Renting a Car in Oahu: Avis, Sixt, or National

Question

We’re considering visiting Oahu in mid to late October. We would be arriving in the evening between 7 and 9 PM, are there still usually cars to pick from during that time?

We usually rent with with Avis and then sometimes with Sixt if we want navigation in the car since they have classes with guaranteed navigation. This time, we were thinking about trying out National because we’ve done it before where you can walk in the aisle and choose a car.

What’s your experience renting with them and would you recommend them? We were thinking about renting either a Nissan Altima, Audi A4 or the A5, or maybe a Mustang but don’t know if it would hold our luggage.

Do those locations in Honolulu have a good selection or typically have any of those cars?

Answer

Arriving in Honolulu in the evening, between 7 and 9 PM, is generally not a problem for picking up a rental car, as most major car rental counters at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) remain open until at least 10 PM. However, late arrivals can limit your selection since some vehicles may already be out or reserved. If you have a specific model in mind, it’s best to reserve in advance and confirm that evening pick-up is possible.

Regarding rental companies, here’s a summary based on local experience:

Avis: Known for consistent service and availability, especially if you reserve in advance. Selection can be limited for luxury or specialty cars, particularly in the evening.
Sixt: Good for European cars, and some locations guarantee navigation systems. They may have smaller fleets in Hawaii, so if you want a specific model like an Audi or Mustang, booking early is advised.
National: Very convenient if you like the "choose your own car" option from the aisle. They typically have a wide range of vehicles, and many travelers find the self-selection method reduces wait times. Evening availability is generally fine but the best models may be taken, so pre-reserving a preferred class is still recommended.

As for the models you mentioned:

Nissan Altima: Common and readily available at all major Oahu locations.
Audi A4/A5: Less common, more likely available if reserved in advance. Sixt might have a slight edge here for guaranteed European models.
Mustang: Usually available in limited numbers. Fits 2-3 medium-large suitcases in the trunk, but with four passengers or larger luggage, space may be tight.

Overall, if you prioritize choice and flexibility, National is a solid option with the aisle selection method. For guaranteed luxury or navigation-equipped cars, Sixt may be better, but book early. Avis remains reliable for standard models.

Tips:

Reserve early and confirm evening pick-up time.
Check trunk space if you have multiple large bags—sedans usually handle 2-3 medium bags comfortably, but an SUV is safer for 4+ bags.
Consider insurance coverage, as Hawaii rental policies can vary.
Evening arrivals are fine, but if your flight is delayed, call ahead to ensure your reserved car is held.

In short, all three rental companies are workable; your choice depends on whether you prefer guaranteed models (Sixt), flexibility and self-selection (National), or standard reliability (Avis).

Renting a Car in Oahu: Avis, Sixt, or National

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