Hawaii Car Rental Advice

[spritemv]

Hi! I'm going to Hawaii for my honeymoon this summer and need to rent a car. I've never rented a car before and am not quite sure what to expect. I ran a quick search on Kayak and found the cheapest car, a Chevy Aveo, will cost $203 total (after tax). Is this a reasonable rate? I've seen coupons floating around for free class upgrades and discounts depending on the rental company. Dollar, who is renting the Aveo, has a 10% off coupon if I use my AMEX card which could save me around $20.

Since I've never done this before, I'm not sure if I'm going about it the right way. Does anyone have any advice regarding car rentals? We will be flying into Kona (KOA) and will be there from 7/19-7/25. Another road block is the fact that my 25th birthday isn't until a few days after the honeymoon and I would like to avoid the under-25 fee if possible. Package deals are out since we already have the flight and lodgings booked.

Thanks for the help! If anyone has deal advice that is not rental car related, it is certainly welcome as well. I can't wait to see Hawaii! :D

[kahalaavenue]

Welcome to Hawaii! Hope you have a safe and awesome time in Kona!

When renting a car, do check out all the other car rental websites online for their rates, dollar, budget, thrifty, enterprise, etc. I would say check out dollar or enterprise, but that's because I've rented cars through them before and the prices are decent. If youre a sams club/costco member, you can go through their websites to check for car rental deals as well, though it might not be that different pricewise. Or alternatively, you can go through kayak, priceline, expedia, etc.

Yes there are coupons floating out there on the internet regarding car-class upgrades, or free gps, or weekend deals, just have to look and make sure the coupon applies to car rentals in Hawaii. Sometimes they ahve the 'friends and family' discount codes that you can put in the car rental websites and that lowers the price some.

Choosing the smallest car is the best way to go -- but be sure you have room for your luggages -- if youre planning to pack heavy.

When renting a car, there is a 25 and under policy extra fee added. I am not sure if some or all rental car companies have this policy. There is also an extra fee added for an extra driver other than the primary driver (say if your spouse wanted to drive). The 25 and under fee ranges from $9.99 to $15.99 or more per day on top of your rental car price.

When renting a car, use a CREDIT CARD. Visa or Mastercard. Do not use a debit card with the credit card option on it. Companies will put a $300-500+ hold on your debit card on top of the rental car charges if you use debit. Dont know why they do this as opposed to using a plain credit card. So use it.

Also one of the advantages of using a credit card is the rental car damage protection.

When you rent the car one of the things they will try to sell you on is something called a CDW or Collision Damage Waiver. The CDW is an option in the event you get into a car accident, or damage the car, or it becomes damaged, by you or by someone else, if you return the car in any other way (aside from normal wear and tear) then when you got it, they will charge you for the repairs and damages. But for an extra fee per day ($15+and up), by buying the CDW protection, it waives you the right from having to be responsible for any damages done to the car and the car company cannot seek monetary compensation from you.

Depending on the car company/location, they may push getting you to sign on for CDW. It's extra money to them. Think of it as insurance. So it's up to you to get it or not.

Now the reason you pay with a major credit card, is because of its own type of car rental protection. Check with your credit card agreement policy (or call the 1800 number on the back of your card and ask customer service for 'car rental' protection). and they should have it.

Although the protection is not entirely the same way as the CDW (with the credit card protection, you're still liable for the charges, but the credit card reimburses you for the total cost) the CDW through the car company absolves you from any damages since you pay the fee upfront. (someone can correct me on this)

Usually, people in Hawaii drive pretty easy, but you never can know what happens. Whenever I rent my cars, I decline the CDW insurance because I pay with credit card and have that optional protection through there. Also you may want to check with your car insurance company to see if they also offer some sort of rental car protection with your policy. If so then you are covered and should not need the CDW. But still, its at your own discretion. If you check the internet, there's many debates/confusion about the whole CDW/LDW issue and whether or not your credit card /car insurance protects you outright. Luckily all the times I've been renting cars I've never gotten the car damaged so I've never had to face a situation about CDW.

Okay, enough with the CDW stuff. :P

When you take the car out, you'll be given an inspection sheet. Be sure to inspect the car's exterior - on the outside for any dings or scratches and note them on a paper that you give to them before driving the car out. If not you might be held responsible for those damages.

Also not the mileage number and gas meter (full, 3/4) before driving off. Normally they'll do this, but if not you can do it yourself. Also if possible, check to see if the tires are filled with air (again they should do this) but inspect it yourself. When you return the car at the end of the trip you will to gas the car up at the same level you took it out. So- not necessarily a full tank. For example. If you took at out 1/2 tank, refill it at 1/2 tank. Also, whenever you fill up gas, save the receipt because some might ask for it when you return the car. Most people put the cheapest gas (87 grade) into the car.

At the end when you return your vehicle, check all the pockets and cd player (for your CD) and glove compartment, trunk, for all your belongings. Make sure you clean the car too or keep in clean or else they'll charge a cleaning fee to you as well.

Some carrentals have a express return program where you just drop off the keys in a box and they email/mail you youre paperwork, or you go back personally to the counter to sign off and return the keys. Some also have a drive up return where you give the keys to the valet, he uses a machine to punch in your mileage and gives you a receipt. That final receipt is your okay that you returned the car. Youre all done and can proceed to catch your flight.

"My first post" and its lengthy. Sorry for that. Decided to sign on the SD finally.

Anyway hope you enjoy your trip. Remember, pay with major credit card. If youre under 25, you might have to pay that under 25 fee, but ASK them since its your birthday soon that if they can waive it. You'll also need your drivers license (of course). Decide up to you to take the CDW insurance or not.

Do make sure to practice safety - dont leave valuables in plain sight in your car, lock your doors at all times (even when riding inside), dont park your car in places where you dont feel safe.

