Hawaii - Spike in car rental prices this year?

Wow, have car rental prices gone up in a year's time!

The last two times I've gone to the islands (9/2010 and 9/2011) I've booked a full size for a week at HNL. In 2010 I ended up getting a deal directly through Alamo - $123 all-in including tax, for an effective rate of about $17.50 per day including tax. I got a similar deal in 2011 through Hotwire - $124 all-in for the week from National.

This year I can't find anything similar at all for October in HNL. The cheapest I can find is through HawaiiCarRentals - they want $196+tax (about $270 all-in) for a full size through Enterprise. Hotwire wants $340 all-in this year.

Any reasons for this? I've noticed that taxes have gone up, but in my case anyway, it seems like the base rates have also spiked. Are they lowering available inventory on the islands or something?

You should book the lowest (non-up front) rate you can find now, then keep looking as the date approaches. My price (compact, for 19 days) started at $980; slowly crept down to $~450; and now it's back to ~$1000 for the same dates. Glad I kept looking (and locking). However, I'll be checking until the last minute.

Did you try : http://www.aloharents.com/

Yeah they have the same $196 base rate + tax. I ended up booking at that price with a discount being offered through a similar vendor that has a relationship with Enterprise.

Hopefully in the meantime prices being to fall :).

Aren't you glad there is no inflation?

If you have Thank You points (via the CITI card) you can get a lower rate. I got a Full Size, next Jan/Feb, for $169 all in. Not as good as previous years but lower than anywhere else I checked.

If you have Thank You points (via the Chase card) you can get a lower rate. I got a Full Size, next Jan/Feb, for $169 all in. Not as good as previous years but lower than anywhere else I checked.

As long as you keep it? Per day? ;)

If you have Thank You points (via the Chase card) you can get a lower rate. I got a Full Size, next Jan/Feb, for $169 all in. Not as good as previous years but lower than anywhere else I checked.

Forgot to say this is for 7 days. :p

Forgot to say this is for 7 days. :p

$196 is actually quite good given the increase in rental rates and taxes.

As noted above (and in other threads) some of us have found that prices tend to drop anywhere from 1-4 weeks before travel. The theory is that most people make rental reservations when they book air and hotel, i.e. months in advance, and never look back. Hence the high rates for advance bookings (this is also true for airfares these days). So I have often found very good prices as trip dates approach. Of course it is always wise to lock a fully-cancelable rate...

Good tip Boraxo!

Hey, what was my tip, chopped liver?!

"You should book the lowest (non-up front) rate you can find now, then keep looking as the date approaches. "

This year is definitely more! We've been traveling there every summer for the last 7 years and I've never paid more that $175 all in for a mid size. This year we for the best prices for July (HNL) & Aug (Maui) through Costco. I just kept checking the prices 3-5x a day at all hours. Got $125 all in for a Full Size on HNL, $146 for a midsize SUV on HNL (need 2 this time). But Maui (which has always been higher) is at $313 all in for a Full Size and $367 all in for mid size SUV.

Definitely book the $196 pre-tax, not bad and the price might still go down.

Check out www.aloharents.com.

I have been amazed at their prices... never been able to beat them!

Check out www.aloharents.com.

I have been amazed at their prices... never been able to beat them!

Priceline beats them - sometimes. However, if you bid less than Aloharents.com (aka discounthawaiicarrental.com), you can't go wrong since the aloharents.com reservations are fully cancelable.

That is why I like them... fully cancellable...

Priceline beats them - sometimes. However, if you bid less than Aloharents.com (aka discounthawaiicarrental.com), you can't go wrong since the aloharents.com reservations are fully cancelable.

Check out www.aloharents.com.

I have been amazed at their prices... never been able to beat them!

I requested some quotes for our annual Hawaii trip in Jan/Feb. I'll let you know the results. ThankYou points is running $169, AI, for the week for a Full Size. One negative with ThankYou pts. is their cancellation terms. You can't!!!! But you can make one change.

I requested some quotes for our annual Hawaii trip in Jan/Feb. I'll let you know the results. ThankYou points is running $169, AI, for the week for a Full Size. One negative with ThankYou pts. is their cancellation terms. You can't!!!! But you can make one change.

