Check out the latest trends and booking tips to hire a car in Hilo with confidence.
How far in advance should you book car hire in Hilo?
You should book your car hire in Hilo around 87 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.
What is the cheapest month to hire a car in Hilo?
The cheapest month to hire a car in Hilo is September at an average cost of £39/day. December is the most expensive month to hire a car in Hilo when prices are £65/day on average, which tends to be 20% above the yearly average hire price for Hilo.
Find the right car hire in Hilo by comparing prices across vehicle types.
Small
Medium
Large
SUV
Van
Pickup truck
Luxury
Convertible
Small cars
£28 - £51
All Car Types
£49 - £87
How much does it cost to hire a small car in Hilo?
How much does it cost to hire a medium car in Hilo?
How much does it cost to hire a large car in Hilo?
How much does it cost to hire an SUV in Hilo?
How much does it cost to hire a van in Hilo?
How much does it cost to hire a pickup truck in Hilo?
How much does it cost to hire a luxury car in Hilo?
How much does it cost to hire a convertible in Hilo?
Small car hire in Hilo typically costs around £43 per day. The best time to book is September, when prices average £28 per day, which is about 35% less than the yearly average. Small cars are usually 41% cheaper than the average car hire in Hilo, making them ideal for budget-conscious travellers.
Medium car hire in Hilo typically costs around £58 per day. The best time to book is May, when prices average £38 per day, which is about 35% less than the yearly average. Medium cars are usually 20% cheaper than the average car hire in Hilo, offering a good balance of space and value.
Large car hire in Hilo typically cost around £67 per day. The best time to book is May, when prices average £39 per day, which is about 42% less than the yearly average. Large cars can be 7% cheaper than the average car hire in Hilo, offering more comfort for longer trips at a reasonable price.
SUV hire in Hilo typically costs around £76 per day. The best time to book is September, when prices average £46 per day, which is about 40% less than the yearly average. SUVs are typically 6% more expensive than the average car hire in Hilo but provide extra space and capability for groups or road trips.
Van hire in Hilo typically costs around £114 per day. The best time to book is May, when prices average £72 per day, which is about 37% less than the yearly average. Vans are typically 37% more expensive than the average car hire in Hilo but are the best choice for families or groups needing maximum passenger capacity.
Pickup truck hire in Hilo typically costs around £87 per day. The best time to book is September, when prices average £60 per day, which is about 32% less than the yearly average. Pickup trucks are typically 18% more expensive than the average car hire in Hilo but are ideal for hauling gear or outdoor adventures.
Luxury car hire in Hilo typically costs around £113 per day. The best time to book is March, when prices average £65 per day, which is about 43% less than the yearly average. Luxury cars are typically 37% more expensive than the average car hire in Hilo but deliver premium comfort and style for special occasions.
Convertible hire in Hilo typically costs around £69 per day. The best time to book is September, when prices average £56 per day, which is about 19% less than the yearly average. Convertibles are surprisingly 5% cheaper than the average car hire in Hilo, providing a rare opportunity for scenic drives and warm-weather destinations.
Good to know
Most popular agency
Most popular car type
Average price
Good deal
Dollar
Medium
£46/day
£36/day
Hilo car hire experiences: the best tips from KAYAK users
Insights shared by verified travellers who hired a car in Hilo
Use the Apple car play. Lots of great places to visit. You’ll need a 4X4 to get to the top of Maunaloa Kea volcano.
Verified travelerSept 2023
Driving in Hilo is very easy. Very well signposted and road conditions are very good. The GPS guides you to several attractions on the island. Hilo is a beautiful part of the island.
Verified travelerOct 2023
No problems driving in Hilo
Verified travelerMay 2023
Rent the Honda HRV suv; very good gas mileage since very long distance driving on Hawaii island.
Verified travelerMay 2023
Reserve early. They run out.
KAYAK’s top tips for hiring a car in Hilo
Rent a car in Hilo and experience all that Hawaii’s Big Island has to offer. Discover the sights within the city limits, including the rugged black-sand beaches, the Wailuku River State Park, the Imiloa Astronomy Center, and the Hilo Farmers Market. Or venture a little further and check out the island’s volcanoes at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. With many scenic drives and hiking trails in and around the park, it is only a 40min drive from Hilo.
