Best Ways to Rent a Car in Kona, Hawaii
If you're planning a trip to Kona and wondering whether you really need a rental car, my answer is simple: yes. Absolutely.
I visit Kona several times a year because I own a vacation rental there, and at this point I've spent so much money on rental cars that I've seriously considered buying my own island car and renting it out when I'm not using it.
I'm not even kidding.
I've actually gone pretty deep down the rabbit hole of researching what it would take to own a car on the Big Island, keep it parked near the airport, and list it on platforms like Turo when I'm not using it.
I still may do that someday. Right now, the biggest issue is parking since I don't have an extra dedicated spot at Kona Landing, but this whole subject genuinely fascinates me because I spend so much time thinking about the best way to get around the island.
Do You Need a Rental Car in Kona, Hawaii?
Short answer: yes.
The Big Island is huge. Kona itself is fairly compact, but the best beaches, snorkeling spots, coffee farms, waterfalls, and scenic drives are spread all over the island. Even many of my favorite beaches near Kona are not walkable from town.
If you want to do things like my 5-Day Big Island Itinerary, drive around the Big Island in one day, or explore the beaches I recommend in my Best Beaches on the Big Island guide, you will absolutely want a car.
Uber exists in Kona, but I would never rely on it for an entire vacation. Ride share availability is limited compared to major cities, and the costs add up fast.
My Biggest Kona Rental Car Mistakes
When I first started visiting Hawaii, I was convinced I needed to rent a Jeep.
I don't know why, but in my mind a Jeep felt like the official Hawaii car. I pictured myself driving around with the top off, heading down rugged roads to hidden beaches and off-grid adventures.
And sure, Jeeps are fun. They come in great colors, they fit the island vibe, and there's something undeniably cool about driving one around Hawaii.
But after visiting Kona over and over again, I realized something important. Most travelers do not need a Jeep.
Yes, I visit remote beaches and less touristy parts of the island, but I can honestly say I've reached almost all of them in a standard car or SUV. Unless you're doing something very specific or you simply love the Jeep experience, they're usually a pricey upgrade you can skip.
Another thing I've learned is that not all rental fleets in Kona are created equal. Some of the cars I've picked up have been surprisingly beat up. I've had vehicles with worn interiors, weird smells, broken features, and even cars I had to return because something wasn't working properly.
My best advice? Inspect your car carefully before leaving the lot. Take photos. Take video. Test the basics. Don't feel weird asking for a different car if something seems off.
I also think the Kona rental market got a little weird after COVID. During the pandemic, rental inventory basically disappeared. Cars were sold off or shipped elsewhere, and for a while finding a rental on the island felt nearly impossible. Inventory has improved a lot since then, but pricing and fleet quality can still feel inconsistent.
Quick Comparison of Kona Rental Car Options
| Rental Option | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Discover Cars | Best overall value | 9.3/10 |
| Costco Travel | Best for members | 9.0/10 |
| SixT | Best premium experience | 8.8/10 |
| Airport Counters | Most convenient | 8.7/10 |
| Turo | Best for unique cars | 8.4/10 |
| Luxury Rentals | Best for splurges | 7.8/10 |
1. Discover Cars, Best Overall Rental Car Option in Kona
If I were helping a friend book a rental car in Kona today, this is probably where I'd tell them to start.
Discover Cars compares multiple rental suppliers in one place, so instead of checking five different websites, you can compare pricing, supplier ratings, insurance options, deposits, and mileage all at once.
What I like most is the filtering. You can filter by supplier rating, deposit amount, fuel policy, mileage limits, and insurance options. That makes it much easier to avoid hidden surprises.
Pros: Easy comparison shopping, great filters, often competitive pricing, helpful for families.
Cons: Must read supplier terms carefully, still renting through third-party suppliers.
2. Costco Travel
If you already have a Costco membership (guilty), don't skip this option.
Costco Travel consistently gets recommended in Reddit threads and travel groups. People especially love that many rentals include a second driver at no extra charge.
Pros: Great value, trusted suppliers, flexible cancellation.
Cons: Requires membership, limited supplier selection.
3. SixT
I used SIXT on one of our recent trips and rented a BMW.
Was it necessary? Absolutely not. Was it fun? Definitely.
The BMW wasn't brand new, but it still felt like a fun upgrade from a typical airport rental. The biggest downside was convenience. We couldn't pick it up directly at Kona International Airport. Instead, we had to take a shuttle to an off-site location near Costco. It wasn't terrible, but after a long flight, off-site pickup definitely adds friction.
Pros: Better vehicle selection, premium feel, fun upgrade option.
Cons: Off-airport pickup, shuttle required.
4. Airport Rental Counters
This includes companies like Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, Alamo, and Avis.
These are usually the easiest option. You land, walk to the shuttle, pick up your car, and go. Simple. That convenience is hard to beat, especially if you're traveling with kids.
Pros: Convenient, familiar brands, good loyalty perks.
Cons: Often more expensive, fleet quality varies.
5. Turo
Turo is basically Airbnb for cars.
This option is especially interesting to me because I've spent a ridiculous amount of time researching whether owning a Kona Turo car makes financial sense.
Turo is great if you want a Jeep, Tesla, Bronco, convertible, or larger SUV.
Pros: Unique vehicle selection, local hosts, sometimes cheaper for long stays.
Cons: Host quality varies, airport logistics vary.
6. Local Luxury Rentals
If you want a true splurge, Kona also has luxury and exotic rental companies. Think Porsche, Corvette, convertible Mustang, or luxury SUVs.
This is not the budget option. This is the honeymoon option.
What Is the Cheapest Way to Rent a Car in Kona?
Usually one of these: Discover Cars comparison deals, Costco Travel, or early airport bookings.
The biggest money-saving tip I can give you is simple: book early. Prices in Kona can jump dramatically during peak travel seasons.
Should You Rent a Jeep in Kona?
Rent a Jeep if: you love the island vibe, you want a fun vacation vehicle, you care about the experience.
Skip the Jeep if: you're budget conscious, you just need reliable transportation, you don't care about aesthetics.
Honestly, unless the Jeep experience matters to you, I would save the money.
Final Thoughts on Renting a Car in Kona
After years of visiting Kona and spending way too much money on rental cars, I can confidently say that having a rental car is one of the best investments you can make for your trip.
The Big Island rewards exploration. The more freedom you have to move around, the better your trip will be.
If you want the easiest way to compare multiple rental options in one place, I think Discover Cars is one of the best places to start. It makes comparison shopping much easier and helps you avoid some of the common rental car headaches.
No matter which option you choose, my biggest advice is this: book early, inspect your car carefully, and get ready to explore one of the most beautiful islands in the world.
Plan the Rest of Your Trip
Now that your wheels are sorted, here's everything else you need:
And if you're still looking for a place to stay, Kona Landing is my two-bedroom oceanfront condo right on Aliʻi Drive.
