During the last two decades we have been asked many special questions. Here they are, with their answers:
Once the car is confirmed, we’ll send you a confirmation email which contains the confirmation number as well as the final price. This price is not going to change unless you purchase additional services or upgrades.
Please note: Taxes are subject to change without notice. The government can add or raise taxes — however, we cannot take responsibility for any tax changes.
Some of the prices we have negotiated with the Big Rental Car Companies are so low that they will not allow us to show you any corporate details. Therefore, in these instances, "Brand A" or "Brand B" stand for the Brand Names of some of the biggest Rental Car Companies.
You will receive a personal confirmation number after we have placed the reservation for you. This number guarantees you the specified rental car. You can always call the rental car company directly to verify this information — but note: they can’t change or cancel your reservation over the phone. Since you booked on our site, their website doesn’t show the reservation. Nonetheless, it is present in the systems which the agencies and their call center access for various logistical purposes.
Once the car is confirmed (with a confirmation number), the reservation is guaranteed. So make sure that you have your reservation number ready when you approach the rental car agency for pick-up.
No, you simply can go to our cancellation page, enter your Confirmation Number and your Last Name, and cancel or change the reservation without any fee.
This is something you have to determine by talking to your car insurance company and your credit card company (some credit cards provide insurance when paying the charges with it).
Check our “package deals” which provide extended insurance options.
At our site you find cars in all sizes and from all rental agencies all over Hawaii. So, you don’t have to bother about which agency to choose — you simply select your dates and the car of your choice. We show you the cars available and their prices. You select the option you like best.
When you book the car on our site, we will need your email address. The following happens in the background:
So, you have the broadest selection of cars, the greatest flexibility of times and pick-up locations and drop-off locations, and you profit from our good prices. And you pay only when you actually pick up the car. And if you have any questions, you can always contact us.
Through a high booking volume each year, we can negotiate great deals with the rental car companies and we can pass the discount on to our clients.
Absolutely not. Once you receive a personal confirmation number you will get the information from the rental agency directly as well. The agency cannot see how and where you placed the order. Think about a customer flying next to you in an airplane going from and to the same airports but they paid 40% more than you — you both get the same quality service from, and the same quality treatment on, that plane.
This means that the effective car size is not specified during reservation, but only when you pick it up. The rental companies reward this flexibility with a lower price. So, effectively, the car choice that the agency can provide is up to the company at the point and moment when you pick up your car. This “extra discounted car size” is cheaper than the smaller cars available or the same car without that specific extra.
Mostly, people are happy if they receive a free upgrade. However, note that this option can also mean that you receive a Minivan after booking the “Compact or Larger” or “Wild Card”. If you want a Midsize or Full-Size car, an “upgrade fee” will be charged. This means, you’d pay effectively as if you had a Minivan booked for the low rate. If you never ever want to drive a Minivan or if you mess up when driving a very large car — please don’t choose that specific option and instead select the specific car size you are comfortable with.
Yes, child car seats are available for $12-to-$15 per day at Alamo. Budget and Avis charge $13 per day. Dollar charges $13 per day. They come in three sizes: baby, toddler, and child. Ask the rental agent for a child car seat during pick-up.
Unfortunately we cannot reserve a specific car brand or model — only a car category. But we can guarantee that you will get, for example, a convertible. Alamo provides Ford Mustangs as well as Chevy Camaros, and Avis and Budget both provide Ford Mustangs. Thrifty and Dollar do so as well.
At pick-up, once you’ve done the paperwork with the agent, Alamo lets YOU choose your car in the parking lot by yourself.
Most rental car companies in Hawaii have both soft top and hardtop Jeep Wranglers in their fleet — and let you choose from what is in the lot when you get there. We can only book a Jeep Wrangler as a 2-Door or a 4-Door — but at the time of booking, we cannot obtain actual fleet data per status of availability, nor let you choose something we cannot ensure.
Some people don’t want a soft top because of security reasons. Alamo decided to provide mostly hardtop Wranglers and they do replace the soft top ones with hardtops. With the hardtop though, you still can take out a big part of the roof.
Yes, the Full-Size SUV can hold 7 passengers.
No. All major rental car companies changed their fleet and at this point SUVs do NOT come with 4WD. Only Jeep Wranglers are 4WD.
After arriving at the airport, please ask for the designated area outside the baggage claim where the car rental agency shuttle buses pick up clients. Then take the bus for 2 minutes to get to the far side of the parking lot where the car agencies are located. The Alamo Agency in Honolulu is a 3-minute bus drive. Though one block further than the others, waiting for one minute longer sitting in a shuttle bus saves you 15% airport fees and taxes.
NKT Travel arranges rental cars from the following Hawaiian airports:
More information about picking up you car at an airport
No. Have a look on your reservation confirmation and use the shuttle bus of the Car Rental Agency where you will pick up your car.
No problem. You can easily play with plus-or-minus one hour.
Yes, the Rental Agencies will generally charge a drop-off fee in this case. Sometimes they “forget” it, but don’t rely on it.The drop-off fee is different for each location.
