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Hilo car rentals

Driver's age: 26-65
Tue 4/30
Tue 5/7

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Hilo car rental information

Pick-up locationHilo
Car types
Rental locations16
Airport locations14

Cheap car rentals in Hilo

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Mini
Economy
Compact
Intermediate
Standard
Full-size
Luxury
Minivan
Passenger van
SUV
Commercial
Pickup Truck

KAYAK’s top tips for renting 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.
  • 25% of our users found rental cars in Hilo for ₱2,989 or less
  • Book your rental car in Hilo at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
  • Intermediate rental cars in Hilo are around 7% cheaper than other car types, on average

Hilo car rental experiences: the best tips from KAYAK users

Insights shared by verified travelers who rented 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 travelerSep 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 renting 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 does it cost to rent a car in Hilo?

    On average a rental car in Hilo costs ₱3,001 per day.

  • How much is gas price in Hilo?

    The average gas price in Hilo is ₱221.69 per gallon over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between ₱2,660 and ₱3,547, depending on the car size.

  • What is the most popular rental car in Hilo?

    Intermediate (Nissan Rogue or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Hilo.

  • Which car rental companies are at Hilo Intl airport (ITO)?

    The only car rental company onsite at Hilo Intl airport is Thrifty.

  • Which car rental companies will pick you up at Hilo Intl airport (ITO)?

    The only car rental company that offers shuttle or pick-up services from Hilo Intl airport to off-airport locations is Thrifty.

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

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

  • How much does an Intermediate car rental cost in Hilo?

    An Intermediate car rental in Hilo costs ₱4,279 per day, on average.

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

    A Standard car rental in Hilo costs ₱3,308 per day, on average.

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

    A Special car rental in Hilo costs ₱5,052 per day, on average.

  • How much does it cost to rent a car for a week in Hilo?

    On average a rental car in Hilo costs ₱21,009 per week (₱3,001 per day).

  • How much does it cost to rent a car long term for a month in Hilo?

    On average a rental car in Hilo costs ₱90,040 per month (₱3,001 per day).

Hilo car rental reviews and directory

Hertz

8.7

Very good

145 reviews

Cleanliness

8.9

Comfort

8.7

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.8

Value for money

8.5

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

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

May 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Staff was very accommodating, rental was top notch!

Cons:

The website is not very user friendly

2.0 Poor

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

Feb 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Yes

Cons:

They were very fast and efficient.

8.0 Very good

Nov 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

The vehicle was ver clean and comfortable.

Cons:

The counter person was impersonal and unfriendly.

10.0 Wonderful

Jun 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

Ease of picking up and dropping off. Shuttle driver and staff were very helpful

1 out of 23

Alamo

9.0

Wonderful

90 reviews
Best rated

Cleanliness

9.3

Comfort

9.2

Pick-up/Drop-off

9.2

Value for money

8.3

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

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

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

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

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

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

Jan 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

friendly staff, good selection of cars

8.8 Very good

Sep 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

Very organised, great offer of options, friendly stuff.

Cons:

Better understanding of costumers needs.

1 out of 12

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

8.4

Very good

56 reviews

Cleanliness

8.7

Comfort

9.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.0

Value for money

8.5

2 locations in Hilo

Show locations

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

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Dec 2023

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

10.0 Wonderful

Dec 2023

KAYAK
Awesome customer service!

8.8 Very good

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

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

Jun 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Very

Cons:

Nothing

6.4 Okay

Oct 2019

KAYAK

Cons:

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

1 out of 11

Thrifty

8.3

Very good

31 reviews
Cheapest deal
Most popular

Cleanliness

8.4

Comfort

8.5

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.4

Value for money

7.7

One location 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

Filters

Reviews

8.0 Very good

Sep 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

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

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

2.0 Poor

Aug 2019

KAYAK

Cons:

There was a long line and only one representative. She was still working on the first person after 10 minutes, then she went to another desk to take in a return. We went to National and drove away before she got to the second person. We were number six.

2.0 Poor

Apr 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

Nothing they couldn’t honor our reservation didn’t have a car ready for us...

Cons:

They could have let us know in advance if they wouldn’t have a car for us...