You should also be advised that once you make the reservation, you can check back with them later to see if rates have changed. I found this out a couple of years ago when I cancelled a reservation because Priceline beat their quote. I was informed that they would have been happy to check again for me as the rates often change.

Data point: Reserved a car [Enterprise] thru BJs (wholesale club, for those who don't have one) for 5 days at OGG. Then made a request thru aloharents. Both are the exact same price: $267.93. I'll likely keep aloharents for the extra driver, but may just see if Priceline can beat it by enough to make it worth it. We'll see how things look as we get closer (trip is in Sept).

Check out www.aloharents.com.

I have been amazed at their prices... never been able to beat them!

I received my quote back today. Base rental for 1/19>2/2, Full Size, is $392 and $563 A.I. This is with Thrifty. Not too good. ThankYou pts is ~$340 A.I. but doesn't include an extra driver.

I received my quote back today. Base rental for 1/19>2/2, Full Size, is $392 and $563 A.I. This is with Thrifty. Not too good. ThankYou pts is ~$340 A.I. but doesn't include an extra driver.

That's not really not terrible ($198 a week for a full size) - it's the taxes and fees that are kilers. You should be able to do better as you get closer. I was just quoted $625 all in. for three weeks in September.

I'm sitting at $282 (all in) for a 9 day rental, picking up in KOA and dropping off at ITO, for a compact, from Alamo. I reserved it last month (11 months in advance). I keep checking for lower deals but I'm pretty satisfied so far.

8 days in KOA in early 12/12 for $ 259.00 ( all in ) with Avis booked in C class using the Hawaiian Airlines code. Booked in early July.

That's not really not terrible ($198 a week for a full size) - it's the taxes and fees that are kilers. You should be able to do better as you get closer. I was just quoted $625 all in. for three weeks in September.

You can't separate the two. The bottom line is all that counts and $563 for two weeks is TOO high. Yes, I'll keep looking. :)

If you have Thank You points (via the Chase card) you can get a lower rate. I got a Full Size, next Jan/Feb, for $169 all in. Not as good as previous years but lower than anywhere else I checked.

Do you mean thankyou points from Citi or Ulimate Reward points from Chase? Do you have to book with your points? I don't have any TY points right now, but I have UR. Where did you look? Their mall portal?

Do you mean thankyou points from Citi or Ulimate Reward points from Chase? Do you have to book with your points? I don't have any TY points right now, but I have UR. Where did you look? Their mall portal?

Sorry. I meant ThankYou pts from the CITI card. I also checked with Chase UR pts and they are very expensive.

With TY points you have the choice of using cr. card or points. I use my cr. card for car rentals because then the CDW is covered. :) So, get a CITI TY card and see the low rates.

Sorry. I meant ThankYou pts from the CITI card. I also checked with Chase UR pts and they are very expensive.

With TY points you have the choice of using cr. card or points. I use my cr. card for car rentals because then the CDW is covered. :) So, get a CITI TY card and see the low rates.

^^^
Thank you, thank you! $201 at dollar at HNL 7/28-8/4 for a compact! :D

I didn't see where I could add other drivers? Any tricks for this? If I have to pay, then I guess I'll be doing all the driving! :eek:

^^^
Thank you, thank you! $201 at dollar at HNL 7/28-8/4 for a compact! :D

I didn't see where I could add other drivers? Any tricks for this? If I have to pay, then I guess I'll be doing all the driving! :eek:

You're welcome. No way of adding an additional driver, AFAIK, except by paying at the counter. Sorry, you'll have to do all the driving. I won't pay the extra $10-$13/day either. Makes my wife happy. :)

I managed to score a pretty solid deal on rental cars for my honeymoon from Thrifty/Dollar.

5 days in a Mustang Convertible in each, using the promo code 4M19M :
HNL: $260.39
LIH: $306.14
Pickup in JHM, return at OGG: $296.20

For the dates I was looking at, the other agencies wanted $370-$470 for each island. Sure, it's more $ than I was hoping to spend, but considering the outrageous prices the other agencies were charging (thrifty included, without that promo code) I feel pretty good about these rentals. The promo code info is below:

Nationwide Convertible Rate Offer

Rent a Convertible for $45.99/day or $275.99/week at participating U.S. airport locations when you pick up between July 11 - December 31, 2012.

