Car Rental Options At Hilo Airport

can you hire a car at hilo airport

Yes, you can hire a car at Hilo International Airport (ITO) in Hawaii. Car rental companies operating at the airport include Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Budget, Alamo Rent a Car, Turo, and Avis Rent a Car. Each company has different requirements for renters, but generally, renters must have a valid driver's license and a major credit or debit card in their name. Some companies also offer additional services such as accelerated check-in and skip-the-counter options.

Characteristics Values
Car rental companies Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Budget Car Rental, Alamo Rent a Car, Turo, Avis Rent a Car
Location Across the street from the main terminal
Requirements Valid driver's license, major credit or debit card in the renter's name
Age restrictions Renters between 21 and 24 years old pay an underage surcharge of $25 per day
Additional drivers $15 per day for each additional authorized driver
Payment methods Major credit card or debit card
Online services Accelerated Check-in, Fastbreak Membership

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Car rental companies at Hilo Airport

Yes, you can hire a car at Hilo Airport. There are a few car rental companies with branches at the airport, including:

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

The Enterprise counter is located across the street from the main terminal, and cars are within walking distance. They offer a wide selection of rental cars, including Economy through Full-Size cars, Cargo and Minivans, Pickup Trucks, Convertibles, Jeep Wranglers, and Compact, Small and Standard SUVs with seating for up to 5 passengers. They also offer Personal Effects Coverage (PEC) and a Damage Waiver (DW) for an additional daily charge. The underage surcharge for drivers between 21 and 24 is $25 per day.

Alamo Rent a Car

Alamo offers a variety of rental cars, including Economy through Full-Size cars, Cargo and Minivans, Pickup Trucks, Convertibles, Jeep Wranglers, and Compact, Small and Standard SUVs. They also offer Personal Effects Coverage (PEC) and Supplemental Liability Protection (SLP) for an additional daily charge. Alamo has a Skip the Counter option, where you can go straight to your car after activating Accelerated Check-in online. The underage surcharge for drivers between 21 and 24 is $25 per day.

Budget Car Rental

Budget Car Rental offers a range of rental cars, including minivans, luxury rentals, and SUV rentals with 5, 7, or 8 seats. They offer a Best Rate Guarantee policy, where they will match any lower rate found on another website and provide an additional discount. They also have a Fastbreak Membership, which allows you to skip the lines and get your rental car quickly and for free.

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Requirements for renting a car at Hilo Airport

Hilo International Airport (ITO) offers car rental services through several companies, including Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Budget Car Rental, Alamo Rent a Car, and National Car Rental. The rental car counters are located across the street from the main terminal, and cars are within walking distance.

  • Valid driver's license: All renters and additional drivers must have a valid driver's license. Individuals with learner's or instructional permits are not eligible to rent.
  • Age requirement: Renters and additional drivers must be at least 21 years old. An underage surcharge of $25 per day applies to drivers between 21 and 24 years old.
  • Payment method: A major credit card or debit card in the renter's name is required. At airport locations, debit cards are typically only accepted if accompanied by a ticketed return travel itinerary.
  • Insurance: All renters and additional drivers may be required to have verifiable collision, comprehensive, and liability insurance.
  • Additional authorized drivers: Any additional authorized drivers, other than the renter's spouse or domestic partner, must appear at the time of rental and meet the same age and driver's license requirements. An additional charge of $15 per day may apply for each additional authorized driver.
  • Return process: When returning the vehicle, follow the car rental return signs and park in a marked stall. Place the keys and contract in the drop box if returning outside of business hours.
  • Vehicle options: Depending on your needs, you can choose from various vehicle classes, including economy, full-size, cargo, minivans, pickup trucks, convertibles, Jeep Wranglers, and SUVs.
  • Van rentals: If renting a van for transporting passengers, additional requirements may apply, such as possessing a valid class B license with a passenger transport endorsement.

Please note that specific requirements and policies may vary between rental car companies, so it is recommended to check with your chosen rental company for detailed information.

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How to pick up a rental car at Hilo Airport

Yes, you can hire a car at Hilo Airport. There are a few car rental companies to choose from, including Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Budget Car Rental, and Alamo Rent a Car.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

The Enterprise counter is located across the street from the main terminal. You can proceed to the counter with your valid driver's license and a major credit or debit card to obtain your rental agreement and vehicle keys. Alternatively, you can book online for the best rates. Vehicles are within walking distance, and no shuttle is needed.

Budget Car Rental

Budget Car Rental also has a counter across the street from baggage claim. You can book directly and prepay for the best rates online. They also offer coupons and discounts on their website.

Alamo Rent a Car

Alamo Rent a Car offers an optional free service where you can skip the counter and go straight to your car. To take advantage of this, you need to activate Accelerated Check-in online and choose the 'Skip the Counter' option. You will need to confirm your protection options, agree to the Rental Agreement Terms & Conditions, and enter a valid credit card. You can then print your rental agreement and proceed to the exit booth with your driver's license.

