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 Lihue with a pick-up date of 7/3 and drop-off date of 7/31. 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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How far in advance should you book a rental car in Lihue?
You should book your rental car in Lihue around 89 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.
What is the cheapest car rental company in Lihue?
In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at Dollar ($38.43/day), NU Car ($42.34/day) and Rent-A-Wreck ($43.14/day). The cheapest rental car price was found at Dollar, 3250 Hoolimalima Place (1.5 mi from city center).
What is the most popular rental car in Lihue?
Rentals in the Medium category (Kia Optima or similar) are the most popular option in Lihue, costing $65/day on average. Some users have found deals as low as $49/day.
What is the cheapest month to rent a car in Lihue?
The cheapest month to rent a car in Lihue is November at an average cost of $51/day. December is the most expensive month to rent a car in Lihue when prices are $92/day on average, which tends to be 50% above the yearly average rental price for Lihue.
Find the right rental car in Lihue by comparing prices across vehicle types.
Small
Medium
Large
SUV
Van
Pickup truck
Luxury
Convertible
Small cars
$41 - $94
All Car Types
$68 - $113
How much does it cost to rent a small car in Lihue?
How much does it cost to rent a medium car in Lihue?
How much does it cost to rent a large car in Lihue?
How much does it cost to rent an SUV in Lihue?
How much does it cost to rent a van in Lihue?
How much does it cost to rent a pickup truck in Lihue?
How much does it cost to rent a luxury car in Lihue?
How much does it cost to rent a convertible in Lihue?
Small car rentals in Lihue typically cost around $53 per day. The best time to book is September, when prices average $41 per day which is about 23% less than the yearly average. Small cars are usually 33% cheaper than the average rental in Lihue, making them ideal for budget-conscious travelers.
Medium car rentals in Lihue typically cost around $67 per day. The best time to book is October, when prices average $58 per day which is about 14% less than the yearly average. Medium cars are usually 15% cheaper than the average rental in Lihue, offering a good balance of space and value.
Large car rentals in Lihue typically cost around $74 per day. The best time to book is October, when prices average $62 per day which is about 17% less than the yearly average. Large cars can be 6% cheaper than the average rental in Lihue, offering more comfort for longer trips at a valuable price.
SUV rentals in Lihue typically cost around $86 per day. The best time to book is October, when prices average $69 per day which is about 20% less than the yearly average. SUVs are typically 10% more expensive than the average rental in Lihue, but provide extra space and capability for groups or road trips.
Van rentals in Lihue typically cost around $103 per day. The best time to book is October, when prices average $81 per day which is about 22% less than the yearly average. Vans are typically 25% more expensive than the average rental in Lihue, but are the best choice for families or groups needing maximum passenger capacity.
Pickup truck rentals in Lihue typically cost around $81 per day. The best time to book is September, when prices average $62 per day which is about 24% less than the yearly average. Pickup trucks are typically 4% more expensive than the average rental in Lihue, ideal for hauling gear or outdoor adventures.
Luxury car rentals in Lihue typically cost around $96 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average $84 per day which is about 13% less than the yearly average. Luxury cars are typically 19% more expensive than the average rental in Lihue, but deliver premium comfort and style for special occasions.
Convertible rentals in Lihue typically cost around $80 per day. The best time to book is September, when prices average $60 per day which is about 25% less than the yearly average. Convertibles are typically 3% more expensive than the average rental in Lihue, perfect for scenic drives and warm-weather destinations.
Good to know
Most popular agency
Most popular car type
Average price
Good deal
Thrifty
Medium
$62/day
$50/day
Lihue car rental experiences: the best tips from KAYAK users
Insights shared by verified travelers who rented a car in Lihue
Check location of rental car. Wrong airport was offered.
NancyFeb 2025
If you’re renting a home in Poipu, check steepness of driveway. Our car’s clearance was an issue when fully loaded because of how steep the driveway was.
WilliamNov 2024
Avoid picking up rental cars during peak times, may end up waiting in line for an hr or more.
