Where to park my Rental Car?

Question

Will be taking a cruise on Royal Caribbean and one of my first stops is at Kailua-Kona, Hawaii for two days. I have already rented a car and I will have to take an Uber, Lyft, or other means to get to the airport to pick up the rental car the Kona airport. I have an issue, being this is the first time I will be at Kona can I park my rental car at the pier or any other business and pick up the rental car the next day before returning the rental to the airport? Or should I abandon this idea and just get my car for one day or rent the car for each day meaning I would have to turn in the car each day?

Any ideas will be appreciated.

Answer

Parking your rental car in Kailua-Kona while you're on your cruise can be a bit tricky, but there are a few options to consider. Here's what you need to know:

1. Parking at the Pier: Unfortunately, there isn’t any specific long-term parking at the cruise pier in Kailua-Kona. The port area is primarily used for cruise embarkation and disembarkation, and it’s not designed for long-term vehicle storage. Most passengers either use taxis, Ubers, or shuttles to get to the pier, leaving their cars at the airport or other parking areas. The cruise port itself doesn’t offer facilities for leaving your rental car, so this option isn’t recommended.

2. Airport Parking (KOA): Since you’re planning to rent the car at the Kona International Airport (KOA), you could consider parking your car at the airport for the duration of your cruise. Most rental car companies in Kona offer free shuttle services to and from the airport, so this could be a convenient option for you. The airport does have long-term parking, but make sure to confirm the availability with your rental company, as some may offer specific parking areas or services for cruise passengers. However, this would require you to take an Uber or Lyft to the cruise pier when you embark and then return to the airport after your cruise to pick up your car.

3. Renting the Car for Each Day: Renting the car on a daily basis might be a simpler solution if you're concerned about the logistics of parking and the availability of long-term parking. You could rent the car for the day of your arrival in Kona, return it to the rental agency at the airport before your cruise, and then rent it again once you return to the airport after your cruise. While this option could be a bit more expensive, it eliminates the need for parking concerns and ensures that you have a car when you return to the airport. This would give you flexibility in case the car rental situation is complicated by parking availability.

4. Other Parking Options: If you prefer to leave your car somewhere else besides the airport, you can look into local parking lots or nearby businesses that offer long-term parking for cruise passengers. Some companies in Kailua-Kona, including some hotels and parking lots, may offer parking spaces for cruise guests for a fee. It’s a good idea to call around and inquire about availability before you finalize your plan.

Recommendations: - If you're not concerned about the extra cost, renting the car for the entire duration of your stay might be the easiest way to go. - If you want to save some money, check with your rental company for any long-term parking options at the airport or other nearby locations. - Avoid parking at the pier, as it’s not intended for long-term car storage, and you’ll likely encounter logistical issues.

Ultimately, the best option will depend on your schedule, budget, and comfort with navigating the logistics of parking in Kona. I hope this helps and that you have a smooth, enjoyable cruise and vacation in Hawaii!

Where to park my Rental Car?

More Kailua-Kona Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions