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Hilo car hire

Driver's age: 26-65

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Cheap car hire in Hilo

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Intermediate
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Standard
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KAYAK’s top tips for hiring a car in Hilo

  • Rent a car in Hilo and experience all that Hawaii’s Big Island has to offer. Discover the sights within the city limits, including the rugged black-sand beaches, the Wailuku River State Park, the Imiloa Astronomy Center, and the Hilo Farmers Market. Or venture a little further and check out the island’s volcanoes at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. With many scenic drives and hiking trails in and around the park, it is only a 40min drive from Hilo.
  • The rental car offices at the Hilo International Airport (ITO) are located on the ground level, near the arrival hall of the airport’s main terminal. Your Hilo rental car may be waiting for you near the terminal, or the rental company may provide a shuttle to transport you from the rental office to a car parked at one of the satellite lots.
  • With car rentals in Hilo, driving in and around the city is pretty straightforward. Keep in mind that the GPS in your rental car might not properly pronounce many of the Hawaiian words and names. Cars share the roads on Big Island with cyclists and tourists who may be paying more attention to the scenery than the road, so stay alert. You may even come across a wild pig or goat on the road. A word of caution when you’re traveling on the island’s more remote roads (like Saddle Road): large sections of these roads are without cell service.
  • When visiting Hilo, one thing you won’t have to worry about is traffic. Unlike some of the other parts of Hawaii, Hilo typically does not have significant rush hour traffic. Winter is a busy season for tourists, so the traffic gets a bit heavier in this season. The largest traffic concern with the Hilo car rentals is the rain. It rains almost every day in Hilo, and you’ll want to be prepared for slower travel times in the wet weather.
  • Book your car hire in Hilo at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
  • Supplier choice hire cars in Hilo are around 54% cheaper than other car types, on average

Hilo car hire experiences: the best tips from KAYAK users

Insights shared by verified travellers who hired a car in Hilo 
KevinJan 2024
Use the Apple car play. Lots of great places to visit. You’ll need a 4X4 to get to the top of Maunaloa Kea volcano.
Verified travelerSept 2023
Driving in Hilo is very easy. Very well signposted and road conditions are very good. The GPS guides you to several attractions on the island. Hilo is a beautiful part of the island.
Verified travelerOct 2023
No problems driving in Hilo
Verified travelerMay 2023
Rent the Honda HRV suv; very good gas mileage since very long distance driving on Hawaii island.
Verified travelerMay 2023
Reserve early. They run out.

FAQs about hiring a car in Hilo

  • What type of car is recommended for driving in Hilo?

    When considering car rentals in Hilo, we recommend a convertible for cruising around the beaches and taking in the sights of Big Island. If you do rent a convertible, be sure it has a power-folding top for quick closures if it starts to rain. If you’ll be spending time at the beach with the family, an SUV might be needed to store all of the beach essentials, such as towels, toys, and beach bags.

  • What’s the speed limit in Hilo?

    The fastest speed limit on Big Island is 60mph, but most of the roads are 25 to 35mph. Drivers should know that it is easy to speed here if you’re not paying attention, as speed limits frequently change on the roads. Many of the local police use private, unmarked vehicles with only a small blue light on top to distinguish them from other cars, and you might not notice them until it’s too late to avoid a ticket.

  • Where are the best places to park in Hilo?

    Free parking is easy to find in Downtown Hilo, either in lots attached to businesses and attractions or on the street. A few streets, such as Kalakaua St and Kamehameha Ave, have metered parking. Many of the Hilo hotels include free daily parking. By law, access to Hawaii’s beaches is free, including free parking for the beaches, and most of the beaches have parking lots.

  • How much is the price of fuel in Hilo?

    The average price of fuel in Hilo is R61,05 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a tank of fuel costs between R733 and R977, depending on the car size.

  • What is the most popular car hire in Hilo?

    Supplier choice (Class Special Car or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Hilo.

  • How can I find car hires near me in Hilo?

    Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.

  • How much does a Special car hire cost in Hilo?

    A Special car hire in Hilo costs R486 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Standard car hire cost in Hilo?

    A Standard car hire in Hilo costs R546 per day, on average.

  • How much does an Economy car hire cost in Hilo?

    An Economy car hire in Hilo costs R569 per day, on average.

Hilo car rental reviews and directory 
All ratings and reviews are collected from KAYAK users with a verified car hire booking. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.

Hertz

8,7

Cleanliness

8.8

Comfort

8.6

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.7

Value for money

8.4

2 locations in Hilo

Show locations

Locations in Hilo

2355 Kekuanaoa Street#15

+1 808 935 2898

Monday06:30 - 21:30
Tuesday06:30 - 21:30
Wednesday06:30 - 21:30
Thursday06:30 - 21:30
Friday06:30 - 21:30
Saturday06:30 - 21:30
Sunday06:30 - 21:30

400 E Kawili Street

+1 808 934 0302

Monday07:00 - 17:00
Tuesday07:00 - 17:00
Wednesday07:00 - 17:00
Thursday07:00 - 17:00
Friday07:00 - 17:00

Filters

Reviews

10,0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Jul 2024

Compact

KAYAK
Hertz was very helpful when other travel issues emerged. Staff was quick, alert, proactive, and made my rental experience very easy.

10,0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Nov 2021

KAYAK
Rental very convenient in airport. Staff was friendly and informative. Quick service and nice, clean car. Return was simple and efficient. All around good experience.

10,0 Wonderful

Anonymous, May 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Staff was very accommodating, rental was top notch!

Cons:

The website is not very user friendly

2,0 Poor

Anonymous, May 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

hertz car rental rep. is very nice. We cancel the booking due to we were not allow to enter HI, we arrived at Honolulu at 05:00am on Monday with hawaiin airline en rout to Hiloi, but we were not allow to unless we agree to be quarantine for 10 day,yet our time to stay in HI only 7 day, so we decided to fly back to Las Vegas the same day, we called hertz car rental and we inform that we need to call expedia.com to get the refund, the 800# weren't answer for 2 day, finally got live person answer and we were to direct to call another #, the number he gave us wes the wrong #. 3 days pass finally talked to the rep. and he said to to confirm with hertz, and they will call back, in short they told us not to expect a refund at all.

Cons:

We will not recommend to book anything thru racrental.com, getting a red tape all around, book direct to hertz car rental or any other well known car rental such as avis or enterprise.

10,0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Feb 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Yes

Cons:

They were very fast and efficient.

8,0 Very Good

Valerie, Nov 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

The vehicle was ver clean and comfortable.

Cons:

The counter person was impersonal and unfriendly.

1 out of 7

Dollar

Cleanliness

7.9

Comfort

8.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.9

Value for money

7.0

2 locations in Hilo

Show locations

Locations in Hilo

1 General Lyman Field

+1 866 434 2226

Monday06:30 - 21:30
Tuesday06:30 - 21:30
Wednesday06:30 - 21:30
Thursday06:30 - 21:30
Friday06:30 - 21:30
Saturday06:30 - 21:30
Sunday06:30 - 21:30

400 E Kawili Street

+1 808 934 0302

Monday07:00 - 17:00
Tuesday07:00 - 17:00
Wednesday07:00 - 17:00
Thursday07:00 - 17:00
Friday07:00 - 17:00

Filters

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

8,0 Very Good

Anonymous, Oct 2023

Economy

KAYAK
No Problems

10,0 Wonderful

Vaclav, Oct 2023

Compact

KAYAK
Excellent - best car rental

1,9 Poor

Anonymous, Jul 2021

KAYAK
I wish we got the car we booked. The car we received was vibrating while braking at freeway speeds and made us feel completely unsafe. We changed our car the next day for free and no hassle process.

10,0 Wonderful

Stephanie, Apr 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Let switch drop off after airline messed us up.

Cons:

There was definitely a speed sensor that would ding when you went 56 mph. That was super annoying 😒

6,8 Okay

Valerie, Nov 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

The counter person was pretty nice and friendly. The check in and check out was really quick. We love the vehicle because it accommodated our whole family and the purpose for the rental and it was a really smooth and comfortable ride.

Cons:

The rental company should have cleaned the vehicle before renting it out. It was really dirty, inside and out, and my daughter found a used, dirty mask, that could have exposed us to Covid!!! There was dirt in the center council and in the storage compartments on the doors, and the vehicle looked like it hadn’t been vacuumed. Also, there were smudges/hand and fingerprints on the windows and center council. We really would expect a higher level of cleanliness during a time like this!!!

10,0 Wonderful

Anonymous, May 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

very good staff

1 out of 9

National

10,0

Best rated

Cleanliness

9.6

Comfort

10.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

9.3

Value for money

9.3

One location in Hilo

Show locations

Locations in Hilo

2350 Kekuanaoa St

+1 844 913 0732

Monday06:30 - 21:30
Tuesday06:30 - 21:30
Wednesday06:30 - 21:30
Thursday06:30 - 21:30
Friday06:30 - 21:30
Saturday06:30 - 21:30
Sunday06:30 - 21:30

Filters

Reviews

10,0 Wonderful

Rosie, Mar 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Very friendly, easy going and nice. Getting the car and returning it was easy and nice

Cons:

Nothing, wish there were deals on pricing

10,0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Aug 2022

KAYAK
Had an issue with the car several days into our vacation. Drove to the rental place and they had us in a new vehicle within 10 minutes. No hassle. No stress.

10,0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Dec 2021

KAYAK
Up graded but no charge, nice but took a few extra minutes to get vehicle delivered to us. Would have been faster to have us go get it.

1 out of 1

Alamo

9,2

Cleanliness

9.6

Comfort

9.4

Pick-up/Drop-off

9.3

Value for money

8.2

One location in Hilo

Show locations

Locations in Hilo

2350 Kekuanaoa St

+1 844 913 0734

Monday06:30 - 21:30
Tuesday06:30 - 21:30
Wednesday06:30 - 21:30
Thursday06:30 - 21:30
Friday06:30 - 21:30
Saturday06:30 - 21:30
Sunday06:30 - 21:30

Filters

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

10,0 Wonderful

Jim, May 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

They had a car for 1.5 days

Cons:

If they had cars available for most or all of my trip

8,0 Very Good

Anonymous, May 2021

KAYAK

Cons:

The staff at pick up was not Aloha friendly, but the staff at drop off was super nice and help to fill out turn in papers

10,0 Wonderful

Laura, Mar 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Great prices, friendly staff. Very fast and efficient check in and out.

Cons:

Nothing, this was the best car rental experience I have every had.

10,0 Wonderful

Mark, Feb 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

The pick up and drop off at the airport in Hilo was the easiest interaction with a rental car company I've ever had.

10,0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Jan 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

friendly staff, good selection of cars

10,0 Wonderful

Christopher, Jan 2023

Intermediate

KAYAK
The agent working the Alamo counter was very sweet. Her name was Rose. She was awesome. She made the car rental process so easy. Ty so much Rose! We had a great time in Hilo.

1 out of 5

Payless

9,0

Cleanliness

8.9

Comfort

8.9

Pick-up/Drop-off

9.3

Value for money

8.9

One location in Hilo

Show locations

Locations in Hilo

1 General Lyman Field

+1 808 961 0661

Monday06:00 - 21:00
Tuesday06:00 - 21:00
Wednesday06:00 - 21:00
Thursday06:00 - 21:00
Friday06:00 - 21:00
Saturday06:00 - 21:00
Sunday06:00 - 21:00

Filters

Reviews

10,0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Sept 2023

Compact

KAYAK
Very friendly staff Rose!

8,0 Very Good

Anonymous, May 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

The staff was very friendly. They had a cancellation on a mini-SUV and gave us a free upgrade.

Cons:

The vehicle could have been a little cleaner.

8,0 Very Good

Anonymous, Jul 2023

Intermediate

KAYAK
Very convenient location, but with only one person working the line can get long. Car was good and so was the price.