If you consider having a different drop-off location than is stated in your reservation confirmation, please ask the agent at the counter if they will accept this — and if they do, understand that there may be specific drop-off charges that apply for that.
When you book with a different drop-off location than your pick-up location, the resulting price on our website includes those drop-off charges. Therefore, you do NOT have to pay more than what is on the confirmation page from us.
If you pick up a car for a 2-week rental and then return it after 12 days you’ll pay for 12 days only. (Rentals are on a 24-hour basis calculated from the pick-up time). If you are considering changing your drop-off date, please ask the agent during pick-up about it.
But please note: Some companies charge "early return" fees or "late return" fees.
If your return time deviates by more than 24 hours from the date and time specified in the Rental Agreement with Thrifty and Dollar, then Early/Late Return fees may apply:
Since COVID, none of the major rental car companies offer free Shuttle Service from the pier to the Agency anymore. We recommend considering alternative transportation options such as taking a Taxi or Uber/Lift to the rental location at the nearby airport.
The Lihue, Kahului and Hilo agencies are located at the respective nearby airport to the pier where you dock.
Our Tip for Honolulu: WE recommend booking your car for pick up at the Honolulu Airport. The Waikiki location, despite being seemingly closer, often takes longer to reach due to heavy traffic. Additionally rental rates are higher and the operating hours are shorter than at the airport.
We recommend not to rent a car in Kona, since there is no nearby rental agency
No, it's not necessary. Many agencies lack local phone customer service, and speaking to an agent in another country might not be helpful. The crucial factor is picking up the car on the same day as your booking.
There is only one place to pick up cars in Kauai — and that is at the Lihue Airport (about a 5-minute ride). To do the booking, please use the Lihue/Kauai location.
Yes. You can pick up a car with Dollar Rent a Car in Kona Town - its a Dollar Francise — but, sorry, we can't book this specific Kona Town location. You can, however, book directly with Dollar. The Dollar car rental agency in the hotel next to the harbor is within walking distance. Dollar rental rates in Kona Town are higher — and they only rent Midsize cars and larger. The downside is that this location closes at 4:30 p.m. and, therefore, the last drop-off has to be before 4 p.m.
However, we suggest to not rent a car in Kona — and simply enjoy the charming Kona Town by walking. This is the only stop on your cruise where you stay within walking distance of a nice little town and not in a industrial harbor. It is the perfect place to rest and enjoy one of Hawaii's sweetest little towns. To visit the crater and other parts of the island, we suggest you do so when the Cruise Ship docks at the pier at Hilo — this will make for less driving to the crater.
Since Covid, Alamo doesn't have an agency in Waikiki. Airport only!
Yes it is possible at the Honolulu Airport, but NOT in Honolulu City/Waikiki! If you reserve it for pick-up and drop-off to occur at the Airport, you can drop it off until Midnight. However, you will need a Taxi to get back to the pier.
If you reserve the car for drop-off in Honolulu City/Waikiki, please know that most Agencies close at 7 PM. However, in order to get a free shuttle bus from your Agency to the pier, you may have to drop off the car earlier than that. Ask the agent at pick-up about the specific timing.
WE suggest that you pick up and drop off the car at the Airport, regardless of the "free shuttle bus options" — and spend a little extra money to pay for a taxi. This way you will have the freedom to control your timing as you wish and you can get lower rates for rental cars from the airport.
Yes, you can pick-up at the Waikiki location and drop-off at the Airport location. A drop-off fee may be charged (and whether or not the fee applies, and how much it would be, varies among the different Rental Agencies).
It may simply be cheaper to rent the car from the Honolulu Airport (and pay for your own taxi to get there) and get a lower rate for the Airport rental car — and further, you would then NOT have to pay a drop-off fee! From the pier to the Airport it is about 4 to 5 miles — so, the taxi would not be so expensive.
The pick-up station for Lahaina is in “Maui – Kaanapali”. It is about a 10-minute drive from the harbor to the pick-up location. Most Agencies no longer offer free shuttle service to and from the Agencies. You have to use a taxi to get to your Car Rental company. The Agencies in Lahaina / Kaanapali close early — mostly around 5:30 PM. However, ASK the agent at the pick-up location what their office hours are.
According to feedback of other cruise ship customers we suggest you rent one car for 2 days. There is a designated parking area where you can park the car at the pier or nearby. Ask the steward or the security agent when you leave the ship where to park the car overnight. Some of our customers have reported that someone tried to steal gas out of the car overnight when parking outside the designated parking— so if you have a choice to have it parked in a secured parking area for a fee, we recommend doing so. Sorry, we don't know the current parking fee.
If you reserve the car for 2 days and you return the car after 1 day, you only pay for the time you had the car.
This is possible, but a bit costly and burdensome. You would have to pay a $45 drop-off fee because the pick-up and drop-off location vary. Also, if you park the car in Lahaina and on the following day, you are in Kahului, you would have to get back to Lahaina to pick up the car (which is over an hour round trip).
No. And, if your car gets towed, the fees are about $100 to $160. The only parking is several blocks away in the underground parking of a shopping mall.
