How to find a cheap car hire deal in Hilo
Searching for a cheap rental car in Hilo? This is where the booking magic happens. With prices averaging R 2,780 a day, we compare the best offers so you can choose fast, spend less, and drive away happy.
R 813 is the cheapest daily price you'll find for a rental in Hilo.
Planning to stay longer? Grab a weekly rental from R 5,691 and take the time to discover more.
If you want to time it just right, book around one week ahead to land the best price on a Hilo car hire.
Rent your wheels from Thrifty, Budget or Avis. They're some of the most well-known providers in the city.
Check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Hilo car hire policy, whether with Thrifty or any other supplier. Some companies offer it as a paid extra instead of including it.
Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to pick up a bargain if the provider needs to move its fleet around. Find the best available rates by selecting 'Return car to a different location.'
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car with a full tank, so you're only paying for what you use. No surprise refueling fees tacked on at the end either.
Want to explore freely without stressing about how many miles you clock up? Find rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and go as far as you like without the extra fees.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll find the best deal with this company. Prices average R 2,719 a day.
Coming in next is [this provider](this provider](https://www.skyscanner.co.za/car-hire/car-hire-with-provider/dollar/731)), which offers daily rates of around R 2,608.
The third option also performs well on price. Cruise away in one of their rentals for roughly R 3,795 a day.
If you can't decide which wheels are right for you, choose something from the Compact rental category. It's the most frequently booked type of car in Hilo.
Flying to Hilo? Think about an airport pick-up
Make an early start on your Hilo plans by booking a car hire at Hilo Airport. The city centre is about 6 kilometres away from this airport, which is a drive of around 15 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Hilo
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Hilo gets you moving without breaking the bank. These zippy, fuel-efficient cars are good for city driving and short trips.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine fuel efficiency, space and comfort. Easy to handle in traffic and with enough space for longer drives, they're well-suited to most travel needs.
Large: Offering a more comfortable ride and extra tech features, this Hilo car hire category includes full-size cars. With larger back seats and plenty of storage space, they let you load up and transport everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: Enjoy a higher driving position and a wide-angle view of what's ahead in an SUV. Whether you're winding through tough terrain or cruising along wide-open highways, many offer all-wheel drive to help you take on any road.
Van: If you're searching for a car for rent in Hilo big enough for a small crowd (and their luggage), a van is the roomy solution. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're a solid pick for group excursions, moving or business use.
Insurance and optional extras
Choosing excess insurance for your Hilo car hire offers peace of mind. It protects you from paying a big excess fee in case of theft or a collision. Insurance policies can vary from one provider to another, so always compare your options.
From navigation systems to mobile Wi-Fi hotspots, the right extras can seriously level up your drive. Weigh up which features could make your trip more comfortable when you rent a car in Hilo.
Good to know
To rent a vehicle in the United States, you generally have to be at least 21 years old. Some locations may offer rentals to younger drivers for a higher rate, so always go over the policies before securing your ride.
If you're travelling with kids, find out if you need to add a car seat to your Hilo car hire reservation. Whether required by local laws or not, they're always the safest way for little ones to ride.
You'll be asked for some documents when collecting your car. As a rule, bring a valid driver's licence, a credit card with room for the security deposit (most companies don't accept debit cards), and another form of photo ID. Your booking will confirm exactly what's required.
Driving in the United States may feel unfamiliar if it's your first time. Be aware that traffic travels on the right side of the road.
Local speed limits can vary, but it's usually around 40kph in urban areas and 110kph or so on highways. Always check the posted signs.
In the United States, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%. If you're planning to have a drink or two, hand the keys to someone else or choose another way to travel.
Around 5pm is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination. Try to avoid rush hours if you want a smoother run.
The United States dollar (USD) is the currency you'll be using for day-to-day expenses and activities. Pay with your card when it's convenient, but have some cash handy for places that don't accept electronic payment.
Best hotels in Hilo for drivers
Spend less time circling for a parking space and more time enjoying the comfort of Scp Hilo Hotel. Around 2 kilometres from central Hilo, it comes with accessible parking, a games room and air conditioning.
The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls is another practical pick for a trip that's big on driving. It features accessible parking, along with luggage storage and a barbeque. Make this your base and you'll be roughly 5 kilometres from the city centre.
Browse the lineup of hotels in Hilo for even more choices. Use the 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' and 'Outdoor parking' filters to find the right fit. You can even select the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to zero in on EV-friendly stays.
After you've found a car hire deal in Hilo and your hotel, it's time to plan your first stops. Rainbow Falls, Kulaniapia Falls and Hilo Bay are classics for any first-time visitor.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Hilo
Kailua-Kona should be on your itinerary if you're eager to visit White Sands Beach（La'aloa Bay） and Manta Ray Dives of Hawai‘i. This city is about 97 kilometres west of central Hilo.
Reliable accommodation options with parking in Kailua-Kona include Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel and Royal Kona Resort.
Alternatively, pick up your cheap car hire in Hilo and head to Hawaiian Paradise Park, which is about 18 kilometres southeast. Attractions like Kaloli Point make the drive worth it.
Take things a bit further and road-trip it to Wailuku, around 193 kilometres northwest of Hilo. Make your first stop Tropical Gardens of Maui, then take your time exploring Whale Lookout.
Find a room at Maui Seaside Hotel or Maui Beach Hotel. Make one of them your base and enjoy everything Wailuku has to offer. They also come with parking.
