Rental Cars on the Big Island

I wanted to get some advice about rental cars. I have read in a couple places that a 4 wheel drive vehicle is strongly recommended. We are going to be staying in Puna and traveling around on the east side a lot. Will we need a 4WD? Can anyone recommend a good agency? I have also heard that some of the normal agencies will rent them (like Alamo) but they don’t let you drive on unpaved roads. Any advice?

thanks

Duck

Rental Cars on the Big Island

You are right the usual rental car companies will not allow you to use their jeeps on unpaved roads.. which really is so silly. Harpers is an exception but wow are they expensive. I do not think you will need 4WD and I see it as a waste of money and comfort ;o)

Rental Cars on the Big Island

Costco.com had terrific rates on rental cars through most of the major companies. Plus with Alamo they let you add an extra driver for free! I booked for our Kauai trip coming up and just checked today and found the rate dropped about $30, so rebooked at the lower rate. You don%26#39;t have to be a Costco member because they never ask for your Costco number.

oh, and a 4WD is kind of a waste unless you would rather have a larger vehicle with a bit more room. Off roading is a violation of the rental car agreements.

You only really need 4 wheel if you are gonna do off roading or really steep stuff. 99 percent of what you want to see a regular compact car will be fine.

Yep you can rent a jeep and pay at least double :/

BTW check your personal rental coverage cause most do not cover 4 wheel vehicles or anything that would violate your rental agreement. A visit w/ your insurance company before you leave is always wise.

You%26#39;ll need to know so you don%26#39;t have to buy the expensive insurance from the rental agent.

Duck,

There is nothing and no place on the entire island where you would need a 4*4 vehicle that you can legally take your rented vehicle. Given this, my answer is always the same:

One does not need a 4*4 vehicle in Hawaii. If you are getting a Jeep cause you always wanted to drive one, sure but not because a guidebook tells you to get one. I always recommend the smallest size vehicle you and your party can comfortably fit into. My reasoning is this: Gas is expensive, the rental fees are more expensive the larger the vehicle (generally) and the environmental impact is lessened with a smaller vehicle. I recommend saving the $ one would spend on the 4*4 vehicle vs. a mid size car and go eat a nice dinner with the difference. A week’s rental difference can be enough for one person at Pahui’a at times. There is a also a security risk with any vehicle where luggage cannot be stored out of sight in a trunk etc, even though that isn’t a guarantee either.

I also strongly recommend Priceline or Hotwire for cars. I just booked a car through PL out of KOA for $21 a day and am sure I could have gotten it for $19-20 per day but I needed to get it on the first or second bid. It is the same car, from the same company but cheaper.

Good luck and happy travels!

Echolynch,

Agree with your comments about the vehicle rental, but also had to chuckle because every time we save a bundle whether it be on a car rental or an airfare price drop.. we always say';Oh there%26#39;s a meal at Pahui%26#39;a !!';