The rental car offices at the Hilo International Airport (ITO) are located on the ground level, near the arrival hall of the airport’s main terminal. Your Hilo rental car may be waiting for you near the terminal, or the rental company may provide a shuttle to transport you from the rental office to a car parked at one of the satellite lots.
With car rentals in Hilo, driving in and around the city is pretty straightforward. Keep in mind that the GPS in your rental car might not properly pronounce many of the Hawaiian words and names. Cars share the roads on Big Island with cyclists and tourists who may be paying more attention to the scenery than the road, so stay alert. You may even come across a wild pig or goat on the road. A word of caution when you’re traveling on the island’s more remote roads (like Saddle Road): large sections of these roads are without cell service.
When visiting Hilo, one thing you won’t have to worry about is traffic. Unlike some of the other parts of Hawaii, Hilo typically does not have significant rush hour traffic. Winter is a busy season for tourists, so the traffic gets a bit heavier in this season. The largest traffic concern with the Hilo car rentals is the rain. It rains almost every day in Hilo, and you’ll want to be prepared for slower travel times in the wet weather.
25% of our users found a car hire in Hilo for £36 or less
Small hire cars in Hilo are around 39% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about car hire in Hilo
What type of car is recommended for driving in Hilo?
When considering car rentals in Hilo, we recommend a convertible for cruising around the beaches and taking in the sights of Big Island. If you do rent a convertible, be sure it has a power-folding top for quick closures if it starts to rain. If you’ll be spending time at the beach with the family, an SUV might be needed to store all of the beach essentials, such as towels, toys, and beach bags.
What’s the speed limit in Hilo?
The fastest speed limit on Big Island is 60mph, but most of the roads are 25 to 35mph. Drivers should know that it is easy to speed here if you’re not paying attention, as speed limits frequently change on the roads. Many of the local police use private, unmarked vehicles with only a small blue light on top to distinguish them from other cars, and you might not notice them until it’s too late to avoid a ticket.
Where are the best places to park in Hilo?
Free parking is easy to find in Downtown Hilo, either in lots attached to businesses and attractions or on the street. A few streets, such as Kalakaua St and Kamehameha Ave, have metered parking. Many of the Hilo hotels include free daily parking. By law, access to Hawaii’s beaches is free, including free parking for the beaches, and most of the beaches have parking lots.
How much does it cost to hire a car in Hilo?
On average a car hire in Hilo costs £46 per day.
Which car hire agencies are at Hilo Intl airport (ITO)?
Which car hire companies will pick you up at Hilo Intl airport (ITO)?
Car hire companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from Hilo Intl airport to off-airport locations include Dollar, Thrifty, Avis, Alamo, Budget and National.
How can I find car hires near me in Hilo?
Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.
How much does a Medium car hire cost in Hilo?
A Medium car hire in Hilo costs £60 per day, on average.
How much does a Small car hire cost in Hilo?
A Small car hire in Hilo costs £37 per day, on average.
What is the most popular car hire location in Hilo?
In Hilo, cars are most frequently hired at Thrifty 1 General Lyman Field (1 miles from city centre).
Should I get insurance when hiring a car in Hilo?
Most car hire providers in Hilo offer insurance but the level of protection can differ substantially. If you're unsure whether to get extra protection for your car hire in Hilo, check out KAYAK's car hire insurance guide.
Hertz was very helpful when other travel issues emerged. Staff was quick, alert, proactive, and made my rental experience very easy.
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Nov 2021
Rental very convenient in airport. Staff was friendly and informative. Quick service and nice, clean car. Return was simple and efficient. All around good experience.