4,0 Mediocre

Anonymous, Jun 2023

Standard SUV

KAYAK
The first car felt like it had been in an accident so I returned it . The second car was brand new but it smelled like marijauna but I wasn’t sure what the smell was until I found a bud leaf on the floor of the back seat . So I have mixed thoughts about this experience! But overall I know life happens and my needs was met

8,0 Very Good

Anonymous, May 2023

Intermediate SUV

KAYAK
Good

10,0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Mar 2022

KAYAK
Friendly service!!

1 out of 2

Thrifty

8,7

Cleanliness

8.7

Comfort

8.9

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.7

Value for money

8.3

2 locations in Hilo

Show locations

Locations in Hilo

1 General Lyman Field

+1 877 283 0898

Monday06:30 - 21:30
Tuesday06:30 - 21:30
Wednesday06:30 - 21:30
Thursday06:30 - 21:30
Friday06:30 - 21:30
Saturday06:30 - 21:30
Sunday06:30 - 21:30

400 E Kawili Street

+1 808 934 0302

Monday07:00 - 17:00
Tuesday07:00 - 17:00
Wednesday07:00 - 17:00
Thursday07:00 - 17:00
Friday07:00 - 17:00

Filters

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

8,0 Very Good

Anonymous, Sept 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Employees were so incredibly friendly, vehicle was clean.

Cons:

Breakdown of charges on receipt. I wasn’t aware there would be an extra $200 hold and it scared me.

5,2 Fair

Anonymous, Feb 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Yes, and yes.

Cons:

The price of the rental could have been way better. The shock came with the added fees at the end of the rental...$91! It was already over $50 per day, and then I added a $10 per day upgrade to get a better car than a Spark. So that last chunk of money just added insult to injury.

6,4 Okay

Greg, Nov 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

Very friendly staff. Good price. Car mechanically ok.

Cons:

Car had a lot of scratches and dings. Interior reeked of smoke

8,0 Very Good

Anonymous, Jun 2022

KAYAK
The convenience, location and efficiency of Thrifty at Hilo was good.

10,0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Nov 2021

KAYAK
The car was clean, ran well and it had a full tank of gas.

1 out of 2

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

8,6

Cleanliness

9.1

Comfort

9.1

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.1

Value for money

8.7

2 locations in Hilo

Locations in Hilo

10 Halekauila St

+1 808 934 0359

Monday07:30 - 17:00
Tuesday07:30 - 17:00
Wednesday07:30 - 17:00
Thursday07:30 - 17:00
Friday07:30 - 17:00
Saturday00:00 - 00:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

2350 Kekuanaoa St

+1 844 913 0733

Monday06:30 - 21:30
Tuesday06:30 - 21:30
Wednesday06:30 - 21:30
Thursday06:30 - 21:30
Friday06:30 - 21:30
Saturday06:30 - 21:30
Sunday06:30 - 21:30

Filters

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

10,0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Dec 2023

Pick-up truck

KAYAK
The employees were all so nice. Great car. Great experience. Thank you Enterprise!

10,0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Dec 2023

Pick-up truck

KAYAK
Awesome customer service!

8,8 Very Good

Anonymous, Aug 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Friendly, helpful staff.

Cons:

The car we reserved was not ready and we had to wait about 30 minutes for them to prep another one. Since we had reserved it online, it should have been available.

10,0 Wonderful

Danee, Jul 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Staff very friendly and helpful. Great price through PriceLine.

Cons:

All the rental car places in Hilo close at 5pm. I had to rebook my flight after discovering that. They are 5 minutes away from the airport, which is why the price was so cheap. Had to take a cab to pick up the car (I called Enterprise from the airport to inquire about transportation), but they offered me a ride when I dropped off the car, which I didn’t need then. Curious why they didn’t offer me a ride from the airport v

10,0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Jun 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Very

Cons:

Nothing

6,4 Okay

Anonymous, Oct 2019

KAYAK

Cons:

Not at airport did not pick up or drop off, not 24 hours

Budget

8,0

Cleanliness

8.1

Comfort

8.5

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.4

Value for money

8.0

One location in Hilo

Locations in Hilo

1 General Lyman Field

+1 808 935 6878

Monday06:00 - 21:00
Tuesday06:00 - 21:00
Wednesday06:00 - 21:00
Thursday06:00 - 21:00
Friday06:00 - 21:00
Saturday06:00 - 21:00
Sunday06:00 - 21:00

Filters

Reviews

10,0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Aug 2024

Intermediate

KAYAK
My budget experience went really well. I was helped by Rosa at the Hilo international airport at the budget booth. She helped me find the best rates and get the best deal possible. This experience made me feel very comfortable and inclined to return for my next rental. I hand it to Rosa and her very professional and welcoming demeanor.

