Hilo car rentals from $31/day
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 Hilo with a pick-up date of 10/16 and drop-off date of 10/23. 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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Cheap car rentals in Hilo
KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in Hilo
- The speed limits are the most important thing to remember when driving cheap car rentals in Hilo. The speeding laws in Hilo are very strict. You can get your license suspended or a fine of up to $200. We advise against driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs even if your blood-alcohol content is below 0.08% because reckless driving in Hilo has very serious consequences. If you are a first-time offender, you can get a maximum fine of $1,000 and thirty days in jail. Therefore, don’t drive Hilo car rentals recklessly. Unless otherwise specified, the speed limit in residential areas and school zones is 25mph, while that of non-residential roads is 45mph.
- Hilo applies the Hawaii Child Passenger Restraint Law, which requires children below the age of 4 to be restrained in a child safety seat. Therefore, if you have a child within this age group, you can request your Hilo car rental company to provide a car seat. Additionally, children between the age of four to eight need to be fastened to a child passenger booster seat if they are less than four feet and nine inches tall and under forty pounds.
- Driving after dark in Hilo requires a lot of caution. The island is home to wildlife, which wander off to the roads at night. Additionally, watch out for the potholes and rough pavement on some roads. The weather on this island determines the visibility range on the roads. Thus, always check the weather conditions of various roads before driving off. Watch out for posted warnings indicating falling rocks or flash floods. Most of the time, the weather is favorable for driving Hilo car rentals, but there is the occasional dangerous weather.
- 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 $40 or less
- Book your rental car in Hilo at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
- Off-airport rental car locations in Hilo are around 22% cheaper than airport locations on average
- Economy rental cars in Hilo are around 51% cheaper than other car types, on average
Hilo car rental experiences: the best tips from KAYAK users
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 $48 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 Hilo found in the last 2 weeks is $36.
How much is gas price in Hilo?
The average gas price in Hilo is $3.55 per gallon over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between $43 and $57, depending on the car size.
What is the most popular rental car in Hilo?
Economy (Mitsubishi Mirage or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Hilo.
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 Economy car rental cost in Hilo?
An Economy car rental in Hilo costs $29 per day, on average.
How much does a Compact car rental cost in Hilo?
A Compact car rental in Hilo costs $35 per day, on average.
How much does a Standard car rental cost in Hilo?
A Standard car rental in Hilo costs $39 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 $339 per week ($48 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 $1,455 per month ($48 per day).
Should I get insurance when renting a car in Hilo?
Most car rental providers in Hilo offer insurance but the level of protection can differ substantially. If you're unsure whether to get extra protection for your car rental in Hilo, check out KAYAK's car rental insurance guide.
How many car agencies are operating in Hilo?
KAYAK has deals for you to compare from 14 car rental agencies in Hilo.
What do I need to know before booking a car rental in Hilo?
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 Hilo?
KAYAK searches thousands of car rental agencies to provide you with offers from all car rental agencies operating in Hilo so that you can compare car rental rates, reviews and pick-up and drop-off locations to find the best deal for you.
Can I use my phone when driving in Hilo?
Operating your phone when driving in Hilo is illegal. Due to the high number of pedestrians on the road, the state laws are very strict regarding driving laws. Therefore, if you need to use your phone when driving Hilo car rentals, safely park by the side of the road and switch off the engine.
Can I easily access gasoline in Hilo?
Yes and No. The cost of transporting gas to Hilo is high; therefore, the island does not have a lot of gas stations. Nevertheless, the available gas stations sell gasoline at very high prices. Please don’t wait until your tank is empty to fill it up. Always ensure your tank is at least half-full before you drive to any destination.
Hilo car rental reviews and directory All ratings and reviews are collected from KAYAK users with a verified car rental booking. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.