10.0 Wonderful

Jan 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

Great, fast online process and terrific service at checkin and checkout!

1 out of 5

Budget

8.0

Very good

35 reviews

Cleanliness

8.1

Comfort

8.4

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.3

Value for money

7.8

One location in Hilo

Show locations

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

Jan 2024

KAYAK
Super nice attendant. Easy transaction and great car.

2.0 Poor

Sep 2023

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

May 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

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

Cons:

Nothing. All was excellent!

10.0 Wonderful

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

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.

6.4 Okay

Aug 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

Staff rushes you and does not make you feel valued, then again local people seem to not like tourist.

Cons:

A sense of friendly from the staff in Hilo would be nice. They are very unwelcoming.

1 out of 6

Dollar

7.5

Cleanliness

7.9

Comfort

8.1

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.9

Value for money

7.1

One location 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

Filters

Reviews

8.0 Very good

Oct 2023

KAYAK
No Problems

10.0 Wonderful

Oct 2023

KAYAK
Excellent - best car rental

1.9 Poor

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

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

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

May 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

very good staff

1 out of 11

National

10.0

Wonderful

21 reviews

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

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

9.2 Wonderful

Mar 2018

KAYAK

Pros:

Fast, friendly service. No issues checking in or out. A little pricey but would definitely rent from them again.

8.8 Very good

Mar 2018

KAYAK

Pros:

Friendly service

10.0 Wonderful

Feb 2018

KAYAK

Pros:

Su at the Hilo airport National car rental was absolutely AWESOME! She saved our trip and was so kind. Thank you Su.

Cons:

We rented a jeep and it had no running boards which made it hard for my wife to get in out. Also it had manual locks and manual windows.

10.0 Wonderful

Feb 2018

KAYAK

Pros:

Very quick and easy to pick up and return at Hilo. Recommend!

10.0 Wonderful

Aug 2017

KAYAK

Pros:

Great service and friendly!

Cons:

Nothing great experience

1 out of 5

Payless

9.0

Wonderful

26 reviews

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

Sep 2023

KAYAK
Very friendly staff Rose!

8.0 Very good

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.

9.6 Wonderful

Mar 2019

KAYAK

Cons:

Everything was cool

6.0 Okay

Oct 2017

KAYAK

Pros:

Nice people

Cons:

I booked an Audi convertible but was left with a Mustang. sobI switched to a hard top sedan because Mustangs are so uncomfortable.

10.0 Wonderful

Jul 2017

KAYAK

Pros:

Quick and easy

10.0 Wonderful

Nov 2016

KAYAK

Pros:

Easiest rental experience ever...so easy that I am horrified at all my previous airport rental experiences that are thought were "okay." Friendly service, fast paperwork, upgrade (very exciting) and we were off on our Hawaiian adventure in just a few minutes. Payless is curbside at the airport in Hilo, and after you walk right up to the attendant, we walked across the access road and there was our car waiting in the second row. Couldn't have been easier. I didn't get any "up sell" on insurance or coverage after firmly saying I wasn't interested. Easy drop off as well. In and out of the Payless booth in less than 5 minutes. Again, pleasant attendants and I will definitely use this company again!

1 out of 4

Avis

4.5

Mediocre

7 reviews

Cleanliness

4.8

Comfort

5.6

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.4

Value for money

5.6

One location in Hilo

Show locations

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

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

Sep 2023

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

Feb 2023

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

1 out of 1

Easirent

4.6

Mediocre

No reviews available

One location in Hilo

Show locations

Locations in Hilo

Hilo International Airport

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Sunnycars

No score available yet

2 locations in Hilo

Show locations

Locations in Hilo

1363 Kekuanaoa Street

Opening times not available

Hilo International APT

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

AutoEurope

No score available yet

One location in Hilo

Show locations

Locations in Hilo

Hilo International Airport

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

476 travelers who rented a car in Hilo gave the car agency they used an average rating of 4.9

Car rental locations in or near Hilo

Good to know

Most popular agency

Thrifty

Most popular car type

Intermediate

Average price

₱3,001/day

Good deal

₱2,989/day

When to book a rental car in Hilo

Average daily price per month
Rental car prices as pick-up date approaches