This price is the cheapest per day rate found by a KAYAK user in the last 48 hours by searching for a car rental in Kailua-Kona with a pick-up date of 6/23 and drop-off date of 6/30. Fares are subject to change and may not be available at all agencies or on all dates of rental. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
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KAYAK’s insights & trends for Kailua-Kona car rentals
Check out the latest trends and booking tips to rent a car in Kailua-Kona with confidence.
How far in advance should you book a rental car in Kailua-Kona?
You should book your rental car in Kailua-Kona around 87 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.
What is the cheapest car rental company in Kailua-Kona?
In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at Movly ($31.19/day), Dollar ($33.56/day) and Thrifty ($34.58/day). The cheapest rental car price was found at Movly, Kona International Airport (7.5 mi from city center).
What is the most popular rental car in Kailua-Kona?
Rentals in the SUV category (Chevrolet Blazer or similar) are the most popular option in Kailua-Kona, costing $75/day on average. Some users have found deals as low as $56/day.
What is the cheapest month to rent a car in Kailua-Kona?
The cheapest month to rent a car in Kailua-Kona is September at an average cost of $51/day. December is the most expensive month to rent a car in Kailua-Kona when prices are $82/day on average, which tends to be 30% above the yearly average rental price for Kailua-Kona.
What rental car company in Kailua-Kona has the most locations?
Mauka Hualalai Rentals operates 2 locations in Kailua-Kona, more than any other rental company.
Kailua-Kona car rental price comparison by vehicle type
Find the right rental car in Kailua-Kona by comparing prices across vehicle types.
Small
Medium
Large
SUV
Van
Pickup truck
Luxury
Convertible
Small cars
$41 - $70
All Car Types
$63 - $112
How much does it cost to rent a small car in Kailua-Kona?
How much does it cost to rent a medium car in Kailua-Kona?
How much does it cost to rent a large car in Kailua-Kona?
How much does it cost to rent an SUV in Kailua-Kona?
How much does it cost to rent a van in Kailua-Kona?
How much does it cost to rent a pickup truck in Kailua-Kona?
How much does it cost to rent a luxury car in Kailua-Kona?
How much does it cost to rent a convertible in Kailua-Kona?
Small car rentals in Kailua-Kona typically cost around $52 per day. The best time to book is May, when prices average $41 per day which is about 22% less than the yearly average. Small cars are usually 35% cheaper than the average rental in Kailua-Kona, making them ideal for budget-conscious travelers.
Medium car rentals in Kailua-Kona typically cost around $66 per day. The best time to book is October, when prices average $53 per day which is about 20% less than the yearly average. Medium cars are usually 18% cheaper than the average rental in Kailua-Kona, offering a good balance of space and value.
Large car rentals in Kailua-Kona typically cost around $61 per day. The best time to book is September, when prices average $47 per day which is about 23% less than the yearly average. Large cars can be 24% cheaper than the average rental in Kailua-Kona, offering more comfort for longer trips at a valuable price.
SUV rentals in Kailua-Kona typically cost around $83 per day. The best time to book is September, when prices average $64 per day which is about 23% less than the yearly average. SUVs are typically 4% more expensive than the average rental in Kailua-Kona, but provide extra space and capability for groups or road trips.
Van rentals in Kailua-Kona typically cost around $114 per day. The best time to book is May, when prices average $86 per day which is about 25% less than the yearly average. Vans are typically 30% more expensive than the average rental in Kailua-Kona, but are the best choice for families or groups needing maximum passenger capacity.
Pickup truck rentals in Kailua-Kona typically cost around $95 per day. The best time to book is September, when prices average $81 per day which is about 15% less than the yearly average. Pickup trucks are typically 16% more expensive than the average rental in Kailua-Kona, ideal for hauling gear or outdoor adventures.
Luxury car rentals in Kailua-Kona typically cost around $98 per day. The best time to book is September, when prices average $65 per day which is about 34% less than the yearly average. Luxury cars are typically 19% more expensive than the average rental in Kailua-Kona, but deliver premium comfort and style for special occasions.
Convertible rentals in Kailua-Kona typically cost around $85 per day. The best time to book is September, when prices average $66 per day which is about 23% less than the yearly average. Convertibles are typically 6% more expensive than the average rental in Kailua-Kona, perfect for scenic drives and warm-weather destinations.
Good to know
Most popular agency
Most popular car type
Average price
Good deal
Budget
Medium
$65/day
$48/day
Kailua-Kona car rental experiences: the best tips from KAYAK users
Insights shared by verified travelers who rented a car in Kailua-Kona
Shop around. We used QEEQ for the price we got and is was much better (several $100) than other seach engines or the actual car rental website. But our son told us that the 3rd part ones can be a problem if anything goes wrong
Verified travelerAug 2025
Book the car that suits your needs, and travel plans. Advise them in advance if plans change, Return the car in the same condition you received it in. Clean, fueled and on time.