Terms and Conditions

• Optional LDW ranges from $9.99 to $29.99 per day depending upon vehicle type and location.
• Check your automobile insurance policy or credit card protection for rental vehicle coverage.
• A limited number of vehicles are available at this promotional rate at participating locations.
• Holiday and other blackout periods apply.
• 24-hour advance reservation required.
• Weekly rates require a 5-day minimum rental.
• Return vehicle to renting location to avoid drop charge.
• Renter must meet minimum age, driver and credit requirements.
• Offer applies to drivers 25 and over.
• Unlimited mileage may be geographically restricted.
• Taxes, surcharges, vehicle license recoupment fees, vehicle license tax recoupment fees, additional driver fee and optional items, such as refueling, are extra.
• Airport concession fees, customer facility charge or airport access fees if you choose to exit on our shuttle may apply at some airports.
• Additional charges may apply.
• Offer not combinable with any other offer or promotion and has no cash value.
• Offer not available in the New York Metro area.
• Early return or late return fees may apply if you return the vehicle before or after the reserved due date.
• To receive this offer, reservation must include promo code 4M19M.

I managed to score a pretty solid deal on rental cars for my honeymoon from Thrifty/Dollar.

5 days in a Mustang Convertible in each, using the promo code 4M19M :
HNL: $260.39
LIH: $306.14
Pickup in JHM, return at OGG: $296.20

For the dates I was looking at, the other agencies wanted $370-$470 for each island. Sure, it's more $ than I was hoping to spend, but considering the outrageous prices the other agencies were charging (thrifty included, without that promo code) I feel pretty good about these rentals. The promo code info is below:

If you made these reservations directly with Thrifty, you should try discounthawaiicarrental.com. You will probably still end up with the same cars from Thrifty, get a free extra driver and save a few hundred bucks total.

If you made these reservations directly with Thrifty, you should try discounthawaiicarrental.com. You will probably still end up with the same cars from Thrifty, get a free extra driver and save a few hundred bucks total.

thanks for the heads up ^

I put in a request, but using their links online, their corporate code was between $70 and $100 more expensive for each (to book instantly on the rental agency's website)

I'll see what they come back with

edit: I ended up keeping the mustangs for Oahu and Kauai and getting a Jeep for Maui. That's a pretty solid site, thanks :)

thanks for the heads up ^

I put in a request, but using their links online, their corporate code was between $70 and $100 more expensive for each (to book instantly on the rental agency's website)

I'll see what they come back with

edit: I ended up keeping the mustangs for Oahu and Kauai and getting a Jeep for Maui. That's a pretty solid site, thanks :)

I would suggest having the Jeep for Kauai. There are more places to go imo where a Jeep would be useful on Kauai than on Maui.

thanks for the heads up ^

I put in a request, but using their links online, their corporate code was between $70 and $100 more expensive for each (to book instantly on the rental agency's website)

I'll see what they come back with

edit: I ended up keeping the mustangs for Oahu and Kauai and getting a Jeep for Maui. That's a pretty solid site, thanks :)

They will come back with something significantly cheaper than their links online.

As far as koctail's comments about a Jeep on Kauai, one time we had reserved a convertible and were talked into a Wrangler at no extra charge. It began to rain as we were leaving the parking lot and we turned around and got the car we had originally reserved. The top is a major hassle in the rain on Kauai. One would need to decide which is more important, being able to go off road or have a top the goes down and up easily. Then again, the weather might be spectacular and it won't be an issue at all. Personally, I would choose a traditional convertible every time. It's just wise to be fully informed. :)

Patience is a virtue!

Hotwire just dipped in price, got a full size from Alamo for $15.95/day, worked out to $154 all-in. That's a lot more in line with what I paid before!

Patience is a virtue!

Hotwire just dipped in price, got a full size from Alamo for $15.95/day, worked out to $154 all-in. That's a lot more in line with what I paid before!

Dates & location please.

I just checked LIH for Jan. and Hotwire is still showing $21+++/day, plus fees for a Compact. Well over $200/wk.

