Car rentals - KOA airport

Question

Hello, advice and suggestions please. It looks as though all the car rental agencies at the airport close at 10:30pm. Our flight is arriving in at 10:26pm from Vancouver. What are our options? Uber to our air bnb and collect a car the next day? Are Ubers readily available? Will any car rentals stay open later knowing a flight arrives then? I’ve also looked at Turo but never used it before and unsure of the insurance situation/reliability. Thanks!

Answer

Your situation is not uncommon for travelers arriving late into KOA (Kona International Airport). Most car rental agencies at the airport do close around 10:30 pm, which could leave you with limited options for getting your rental car right away. However, here are a few suggestions and considerations:

Option 1: Uber/Lyft to Airbnb and Rent a Car the Next Day This is likely your best option if you arrive just after 10:30 pm. Ubers and Lyfts are generally available at KOA, even late at night. It would be a quick and convenient way to get to your Airbnb, where you can rest after your flight. You can then rent your car the next morning when the rental agencies open. This option gives you peace of mind that you won’t have to rush, and you'll have more flexibility the following day to choose a rental company.
Option 2: Check for Late Night Car Rental Options Some car rental agencies at KOA may offer after-hours pickup services, although they may not be common. You would need to check directly with the car rental companies before your trip to confirm if they provide this service. Certain companies, such as Hertz, National, or Enterprise, may allow you to pick up your car late at night with prior arrangements. However, keep in mind that these services often involve a slightly more complicated process, like after-hours key drop boxes or prearranged key pickups. Make sure to contact the rental company directly to confirm details.
Option 3: Consider Turo Turo is a popular peer-to-peer car rental service, and it could be an option if you're comfortable with it. You can rent directly from a car owner, and some hosts offer more flexible pickup times, potentially allowing you to pick up the car later in the evening. Turo can be a more personalized experience, but it does come with a few additional steps. Regarding insurance, Turo offers coverage options through their platform, but you should verify the details before booking. Make sure to choose a car that is insured and that the coverage meets your needs. Read reviews of the host and the vehicle to ensure reliability.

In summary, your best bet would be to use Uber/Lyft to get to your Airbnb and then rent a car the next day when the rental agencies open. If you prefer to get your car immediately, you could reach out to your chosen rental agency to ask about after-hours service, or try booking through Turo if you’re comfortable with that option and its insurance coverage.

Safe travels to the Big Island!