Why are rental cars in Hawaii so expensive?


Why are rental cars in Hawaii so expensive? The pent-up travel demand has led to car rentals being in high demand but short supply. The lack of rental car inventory in the islands has led to claims of price gouging with some rental cars earlier in the year, reportedly fetching as much as $700 a day.


How much does a rental car cost in Hawaii for a week?

On average a rental car in Hawaii costs $350 per week ($50 per day).


How far in advance should I book a rental car Hawaii?

I have found Discover Cars has the cheapest Hawaii Car rentals, as well as the cheapest Hawaii driving insurance at less than $11 per day. The key is to book at least 2-3 weeks in advance for their super low rates. If you book the day before it will be much more expensive.


Why are car rental prices so high in Hawaii?

Low Supply of Vehicles Due to Sell-Off Hawai?i's remote location makes the problem even more challenging here. This sell-off is one reason why rental cars from Hertz, Enterprise, and other big companies are so expensive in Hawai?i and throughout the US right now.


Is it worth hiring a car in Honolulu?

Unless you want to just relax at your hotel, the answer is yes. Driving is the best way to get around and will provide you with the most flexibility. Hawaii Island is known as “The Big Island” for good reason — spanning 10,931 square miles, it has a lot of ground to cover.


Does Hawaii have Uber?

You can request a ride on any day and at any time with Uber in Honolulu.


Is there a car rental shortage on Oahu?

The Hawaii Department of Transportation (DOT) said they haven't seen shortages on Oahu or Maui, which they say actually does more rentals than Honolulu. The DOT added that the beginning of the pandemic caused many rental car companies to sell their fleet or leave them parked at Aloha Stadium.


Is car rental necessary in Hawaii?

Unless you want to just relax at your hotel, the answer is yes. Driving is the best way to get around and will provide you with the most flexibility. Hawaii Island is known as “The Big Island” for good reason — spanning 10,931 square miles, it has a lot of ground to cover.


Is driving in Hawaii easy?

It's actually quite easy to drive in Hawaii. There are no big, ten-lane highways on the Islands. The highways are more like two lane country roads, like the Pacific Coast Highway north of Ventura. So if you're from Los Angeles, it might feel like you're driving around in the country, or the mountains.


Will Hawaii car rental prices go down?

Renting a car is an important part of the budget for a trip to Hawaii. The Covid-19 crisis has caused prices to rise dramatically in 2021 and 2022, although there has been a significant drop in prices since the summer of 2022, which is expected to continue in 2023 to reach pre-Covid prices again.


Is Hawaii doable without a car?

Oahu is the best Hawaiian Island to visit without a rental car. Traveling around the island is cost-effective with a mix of Ubers or taxis, guided tours, and staying in Waikiki.


What is best day of week to book rental car?

Most car rental agencies vary their prices and rates during the week are usually higher. Book during the weekend if you want a cheaper car rental rate.


Why are there no rental cars in Hawaii right now?

The nation's largest car rental corporations sold too many cars in 2020 to cushion the financial blows amid widespread COVID-19 travel restrictions. Now they can't buy enough replacements principally due to car production delays.


Is it expensive to rent a car in Hawaii?

The average cost to rent a car in Hawaii is $157 per day.


Can you go to Maui and not rent a car?

Your vacation to Maui may not require a rental car. If you are planning on relaxing at your resort or condo, then a rental car may be overkill. Many condos in Kihei are within walking distance of the Kihei shopping centers with the beach outside your condo.


Can you get around Hawaii without a rental car?

Transportation options vary from island to island. Many visitors enjoy taking bus tours to conveniently explore the Islands. For most islands you can also get around by shuttle, taxi, ride-sharing app such as Uber or Lyft, or public transportation.


Are rental cars hard to get in Hawaii?

Tourism officials have said Hawaii's shortage is worst on Maui. Recently on Maui, the lowest-priced cars at the airport from major rental firms were higher than they've ever been. The supply has improved slightly for 2023. We have been fortunate to have an ample supply for most travel dates.


Can you enjoy Honolulu without a car?

Absolutely! You can easily get around without a car in Honolulu and even enjoy the entire island of Oahu without a car. In fact, Oahu is the best Hawaiian island to be without a car.


How much does food cost in Hawaii?

Food Costs The average cost of food per person per day is about $61, but it can fluctuate depending on where you eat and how many people you go with. Fortunately, there are also some ways to save money on food costs during your vacation.


How do you avoid expensive car rentals?

Renting a car can be expensive, but there are various ways to save money on your next rental. You can significantly reduce your expenses by using corporate, AAA, or university codes, renting during off-peak times and avoiding additional fees for gas and tolls.