and an extensive selection of vehicles.
- Budget: Ideal for travelers conscious of their budget while seeking quality rentals.
- National: Provides a spectrum of vehicles and frequently incorporates loyalty programs.
Local Car Rental Companies: Personalized Touch and Indigenous Insights
For a personalized encounter, contemplate local car rental establishments. These agencies frequently provide distinct insights and individualized approaches to your Hawaiian venture.
- Discount Hawaii Car Rental: Renders discounted rates from prominent companies.
- Alamo: Famed for user-friendly rental services and various vehicle choices.
- Thrifty Car Rental: Offers competitive pricing and an array of vehicle alternatives.
Online Platforms: Convenience and Comparative Analysis
Online platforms offer the convenience of locating the finest deals and comparing rental options conveniently, catering to your car rental needs in Hawaii.
- Expedia: Facilitates easy comparison of rental choices from diverse providers.
- Kayak: Facilitates the discovery of optimal deals across numerous websites.
- Rentalcars.com: Offers an extensive spectrum of rentals with exclusive deals.
Local Agencies: Island Proficiency and Flexibility
Local agencies furnish an intimate comprehension of Hawaii’s driving culture and picturesque routes and a versatile approach to rentals for your Hawaii car rental adventure.
- Island Discount Rentals: Provides economical alternatives and native insights.
- Lucky Owl Car Rental: Presents an array of vehicles at competitive prices.
- NÜ Car Rentals: Recognized for distinctive vehicles and promotional offers.
Luxury Car Rentals: Elevating Your Experience
Hawaii provides luxury car rental alternatives for those aspiring for luxury and sophistication, enabling exploration of the islands in high-end vehicles when considering Hawaii car rental.
- Hawaiian Style Rentals: Offers luxury and exotic car rentals for an exclusive experience.
- The Experience Auto Group: Presents opulent luxury and sports car rentals.
Specialty Rentals: Tailored to Your Exploration
Depending on your intended activities, contemplate specialty rentals tailored to specific necessities for your Hawaii car rental escapade.
- Jeep Rentals: Ideal for traversing off-road terrains and rugged landscapes.
- Convertible Rentals: Embrace the Hawaiian sun with a convertible experience.
- Family-Friendly Rentals: Agencies offering spacious minivans and SUVs for family comfort.
Hotel and Resort Rentals: Convenience at Your Doorstep
Certain hotels and resorts provide the convenience of on-site rental services, streamlining your travel arrangements for your Hawaii car rental adventure. Please inquire at the hotel/ resort reception to get more details.
I recommend and use Discover Cars. It compares local, national, and international companies so you get the best rates. This is the company I have used to rent cars in Hawaii — from coast to coast.
4. Renting a Car in Hawaii FAQS
Is renting a car expensive in Hawaii?
Renting a car in Hawaii can be relatively expensive due to high demand, limited availability, and additional fees like insurance. Prices can vary greatly depending on the season and location. During peak tourist seasons, prices tend to be higher.
Is it best to rent a car in Hawaii?
Yes, renting a car is often the best way to explore Hawaii, especially if you plan to visit multiple attractions or want to venture beyond popular tourist areas. Public transportation options are limited, and having a car provides flexibility and convenience.
Is driving in Hawaii easy?
Driving in Hawaii can be straightforward on well-maintained roads but also challenging due to unfamiliar roads, narrow routes, and varying weather conditions. On some islands, such as Oahu, traffic congestion in urban areas can be an issue.
Can you enjoy Hawaii without a car?
While it’s possible to enjoy certain areas of Hawaii without a car, having a car enhances your experience and allows you to explore the islands more freely. Public transportation options are limited, and some remote or less touristy locations may be inaccessible without a car.
Is it safe to drive around Hawaii?
Driving in Hawaii is generally safe, with well-marked roads and familiar traffic rules. However, caution is advised on winding roads, especially during rainy seasons when conditions can be slippery. Use GPS or navigation apps to stay on track.