1 out of 5
Dollar
7.3
Good
Cleanliness
7.7
Comfort
7.9
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.6
Value for money
6.8
3 locations in Hilo
Locations in Hilo
1 General Lyman Field
+1 866 434 2226
Monday
06:30 - 21:30
Tuesday
06:30 - 21:30
Wednesday
06:30 - 21:30
Thursday
06:30 - 21:30
Friday
06:30 - 21:30
Saturday
06:30 - 21:30
Sunday
06:30 - 21:30
1 General Lyman Field
Opening times not available
400 E Kawili Street
+1 808 934 0302
Monday
07:00 - 17:00
Tuesday
07:00 - 17:00
Wednesday
07:00 - 17:00
Thursday
07:00 - 17:00
Friday
07:00 - 17:00
Filters
Reviews
6.0 Okay
Anonymous, Jan 2025
Supplier choice
Need better service
8.0 Very Good
Anonymous, Oct 2023
Economy
No Problems
10.0 Wonderful
Vaclav, Oct 2023
Compact
Excellent - best car rental
1 out of 6
National
10.0
Wonderful
Cleanliness
9.6
Comfort
10.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
9.2
Value for money
9.2
One location in Hilo
Locations in Hilo
2350 Kekuanaoa St
+1 844 913 0732
Monday
06:30 - 21:30
Tuesday
06:30 - 21:30
Wednesday
06:30 - 21:30
Thursday
06:30 - 21:30
Friday
06:30 - 21:30
Saturday
06:30 - 21:30
Sunday
06:30 - 21:30
Filters
No reviews available
Thrifty
9.0
Wonderful
Cleanliness
9.0
Comfort
9.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.6
Value for money
9.0
3 locations in Hilo
Locations in Hilo
1 General Lyman Field
+1 866 434 2226
Monday
06:30 - 21:30
Tuesday
06:30 - 21:30
Wednesday
06:30 - 21:30
Thursday
06:30 - 21:30
Friday
06:30 - 21:30
Saturday
06:30 - 21:30
Sunday
06:30 - 21:30
1 General Lyman Field
Opening times not available
400 E Kawili Street
+1 808 934 0302
Monday
07:00 - 17:00
Tuesday
07:00 - 17:00
Wednesday
07:00 - 17:00
Thursday
07:00 - 17:00
Friday
07:00 - 17:00
Filters
No reviews available
Payless
8.8
Very Good
Cleanliness
8.8
Comfort
8.6
Pick-up/Drop-off
9.2
Value for money
8.6
One location in Hilo
Locations in Hilo
1 General Lyman Field
+1 808 961 0661
Monday
06:00 - 21:00
Tuesday
06:00 - 21:00
Wednesday
06:00 - 21:00
Thursday
06:00 - 21:00
Friday
06:00 - 21:00
Saturday
06:00 - 21:00
Sunday
06:00 - 21:00
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Sept 2023
Compact
Very friendly staff Rose!
1 out of 2
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
8.8
Very Good
Cleanliness
9.3
Comfort
9.5
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.4
Value for money
8.8
2 locations in Hilo
Locations in Hilo
10 Halekauila St
+1 808 934 0359
Monday
07:30 - 17:00
Tuesday
07:30 - 17:00
Wednesday
07:30 - 17:00
Thursday
07:30 - 17:00
Friday
07:30 - 17:00
Saturday
Sunday
2350 Kekuanaoa St
+1 844 913 0733
Monday
06:30 - 21:30
Tuesday
06:30 - 21:30
Wednesday
06:30 - 21:30
Thursday
06:30 - 21:30
Friday
06:30 - 21:30
Saturday
06:30 - 21:30
Sunday
06:30 - 21:30
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Dec 2023
Pick-up truck
The employees were all so nice. Great car. Great experience. Thank you Enterprise!
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Dec 2023
Pick-up truck
Awesome customer service!
