How Much Are Rental Cars In Hawaii?

With its stunning beaches, volcanoes, and lush rainforests, Hawaii is a dream destination for many travelers. Renting a car allows visitors flexibility to explore the islands at their own pace. But before booking your Hawaiian getaway, you may be wondering, “How much are rental cars in Hawaii?”

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: Rental car prices in Hawaii typically range from $30-$85 per day depending on the type of vehicle, rental company, season, and location on the islands. Compact cars and economy vehicles tend to be the most affordable options.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Hawaii rental car costs including average prices by island, tips for finding deals, additional fees to budget for, whether insurance is necessary, and recommendations for reputable companies.

Average Rental Car Rates in Hawaii

When visiting the Hawaiian Islands, having your own set of rental wheels offers the flexibility to explore each island’s unique sights at your own pace. Average car rental rates in Hawaii vary by island, vehicle type, rental company, and season.

Oahu Rental Cars

As the most populated Hawaiian island, Oahu commands some of the lowest average rental car rates in Hawaii. Compact cars rent for an average of $30-45 per day, while standard SUVs average $60-90 per day according to Kayak.

During peak seasons like summer and holidays, expect rates to be 10-25% higher.

Maui Rental Cars

Maui has higher rental car rates than Oahu, given its popularity as a vacation destination. Compacts rent for $40-60 per day on average, while standard SUVs go for $80-140 per day. As on Oahu, you’ll pay more during the busy seasons in Maui.

Kauai Rental Cars

Of Hawaii’s four main islands, rental cars on Kauai come with the highest average rates due to its small size and popularity. According to Costco Travel, expect to pay $50-70 per day for compacts and $100-170 for standard SUV rentals on Kauai.

securing your rental car well in advance can help mitigate costs.

Hawaii Island Rentals

The island of Hawaii has rental car rates comparable to Maui, with compact vehicles averaging $45-65 per day and standard SUVs ranging from $90-150 per day. Hawaii’s Big Island offers much to explore, so having your own set of wheels makes getting around easier and more affordable than relying on taxis or tours.

No matter which Hawaiian island you choose, renting a car provides the freedom and flexibility to cruise backroads, discover hidden gems, and take in the breathtaking scenery at your own pace.

Seasonal Fluctuations in Rental Prices

Rental car prices in Hawaii tend to fluctuate based on the time of year. Here’s an overview of how prices typically change by season:

Winter (December – February)

Rental prices in the winter are generally the lowest of the year in Hawaii. This is considered the off-season for tourism, so demand drops, leading to price decreases. According to Kayak’s 2022 Rental Car Index, prices in December 2022 were about 15% cheaper than the yearly average.

Spring (March – May)

As spring break and summer vacations approach, rental car prices start to rise. March and April still see fairly affordable pricing, while May starts to get more expensive. Prices can fluctuate wildly though, with daily rates jumping from $30 to $100+ depending on demand.

Summer (June – August)

Summer is peak tourist season, and rental car prices hit their highest points. According to the Kayak Rental Car Index, prices in July 2022 were about 40% above the yearly average. Increased demand allows rental agencies to charge premium rates.

Within summer, August is generally a bit cheaper than June and July. Prices start to dip slightly as students go back to school.

Fall (September – November)

As summer winds down, rental car prices decrease steadily. September and October still tend to be fairly expensive compared to winter and spring. A notable exception is late November, which offers some of the best deals of the year during the week of Thanksgiving. This short discount is likely due to locals traveling less during the holiday week.

I hope this overview on Hawaii’s seasonal rental car price changes is helpful! Let me know if you need any clarification or have additional questions.

Finding the Best Rental Car Deals

Book Early

One of the best ways to save money on a rental car in Hawaii is to book early. Most rental car companies offer lower rates when you book in advance rather than waiting until the last minute. Booking at least a few weeks ahead of your trip will typically result in the lowest rates.

Amazing last-minute deals do sometimes pop up, but you can’t count on that, especially during peak Hawaii travel seasons. Lock in a rate ahead of time for peace of mind.

Comparison Shop

Be sure to check rates across various rental car company websites and travel booking sites. Costs can vary quite a bit, so taking the time to compare options side-by-side is key. Some companies to consider checking are Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz National, and Thrifty.

Useful travel sites for comparison shopping include Expedia, Kayak, and Priceline.

Look for Packages and Specials

Keep an eye out for package deals and special offers that come with perks like unlimited mileage, vehicle upgrades, or discounts on additional drivers. For example, Budget Car Rental often offers coupon codes for percentage off rentals in Hawaii as well as free weekend days.

As the comparison data shows, it pays to check multiple rental car company options for the best pricing and deals. A little bit of research can lead to big savings in paradise!

Common Additional Rental Car Fees

Taxes and Surcharges

When renting a car in Hawaii, there are various taxes and surcharges that get added to the base rental rate. The main ones are:

• General excise tax: 4.166% statewide tax on goods and services
• Rental motor vehicle surcharge tax: $3 per day
• Customer facility charge: Varies by airport, around $4.50 per day
• Concession recovery fee: Around 10% on top of base rate at airport locations

These fees can add a significant amount to the final total. For example, on a 5 day rental at $50 per day, taxes and surcharges could total over $100 extra.

