How to find a cheap car hire deal in Hilo
In search of a cheap rental car in Hilo? With prices averaging £69 a day, big savings are just around the corner. Whether you're after a compact ride, a roomy SUV, or anything in between, we round up all the top offers to get you real value.
The cheapest daily rental price in Hilo is £38.
For longer trips, pick up a weekly rental from £219 and fit more into your itinerary.
We've cracked the code on when to book. One week in advance is your sweet spot for driving off with the best price on a Hilo car hire.
Line up your ride with Thrifty, Budget or Avis. They're some of the most popular providers in the city.
The coverage Thrifty or another company offers for your Hilo car hire can differ, so be sure to check the small print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will apply a surcharge for it.
Booking one-way could land you a cheaper deal on your rental. Providers sometimes offer lower prices when vehicles need to be moved between branches. Just click 'Return car to a different location' when searching the range of cars for rent in Hilo.
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your ride with a full tank, so you pay only for what you use. No surprise refueling fees tacked on at the end either.
Hit the road without counting the miles and racking up additional fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and select 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you drive as far as you want.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll find the best value with this company, with average prices at £113 a day.
Next up is this provider, which offers daily rates of around £102.
The third option also stacks up well on price. Cruise away in one of their rentals for roughly £98 a day.
Want a car that makes sense for everyday trips? The Intermediate rental category is the crowd favourite among travellers visiting Hilo.
Flying to Hilo? Think about an airport pick-up
Get a head start on your Hilo trip by booking a car hire at Hilo International Airport. The city centre is about 6 kms (4 miles) away from this airport, which is a drive of around 15 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Hilo
Small: Whether you're navigating busy cities or taking a short trip, this car category delivers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can expect great mileage and easy handling.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine space, comfort and fuel efficiency. Easy to handle in traffic and roomy enough for longer drives, they work well for most trips.
Large: Long drives fly by in this Hilo car hire category. Also known as full-size, they've got the engine power for lengthy trips. The extra legroom and comfort make them an excellent choice for families and groups of friends.
SUV: When adventure's on your mind, an SUV's made for the moment. It's your ultimate road trip companion, ready for backroads, highways, and everything in between. These sports utility vehicles also deliver on space and improved safety features.
Van: Choose this category of vehicle when you want a car for rent in Hilo that can handle the big jobs. Featuring options like commercial vans and trucks, they're made to carry more, whether that's equipment, luggage or the whole travel crew.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers the cost you'd have to pay if your Hilo car hire is damaged or stolen. While not compulsory, it can be a real lifesaver if something goes wrong. Keep in mind that policies differ from one provider to another, so make sure you understand exactly what's included.
Upgrade your ride with nifty extras like a GPS unit and reverse camera. These features can make your trip easier and more enjoyable when you rent a car in Hilo.
Good to know
To rent a vehicle in the United States, you typically have to be at least 21 years old. Some companies may allow younger drivers to rent vehicles for a surcharge, so always go over the policies before finalizing your ride.
If you're going away with the kids, check if you need to add a child car seat to your Hilo car hire booking. Whether a legal requirement or not, they're always the safest way for youngsters to travel.
Come prepared to make pick-up as quick as possible. You'll typically need your physical driver's licence (not a screenshot or digital version) plus another photo ID. Also bring a credit card that can cover the deposit. If extra requirements apply, your booking will list them.
Take your time getting acquainted with your rental. Set up your seat and mirrors, find the lights and blinkers, and get a feel for its handling before you set off. And remember to stick to the right side of the road in the United States.
Keep within local speed limits of about 40kph (25mph) through urban areas and around 110kph (70mph) on highways. Always check the posted signs, as limits may vary.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.08% applies in the United States. The only guaranteed way to stay safe to drive is to avoid alcohol completely.
Try to travel outside high-traffic periods for a smoother run in general. 5pm is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
The United States dollar (USD) is the currency you'll be using for general expenses and excursions. Pay with a debit or credit card when you can, but have some cash ready when electronic payments aren't available.
The language most commonly used in this country is English.
Best hotels in Hilo for drivers
Offering parking, Hilo Town Inn gives you the freedom to come and go as you please. This hotel is around 2 kms (1 mile) from central Hilo and also comes with air conditioning and internet access.
Scp Hilo Hotel is also a good option if your plans involve plenty of driving. It features accessible parking, plus express check-out and room service. Check in here and you'll be roughly 3 kms (2 miles) from the city centre.
Like some more inspiration? Browse the selection of hotels in Hilo. You can refine your search with the filters — try 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' or 'Outdoor parking.' If your car's electric, there's also an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter.
After you've found a car hire deal in Hilo and your hotel, it's time to plan your first stops. Rainbow Falls, Kulaniapia Falls and Hilo Bay are classics for any first-time visitor.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Hilo
Around 97 kms (60 miles) west of central Hilo, Kailua-Kona easily earns a place on your itinerary. Make your way to must-see sights like Sea Paradise Sailing and Snorkeling Tours and Kona Snorkel Trips.
You'll be well looked after at Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel and Royal Kona Resort, two reliable accommodation options with parking in Kailua-Kona.
Add Hawaiian Paradise Park to your travel plans. Pick up your cheap car hire in Hilo and drive around 21 kms (13 miles) southeast to take in highlights such as Paradise Cliffs and Shipman Beach / Haena Beach.
Got a little fuel left in the tank? Set out for Wailuku, around 193 kms (120 miles) northwest of Hilo. From Tropical Gardens of Maui to Whale Lookout, it's the perfect finale to your trip.
All that's left to do now is sleep. Maui Seaside Hotel and Maui Beach Hotel have room for both you and your wheels while visiting Wailuku.