Ah, my apologies - 10/13-10/20 at HNL. Ended up getting Alamo.

Costco travel is running some really good specials now. You need to have a costco acct to take advantage of the specials. Just got a compact for a week on Kauai for 156 a/i (Sept 9-16) with Avis. With the super high fees and taxes in Hawaii, that's a real bargain. Think the base was 86.00.

Just saved $65 by checking my reservation again and re-booking the same exact dates/times/cars with Hertz. Now this was in LA in < 4weeks but I have found this true for Hawaii as well.

Cannot stress enough that people need to keep checking the rates as your dates approach. Prices drop as rental cos need to sell excess inventory.

So true; I saved 40% on a one-day price decrease; day before and day after were almost twice the price.

Costco travel is running some really good specials now. You need to have a costco acct to take advantage of the specials. Just got a compact for a week on Kauai for 156 a/i (Sept 9-16) with Avis. With the super high fees and taxes in Hawaii, that's a real bargain. Think the base was 86.00.

Interesting. I/we will be on Kauai for three weeks beginning this Sunday. I checked Costco/Avis and the price is $670 all in. If I break it into two rentals of two and one week, the total is $485. I have a request into Discount Hawaii to refigure our $648 estimate for a car with Avis. If they don't come down significantly, we'll probably be switching and renting with the Costco discount, having to take into account the free extra driver you get with Discount Hawaii.

Costco travel is running some really good specials now. You need to have a costco acct to take advantage of the specials. Just got a compact for a week on Kauai for 156 a/i (Sept 9-16) with Avis. With the super high fees and taxes in Hawaii, that's a real bargain. Think the base was 86.00.

Thank you for this excellent suggestion. When I have tried Costco in the past, it hasn't been close to Hawaii Discount. I just booked, a one week and a two week, for at total of $451, and saved $197 over the Discount Hawaii quote and even $34 over the Costco quote yesterday. ^

I could have saved $7 more by switching car companies but I didn't want the logistic hassle of going from Avis to Budget. :)

Costco is still very high for Hawaii in Jan/Feb.--over $300/wk. Maybe they'll come down next month.

Thank you for this excellent suggestion. When I have tried Costco in the past, it hasn't been close to Hawaii Discount. I just booked, a one week and a two week, for at total of $451, and saved $197 over the Discount Hawaii quote and even $34 over the Costco quote yesterday. ^

I could have saved $7 more by switching car companies but I didn't want the logistic hassle of going from Avis to Budget. :)

Keep checking. My 156 a/i compact is now 143 a/i on Costco. Pretty darn amazing, really. I also got a 7 day 3 hour intermediate SUV at OGG for 202 a/i for 9.2-9.9 on Costco.com.

Keep checking. My 156 a/i compact is now 143 a/i on Costco. Pretty darn amazing, really. I also got a 7 day 3 hour intermediate SUV at OGG for 202 a/i for 9.2-9.9 on Costco.com.

My $279 for two weeks went down to $248! Canceled and rebooked! But look at the rate vs. the taxes and fees!

Base rate 123.52
Taxes and fees 124.93
Total 248.45

The base rate is insanely low (works out to a little less than $9 per day; the taxes and fees outrageous.

Just saved another $20. Down to $228 all in. for two weeks!

Just made a Hertz reservation for OGG for November. Pleasantly surprised to find the AAA rate for an intermediate car with promo coupon was only $171/wk :) which was $50 less than Island Air rate. At this price I am not going to mess with inferior competitors. ;)

Addendum: Costco does appear to be the low price leader today, quoting $159 for the same car/dates @ Avis.

Just rebooked again... LIH compact 9/9 - 9/16 down to 118 a/i on Costco.com

Wow... everyone keep checking. Free falling prices right now.

I went from a midsize at $266/ week a/i to an SUV for $220 at ogg

A friend is staying in our condo on Kauai in mid-Sept. She had reserved a car for 5 nights with Budget for $287. Same car, with Budget, through the Costco site is $110 all in.

Always make a backup reservation and keep checking. I am now one week out and Hertz is sold out of all vehicles! Hopefully I won't get "walked"

Can I borrow someone's Costco card to rent car?

Can I borrow someone's Costco card to rent car?

