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rental cars at Hilo Airport

My husband & I are arriving at Hilo Airport at 940pm August 14th. I wanted to book a car rental ahead of time and then it would be ready when we landed. What company is good with late night arrivals? Thank you!

Arriving at Hilo Airport (ITO) around 9:40 pm in mid-August means you’ll need a rental company that accommodates late-night arrivals, as many offices have limited hours. Booking ahead is strongly recommended, and some companies offer after-hours pickup options.

Major Rental Companies at Hilo Airport:

  • Avis: Located at Hilo Airport, typically open until around 10 pm. You can call ahead to confirm after-hours pickup options.
  • Budget: On-site at Hilo Airport, usually similar hours to Avis. Advance reservations and notification of late arrival is essential.
  • Enterprise: Enterprise Hilo has a shuttle from the airport, but after-hours service may be limited. They often require contacting them in advance to arrange late pickup.
  • Hertz: Hilo Airport location may close by 9 pm. Some locations offer a key drop or after-hours instructions if booked in advance.

Local or smaller rental options:

  • Hilo Rent-a-Car or Big Island Car Rentals: These smaller companies sometimes offer more flexible hours and can be more responsive to late arrivals if contacted in advance. They often deliver cars to the airport on request.

Tips for a smooth late-night rental pickup:

  • Always call the rental company after booking to confirm they can accommodate your late arrival.
  • Ask about after-hours pickup procedures—some have key drop boxes or a staff member waiting if you arrive late.
  • Provide your flight details (arrival time and airline) so the company can adjust for delays or early arrivals.
  • Consider reserving a car that is already at the airport or arrange for on-demand delivery from a local company to avoid waiting for a shuttle.
  • Confirm whether the rental includes GPS or whether you’ll need your own navigation for driving in unfamiliar areas, as it will be dark when you leave the airport.

Overall, Avis, Budget, and Enterprise are reliable for late-night arrivals if arranged ahead, but smaller local companies often offer more personalized service and flexibility for after-hours pick-ups.

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