rent a vehicle in Kona or on the Big Island (Honolulu: car rental, rentals)

[betty poulsen]

I am trying to rent a vehicle in Kona or somewhere on the Big Island anywhere for Dec 26th. Everything comes up sold out. Are all the vehicles on the Big Island booked or am I missing something? Is there a trick to renting on the Big Island?

[OpenD]

One of the side effects of the slump in tourism is that the car rental agencies all drastically reduced their rental fleets. That means they have shortages during peak periods.

I suggest you try the car dealers that rent cars from their used car lot. I've had good experiences with Aiona Motors in Hilo, and their rates are half what Hertz charges.

[Galactastica]

you can always try to put a craigslist ad out there for a local resident that would rent a car to someone while they are in town. worth a shot! i lent my car out several times, though not to complete strangers, i still think it could be a possability.

[OpenD]

I just looked up my last Aiona invoice, from a two week rental in November until my truck was ready. I just rented an economy car to get around, but it was a Scion, a year old, very nice. $54 a day, $300 a week. The major car rental agencies aren't even close.

But it's really a kama'aina service. They close at 4:30, for instance, and on Sundays, and are at least a mile from Hilo Airport, with no regular pickup or dropoff service.

[PacificFlights]

if you are member of any of the national companies premium membership, call thei assistance desk for help. They do have cars being held for their loyal customers and don;t make them available to the causal renter. It wont show on their website or toll free reservations, and are reserved for you by the loyalty staff.

[KonaKat]

Get the local number of the agencies and call them directly. Going on their website or priceline is fine, but times like high season, there may still be a car or two available but not on the website.

Here's link to a google search w/ them: car rental agencies in kailua kona, hi - Google Search

[Balad1]

I've rented though this company before with very good results. It costs nothing for them to book for you and a CC isn't need for the reservation:

Discount Hawaii Car Rental Maui Car Rentals Honolulu Kona Kauai Hilo Waikiki