10,0 Wonderful

Kevin, Jan 2024

Supplier choice

KAYAK
Super nice attendant. Easy transaction and great car.

2,0 Poor

Anonymous, Sept 2023

Convertible

KAYAK
Had to return two separate cars due to mechanical issues. Cars were old with approx 50,000 miles in each. Tatty interiors with rips in chairs and peeling dashboard. Went with Avis in the end. Car much cleaner and cheaper too!

10,0 Wonderful

Anonymous, May 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Staff was super helpful and, as always, full of the aloha spirit!!🤙

Cons:

Nothing. All was excellent!

10,0 Wonderful

Mike, May 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Drop off was super easy; the staff was super helpful and very sweet as she upgraded us to a bigger vehicle during our stay. Couldn’t have asked for a more pleasant interaction.

Cons:

This is not on the staff but ensuring there is a new battery in the key fob is important... there were a couple of times where I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to lock/unlock the vehicle at some of our destinations. Spent $5 to replace the battery and it worked just fine afterwards.

10,0 Wonderful

Denise, Jul 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

She was nice

Cons:

although she was nice, she should have pointed out the rates, bcoz the counter girl surely made sure i noticed it now that im away from the counter.

Avis

4,5

Cleanliness

4.8

Comfort

5.6

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.4

Value for money

5.6

One location in Hilo

Locations in Hilo

1 General Lyman Field

+1 808 935 1298

Monday06:00 - 21:00
Tuesday06:00 - 21:00
Wednesday06:00 - 21:00
Thursday06:00 - 21:00
Friday06:00 - 21:00
Saturday06:00 - 21:00
Sunday06:00 - 21:00

Filters

Reviews

4,0 Mediocre

Anonymous, Mar 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

They were quick to replace the offered car, they were polite and efficient when dropping car.

Cons:

Not offered us a car which was undriveable due to a damaged front fender which was rubbing front wheel. The cars, inc replacement were filthy.

10,0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Sept 2023

Supplier choice

KAYAK
It was the third time we rented a car from Avis and the second time in Hilo. The cars always came clean and were good cars.

4,0 Mediocre

Gao, Feb 2023

Economy

KAYAK
We just didn’t get the ford forte we reserved and got a mini van for 2 people.

Easirent

4,6

Mediocre

One location in Hilo

Locations in Hilo

Hilo International Airport

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

GREEN MOTION

3,8

Poor

One location in Hilo

Locations in Hilo

709 Kanoelehua Avenue

+1 808 480 3802

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

AutoEurope

No score available yet

One location in Hilo

Locations in Hilo

Hilo International Airport

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Sunnycars

No score available yet

One location in Hilo

Locations in Hilo

2350 Kekuanaoa St

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

VIPCars Recommendation

No score available yet

One location in Hilo

Locations in Hilo

131 Kekuanaoa St, 131 Kekuanaoa Pl., Hilo, , USA Hawaii

+1 914 368 0091

Monday06:30 - 21:30
Tuesday06:30 - 21:30
Wednesday06:30 - 21:30
Thursday06:30 - 21:30
Friday06:30 - 21:30
Saturday06:30 - 21:30
Sunday06:30 - 21:30

Filters

No reviews available

167 travellers who hired a car in Hilo gave the car agency they used an average rating of 4.6

Car hire locations in or near Hilo

When to book a car hire in Hilo

Average daily price per month
Car hire prices as pick-up date approaches

Hilo car hire information

Pick-up locationHilo
Car types
Hire locations19
Airport locations15