Hertz
8.7
Very good
Read 21 reviewsCleanliness
8.8
Comfort
8.6
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.7
Value for money
8.4
2 locations in Hilo
Locations in Hilo
2355 Kekuanaoa Street#15
+1 808 935 2898
400 E Kawili Street
+1 808 934 0302
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Jul 2024
Compact
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Nov 2021
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, May 2021
Pros:
Staff was very accommodating, rental was top notch!Cons:
The website is not very user friendly2.0 Poor
Anonymous, May 2021
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
Pros:
YesCons:
They were very fast and efficient.8.0 Very good
Valerie, Nov 2020
Pros:
The vehicle was ver clean and comfortable.Cons:
The counter person was impersonal and unfriendly.Dollar
7.5
Good
Read 25 reviewsCleanliness
7.9
Comfort
8.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.9
Value for money
7.0
2 locations in Hilo
Locations in Hilo
1 General Lyman Field
+1 866 434 2226
400 E Kawili Street
+1 808 934 0302
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Reviews
8.0 Very good
Anonymous, Oct 2023
Economy
10.0 Wonderful
Vaclav, Oct 2023
Compact
1.9 Poor
Anonymous, Jul 2021
10.0 Wonderful
Stephanie, Apr 2021
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
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
Pros:
very good staffNational
10.0
Wonderful
Read 3 reviewsCleanliness
9.6
Comfort
10.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
9.3
Value for money
9.3
One location in Hilo
Locations in Hilo
2350 Kekuanaoa St
+1 844 913 0732
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Rosie, Mar 2021
Pros:
Very friendly, easy going and nice. Getting the car and returning it was easy and niceCons:
Nothing, wish there were deals on pricing10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Aug 2022
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Dec 2021
Alamo
9.2
Wonderful
Read 13 reviewsCleanliness
9.6
Comfort
9.4
Pick-up/Drop-off
9.3
Value for money
8.2
One location in Hilo
Locations in Hilo
2350 Kekuanaoa St
+1 844 913 0734
Filters
Show reviews that mention
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Jim, May 2021
Pros:
They had a car for 1.5 daysCons:
If they had cars available for most or all of my trip8.0 Very good
Anonymous, May 2021
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 papers10.0 Wonderful
Laura, Mar 2021
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
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
Pros:
friendly staff, good selection of cars10.0 Wonderful
Christopher, Jan 2023
Intermediate
Payless
9.0
Wonderful
Read 6 reviewsCleanliness
8.9
Comfort
8.9
Pick-up/Drop-off
9.3
Value for money
8.9
One location in Hilo
Locations in Hilo
1 General Lyman Field
+1 808 961 0661
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Sep 2023
Compact
8.0 Very good
Anonymous, May 2021
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
4.0 Mediocre
Anonymous, Jun 2023
Standard SUV
8.0 Very good
Anonymous, May 2023
Intermediate SUV
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Mar 2022
Thrifty
8.7
Very good
Read 5 reviewsCleanliness
8.7
Comfort
8.9
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.7
Value for money
8.3
2 locations in Hilo
Locations in Hilo
1 General Lyman Field
+1 877 283 0898
400 E Kawili Street
+1 808 934 0302
Filters
Show reviews that mention
Reviews
8.0 Very good
Anonymous, Sep 2020
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
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
Pros:
Very friendly staff. Good price. Car mechanically ok.Cons:
Car had a lot of scratches and dings. Interior reeked of smoke8.0 Very good
Anonymous, Jun 2022
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Nov 2021
2 locations in Hilo
from$61/dayLocations in Hilo
10 Halekauila St
+1 808 934 0359
2350 Kekuanaoa St
+1 844 913 0733
Filters
Show reviews that mention
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Dec 2023
Pickup truck
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Dec 2023
Pickup truck
8.8 Very good
Anonymous, Aug 2020
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
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 v10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Jun 2020
Pros:
VeryCons:
Nothing6.4 Okay
Anonymous, Oct 2019
Cons:
Not at airport did not pick up or drop off, not 24 hoursOne location in Hilo
from$63/dayLocations in Hilo
1 General Lyman Field
+1 808 935 6878
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Aug 2024
Intermediate
10.0 Wonderful
Kevin, Jan 2024
Supplier choice
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Sep 2023
Convertible
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, May 2021
Pros:
Staff was super helpful and, as always, full of the aloha spirit!!🤙Cons:
Nothing. All was excellent!10.0 Wonderful
Mike, May 2021
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
Pros:
She was niceCons:
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.One location in Hilo
from$67/dayLocations in Hilo
1 General Lyman Field
+1 808 935 1298
Filters
Reviews
4.0 Mediocre
Anonymous, Mar 2021
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, Sep 2023
Supplier choice
4.0 Mediocre
Gao, Feb 2023
Economy
One location in Hilo
Locations in Hilo
Filters
No reviews available
One location in Hilo
Locations in Hilo
709 Kanoelehua Avenue
+1 808 480 3802
Filters
No reviews available
One location in Hilo
Locations in Hilo
Filters
No reviews available
One location in Hilo
Locations in Hilo
Filters
No reviews available
One location in Hilo
Locations in Hilo
131 Kekuanaoa St, 131 Kekuanaoa Pl., Hilo, , USA Hawaii
+1 914 368 0091
Filters
No reviews available
Car rental locations in or near Hilo
Good to know
Most popular agency | Thrifty |
|---|---|
Most popular car type | Economy |
Average price | $48/day |
Good deal | $40/day |
When to book a rental car in Hilo
Everything you need to know for your car rental in Hilo
Car rental at airports serving Hilo
Hilo car rental information
| Pick-up location | Hilo |
|---|---|
| Car types | Compact, Convertible, Economy, Full-size, Full-size SUV, Intermediate, Intermediate SUV, Minivan, Open air all terrain, Standard, Standard SUV, Supplier choice |
| Rental locations | 19 |
| Airport locations | 15 |
| Popular agencies | Turo, Thrifty, Hertz, Dollar, Payless |