How much do you expect to pay for car rental in Hawaii?

[davidvel]

Thanks, but we don't use Budget. My husband's experience was when he went to pick up our Avis car and needed to go to the counter. The Avis and Budget counters are right next to each other and he initially got in the wrong line, the Budget line. Luckily he figured out his mistake and moved to the other line, where there was no one. I'm actually finding that Budget is not always the lowest priced option.

Yeah for those using Budget (and almost all companies) no reason to stand in line unless you like such things.

 

[Luanne]

Yeah for those using Budget (and almost all companies) no reason to stand in line unless you like such things.

Maybe it's not happening so much now, but in the past even with having loyalty with a car rental agency, you still had to go to the desk. And also sometimes if renting through a third party like Costco or Discount Hawaii Car Rental, your loyalty program isn't recognized. So in some cases although you may not want to stand in line you're forced to.

 

[JIMinNC]

And also sometimes if renting through a third party like Costco or Discount Hawaii Car Rental, your loyalty program isn't recognized. So in some cases although you may not want to stand in line you're forced to.

And that is one reason we always book direct for rental cars, hotels, airlines, etc. We always want to get our loyalty benefits.

 

[Luanne]

And that is one reason we always book direct for rental cars, hotels, airlines, etc. We always want to get our loyalty benefits.

I will book the lowest price I can get with a reputable company for car rentals. I do book airlines and hotels direct, unless with a hotel I can get a much better price elsewhere. But I've found that pretty much all hotels will price match.

Booking through Costco I get money back from them. And most of the time I still get all of the benefits, including miles. Currently our Enterprise rental through Costco is $1279. Booking direct with Enterprise, and I'm a member, would be $1802.

 

[JIMinNC]

I will book the lowest price I can get with a reputable company for car rentals. I do book airlines and hotels direct, unless with a hotel I can get a much better price elsewhere. But I've found that pretty much all hotels will price match.

Booking through Costco I get money back from them. And most of the time I still get all of the benefits, including miles. Currently our Enterprise rental through Costco is $1279. Booking direct with Enterprise, and I'm a member, would be $1802.

Many years ago when traveling on business, I stood in line at a rental car counter behind a poor fellow who'd made his reservation with a third party, but the car company did not have the reservation. I don't recall the exact third party all these years later, but it was one of the big reputable travel web sites. Even though the poor guy had a printed confirmation, all the car rental rep could say is "contact your booking agent because we have no more cars". I was in line another time behind a similar unfortunate soul at a hotel. Ever since those two experiences, I've resolved never to book through an intermediary, regardless of the cost savings. My peace of mine is worth more than anything I could save. Potentially not getting loyalty benefits for an indirect booking is another factor, but it is secondary to the peace of mind issue.

 

[davidvel]

Maybe it's not happening so much now, but in the past even with having loyalty with a car rental agency, you still had to go to the desk. And also sometimes if renting through a third party like Costco or Discount Hawaii Car Rental, your loyalty program isn't recognized. So in some cases although you may not want to stand in line you're forced to.

I don't know about the past but in at least the last 5 years all our rentals were through Costco, and you put your rental car # into the reservation when you book. Even if you do not, you can add it later at the car company site.

Every car company at almost every US airport has some type of "skip the line" program, including Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, Alamo and Budget. You have to select this service on the website but anyone with membership can do it. You go to the cars, choose any car in your category, show your ID and credit card at the exit and you are on your way. No need to wait in any line, and you don't need to haggle over the insurance upgrades.

We did this just last month in Seattle, and will do it in the next few weeks in Honolulu and Maui. Haven't waited in a rental car line in years.

 

[davidvel]

Many years ago when traveling on business, I stood in line at a rental car counter behind a poor fellow who'd made his reservation with a third party, but the car company did not have the reservation. I don't recall the exact third party all these years later, but it was one of the big reputable travel web sites. Even though the poor guy had a printed confirmation, all the car rental rep could say is "contact your booking agent because we have no more cars". I was in line another time behind a similar unfortunate soul at a hotel. Ever since those two experiences, I've resolved never to book through an intermediary, regardless of the cost savings. My peace of mine is worth more than anything I could save. Potentially not getting loyalty benefits for an indirect booking is another factor, but it is secondary to the peace of mind issue.

You could always book a backup reservation with another company in case this extremely rare situation arises, as you don't need to prepay for car rental reservations. If the 3rd party rental is cheaper you could save a lot in the long run.

 

[JIMinNC]

You could always book a backup reservation with another company in case this extremely rare situation arises, as you don't need to prepay for car rental reservations. If the 3rd party rental is cheaper you could save a lot in the long run.

Yeah, I guess I could do something like that, but I've never found the price variation between sites to be enough to make playing games like that worth it. I used to use Budget, but became dissatisfied with the quality of some of the cars I got from them, so switched allegiance to National, who I have been very pleased with. Not always the cheapest, but I like their cars and their service. They sold me the year we got a brand new BMW 430i convertible on the Big Island instead of the normal high-mileage Mustang or Camaro!

