Compare Car Rental Hilo

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Road Genius makes it easy to find great rental car deals in Hilo, Hawaii. Compare prices and make reservations in one place. Simple. Pick up your car at Hilo International Airport or downtown and cruise the Big Island, from Akaka Falls to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. We check live rates from brands like Alamo, Budget and Dollar so you can snag a ride with unlimited mileage and flexible cancellation in minutes.

Hilo's rental options are conveniently located at the airport for easy access when you arrive.

Location	Pros	Cons	Notes
Hilo International Airport (ITO)	Immediate access to vehicles All major rental companies present Walking distance from terminal No shuttle needed	Airport concession fees included Can be higher priced than city locations	Rental counters directly across from terminal Cars parked near baggage claim
Downtown Hilo	Lower rates possible (no airport fees) Convenient if staying in town	Limited availability Transport needed from airport	Few rental options in town Most visitors choose airport pickup for convenience

Pickup and Return:

Cruise passengers: Some agencies provide shuttle service from the port to airport rental offices

Car Rental Prices

How to save?

Compare airport vs downtown pick-ups: Downtown Hilo locations skip the airport concession fees. If rideshare/taxi into town costs less than the fee, you come out ahead.
Match booking window to season: For peak times (June–Aug, late Dec) lock in 3–6 months early; during quiet Oct–Nov you can often wait until 3–4 weeks out and still score deals.
Tweak pick-up & drop-off times: Keeping the rental within exact 24-hour blocks or shaving a day when you'll explore town on foot can dodge an extra daily charge.
Leverage memberships and coupons: AAA, AARP, Costco and frequent-flyer codes stack nicely with comparison-site rates for an extra 5-10 % off.
Fuel strategy: Top off at the cheaper stations in Hilo before long drives and again before return—airport pumps and remote areas run noticeably higher.

Local Parking and Driving

Location	Availability	Cost	Notes
Downtown Hilo	Moderate	Metered (rates subject to change)	Metered street spaces in business district Free spots at Bayfront lots Time limits enforced on weekdays
Rainbow Falls	Limited	No fee	Small lot that fills quickly in mornings Additional spots along roadside
Richardson Beach Park	Good	No fee	Paved lot Arrive early on weekends
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park	Ample	Park entrance fee required	Valid for 7 days Multiple lots near main attractions
Shopping centers	Good	No fee	Spots at Prince Kuhio Plaza and other shopping areas

Drive on the right-hand side of the road
Seat belts mandatory for all passengers
Children under 4 must be in car seats; ages 4-7 in booster seats
Speed limits:
- 25 mph in residential and business districts
- 45 mph on most rural roads
- 55–60 mph on highways
No handling of mobile devices while driving
No toll roads anywhere on the island
Right turn on red allowed after complete stop (unless signed otherwise)
Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks

Local Rental Locations

FAQs

Is it possible to rent a car in Hilo and return it in Kona?
Yes. Since both airports are on the same island, most major companies let you rent a car one-way between Hilo and Kona. They charge little or no drop fee. When a company does add a fee, it is usually small, from $0 to $50.

Do I need a 4WD vehicle in Hilo?
Most visitors will find a standard 2WD car is all they need. The main roads to popular attractions are paved and in good condition. You only need a 4WD if you plan to visit certain remote beaches or trails, but be aware that many rental agreements don't allow off-road driving.

How early should I arrive at the rental counter?
The rental counters in Hilo are less busy than in Kona, but you should still give yourself 30-45 minutes to get your car, especially if you arrive on a crowded flight.

What documents do I need to rent a car?
You'll need a valid driver's license and a credit card. If you are visiting from another country, you should bring your passport. It might also be helpful to have an International Driving Permit if your license is not in English.

What is the minimum age to rent a car in Hilo?
The minimum age is 21, but companies charge drivers under 25 an extra "young driver" fee of about $25-30 per day.

Are child safety seats available?
Yes, you can reserve car seats and boosters from the rental company for about $10-15 per day. For longer rentals, it's cheaper to bring your own.