Verified travelerNov 2024
They try to upsell you everything under the sun, including toll passes when there are no toll roads in Lihue. Just be sure of what you're paying for because they do not clearly disclose costs in advance.
Verified travelerJul 2024
Sixt is not on the airport property and is about a 10 minute shuttle ride. Also make sure to have your receipt as Sixt did not honor the rental agreement I had prepaid for.
Verified travelerMay 2024
We rented the Chrysler Pacifica because we needed extra space for our 6 passengers. The rental car pick up and drop off area is close to the airport.
Verified travelerFeb 2024
Rent in advance and check all renting sites. We got a bran new dodge Ram for 100$ a day. Gas is more expensive, but man was it cheaper than anything else.
Verified travelerDec 2023
Traffic can be bad at times, so I suggest getting a place right in the middle of the island, so you can see the best of both the north and south side has to offer. Also, if you can leave the car and walk to the place, that would be best.
Verified travelerDec 2023
Driving on Kauai is ok. Don’t be in a hurry. Lots of 25-35mph zones and two lane roads. Roads in good repair mostly and only a few traffic headaches. Pretty easy to get around on a very busy holiday week. Going off hours helps
Verified travelerDec 2023
Be prepared to wait, and only have the renter go inside to wait in line. Also, bring your Costco card as there is a Costco gas station on your way back to the airport.
Verified travelerFeb 2024
Be prepared for some slow driving and traffic. Speed limits are low and most roads are two lanes.
Verified travelerDec 2023
It rains a lot so plan on delays.
KendallNov 2023
A car is a car. It worked. But go for a 4x4 to explore. A car for a resort.
Verified travelerOct 2023
Give them a map, Be patient! Use CarPlay connected to your phone for getting aroun!
TeresaOct 2023
Find a rental car company that allows pre-check in or has the best reviews
Verified travelerJun 2023
Do not be put-off that the Lihue office is off-site from the airport. It is very close and the shuttle service was excellent in our experience.
Verified travelerJul 2023
Driving was safe ,nobody speed ,just should be careful on parking lot in the little tourist town’s, parking very tight and a lot of cars
CorrieAug 2023
Hertz was great- easy shuttle ride to rental terminal. Bathroom and water/ snacks available too.
Verified travelerJul 2023
Sixt is a great resource to rent a car. A+ Service and quality
FrankJun 2023
Driving in Lihue is cool. Just follow the rules.
RonJun 2023
The island is great. This is a beautiful place
BarryJul 2023
Get the Fast Pass when booking your car
Verified travelerAug 2023
Using the vehicle navigation system was very helpful.
ChelseaJul 2023
Narrow roads sometimes and a lot of bridges that support one direction of traffic at a time. Just make sure you respect the rule of allowing 5-7 cars at a time on the bridges.
Verified travelerAug 2023
All rental car companies pick up at the same location. The signs don’t make it clear but the pickup van will arrive.
NathanAug 2023
Ensure your car is completely full before returning.
KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in Lihue
Kauai has limited public transportation so if you are visiting, a rental car is really important. First, you’ll need a car to get around to restaurants, shops, and grocery stores. Additionally, numerous beaches and some of the more popular attractions like Waimea Canyon, Grove Farm, and Kauai Museum are a good distance from most hotels and resorts.
Visiting Hawaii is a dream vacation for many. Kauai’s capital city, Lihue, is home to the largest and the most popular airport in the state. If flying into the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, you’ll enjoy many conveniences, including six on-site rental car companies. The rental car offices are located outside of baggage claim. Access to other rental car agencies is also possible via a shuttle.
In Kauai there are lots of bicyclists and pedestrians. While driving, you’ll need to keep an eye out for them. Additionally, note that there are some one-lane bridges on the island. Read up on one lane bridge etiquette before driving on one to be prepared.
If you live in a big city, you’ll feel as though there is little to no rush hour in Lihue. However, the busiest traffic time in Lihue starts in the morning at about 7 a.m., when residents are headed to work, and continues through around 8:30 a.m. The evening commute begins a little earlier than in most other cities (around 3:30 p.m.) and continues to about 6 p.m.
