Check rental car pricing before your trip

Question

Next month I am spending a week on Oahu and a week on Kauai. I just checked rental car prices, the HNL rental was $60 less while the LIH was almost $400 less so I canceled and rebooked. I usually check every week or two.

Answer

It’s great that you’re staying on top of rental car prices—it’s always smart to check regularly as prices can fluctuate quite a bit, especially in popular tourist destinations like Hawaii. Given that you’re spending time on both Oahu and Kauai, it’s especially important to keep an eye on pricing for each location. Here are a few tips to help you with your rental car bookings:

1. Rental Car Price Fluctuations: As you’ve noticed, rental prices can vary significantly depending on the island, the airport, and the time of booking. Generally, Oahu’s Honolulu Airport (HNL) tends to have higher rental prices due to the volume of tourists and the availability of larger rental fleets. Kauai’s Lihue Airport (LIH), on the other hand, may have fewer cars available, but with more competition, prices might be lower—especially if you’re booking in advance.

2. Why Prices Change: Rental car prices can change for a variety of reasons, such as demand, availability, and promotions. Typically, prices are higher during peak travel seasons (like the holidays or summer months), but they can also fluctuate within the same season based on local factors like vehicle availability or special deals. Checking regularly, as you’re doing, can help you secure a better rate before your trip.

3. Consider Different Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations: As you’ve found, rental prices can differ depending on the pickup location. If you’re flying into HNL and then heading to LIH, you may find that renting a car on one island and returning it on the other is much cheaper than booking separately for each island. Some rental companies may even offer a discounted rate if you book for both islands at once.

4. Watch Out for Hidden Fees: Even if the base price seems great, don’t forget to check for any additional fees, such as taxes, insurance, or extra charges for picking up the car at an airport. Some companies may offer lower prices but make up for it with high additional costs. It's always a good idea to calculate the total cost including all potential fees before making a decision.

5. Book Early for Best Rates: Rental car prices tend to rise closer to your departure date, especially as availability decreases. Since you’re booking in advance, you’ve already secured a better rate. As you’ve discovered, prices can drop again, so keep checking in the weeks leading up to your trip to see if a better rate comes up. Some rental agencies even allow free cancellation or rebooking without penalty, which can give you flexibility if prices drop after your initial booking.

6. Look for Special Deals or Discounts: Many rental companies offer special promotions, discounts, or loyalty programs. It’s worth checking for any ongoing deals, particularly with major rental companies like Hertz, Enterprise, or Alamo. Signing up for their loyalty programs can also help you secure better pricing or benefits like free upgrades or reduced fees.

7. Be Flexible with Pickup and Drop-Off Times: If you’re flexible on your pickup and drop-off times, you may be able to save money by adjusting the timing. Some rental companies offer lower rates for non-peak hours, or if you pick up or drop off the car at less busy times of day. Similarly, booking for a full week (even if you only need the car for a few days) might sometimes be cheaper due to weekly rate discounts.

In Conclusion: Keeping an eye on rental car prices regularly is definitely a great strategy, as prices can vary quite a bit. By being flexible with locations, booking times, and checking regularly, you can often find great deals like the one you got for your Kauai rental. It’s always worth the effort to save on car rentals, especially when you’re visiting popular destinations like Oahu and Kauai.

Hope this helps, and enjoy your trip to Hawaii!