1 out of 2
Alamo
8.4
Very Good
Cleanliness
9.3
Comfort
8.8
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.6
Value for money
8.2
One location in Hilo
from£44/day
Locations in Hilo
2350 Kekuanaoa St
+1 844 913 0734
Monday
06:30 - 21:30
Tuesday
06:30 - 21:30
Wednesday
06:30 - 21:30
Thursday
06:30 - 21:30
Friday
06:30 - 21:30
Saturday
06:30 - 21:30
Sunday
06:30 - 21:30
Filters
No reviews available
Budget
7.8
Good
Cleanliness
8.0
Comfort
8.3
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.1
Value for money
7.7
One location in Hilo
from£38/day
Locations in Hilo
1 General Lyman Field
+1 808 935 6878
Monday
06:00 - 21:00
Tuesday
06:00 - 21:00
Wednesday
06:00 - 21:00
Thursday
06:00 - 21:00
Friday
06:00 - 21:00
Saturday
06:00 - 21:00
Sunday
06:00 - 21:00
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Jan 2025
Open-air all-terrain
I had to clean the windshield from the inside was dirty hard to see at night
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Aug 2024
Intermediate
My budget experience went really well. I was helped by Rosa at the Hilo international airport at the budget booth. She helped me find the best rates and get the best deal possible. This experience made me feel very comfortable and inclined to return for my next rental. I hand it to Rosa and her very professional and welcoming demeanor.
10.0 Wonderful
Kevin, Jan 2024
Supplier choice
Super nice attendant. Easy transaction and great car.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Sept 2023
Convertible
Had to return two separate cars due to mechanical issues. Cars were old with approx 50,000 miles in each. Tatty interiors with rips in chairs and peeling dashboard. Went with Avis in the end. Car much cleaner and cheaper too!
Avis
7.2
Good
Cleanliness
8.0
Comfort
8.8
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.0
Value for money
7.6
One location in Hilo
from£35/day
Locations in Hilo
1 General Lyman Field
+1 808 935 1298
Monday
06:00 - 21:00
Tuesday
06:00 - 21:00
Wednesday
06:00 - 21:00
Thursday
06:00 - 21:00
Friday
06:00 - 21:00
Saturday
06:00 - 21:00
Sunday
06:00 - 21:00
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Apr 2026
Standard SUV
Great that car had GPS navigation! Made driving a whole lot easier!!!
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Sept 2025
Intermediate SUV
Easy day and a fair deal
Easirent
4.5
Mediocre
Cleanliness
5.2
Comfort
5.3
Pick-up/Drop-off
4.5
Value for money
5.1
One location in Hilo
Locations in Hilo
Hilo International Airport
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
GREEN MOTION
3.7
Poor
Cleanliness
4.8
Comfort
4.6
Pick-up/Drop-off
3.8
Value for money
3.9
One location in Hilo
Locations in Hilo
709 Kanoelehua Avenue
+1 808 480 3802
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
AutoEurope
No score available yet
One location in Hilo
Locations in Hilo
Hilo International Airport
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
Movly
No score available yet
One location in Hilo
Locations in Hilo
Hilo International Airport (ITO), 2450 Kekuanaoa St
+44 20 3936 5033
Monday
00:00 - 23:59
Tuesday
00:00 - 23:59
Wednesday
00:00 - 23:59
Thursday
00:00 - 23:59
Friday
00:00 - 23:59
Saturday
00:00 - 23:59
Sunday
00:00 - 23:59
Filters
No reviews available
Sunnycars
No score available yet
One location in Hilo
Locations in Hilo
2350 Kekuanaoa St
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
VIPCars Recommendation
No score available yet
One location in Hilo
Locations in Hilo
131 Kekuanaoa St, 131 Kekuanaoa Pl., Hilo, , USA Hawaii
+1 914 368 0091
Monday
06:30 - 21:30
Tuesday
06:30 - 21:30
Wednesday
06:30 - 21:30
Thursday
06:30 - 21:30
Friday
06:30 - 21:30
Saturday
06:30 - 21:30
Sunday
06:30 - 21:30
Filters
No reviews available
123 travellers who hired a car in Hilo gave the car agency they used an average rating of 4.5
Some Hilo car providers already include Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Protection Waiver into the hire price but not all of them. We recommend being aware of your coverage when hiring a car in Hilo.
Keep in mind that car hire insurances often have a deductible clause, which is the amount you’ll have to pay if something happens during the time of your hire. If you want to avoid unwanted surprises, you should consider adding a non-deductible option to your Hilo car hire.
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