General Requirements

Regardless of the company, renters must have a valid driver's license and a major credit or debit card in their name. The name and address on the driver's license must match the renter's current home address. Additionally, individuals with learner's or instructional permits are not eligible to rent. There may also be underage surcharges for drivers between the ages of 21 and 24.

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Returning a rental car at Hilo Airport

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

The Enterprise counter is located across the street from the main terminal at Hilo Airport. The rental car return area is within walking distance, and no shuttle is needed. When returning your rental car, proceed to the counter to complete the return process and obtain your rental agreement. The rental car return area will be on your left as you loop back into the airport.

If you are returning the car outside of normal business hours, Enterprise provides specific instructions: park the vehicle in a marked return stall, lock it, and place the keys in the drop box located outside the Enterprise booth.

Alamo Rent a Car

Alamo offers a convenient return process at Hilo Airport. When returning your rental car, follow the signs to the baggage claim and exit the airport terminal to the Car Rental Area. You can then proceed to the Alamo counter to return your vehicle.

If you are returning the car after the location has closed, Alamo will instruct you on where to park the vehicle, and you can simply drop the keys into the dropbox. Alamo also offers an Accelerated Check-in option where you can skip the counter lines and use their touch-screen kiosk to check in.

Budget Car Rental

Budget Car Rental at Hilo Airport also provides clear instructions for returning rental cars. Follow the airport signs for Car Rental Return, and you don't need to return to the counter. Record your mileage and fuel level on the rental agreement, and drop it in the Budget Fastbreak return box. You will receive a closed rental agreement within 48 hours.

For after-hours returns, place the keys and contract in the drop box located on the back side of the Budget rental booth, facing the parking lot. The drop-off address for your rental car is the same as the pickup address: 1 General Lyman Field, Hilo, HI 96720.

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Exploring Hilo and Hawaii with a rental car

Yes, it is possible to hire a car at Hilo International Airport (ITO). There are several car rental companies operating at the airport, including Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Budget, and Alamo Rent a Car.

Hiring a car is a great way to explore the vast terrain of Hawaii and its many attractions. Here are some suggestions for places to visit and things to do in and around Hilo with your rental car:

  • Hawaii Tropical Garden: Located in Hilo, this garden is a must-see, offering a steep hill with a rewarding view at the top.
  • Mauna Kea: Visit the Mauna Kea observatory, or head to the Maunakea Visitor Center if you don't have a 4-wheel-drive or time to hike to the summit.
  • Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: This national park is a great place to explore with a rental car. It features the Volcano Art Center, which showcases the work of Hawaii's finest painters, sculptors, weavers, and wood carvers. You can also drive to the Volcano House, a hotel designed by C.W. Dickey in 1941, offering stunning views of the caldera.
  • Carlsmith Beach Park: A hidden gem located in Hilo, Carlsmith Beach Park offers pristine, shallow, and safe water for swimming, snorkelling, and sunbathing. It is surrounded by native Hawaiian greens and palm trees, making it a peaceful spot to enjoy nature.
  • Downtown Hilo: Explore the shops, boutiques, and farmers' market in downtown Hilo. Sig Zane Designs on Kamehameha Avenue is a notable spot to find bold aloha print dresses, shirts, and accessories.
  • Rainbow Falls: Drive to Rainbow Falls and take in the natural beauty of the surrounding area.
  • Akaka Falls State Park: Enjoy the lush forest trail leading to cascading waterfalls, with both long and short paths available.
  • Pacific Tsunami Museum: Learn about the powerful tsunamis that surged through Hilo in 1946 and 1960 at this museum, which features first-hand accounts and stories of survival.
  • Kilauea Caldera: Take a helicopter tour over the Kilauea caldera in Volcanoes National Park for incredible views.
  • Ka'u Coffee Places: Drive to the southern end of the island to visit Ka'u coffee places, such as Miranda's farm, and taste the local coffee.

These are just a few ideas for exploring Hilo and Hawaii with your rental car. With your own vehicle, you'll be able to travel at your own pace and discover even more of what this beautiful island has to offer.

Frequently asked questions

Car rental companies at Hilo Airport include Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Budget, Alamo, Turo, and Avis.

All renters must have a valid driver's license and a major credit or debit card in their name. Renters between the ages of 21 and 24 may have to pay an underage surcharge.

Vehicle types available for rent at Hilo Airport include Economy through Full-Size cars, Cargo and Minivans, Pickup Trucks, Convertibles, Jeep Wranglers, and Compact, Small and Standard SUVs.

To return your rental car, follow the signs for Car Rental Return and park your car. Then, proceed to the rental company's counter or desk to finalise the return. After-hours returns can be parked in a designated area and the keys placed in a dropbox.

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