Car Rentals in Hawaii

[Timeshare Von]

I am working on our planning for 2009. We have our timeshare booked for Waikiki 8/29-9/5 and a mid sized car through carrentals.com/advantage for $135 total for the week. In looking at our "piggyback" week, we're hoping to do either Maui or Kauai but haven't been able to score the exchange yet.

In looking at car rentals for those islands, plus the Big Island, I'm surprised to see the differences in pricing (again through carrentals.com):

Maul $150 (total for the week)
Big Island $250-ish
Kauai $350-ish

It would appear that where Advantage operates, they keep the rates down. Without Advantage on Kauai, they are very high.

What has been your experience finding decent rental prices for Kauai? Any advice or suggestions are greatly welcomed.

Von

 

[Kenrabs]

Try bidding at priceline. I got a Premium car on Kauii for the week at $20 a day plus taxes, and fullsize on Big Island for $19 a day plus taxes for the week. Both are with Hertz. Both ended up being about $190 for the week after taxes and fees. They beat all the quotes I had through Alomo using entertainment book discounts and coupon. Only thing is to bid your locked in and have to pay then at priceline.

 

[philemer]

Try Alamo through the Costco site or with the Entertainment Book coupons. I just snagged a mid-size on Maui, in Jan., for $116, all in! The compact was $106, all in. Did not try Kauai but I think you should.

 

[BevL]

Car rentals on the Big Island for the first two weeks in March are through the roof. I've got vehicles rented at a bit lower but I'm sure hoping they come down between now and then.

 

[Palguy]

I bid $14 a day one month before our recent trip to Maui with Priceline and won a midsize from Alamo. I wouldn't be surprised if you couldn't get one for less if you bid closer to the day you leave. You can always cancel your current reservations (other than with Priceline). With travel to Hawaii down as much as it is right now there is a glut of rental cars.

 

[T_R_Oglodyte]

I have generally received the best rates on Kaua'i via Priceline or Hotwire. Kaua'i rates are generally higher than other islands (except Moloka'i).

 

[KevinB]

anyone ever use this site ?

http://hawaiicarrentaldiscount.com/

 

[SherryS]

Keep checking weekly until your departure! This past February, we were able to get a reservation for both Maui and Kauai for about $99 a week plus taxes, but these rates appeared about 6 week - 4 weeks in advance of departure. You can cancel your existing reservations without penalty.