One crucial thing that drivers need to know about before heading off in car rentals in Lihue are the seatbelt laws that exist in the state of Hawaii. Hawaii has a universal seatbelt law. This law states that all passengers in the vehicle, no matter whether they are riding in the front or backseat of the vehicle, must buckle up while driving. Any child that is four years of age or less needs to ride in a child safety seat. Children that are between the ages of four and eight must ride in either a booster seat or an appropriate child safety seat.
Hawaii has very specific laws about texting and driving that drivers should be aware of before hopping behind the wheel of car rentals in Lihue. When driving a vehicle in Hawaii, you may not use a mobile electronic device. This means that you may not text, email, browse social media, or use any type of music devices in your phone while you are driving a vehicle. The law also states that you cannot use your device when you are at a stop sign or red light. You can use your mobile device so long as you're doing so in a hands-free manner.
Besides all the natural beauty that exists in the state of Hawaii there are also some great annual events that make a fantastic reason to get Lihue car rentals. For about 10 days every year in July, you will find the Koloa Plantation Days that take place in Old Koloa Town. This event focuses on the history of the area and offers Hawaiian music and plenty of local food specialties. On the first day of May every year, all Hawaiians celebrate Lei Day. During the event, the Kauai Museum celebrates the event and includes lei-making lessons, live entertainment, food vendors, and even a lei contest.
25% of our users found rental cars in Lihue for $50 or less
Luxury rental cars in Lihue are around 28% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about renting a car in Lihue
What type of car is recommended for driving in Lihue?
Any car will suffice when driving in Kauai. However, if you can afford it, you might want to rent a Jeep or convertible. This way you can let the top down or remove the hardtop from your Jeep to take better advantage of the views and fresh breezes of Hawaii.
What’s the speed limit in Lihue?
The highest speed limit in the city of Lihue is 50 mph. Be careful to watch for speed limit signs to avoid getting a ticket. You should also be aware that Hawaiians are often more laid back and carefree than other Americans, especially as drivers. Consequently, they are rarely in a rush so you won’t have to worry about road rage or stressful driving while in Kauai.
Where are the best places to park in Lihue?
The airport, a public beach, Vidinha Stadium, and several restaurants make up the city’s downtown. Special events, including a Farmer’s Market and a 4th of July celebration, are also held in a park in the center of the city. No matter the time or day of the week, parking is abundant in Lihue and can be enjoyed next to the stadium or in a parking lot behind the Marriott hotel.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Lihue?
On average a rental car in Lihue costs $62 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 Lihue found in the last 2 weeks is $51.
Which car rental companies are at Lihue airport (LIH)?
A Medium car rental in Lihue costs $72 per day, on average.
How much does a Small car rental cost in Lihue?
A Small car rental in Lihue costs $96 per day, on average.
How much does a Large car rental cost in Lihue?
A Large car rental in Lihue costs $99 per day, on average.
Should I get insurance when renting a car in Lihue?
Most car rental providers in Lihue offer insurance but the level of protection can differ substantially. If you're unsure whether to get extra protection for your car rental in Lihue, check out KAYAK's car rental insurance guide.
How many car agencies are operating in Lihue?
KAYAK has deals for you to compare from 21 car rental agencies in Lihue.
What do I need to know before booking a car rental in Lihue?
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 Lihue?
KAYAK searches thousands of car rental agencies to provide you with offers from all car rental agencies operating in Lihue so that you can compare car rental rates, reviews and pick-up and drop-off locations to find the best deal for you.
How will I get my surfboard in my rental car if I bring it to Hawaii?
Your best choice as a surfer is to rent a car such as an SUV or a pick up truck for your gear. Adding a navigation system to your rental is also a good idea to get you to those tucked-away surf spots.
Can I rent car seats for my kids when I rent a car?
Generally you will find that major rental car companies offer car seats that are available to you when you rent a car. It is always best to confirm ahead of time when you book in your car of their availability.