Maybe. In order to book the car, you need someone's Costco membership number and password. THEN, you are asked to fill in the renter's name, address, etc. (the system does not default to the member's name). If the system let's you fill in your information, I would think it would work. I'm sure if someone here has experience one way or the other, they'll post something.

If you have a Cap. One credit card you can sometimes get killer rates (cash or points). Today they show a Full Size for $130/wk + taxes and fees for a total of $207. This is for KOA in January. Compact is $115/wk +++ for a total of $183. This is the best I've seen lately for KOA & OGG.

I'll try PL a week before we leave too. Demand must be up, which is good for their economy. Or maybe the supply is down. :)

To adamak: I've never been asked to show a Costco card at the rental counter.

Hello,
Does $200 a/i for 4 days at HNL ( intermediate size car ) seem like a good deal?
Dates are mid Feb, 2013.

Thanks for any replies^

Hello,
Does $200 a/i for 4 days at HNL ( intermediate size car ) seem like a good deal?
Dates are mid Feb, 2013.

Thanks for any replies^

If this is not a prepay rate book it...but keep watching for prices.

If this is not a prepay rate book it...but keep watching for prices.

Sadly its prepay through the Capital One site.

I used to use "Autoslash" and loved the service, but they seem to have be stopped from using the main rental companys and when I tried to use them for HNL I couldn't get any results.
Too bad, it was an awsome service.

Sadly its prepay through the Capital One site.

I used to use "Autoslash" and loved the service, but they seem to have be stopped from using the main rental companys and when I tried to use them for HNL I couldn't get any results.
Too bad, it was an awsome service.

CapOne reservations can be changed once or completely cancelled. No risk to you. I did this last year. Rez a car for 2 weeks, better offer appeared a few weeks later, cancelled (used a cr. card & not reward points) and rebooked. It took 2 days for the credit to appear on my card.

I just rez a full size yesterday for 2 weeks on the Big island for $387, all in. :) Budget will allow a 2nd driver for free, spouse or partner I believe.

From their T&C:

" Due to program restrictions, reservations booked using rewards can be changed only ONCE. After a reservation booked using rewards is modified once, it CANNOT be changed or cancelled again.
Changes in itinerary can result in a change in price. If a price increase occurs, then the difference in price CANNOT be paid with rewards. Price increases must be paid with a credit card.
No monetary refund will be given for cancellation of a reservation booked using rewards. An equivalent amount of Rewards, minus any cancellation or change fees, will be credited back to your Rewards account if changes to your rewards reservation result in a refund.
Reservation may not be changed or canceled on day of pickup.
Driver name cannot be changed after completion of reservation."

Wow! I've never seen prices quite this high for Jan/Feb in Hawaii. I'm seeing $290/week as the lowest price for a mid size SUV. I've checked all the sites I usually check. Costco is higher than CapitalOne.com.

Looking at Maui for 1/19>2/1 and the BI 2/1>2/15. Let me know if you can find anything lower.

Wow! I've never seen prices quite this high for Jan/Feb in Hawaii. I'm seeing $290/week as the lowest price for a mid size SUV. I've checked all the sites I usually check. Costco is higher than CapitalOne.com.

Looking at Maui for 1/19>2/1 and the BI 2/1>2/15. Let me know if you can find anything lower.

$290 a week is quite reasonable. We are seeing $400/week for June at HNL, worse for minivans.

Wow! I've never seen prices quite this high for Jan/Feb in Hawaii. I'm seeing $290/week as the lowest price for a mid size SUV. I've checked all the sites I usually check. Costco is higher than CapitalOne.com.

Looking at Maui for 1/19>2/1 and the BI 2/1>2/15. Let me know if you can find anything lower.

Just a gander at Hawaii Discount front page shows $265 a week for intermediate SUVs. Not sure if you checked there or why it isn't the first place everyone checks. (http://www.discounthawaiicarrental.com/)

I kept checking Alamo for a KOA rental in June. It was well over $300 forever, then it dropped down to $138 for a Standard 1 week rental, AI. I pounced on it, and later in the day it disappeared, and went back up to $300.

$290 a week is quite reasonable. We are seeing $400/week for June at HNL, worse for minivans.

