Rental cars

[dannybaker]

Prices in Hawaii are insane currently for a rental car. We’re going to Ko Olina in May and prices are four times higher then normal.

 

[triangulum33]

I noticed they are high in Maui the next few weeks as well.

 

[Mr. Vker]

We go to Maui for two weeks end of month. For the full two week rental (Hertz-they were cheapest) it was $1500 for the minivan. Two, one week rentals-we have to swap mid trip but its aa minivan whole time, the total is $750 for the two weeks. Half the cost. Since we booked this prices exploded. I can't explain it. Outrageous.

 

[dkittoe56]

Prices in Hawaii are insane currently for a rental car. We’re going to Ko Olina in May and prices are four times higher then normal.

We are travelling to Maui in a couple weeks but used a Costco Travel Packaged Resort for the first time which included the rental car. When we researched the cost of weekly resort fees we got the rental car for half of what we would usually pay. Might be the best way to go right now. We have used Costco Travel extensively for our rental rates and they have always been the best priced, that's even with us using our corporate discounts sometimes. Check them out.

"Swing Hard Look For It Later"

 

[triangulum33]

We have used Uber the last couple trips. I find it much cheaper, easier, faster and less stress.
There is so much to do in Kaanapali, we find the car was kind of a waste. Plus, we tend to have a couple beverages at the pool or out at dinner, so it takes that whole thing out of the equation.
The times we want to take a trip upcountry or across the island, there is rental car service that will drop off and pick up a car at the resort.

 

[dannybaker]

We are going for three weeks and usually have one Costco run and a few target stops. We usually hang at the resort most of our trip also and we are seriously considering Uber or Lyft. I believe it’s around $45. Maybe rent the car for one day and get all our shopping done. we Currently have a car rental secured via Costco Travel.
Price Details
$1,269.21
Total Rental Price for 21 days

 

[triangulum33]

@dannybaker I'd encourage you to check out Lyft/Uber. To and from the airport is easy - pick you up right by baggage, no worrying about rentals. Likewise drop off at resort lobby. Easy peasy.
We've never had an issue waiting for a car - there seem to be plenty of drivers.

 

[amyhwang]

They are high! I’m looking at double what I normally pay.

 

[zentraveler]

We rented a Hertz intermediate car for an entire month in Maui mid-January to mid-February for ~$1000. Our mid-February to mid-March one (Hertz again and even Auto Slasher was the same price) on Kauai is going to be ~$1450. Was surprised Kauai is so pricey now.

 

[Sandy VDH]

Charging more per rental to recoop some of there loses. They are undoubtable renting less vehicles right now.

 

[NTP66]

Charging more per rental to recoop some of there loses. They are undoubtable renting less vehicles right now.

I feel as though this can be said for the airline industry, as well. Just booked our flights and car rental for July - granted, it's over July 4th - but it's as though nothing has changed with both. And I'll still pay it, because Maui.

 

[gdrj]

Not sure if it has happened in Hawaii, but I know on mainland rental car companies did sell off a lot of their inventory causing a shortage of vehicles in some areas or during peak times.

 

[Czahara1]

We are using Turo to rent a car on Maui in April. Turo is like Uber for rental cars. Private owners rent their vehicles. Our cost is $303 for 8 days for the vehicle we chose. Our money goes to support a local resident, and pick up and drop off at the airport is more convenient than the rental agencies.

 

[rickandcindy23]

Try autorentals.com. Our daughter got $476 for Maui 11 days, full-sized car. It was through a company called Wisecars, found through that website. Only the big names through them. $12 cancel fee was very reasonable, if rates fall by the time they arrive here and pick up their car.

I tend to refresh the rates often to see if anything else shows up that is lower in price. Costco's rates were crazy high for them. We got our car for six weeks from Costco for $1,350 but booked it months ago.

 

[Luanne]

Right now, through Autoslash you can get a full size car on Maui for one week starting at $387. This is for April.

 

[NTP66]

My full size rental through Budget over July 4 is $320.

 

[bobpark56]

Prices in Hawaii are insane currently for a rental car. We’re going to Ko Olina in May and prices are four times higher then normal.

It's not just Hawaii. I've been looking in the Costa del Sol, Spain, and most everything has been at least twice as costly as in past years. Finally found 2 well-reviewed vendors that were reasonable, though...433 euros for 37 days (class C cars).
As for Hawaii, we have 2 bookings on Maui for 30 days in May at reasonable prices (will be cancelling one). One is for $706, the other is for $744 (Hyundai Elantras or equivalent). Part of the secret is to book off-airport, but you need to get there before 5 pm. The other part of the secret is to book early. Going through Costco helps with this.

 

[bailey]

Wisecars has terrible reviews on YELP!

 

[controller1]

As for Hawaii, we have 2 bookings on Maui for 30 days in May at reasonable prices (will be cancelling one). One is for $706, the other is for $744 (Hyundai Elantras or equivalent). Part of the secret is to book off-airport, but you need to get there before 5 pm. The other part of the secret is to book early. Going through Costco helps with this.

So what is the procedure if your flight is delayed and you are unable to get there before 5:00 pm?

 

[1Kflyerguy]

So what is the procedure if your flight is delayed and you are unable to get there before 5:00 pm?

Probably Uber or a last minute rental from an airport location...

 

[dannybaker]

We have decided to skip renting a car for our three weeks in Honolulu. We spend the majority of our time at the resort. They have a car rental place on site which we can rent for a day or two. In the end the car rental company losses, we normally rent for our entire stay.

 

[artringwald]

Just got a premium car for 8 days on Maui in August for free... plus 52,320 Chase Reserve points.

 

[luv_maui]

Just got a premium car for 8 days on Maui in August for free... plus 52,320 Chase Reserve points.

Yes and no. No (Don’t you have to still pay the taxes?) cash cost but alternative travel bookings thru Chase travel has a travel credit value of $784.80 or $523.20 cash. The question becomes what would an 8 day car rental cost in Cash? But car rental rates are sky high. We used some hertz points to book a week in SC for “free” but it was still about $100 in taxes still due.

 

[artringwald]

Yes and no. No (Don’t you have to still pay the taxes?) cash cost but alternative travel bookings thru Chase travel has a travel credit value of $784.80 or $523.20 cash. The question becomes what would an 8 day car rental cost in Cash? But car rental rates are sky high. We used some hertz points to book a week in SC for “free” but it was still about $100 in taxes still due.

Fortunately, the 52,320 points covers all the taxes and fees. I could get cars for less through other rental companies, but at one time or another, we've had problems with all the companies we've tried except Alamo. A premium Alamo car through Discount Hawaii Car Rental would have cost $785.

 

[Brianhillmaui]

We live on Maui. I guess the companies have been selling off their excess inventory. Funny to think a year ago, there were rental cars parked all over the place....in fields, side of the road. It was ridiculous!!