DavidAug 2025
Jeep if they’ll allow you to go off road. Take it and summit Mauna Kea.
Verified travelerMar 2025
Better to book a smaller vehicle-I rented a larger size SUV and most parking spaces in Kona are for compact cars-!
Verified travelerAug 2024
I recommend a vehicle with higher clearance due to the off road conditions that can exist on island.
Verified travelerJul 2024
You definitely 4WD to get around all the volcanic roads.
Verified travelerMar 2024
You can walk to the rental cars faster than you can take a shuttle.
Verified travelerJan 2024
Buy the insurance, people drive a little crazy there and I witnessed an accident in the parking lot.
Verified travelerDec 2023
Always add an extra 15-30 minutes for the small town traffic and trying to find parking!
Verified travelerOct 2023
You can park across the street from most places and not have to deal with the parking website and pay $15-$20 per spot. Check out the mom and pop restaurants and coffee places. Ask the locals where’s a good place to eat? We had wonderful experience. Check out everything and have a good time and buy the trinkets on the last day.
BlakeAug 2023
It’s island driving so be ready for a slower lifestyle and relax.
JustinAug 2023
Great place to visit. Parking was easy to find
TroyJul 2023
Double check to make sure the car you are renting is from the airport otherwise you may have to Uber into town.
Verified travelerAug 2023
Try to avoid picking up during peak hours.
johnMay 2023
Driving very easy and people are generally very courteous. Follow the speed limits on open roads.
Verified travelerMay 2023
Driving on the big island was very good...not nearly as busy as Honolulu.
KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in Kailua-Kona
Renting a car certainly adds another dimension to any trip to Hawaii. With a car you can get around the island cheaply and quickly. This is particularly so for visitors to Kailua Kona, as from the town you can go by car to both Rainbow Falls State Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. You could also take the chance to drive up the summit of Mauna Kea.
Is picking up the rental car step one of your trip to Hawaii? Well, if your flight lands at Kona International Airport, you will find all rental car facilities are actually located off-site, and you will need to take a shuttle to them. However, this will not be a big problem, thanks to the continuous shuttle pick up and drop off; no matter when your plane lands, the wait shouldn’t be more than a minute or two.
If you are looking to drive down Saddle Road on the Big Island, one thing to keep in mind is that, at times, the radio options can become quite limited and even occasionally non-existent. Thus, it is highly advised to bring a few CDs or other means of music just to keep yourself and your passengers as you loop around the island.
While Kailua-Kona may not have full-on rush hour, the town does occasionally experience varying degrees of traffic and congestion. In particular, Highway 11 and Henry Street can become backed up and bogged down during peak hours from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Before you can start exploring the beautiful scenery in Kailua-Kona car rentals, it is important to know about the seatbelt laws that exist in Hawaii. Hawaii has a universal seatbelt law, which states that all passengers in the vehicle must be in a seatbelt. Toddlers must be restrained in an approved child safety seat, while kids under eight must ride in an age-appropriate booster chair. Violators of this law risk fines and having to attend mandatory driving classes.
If you are someone that loves to use your phone, there are important rules you need to know about before operating car rentals in Kailua-Kona. It is against the law in the state of Hawaii for someone operating a vehicle to use any type of mobile or electronic device. This means that drivers cannot talk, text, send an email, or browse social media or the web while they are driving. Even though you can, in most cases, use your phone if it’s hands-free enabled, you cannot do so when stopped at either a red light or stop sign.
While it’s easier to pick up a cheap car rental in Kailua-Kona on arrival at the airport, the airport fees charged to car hire companies often make on-site rentals pricier. If you’re traveling on a budget, you can find a couple of convenient off-site rental locations right in the heart of Kailua-Kona. For example, there’s an Enterprise Rent-A-Car agency along 74-5583 Luhia Street and a Thrifty office on 75-5660 Palani Road. There are also lesser-known car hire companies in downtown Kailua-Kona that cater to budget-weary travelers. However, it’s best to hire cheap car rentals in Kailua-Kona from well-known car companies like Avis and Dollar, which are located on 73-361 and 73-200 Kupipi Street, respectively.
25% of our users found rental cars in Kailua-Kona for $48 or less
Small rental cars in Kailua-Kona are around 44% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about renting a car in Kailua-Kona
What type of car is recommended for driving in Kailua-Kona?
For the most part, any size vehicle will be perfectly suitable for Kailua Kona. However, more adventurous tourists may want to consider renting a 4WD vehicle, such as a Jeep, so they can take advantage of the smaller roads in the outlying areas of the island. Parking also won’t be an issue for even the largest of vehicles, so there are no limiting factors on that front.