Car was dirty, lines too long, not enough counter help
6.0 Okay
Anonymous, Apr 2026
Intermediate SUV
The counter person was wonderful. I waited 11/2 hours in line to get to the counter person. They did not have my car. It took her another 30 minutes to find a car for me! I did make a reservation . Again, the counter person, wonderful, but there was something wrong going on! Yes, I finally got a car. It was clean and drove well. I suppose, “things happen”.
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Apr 2026
Intermediate
Great! Smooth and very easy
8.0 Very good
Anonymous, Apr 2026
Premium SUV
Pick up was a very long wait at the airport and we had to wait for a car to be washed. Even though we had reserved a 7 passenger car we almost didn’t get one. It was a little frustrating. The car ended up being perfect and stop off was super easy.
Terrible customer service, no one answers the phone. And they stiffed me with an additional charge of $80 out of the blue. They suck.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Mar 2026
Open air all terrain
Staff seemed upset I was disturbing them when I picked up the car. I was the only person there for 15 minutes and still took over 30 minutes to get my vehicle. The interior was dirty and this 4 door jeep didn't have power locks. I spent the entire week having to unlock the doors manually. I drove about 10 miles down a gravel road while it was wet. When I returned the vehicle I was told it would be $250 to clean the exterior. I would never rent from Dollar again.
4.0 Mediocre
Anonymous, Mar 2024
Open air all terrain
The 4 dr keep wrangler had no power locks or windows…therefore no way to easily u knock and lock the car. Super base model. It was fairly new but we saw several others w nicer trims. Separately the fuel wasn’t full at pickup. We did 150 miles and were empty and had to fill up. Didn’t have time to haggle at the counter so I have to call them about that. We paid well over $100+ per day and the value wasn’t worth it.
4.0 Mediocre
Anonymous, Feb 2024
Full-size SUV
At the Lihue a/p check-in counter, there were a lot of extra charges added to the bill. Plus charging $18.00 daily to add a second driver. When I asked for an explanation about the extra charges, there was just a take it or leave it attitude. They were not friendly nor helpful. However everything about the car itself was great. It was bigger than expected, so all of us were comfortable and the surfboard fit into the back without a problem. I would probably rent from Dollar again, but not at in Lihue.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Oct 2023
Intermediate SUV
The wait for our car in line was over an hour. We got a chair for an elderly lady that we eventually moved to head of the line. They charged us an additional $214 saying you didn’t send those fees with our payment. The car was great, but the service needed more people to accommodate very line, out the door, line! Very slow, not congenital person!
6.0 Okay
Teresa, Oct 2023
Intermediate
There was a 2 hour wait list to pick up car in 80 degree weather and none of the vending machines were stocked to have something cold to drink while waiting. Finally we got up to the counter where we were greeted by the manager who breezed us through and we got a Jeep. Unfortunately, the Jeep had manual locks and windows which I didn’t realize newer cars still had manual entry so for the entire trip we had to reach across seats and reach behind to the back seats to unlock everyone’s doors. What a missed opportunity to market the newest Jeeps. Dropping off a car was much less painful and we were able to pull up, get out and hop on shuttle back to airport in less than 5 minutes. Dollar really needs to come up with faster process for pick up or provide comfort stations during the wait.
While Kayak states that changes can be made for free, Sixt does not honor that and wanted to charge $250 for a date change. Also, when we arrived at Sixt in Lihue Chrissy, the Sixt representative, said that they had to redo the rental charge because the credit cards didn’t match which was not true. However, I went along with it. She assured me original charge would be refunded. When came time to pay it was $1,000 more. She said that the car I had reserved was unavailable and was attempting to rent me an Escalade. I stood my ground and somehow the car I had rented originally was there and the price I initially paid was charged. I confirmed with credit card account that she refunded and then recharged the same card. Very sneaky . Be aware.