Collision Damage Waiver

Collision damage waiver (CDW) or loss damage waiver (LDW) is optional insurance to cover damage to the rental vehicle. It can cost $15-30 extra per day.

CDW is almost never included automatically in Hawaii. Without it, drivers are responsible for the full value of any damages, which could be thousands of dollars for a newer model rental car.

Some credit cards provide CDW protection when renting, but be sure to check the details. Rental companies may still require purchasing their CDW for full coverage.

Added Drivers

Most rental car companies will charge extra if additional drivers are added to the contract. This allows spouses, family members, or friends to also drive the vehicle if needed.

Typical fees are $5-15 per day for a second driver. Some companies offer free additional drivers if you join their membership program, which could be ideal for longer rentals.

As you can see, those daily charges add up fast. Be sure to consider who else may drive before paying for extra authorized drivers.

Do You Need Rental Car Insurance in Hawaii?

When renting a car in Hawaii, having proper insurance coverage is crucial. Hawaii’s state laws regarding rental car insurance can be complex and confusing. Here’s what you need to know about getting rental car insurance for your Hawaii vacation.

Liability Insurance

Liability insurance is required by law in Hawaii. This covers any damage or injuries you cause to others if you get into an accident. Rental car companies are required to provide minimum liability coverage in their base rental rates.

However, the minimums are very low, only meeting the state requirement of:

• $20,000 bodily injury or death liability per person
• $40,000 bodily injury or death liability per accident
• $10,000 property damage liability

It’s recommended to purchase additional liability insurance when renting a car in Hawaii, as accidents can easily exceed those minimum amounts. Many credit cards provide free supplemental liability coverage when renting a car, so be sure to check your credit card policy.

Collision and Comprehensive Coverage

Collision and comprehensive coverage pays for damage to the rental vehicle itself. This is not legally required in Hawaii but is highly recommended, as any damage to the rental car would otherwise need to be paid entirely out-of-pocket.

Rental car companies make the bulk of their profits by offering expensive collision damage waivers (CDWs) or loss damage waivers (LDWs). These can add $15-30 extra per day onto your rental cost. However, like liability coverage, many credit card companies include collision and comprehensive coverage at no extra cost when renting a car.

Important Considerations

When deciding whether to purchase additional rental car insurance in Hawaii, here are some important things to consider:

• Be sure to check your existing auto insurance policy and credit cards to confirm what exactly is already covered and what coverage limits apply.
• Understand any exclusions – some credit card policies may not provide coverage for exotic or specialty rental vehicles.
• Consider your risk tolerance – Hawaii’s winding coastal roads and remote areas make accidents more likely.
• Look into third party insurance providers like Allianz that cover rental cars.

Getting into any sort of accident can quickly turn a dream Hawaii vacation into a nightmare. Protect yourself by understanding your options and having proper rental car insurance coverage.

Reputable Hawaii Rental Car Companies

When it comes to renting a car in Hawaii, you’ll want to go with a reputable company that offers quality vehicles at reasonable prices. Here are some of the top rental car companies operating in Hawaii:

Alamo

Alamo is one of the largest car rental companies in Hawaii with locations on all major islands. They offer a great selection of vehicles from economy cars to premium SUVs. Alamo is known for having excellent customer service and transparent pricing without lots of hidden fees.

Their rental counter agents are helpful in finding you the perfect car for your Hawaii adventure.

Avis

Another huge brand in Hawaii rental cars is Avis. Similarly to Alamo, Avis has branches across all the islands making pick-up and drop-off convenient. They regularly offer online discounts so be sure to check for deals.

One unique perk of Avis is that they allow you to reserve a specific vehicle type like a convertible Mustang which is ideal for cruising along coastal Hawaii routes.

Budget

If you’re looking to save money, Budget is likely to have some of the most affordable rental rates in Hawaii. While their vehicle fleet might not be as modern, their prices can make them worthwhile for budget-conscious travelers.

Budget also has locations everywhere which is useful if you plan to island hop.

Enterprise

Known for exceptional customer satisfaction, Enterprise has grown to become Hawaii’s largest rental car supplier. Enterprise offers frequent promotional codes for savings of up to 30%. They also have exotic vehicle rentals on certain islands which is great for making your Hawaii trip extra memorable.

Dollar

Similar to Budget, Dollar Car Rental focuses on value-oriented travelers who want to save money without sacrificing quality vehicles. They offer free pick-up and drop-off to hotels in many Hawaii destinations.

Just be aware that Dollar’s mileage policies can be restrictive compared to other companies so evaluate your intended driving distances.

No matter which Hawaii rental car company you choose, be sure to consider insurance, mileage, suite of vehicles, and other policy details in your decision process. And most importantly, have a wonderful and safe trip around Hawaii!

Conclusion

With its jaw-dropping scenery and landscapes, Hawaii promises an unforgettable travel experience. While rental car expenses can add up, understanding average prices, watching for deals, and budgeting for extras like insurance and taxes will allow you to confidently include a car rental in your Hawaiian island-hopping adventure.

By booking early, comparing options across top providers, and looking for special offers, you can secure an affordable set of rental wheels for cruising Oahu’s beaches, Maui’s Road to Hana, Kauai’s Napali Coast, and beyond.

With a reliable rental car and this guidance on Hawaii prices, you’ll be ready to make the most of your time in paradise.

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