Enjoy!

[IceWeasel]

that sounds like a pretty fair price, Avis wanted to charge me $270 for the same for a week in Columbus, OH

[herwrx]

that sounds like a pretty fair price, Avis wanted to charge me $270 for the same for a week in Columbus, OH

I found out about discounthawaiicarrental.com through the Tripadvisor forums. They were able to book me a rental car for quite a bit cheaper than I could find on my own. (I used to use Costco travel for great car rental discounts, but it seems the deals aren't as good now).

Anyways, if you enter the dates you need on the Discount Hawaii Car Rental site, they will email you back and you will get a confirmation directly from the car rental company that has the lowest price. In my situation, it was Thrifty.

[spritemv]

I found out about discounthawaiicarrental.com through the Tripadvisor forums. They were able to book me a rental car for quite a bit cheaper than I could find on my own. (I used to use Costco travel for great car rental discounts, but it seems the deals aren't as good now).

Anyways, if you enter the dates you need on the Discount Hawaii Car Rental site, they will email you back and you will get a confirmation directly from the car rental company that has the lowest price. In my situation, it was Thrifty.

Thanks for the tip - I also found some good rates through this site. They also state that Thrifty doesn't charge an under-25 fee which would be very helpful. Did you book directly through the site, or is there a way to get these rates through Thrifty's webpage?

[spritemv]

I just reserved a Dodge Caliber through discounthawaiicarrental.com for $212.96 after taxes. The price slightly edges out Kayak's best price plus it is through a more reputable rental company. Also, the discount includes waiving of the under-25 fees ($25/day) and free registration of an additional driver. Sounds like a great deal! Thanks for the advice!

[Garbanzo]

Also check Mousesavers.com. While they are geared towards all things Disneyland, most of the rental car coupons etc works for Hawaii as well.

But for Hawaii and being under 25 sounds like you made a pretty good deal.

G

[spritemv]

Also check Mousesavers.com. While they are geared towards all things Disneyland, most of the rental car coupons etc works for Hawaii as well.

But for Hawaii and being under 25 sounds like you made a pretty good deal.

G

Thanks for the link. I checked out the coupons on the site, but I don't think they will work in combination with my corporate offer from discounthawaiicarrental.com. I tried to enter the 10% off AMEX coupon when I reserved my car, but it didn't change the price at all so I took it out.

Now you have me doubting myself though... perhaps they don't show the coupon's discount until I actually charge the car to my credit card?

[spritemv]

I think I will cancel my reservation and make another one using the additional 15% off AMEX coupon (https://www.thrifty.com/Deals/Partners/AXCN.aspx?SearchType=&Sea) and by linking through FW for an additional 3.5% CB. Maybe the discounts will show up after I pay for the car, maybe they won't.

If I'm lucky, I'll save $25.50 with the AMEX coupon and $5.95 with the FW CB, making my grand total $181.51. Not too shabby.

By the way, I was surprised I didn't have to put down any deposit to reserve the car. Do I provide my credit card info only after I pick up the car in Kona?

[herwrx]

I think I will cancel my reservation and make another one using the additional 15% off AMEX coupon (https://www.thrifty.com/Deals/Partners/AXCN.aspx?SearchType=&Sea) and by linking through FW for an additional 3.5% CB. Maybe the discounts will show up after I pay for the car, maybe they won't.

If I'm lucky, I'll save $25.50 with the AMEX coupon and $5.95 with the FW CB, making my grand total $181.51. Not too shabby.

By the way, I was surprised I didn't have to put down any deposit to reserve the car. Do I provide my credit card info only after I pick up the car in Kona?

Yes. Any car rental agency I've ever used has never required a cc to hold a reservation.

The link you have for the AMEX discount says it is only good for car rentals in Canada :confused: Yeah, you might be able to find a better deal out there somewhere, but be careful using random corporate codes that you find because the agency may or may not honor them.

[spritemv]

Yes. Any car rental agency I've ever used has never required a cc to hold a reservation.

The link you have for the AMEX discount says it is only good for car rentals in Canada :confused: Yeah, you might be able to find a better deal out there somewhere, but be careful using random corporate codes that you find because the agency may or may not honor them.
Eek, you're right! I should have read the fine print.

What about this 10% off code (http://www.thrifty.com/Deals/Partners/AX10.aspx?SearchType=&SearchParam=)? It says "participating locations in the US, Mexico, Caribbean, Latin America and Canada," but doesn't list the particular cities. Any idea where to find this info?

[spritemv]

Yes. Any car rental agency I've ever used has never required a cc to hold a reservation.

The link you have for the AMEX discount says it is only good for car rentals in Canada :confused: Yeah, you might be able to find a better deal out there somewhere, but be careful using random corporate codes that you find because the agency may or may not honor them.
Regarding your statement about corporate codes, when I click the referral link from , I am directed to a Thrifty website saying:

Welcome, Discount Hawaii Car Rental
Thrifty Car Rental values its relationship with Discount Hawaii Car Rental.

To book your car with us, start by choosing your pickup location and reservation date at the right. Your discount number is pre-loaded for you.

Hopefully they honor this in Kona.

[outofluckchuck]

Too lazy to read previous postings but in my experience, here are a few tips:

Use coupon codes. List Here (http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?sduid=67042&t=689627).
AAA rates are usually at the lower end of the price spectrum.
Some credit cards offer discounts as well as extra protection if you purchase your rental with their credit card. Some even offer accidental damage.
Book your car with your vacation package, usually a lot cheaper.
A week rental is usually cheaper than 6 days.
Check with your car insurance to see if they cover rental cars also.
In my opinion, Alamo is the best. But choose whatever you'd like, just make sure it's at the airport. Some take 15-30 minutes to get to by shuttle.