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Apr 2024
Compact
Customer service was excellent
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Apr 2024
Luxury SUV
Everyone was friendly. Great service. I had a problem with a car and they exchanged it with a better car at the same price. Sixt is now my goto rental car company
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Mar 2024
Compact SUV
I made my reservation months in advance requesting a small SUV, but when I arrived they had none. What is the point of making a reservation if the vehicle is not available upon arrival? They offered me other larger vehicles, which I finally accepted, otherwise I would be without a vehicle. Was very unhappy driving a large SUV in unfamiliar locations.
The wait for 1-1/2 hours to pick up a car that was already ordered on-line was way too long. The staff was nice but, there was only 2 people working. The car was clean and worked well and the drop-off was super easy and we got shuttled backed to the airport right away. So that was a good experience.
4.0 Mediocre
G, Oct 2024
Full-size SUV
They had some problems when picking up. I stood in line for an hour with only 6 people ahead of me when I got there. No communication as to why.
I thought Kayak was a trustworthy website. This Hertz rental car business supposedly based at LIH airport did NOT even exist! Me & my kids were stranded at the airport without the promised car I booked. Actual Hertz location said many others were scammed like this too.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Jan 2026
Intermediate SUV
We booked with kayak and got to Lihue and there was no car for us. It was Xmas and we had to scramble and pay a couple thousand dollars more to rent a car. Our uber driver let us know she had of a group of 50 people the day before that had the same issue. Not impressed at all
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Jan 2026
Intermediate SUV
Car was not at main airport. Misleading location.
2.0 Poor
Joshua, Jan 2026
Compact
when we arrived we were informed Hertz had no reservation for us. kayak is impossible to contract and Hertz has no ability to fix issue. This was absolutely unacceptable and we had to rent a car through another company. we lost one entire day of our vacation due to this as well as it caused much undue stress. I will NEVER use Kayak again and will tell everyone I know not to use kayak unless they want to ruin their vacation. if it wasn’t for the professionalism and care of Alamo we wouldn’t have had a car for our entire vacation. my entire family was affected by the inability of kayak to run a efficient and trustworthy program.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Jan 2026
Compact
Kayak is booking to the signature aviation airport which is only for the private flights. They didn’t give me the car and they keep blaming Kayak. Had to pay 3 times to get the car last minute from the main airport.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Jan 2026
Compact
Kayak sold us a fake Hertz pickup location at a private airport in Lihue that does not exist. They canceled last minute during Christmas, stranding 50 people when every car was sold out. Zero warning, zero help, zero accountability. We were forced to pay $1,000 for TWO DAYS for a basic replacement rental. Selling bookings that cannot be fulfilled is unacceptable. Fck you, Kayak - NEVER again.
The initial pick up experience was not welcoming and the agent was not able to confirm the additional insurance coverage and multi River option that I had selected at the time of booking.
8.0 Very good
Anonymous, Apr 2025
Full-size SUV
Car had low oil warning throughout the drive, long line during checkout.
4.0 Mediocre
Sue, Jan 2024
Full-size
Car had no shocks, breaks worn,tires worn. Dents everywhere
2.0 Poor
Jani, Jan 2024
Intermediate
They had trouble locating my reservation and the number I was given from kayak was not a viable number. He’s created a significant distress and confusion of over paying for the vehicle.
10.0 Wonderful
James, Oct 2023
Economy
I tried to rent from Hertz and it was a huge mistake. Never again with Hertz
1.9 Poor
Thomas, Jul 2021
Waited in line for the car for >2hrs, mostly outside in the heat. The car I got was much worse than the one I booked and was not clean. Horrible experience.
People were great. Car was not in good condition- wheels needed balancing and the car seems to have been abused previously. The shuttle bus drop-off didn't happen so I walked from the agency back to the airport.
10.0 Wonderful
Denise, Jan 2024
Super easy pick up.
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Sep 2023
Efficient Quick and FRIENDLY’
10.0 Wonderful
Timothy, Mar 2023
Overall great experience, however the windshield wipers we a bit warn causing some visibility issues when driving in the rain.
Thrifty, Dollar, Budget, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, NU Car
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