What’s the speed limit in Kailua-Kona?
In comparison to other states in the U.S., Hawaii has particularly low speed limits, with the highest speed limits on highways (a mere 60 mph). However, aside from the low highway speeds, the speed limits are mostly the same as they are in other parts of the U.S. In general, drivers can expect speed limits of 25 mph to 40 mph on urban roads. It should also be noted that many of the mountainous roads have very low speed limits that can vary widely, so prepare to have to drive slowly.
Where are the best places to park in Kailua-Kona?
Parking is abundantly available in Kailua Kona. There are plenty of parking garages, lots, and spaces for streetside parking in all areas of the town -- including right by the beach. Drivers should have no issue finding parking no matter where they go in town.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Kailua-Kona?
On average a rental car in Kailua-Kona costs $65 per day. But prices differ between operators and you can save money through a price comparison of car rental deals from different agencies. The cheapest price for a car rental in Kailua-Kona found in the last 2 weeks is $58.
Which car rental companies are at Kona Intl airport (KOA)?
How much does a Medium car rental cost in Kailua-Kona?
A Medium car rental in Kailua-Kona costs $74 per day, on average.
How much does a Large car rental cost in Kailua-Kona?
A Large car rental in Kailua-Kona costs $94 per day, on average.
How much does a Special car rental cost in Kailua-Kona?
A Special car rental in Kailua-Kona costs $56 per day, on average.
Should I get insurance when renting a car in Kailua-Kona?
Most car rental providers in Kailua-Kona offer insurance but the level of protection can differ substantially. If you're unsure whether to get extra protection for your car rental in Kailua-Kona, check out KAYAK's car rental insurance guide.
How many car agencies are operating in Kailua-Kona?
KAYAK has deals for you to compare from 16 car rental agencies in Kailua-Kona.
What do I need to know before booking a car rental in Kailua-Kona?
Finding the right price, understanding the add-ons and staying up to date with policy changes can be a challenge. That’s why KAYAK has produced the ultimate guide to renting a car to help you cut though the jargon and make the right choice for your rental car. Find tips and insights for how to book your rental, what car rental insurance you’ll need, how to deal with a car rental agency and what extra fees to expect (and avoid!).
Why should I use KAYAK to rent a car in Kailua-Kona?
KAYAK searches thousands of car rental agencies to provide you with offers from all car rental agencies operating in Kailua-Kona so that you can compare car rental rates, reviews and pick-up and drop-off locations to find the best deal for you.
Where can I fuel my Kailua-Kona car rental?
You’ll need a full tank of gas to venture out to top local attractions, such as the Mauna Kea Summit, Kanaloa Octopus Farm, and Manini’owali Beach, to mention a few. You can fuel at Aloha Gas on 75-934, the Shell gas station along 75-5675 Kuakini Highway, Texaco on 74-5035 Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway, or the Hawaii Petroleum Inc. HFN along 74-5558 Kaiwi Street.
How do I navigate between the islands in Hawaii?
Hawaii is in the middle of the Pacific Ocean with no land connection to the nearest California coast or mainland U.S. It’s, therefore, advisable to hire separate cheap car rentals in Kailua-Kona to travel between resort islands such as Maui, Hawai’i, O’ahu, Kauai, Lanai, and more.
Vehicle was very dirty!!! Was not worth paying for a filthy car
8.0 Very good
Charles, May 2026
Intermediate SUV
Friendly staff
6.0 Okay
Anonymous, May 2026
Open air all terrain
Cost was not calculated correctly, I got charged $500 dollars at the end.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, May 2026
Intermediate
The wait in line to rent our car was about 90 minutes. Then we waited over 30 minutes outside the building as we were told the car was being cleaned. When the car was finally delivered the interior was not clean, and the car exterior was still wet.
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, May 2026
Minivan
Excellent customer service. We had a car which was not washed but the staff and management took care of it very efficiently and was very professional in maintaining the care and customer service expected. Mahalo
4.0 Mediocre
Anonymous, Apr 2026
Intermediate SUV
The vehicle was filthy inside and out when I picked it up. Plus it had dents/exterior damage. No personnel to do an inspection at time of pickup. Counter agent was terse. Worst car rental experience I have ever had to date.
Long wait time for pick up. Key fob died during rental use
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Feb 2026
Intermediate
Charged falsely for gas tank not being full
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Aug 2024
Compact SUV
Vehicle was clean and fast for check in and check out. Was charged exactly what was advertised. Very friendly staff.
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Jul 2024
Standard SUV
Great service-checkin and check out! Mahalo for everything!