 

[davidvel]

Yeah, I guess I could do something like that, but I've never found the price variation between sites to be enough to make playing games like that worth it. I used to use Budget, but became dissatisfied with the quality of some of the cars I got from them, so switched allegiance to National, who I have been very pleased with. Not always the cheapest, but I like their cars and their service. They sold me the year we got a brand new BMW 430i convertible on the Big Island instead of the normal high-mileage Mustang or Camaro!

If there are no meaningful price differences then that makes, but I was responding to your comment that "I've resolved never to book through an intermediary, regardless of the cost savings. My peace of mine is worth more than anything I could save."

I was just providing a way to put your mind at ease and enjoy whatever costs savings there were, especially if significant, as opposed to being concerned and paying a lot more. I don't get your refence to playing games, but that is OK.

 

[Quilter]

I do book airlines and hotels direct, unless with a hotel I can get a much better price elsewhere. But I've found that pretty much all hotels will price match.

Generally I book flights and hotels direct but I needed 40K AA miles for an upcoming trip. I booked 4 hotels through AAHotels for an extra 18K miles. I know I paid extra but the cost is minimal when you're looking at a seat that carries a sticker price of $6500.

I'm hoping car rentals with also price match. Have you tried that? I have accounts with Avis and Hertz and was hoping to ask if they'll match once it gets closer to our trips.

 

[Luanne]

Many years ago when traveling on business, I stood in line at a rental car counter behind a poor fellow who'd made his reservation with a third party, but the car company did not have the reservation. I don't recall the exact third party all these years later, but it was one of the big reputable travel web sites. Even though the poor guy had a printed confirmation, all the car rental rep could say is "contact your booking agent because we have no more cars". I was in line another time behind a similar unfortunate soul at a hotel. Ever since those two experiences, I've resolved never to book through an intermediary, regardless of the cost savings. My peace of mine is worth more than anything I could save. Potentially not getting loyalty benefits for an indirect booking is another factor, but it is secondary to the peace of mind issue.

When I book my rental car through Costco I always go to the rental car website to make sure the reservation shows up there. I've never had a problem. I always take a copy of the rental reservation with me and have never had to show it.

 

[Luanne]

Generally I book flights and hotels direct but I needed 40K AA miles for an upcoming trip. I booked 4 hotels through AAHotels for an extra 18K miles. I know I paid extra but the cost is minimal when you're looking at a seat that carries a sticker price of $6500.

I'm hoping car rentals with also price match. Have you tried that? I have accounts with Avis and Hertz and was hoping to ask if they'll match once it gets closer to our trips.

I have never tried to price match with a car rental. Since I am usually getting all of the benefits when I use Costco (plus the dollars that go towards my Costco account) I don't know if it would be worth it.

 

[PigsDad]

Many years ago when traveling on business, I stood in line at a rental car counter behind a poor fellow who'd made his reservation with a third party, but the car company did not have the reservation. I don't recall the exact third party all these years later, but it was one of the big reputable travel web sites. Even though the poor guy had a printed confirmation, all the car rental rep could say is "contact your booking agent because we have no more cars". I was in line another time behind a similar unfortunate soul at a hotel. Ever since those two experiences, I've resolved never to book through an intermediary, regardless of the cost savings. My peace of mine is worth more than anything I could save. Potentially not getting loyalty benefits for an indirect booking is another factor, but it is secondary to the peace of mind issue.

I'm not sure about other intermediaries, but through Costco, when I book a car rental I always get two reservation numbers, one from Costco and the second from the rental car company. With the rental company's reservation number, I can confirm directly with them if I want, so I don't have any fear about them not having my reservation made through Costco.

Kurt

 

[davidvel]

I'm not sure about other intermediaries, but through Costco, when I book a car rental I always get two reservation numbers, one from Costco and the second from the rental car company. With the rental company's reservation number, I can confirm directly with them if I want, so I don't have any fear about them not having my reservation made through Costco.

Kurt

Also if you put your frequent rental # in when you reserve through Costco, the reservation will instantly show in your car rental company account.

 

[PigsDad]

Also if you put your frequent rental # in when you reserve through Costco, the reservation will instantly show in your car rental company account.

It will for some companies, for other companies it does not have the option to put in the loyalty number. In those cases, I go to the rental company's web site and manually enter it.

Kurt

 

[JIMinNC]

If there are no meaningful price differences then that makes, but I was responding to your comment that "I've resolved never to book through an intermediary, regardless of the cost savings. My peace of mine is worth more than anything I could save."

I was just providing a way to put your mind at ease and enjoy whatever costs savings there were, especially if significant, as opposed to being concerned and paying a lot more. I don't get your refence to playing games, but that is OK.