I agree. I paid $400/week last July for a Wrangler. Granted, it's one of the most expensive car classes, but it's not all that much different from a mid sized SUV.

I kept checking Alamo for a KOA rental in June. It was well over $300 forever, then it dropped down to $138 for a Standard 1 week rental, AI. I pounced on it, and later in the day it disappeared, and went back up to $300.
Direct from Alamo?

Direct from Alamo?

Yes, it was direct from Alamo, using WN RR quadruple points corp code and Visa $30 off coupon code.

Pickup & Drop Off
Pickup
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 12:00 PM
Kona Intl Arpt (KOA)
73-193 A'ulepe Street Keahole-kona Airport
Kailua Kona HI 96740 US
Drop Off
Tue, Jun 18, 2013 12:00 PM
Kona Intl Arpt (KOA)
73-193 A'ulepe Street Keahole-kona Airport
Kailua Kona HI 96740 US

Your Vehicle & Add-Ons

Car Summary
Standard
Chrysler 200 or similar
Additional options available
Automatic Transmission
Air Conditioning

Your Rate

Rates & Charges
1 Week(s) @92.53 $ 92.53
Freq Trav Svc Chrg/tax $ 7.50
Customer Facility Charge 4.50/day $ 31.50
Concession Recovery Fee 11.11 Pct (11.11%) $ 7.78
Rent Tax Surcharge $3.00/day $ 21.00
Vehicle Reg Fee And Weight Tax $ 5.67
Sales Tax (4.17%) $ 3.48
UNLIMITED MILEAGE INCLUDED
Total Savings -30.00

Estimated Total: $ 139.46

Just a gander at Hawaii Discount front page shows $265 a week for intermediate SUVs. Not sure if you checked there or why it isn't the first place everyone checks. (http://www.discounthawaiicarrental.com/)

Those are 2013 prices. Jan., 2014 will be higher. I always check this website and I've never rented from them. I've always found a lower rate. YMMV of course.
I just sent in a quote request for next Jan. Will report back.

[DHCR does not have 2014 rates available yet. They said check back in a "couple of months". ]

Hawaii has been expensive as long as I can remember.

Use contract rates if you can. Seems going online and searching for the best rate is hit and miss. We rent a minivan usually. If going with straight car rental, and not a specialty SUV or 4x4, is a good way of cutting costs.

I find www.costcotravel.com sometimes results in good savings on Big Island.

As reported elsewhere, car rental revenue management dept has taken a page from airlines (or vice versa). If you reserve many months in advance, the price is very high. As dates approach prices will generally drop until excess inventory clears. That is what happening to us right now for HNL - slow reduction in prices since we moved within the 8 week mark. Ditto for an upcoming weekend rental at DEN - rates are about 66% lower than they were 6 months in advance.

Of course this does not work all the time (particularly when peak demand is anticipated) so you are always wise to make a non-prepaid reservation and then just cancel when prices drop.

As reported elsewhere, car rental revenue management dept has taken a page from airlines (or vice versa). If you reserve many months in advance, the price is very high. As dates approach prices will generally drop until excess inventory clears. That is what happening to us right now for HNL - slow reduction in prices since we moved within the 8 week mark. Ditto for an upcoming weekend rental at DEN - rates are about 66% lower than they were 6 months in advance.

Of course this does not work all the time (particularly when peak demand is anticipated) so you are always wise to make a non-prepaid reservation and then just cancel when prices drop.

As you note, this will not work during peak season, like Jan>Mar. I always make a rez. far in advance and then keep checking all the normal sites. But, I've never seen Jan/Feb rates this high 8-9 months out. The economy in HI must be looking up. :)

As you note, this will not work during peak season, like Jan>Mar. I always make a rez. far in advance and then keep checking all the normal sites. But, I've never seen Jan/Feb rates this high 8-9 months out. The economy in HI must be looking up. :)

It's been crazy busy, at least on Kauai. Our condo, which we rent through VRBO, has been, except for a random week here and there, been booked through March, '14 since January.

Just wait, you won't see Q1 rates fall until Autumn 2013 and then into December. At this point they can charge high prices knowing that most people don't check back once the Rez is made.