8.0 Very good
Anonymous, Jul 2024
Compact SUV
Car was clean and well-maintained. My flight arrived early and my car was not ready yet, so they convinced me to upgrade to a bigger, more expensive car which I regret as I did not need a bigger car. Otherwise all was good and car was great.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Jun 2024
Compact SUV
Was charged over 100 dollars more than what had been stated on my initial reservation because of a damage waiver they did not tell me about.
I been renting with Alamo Rent A car in Kona and they always been excellent customer service. Very helpful and friendly staff .
4.0 Mediocre
Adam, Oct 2024
Convertible
Car was not clean. Water spots all over windows. Had to clean inside windows to see out. Staff didn't care. Also, parts were broken on door handle, lots of dents and scratches on car. Lots of small hairs on dash board? Staff generally seemed annoyed to have to get up from sitting around. Inside Staff were helpful, not outside.
10.0 Wonderful
Craig, Aug 2024
Convertible
Very smooth experience - less than 15 minutes from arriving to driving away. Team at Alamo friendly and helpful.
They were VERY uncooperative with working with airline cancellations--to the point of cancelling our reservation when we could not pick the car up in Kona Hawaii due to being stuck in LA because our flight was cancelled,m
Car was great. Very clean. Check in was very slow. One person working and he took forever!
4.0 Mediocre
Anonymous, Oct 2023
Intermediate
Bald tires, worn brakes, stunk like who know what. Staff was great at pick up. Drop off guys computer had to be restarted a couple times. Kona and the people were fantastic.
We rented 2 cars for our group and one of the cars was incorrect. We ordered a “Chevrolet Suburban or similar” and got a minivan. Mistakes happen but the man working the pick up counter at the airport in Kona was the rudest customer service person I have ever dealt with. It was appalling. I wouldn’t rent through Hertz again because of this person.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Aug 2024
Premium SUV
Tended to several people that arrived after me before helping me. Then I had to wait 30 minutes for them to bring me my vehicle. They were not busy at the time with only a couple other people who got their vehicles much faster.
8.0 Very good
Anonymous, Jun 2024
Minivan
Quick and easy. Note if you don't book as a gold member you would have to pay for your spouse to be able to drive.
10.0 Wonderful
sue, May 2024
Intermediate SUV
When I was email or texted the number parking spot my car was in , my car was not there. Had to go in the office and get another car. Dropping off was excellent.
It was a fast process to get and drop off my rental.
10.0 Wonderful
Maria, Jun 2024
Supplier choice
Overall good, long shuttle wait.
2.0 Poor
Tillmann, Mar 2024
Full-size SUV
Didn’t even get the car. Ended up running over to enterprise to get a different rental. First, shuttle bus didn’t come, then super long line. The worst! Will never book with them again
10.0 Wonderful
Kevin, Nov 2023
Intermediate SUV
Got a flat tire and thriftys exchanged cars without and problems!
6.0 Okay
Anonymous, Oct 2023
Supplier choice
Pick up took forever Shouldnt take so long in 2023
There is a charge of $250 on my CC from the day I dropped off the car. Why? I 100% fueled the car, shook out the sand from the floor mat, and left the car clean. They said everything was okay at drop off and did not say that there would be a $250 charge. What is the deal? Please correct and let me know, $250 is not nothing.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Feb 2026
Intermediate SUV
The rental car was dirty with a used water bottle in the back seat and filled with a colony of live roaches. The roaches were visible and scattered virtually every time we entered the car. They were on the seats, floor, dashboard, our clothes, and empty cups. Then Avis charged us an extra $1800 without our knowledge. When we called to complain, they said it was because we upgraded, but the only reason we had the roach infested jeep was because they had given out our car. Then they said it was because we were late to pickup (our plane was delayed 20 minutes).
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Feb 2026
Intermediate SUV
They did not have the car we reserved so they gave us a a jeep. It was filled with a colony of live roaches which were openly crawling around the car. When we returned the car Avis charged us an extra $1800 without our knowledge. When we called to complain, Avis said it was because we “upgraded.”
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Nov 2025
Full-size
first car was fine. somewhat well used but good on gas. after a week or so there was somesort of "fire" under the passenger seat, maybe some wire burned. it was very fast and we saw some smoke and smelled something burning. It was gone about as fast as it happened. Got a replacement car. Lady said it was new 2025 and was an upgrade. Kia telluride. It was nicer and better other than used more gas. That was our only issue. Everything else was good
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Feb 2024
Standard SUV
They didn't have the vehicle promised. Not ok
2.0 Poor
GLENN, Jan 2024
Convertible
Terrible customer service!!!!will never choose Avis again and I’m a preferred Avis customer that was treated poorly
Turo, Thrifty, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Movly, Dollar
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