I guess what I'm trying to say is (but not very well), I prefer to book direct, plus I don't spend a lot of time shopping price. If I want a National car, or a Marriott hotel, I go to their web site, and if the price seems OK, I book it. I really don't spend any time shopping around to try to find a better deal. That's more or less how I buy anything, not just travel. I really don't "shop".

 

[Ken555]

I'm okay not having a car on Maui for most of my trips these days, especially when I don't have plans to drive all over. Even so, I'm paying about $28 per day for an upcoming rental in Maui for a midsize car, which is about half what it was a few months ago for the same trip. I don't expect to drive much, and initially had a one way rental to west Maui for a single day at $75, and booked a return via Uber to the airport for $65. I think having a car is a good option, and at less than $30 per day it’s worth having.

FWIW, I booked this via Autoslash, which was less than Costco. I've booked with them previously and it always went well.

 

[Luanne]

I guess what I'm trying to say is (but not very well), I prefer to book direct, plus I don't spend a lot of time shopping price. If I want a National car, or a Marriott hotel, I go to their web site, and if the price seems OK, I book it. I really don't spend any time shopping around to try to find a better deal. That's more or less how I buy anything, not just travel. I really don't "shop".

To me the shopping and hunting is part of the fun of planning a trip. It's not unfor me to rebook car rentals numerous times as the prices drop, and I will do the same with hotels.

 

[Luanne]

I'm okay not having a car on Maui for most of my trips these days, especially when I don't have plans to drive all over. Even so, I'm paying about $28 per day for an upcoming rental in Maui for a midsize car, which is about half what it was a few months ago for the same trip. I don't expect to drive much, and initially had a one way rental to west Maui for a single day at $75, and booked a return via Uber to the airport for $65. I think having a car is a good option, and at less than $30 per day it’s worth having.

FWIW, I booked this via Autoslash, which was less than Costco. I've booked with them previously and it always went well.

I had done better with AutoSlash until the last few years. Lately I've gotten the better rates with Costco.

 

[Ken555]

I had done better with AutoSlash until the last few years. Lately I've gotten the better rates with Costco.

Whenever I book with Autoslash, I check with Costco and if Costco is about the same I’ll book with Costco. That said, I've booked several times in the last year or two with Autoslash. Obviously, your experience has been different.

 

[easyrider]

I don't know about the past but in at least the last 5 years all our rentals were through Costco, and you put your rental car # into the reservation when you book. Even if you do not, you can add it later at the car company site.

Every car company at almost every US airport has some type of "skip the line" program, including Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, Alamo and Budget. You have to select this service on the website but anyone with membership can do it. You go to the cars, choose any car in your category, show your ID and credit card at the exit and you are on your way. No need to wait in any line, and you don't need to haggle over the insurance upgrades.

We did this just last month in Seattle, and will do it in the next few weeks in Honolulu and Maui. Haven't waited in a rental car line in years.

The skip the line at many of the HNL car rentals aren't working because they are short staffed. I hope you get lucky.

Bill

 

[Ken555]

My latest rental is with Dollar, booked via Autoslash. I have an account with Dollar and was not able to link the reservation, so I won't have rapid pickup, skip the line, etc. Oh, well.

 

[davidvel]

The skip the line at many of the HNL car rentals aren't working because they are short staffed. I hope you get lucky.

Bill

That is odd, they do not have people at the exit booths? It takes far less staff to just let people walk down and get their car and drive to the exit, rather than check everyone in, give them keys and let people walk down and get their car and drive to the exit.

When and what company did they not let you skip the line when it was part of their program?

 

[easyrider]

That is odd, they do not have people at the exit booths? It takes far less staff to just let people walk down and get their car and drive to the exit, rather than check everyone in, give them keys and let people walk down and get their car and drive to the exit.

When and what company did they not let you skip the line when it was part of their program?

It was HNL between Christmas & New Years. What was funny is the skip the line banner was up on the wall but there were only three people doing the check in. I don't recall the brand, maybe Budget, but I do remember it was Discount Hawaiian Car Rental. We did get a decent upgrade but it took about 90 minutes to get the car.

Bill

 

[dioxide45]

For us, skip the line only seems to work about 50% of the time when we rent through Avis. We have been doing a lot of Avis rentals lately with a few Budget and Alamo. We like Alamo as their skip the line is really more of just online checkin or a kiosk. We have Avis Preferred when we book through a corportate code and it has worked okay but still results in me having to go to the kiosk in the garage about 50% of the time. We always rent mini vans and sometimes they just don't work. They don't have stowaway rear seats, they have damage I need to report that you can't easily report at the exit kiosk where you just scan a QR code. Or something else doesn't work in them like an accessory power port. Then another time we took a car only to later discover that there was damage underneath that resulted in us scraping as we went over speed bumps. We took that back to swap out. In fact, recently we've had to return cars twice due to issues. When waiting in line for that, we learned that a lot of people were having to do the same due to problems with their car.