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Find competitive rental car prices at Hilo International Airport (ITO), Hawaii with Road Genius. Find rates for SUVs, hatchbacks, minivans and reserve with no booking fees. All major brands including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz and National are a two minute walk from baggage claim, so you can take Highway 11 toward Hawaii Volcanoes National Park or drive into downtown Hilo without waiting for a shuttle. Book early for low prices and free cancellation on most deals.

Feature Details Notes
Location Directly across from terminal No shuttle needed - simply walk across the street
Companies All major rental agencies Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National and others
Access Walking distance from baggage claim Easy 2-3 minute walk even when carrying luggage
Hours Most open 6AM to 9-10PM Varies by company; confirm if arriving on late flights
After-hours Drop boxes available Most companies allow after-hours returns
Convenience Immediate pickup and drop-off One of the easiest airport rental experiences in Hawaii

Advantage of ITO Airport Rentals:

  • Immediate access to your vehicle upon arrival
  • No waiting for shuttle transportation
  • Simple, stress-free return process
  • All rental agencies in one central location
  • Faster start to your vacation compared to city pickup

Considerations:

  • Airport concession fees are included in rates
  • May be slightly more expensive than off-airport locations

Car Rental Prices

How to save?
  • Compare, book, then keep checking. Most ITO reservations are free to cancel. Lock in a deal, watch rates with our alerts, and rebook if prices drop.

  • Peak months (Jun-Aug, Dec): reserve 3-6 months out. Cars vanish fast over summer and the holidays, so early still wins. For Oct-Nov or Jan-Mar, waiting until 3-4 weeks out often scores lower rates.

  • Skip the "just in case" SUV. Almost every must-see spot near Hilo sits on paved roads. A compact or midsize is cheaper to rent and lighter on Big Island gas prices.

  • Refuel on Kekuanaoa St (5 min from ITO). Topping off here avoids the airport's premium refueling fee.

  • Weigh one-way vs round-trip costs. Dropping in Kona usually adds $50-$85. If your itinerary allows, returning to Hilo can be the better bargain.

Parking and Local Driving

Facility Description
Short-term parking Short-term spaces available near the terminal
Cell phone waiting area Free short-term spaces for pickup
Terminal distance to rental area About 200 feet
Rental return Clearly marked return lanes in the rental lot
Fuel options Several gas stations within a short drive of the airport

FAQs

How early should I arrive to pick up my rental car at ITO?
ITO is a smaller airport and things run smoothly. Plan on about 30 minutes to get your car after you claim your bags, though it's often quicker.

Can I pick up at ITO and drop off in Kona (KOA)?
Yes, most major companies offer one-way rentals between ITO and KOA, but they usually charge a one-way fee of about $50–85.

Do I need a 4WD vehicle if renting from ITO?
Most visitors find a standard 2WD vehicle is all they need. The main roads and tourist spots you can reach from Hilo are paved. You only need a 4WD for certain remote areas.

Is there a grace period for returns at ITO?
Most companies give you a 29–59 minute grace period, but you should confirm their policy when you pick up your car to avoid extra charges.

Can I add an additional driver to my ITO car rental?
Yes, most companies let you add other drivers for a daily fee, usually $10–15 per day. Some companies don't charge this fee for spouses or domestic partners.

What happens if my flight arrival is delayed past the rental counter closing time?
You should contact your rental company directly if your flight is delayed. Some can arrange a late pickup, or you may need to take a taxi to your hotel and go back to the airport the next day.