Ready to find your ideal island ride? Enter your Hilo (ITO) arrival dates above and we’ll instantly search all the top rental brands available at Hilo Airport, like Hertz, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Alamo, and local operators, to bring you the cheapest prices. Whether you want a rugged SUV to visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, a minivan for the family, or a zippy compact to cruise between farmer’s markets, we have options. Our simple booking process lets you reserve in advance without pre-payment (pay at pickup for most rentals). And don’t worry, if your volcano helicopter tour reschedules or plans shift, cancellations are free on most bookings up to 48 hours before pickup. Booking now ensures you’ll have a car ready on arrival (inventory can be limited on the island during peak seasons). Mahalo for choosing us, we’ll make sure your Hilo car rental is as easy as a day at the beach.
Aloha! Welcome to Hilo, Hawaii, the lush, rain-kissed east side of the Big Island. The best way to experience all of Hawaii Island’s wonders (volcanos, waterfalls, black sand beaches) is with a rental car, and picking one up at Hilo International Airport is a breeze. Airport Van Rental brings you great deals on Hilo Airport car rentals, with prices often starting around $25/day for economy cars. We know island travel can be pricey, so we’re committed to transparent low rates, no hidden fees, and free cancellation if your plans change with the tides. Hilo’s airport is small and friendly, meaning rental car counters are right across from baggage claim and cars are within walking distance, no shuttle required. In just minutes, you can be driving your Jeep or comfy sedan out of ITO and onto the highway that encircles this tropical paradise. Our vehicles come with unlimited mileage, so feel free to circumnavigate the island, ascend Mauna Kea’s slopes (4x4 recommended!), or simply hop between Hilo’s charming town and the resort areas on the Kona side. With our expert local tips (included below) and an affordable Hilo rental car, you’ll be set to explore the Big Island’s natural beauty at your own pace.
Hilo Airport (ITO) Car Rental, Quick Info
Tips for Renting a Car in Hilo, Hawaii
Frequently Asked Questions
The Big Island is indeed big! From Hilo on the east coast to Kailua-Kona on the west coast, you have two main routes: the northern route via Waimea (Hilo up the Hamakua Coast, through Waimea, then down to Kona) which takes about 2 to 2.5 hours for the ~80-mile trip, or the Saddle Road (Daniel K. Inouye Highway, Route 200) across the center which is about 1.5 hours for ~75 miles, connecting near Waikoloa and then down to Kona. The Saddle Road is faster and fully paved now, a great option (and scenic in its own stark way). Other key drives: Hilo to Volcano (Volcanoes National Park) is ~30 miles, ~45 minutes. Hilo to Waimea is ~1.5 hours via scenic coast (a bit less via Saddle cutoff). Hilo to Mauna Kea Visitor Center (at 9,200 ft) is ~1 hour 15 min (43 miles) via Saddle Road. Hilo to Puna district (e.g., Pahoa or Kalapana) is ~30-45 minutes (20-30 miles, roads are smaller). Basically, you can reach anywhere on the island in about 2.5 hours or less from Hilo. And with your rental car’s unlimited mileage, you can turn those drives into day trips, with plenty of stops. Just plan your day accordingly, for example, if doing Hilo-to-Kona and back in one day, that’s a lot of driving (3-5 hours total). Many travelers choose to stay overnight on the other side or break up the island into segments. The roads are generally in good condition and well-marked, but remember that outside of towns, Hawaii gets very dark at night (minimal streetlights), so if you’re uncomfortable driving in dark conditions, plan to be back in Hilo by sunset when possible.
It depends on your plans. If you’re mostly sightseeing via paved roads (e.g., visiting Volcanoes National Park, waterfalls like Akaka Falls, driving to Kona or around the island on highways), a regular 2-wheel drive car is perfectly fine. All major attractions and towns are reachable on paved roads. However, if you plan to do specific activities like driving up Mauna Kea to the summit or down the steep road into Waipio Valley, you would need a 4x4, and in fact, most rental companies prohibit taking their vehicles to those places regardless of 4WD due to safety and insurance issues. Many visitors opt for a Jeep or SUV not for requirement, but for comfort and confidence, SUVs handle potholes or dirt parking lots easier, and a higher clearance is nice for rougher side roads (like those to trailheads or beach parks). In rainy Hilo, an SUV might also feel more secure. That said, plenty of visitors happily explore in a compact or sedan. If you’re not sure, a midsize SUV is a good compromise. And remember: even a 4x4 rental can’t go truly off-road (off established roads), that’s not allowed. So choose 4WD if you want to, but it’s not mandatory for enjoying 95% of Big Island sights.
You’ll find the big national brands at ITO, including Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, Alamo, and National. These have service desks either inside or just outside the terminal and keep their rental fleets on airport grounds. When you book through Airport Van Rental, we show you deals from all these providers and any local partners as well. There aren’t as many small independent rental companies at the airport itself (some operate in Hilo town), so most travelers stick with the well-known agencies for on-site convenience. All these companies have a range of cars suitable for the island, from compact cars to Jeeps. So, you can choose the best offer among them and know you’ll pick up at the airport with no extra shuttling around.
Yes, Hilo International Airport is a small airport, making the rental process very straightforward. If you have a reservation (highly recommended, especially during busy seasons), upon landing simply walk to the rental car counters across from baggage claim. The airport is so compact that in a minute or two you can walk from the terminal to the car lot. Even without a reservation, you can often rent on the spot if cars are available (though selection and price might be limited). However, to ensure you get the vehicle you want at a good rate, it’s best to book ahead online. All the major rental companies have a presence at ITO and their staff are used to flight schedules, if your flight is late, they typically honor your reservation (providing it’s same day). The overall ease and short distance involved mean you can land in Hilo and be driving out in your rental car in as little as 15-20 minutes.
A few things to note while driving in Hawaii: 1) Seat belts are mandatory for all, and child safety seats are required by law for kids under 4 (and booster seats up to age 7), rental companies offer these for a fee if you didn’t bring one. 2) It’s illegal to use a mobile phone while driving (no handheld use, only hands-free). 3) Hawaii has no right-turn-on-red arrow: if the traffic light has a red arrow, you cannot turn even if it’s clear (this confuses some from mainland, in Hawaii a red arrow is a firm NO turn). 4) Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks, you must stop if someone’s waiting to cross. 5) Watch the speed limits; they tend to be lower (and enforced), e.g., many highways are 55 mph or less. 6) Fun fact: you might hear locals refer to directions as “mauka” (toward the mountain) and “makai” (toward the ocean). On the east side, mauka is west (toward Mauna Kea), makai is east (toward the Pacific). Don’t worry if you don’t get it, but it might help if asking directions in Hilo. 7) Lastly, driving with the spirit of aloha means letting others merge and not being aggressive, it’s part of local culture to be courteous on the road. If you follow these tips and common sense, you’ll find driving on the Big Island to be stress-free and enjoyable.