No problem. You can easily play with plus-or-minus one hour.
Yes, unfortunately, this is accurate. They've begun implementing these charges at certain hotels on Maui as well, despite not facing the same room shortage issues as Waikiki
The rental car agencies have adjusted their rates for Waikiki, now the referred to as "Resort Rates". Instead of paying a parking fee to the hotel, you're now paying an equivalent amount to the rental car company. Furthermore, you may have to wait in line for up to 90 minutes each morning to pick up your rental car.
Our recommendation: Book the car for pick up at the airport for the entire duration of your stay. This way, you'll save on transfer fees, and secure a lower rental car rate. Then, pay the hotel parking fee. It's a less cumbersome approach, and the overall cost is essentially the same. However, you won't waste your valuable time queuing in the morning crowd to get your Car!
No. And, if your car gets towed, the fees are about $100 to $160. The only parking is several blocks away in the underground parking of a shopping mall.
No. You are only allowed to park in areas designated for rental cars. You have to pay parking fees, like every other car, where they apply.
Yes, but there is an additional "Young Driver Charge" — on a "per day" basis — of $25 + tax, in addition to the full price. However, we have a great discounted “Young Driver Rate" with Thrifty and Dollar. The price is only $10 per day + tax (on selected deals). After choosing a deal with Thrifty or Dollar, send us an email and ask us to confirm that you have indeed chosen the applicable deal for the discounted $10 per day (+ tax) "Young Driver Rate" deal.
No. Book the car with our discounted Thrifty or Dollar rate (only $10 per day). However, you have to book the deals with 2 additional drivers included in order to qualify for the $10 per day “young drivers fee”. Otherwise you are going to pay $25 per day.
It is $25 per day on top of the regular rate with Alamo, Budget, and Avis. With Thrifty and Dollar we have on special Rates (with 2 additional drivers included) of $10 per day. Thrifty and Dollar also show rates with primary driver included only, and on those rates the “young drivers fee” is $25.
Book the car and call us at 1-866-300-7116 and we can estimate to you how much your total charges will be, including the “young drivers fee”.
Just book (if possible, the Thrifty or Dollar rate with 2 additional free drivers) — and once it is booked, call us and we will check for you how much it will end up with the “young drivers fee” included.
Charges for an additional driver (over 25 years old) with the Basic Insurance Deal:
Our “package deals” include up to three additional drivers per day.
NO. None of the major rental car companies offer this
If you want to explore the winding coastal roads, an SUV is a good choice. For driving within the city of Honolulu itself, Compact, Economy and Midsize cars are ideal. Or consider renting a Convertible if you want to drive from beautiful beach to beautiful beach.
All Hawaiian Islands have a speed limit of 55 to 60 mph on freeways, as these roads are often winding and difficult to navigate. On the freeways that run through central Honolulu, 45 mph is the limit.
Once you are outside of tourist hot spots like Waikiki, there are several opportunities for free unlimited streetside parking. Or, choose a parking garage with daily fees in order to avoid overtly expensive hourly costs.
This depends on what you have planned for your trip. If you want to go on road trips and have a larger group of people, an SUV or a Jeep Wrangler might be perfect for you. For regular sightseeing tours, an Economy or Midsize SUV is always a good choice.
The minimum age for renting a car in Hawaii is 21 years old. However, there is a "young drivers fee" for drivers that are 21-24 years of age, which is going to be added to the booking.
On Maui, the maximum speed limit is 55 mph, which mostly applies to freeways. The rest of the roads have much lower maximum speed limits between 25 mph and 45 mph.
Generally, parking cars on public roads overnight is not allowed. However, in Lahaina, there are some private parking lots where you CAN park.
In the Kaanapali area, if you are staying at a hotel, they may have parking available.
The narrow streets in Kahului are very picturesque, but they are more difficult to navigate than wider roads. If you plan to explore many towns and villages, a Compact car is always a great choice. For longer road trips and with larger travel groups, SUVs are a good option.
In the Kahului area there are many street parking options, but generally only for a limited amount of time as — for the most part — parking cars overnight on public roads is not allowed. So, for longer durations or overnight parking, if you are staying at a hotel, they may have parking available.
Always drive at a moderate speed as streets are generally narrow. On freeways you can drive a maximum of 55 mph. In residential areas, or in areas where children are in the vicinity, such as near schools and leisure centers, 25 mph is the maximum speed limit.
Wailea is the perfect spot to rent your car as you can easily explore all of Maui’s treasures from there.
And if you stay in a hotel and don't want to drive a car every day nor pay high parking fees at the hotel, then this is the perfect solution as you can rent a car just for the day that you want to use it.
In general, many people prefer Jeeps or Convertibles for their Hawaiian adventures. However, cars from the Economy and Standard classes are also a viable option for shorter road trips and discovering the surroundings of Wailea.
The maximum speed limits can vary between 25 mph and 35 mph.
Depending on your plans and the number of people you are travelling with, we offer you a wide range of options. From small cars to SUVs, we have the perfect rental car for everyone. Picking a reliable option from our Economy class offers you space for four people and is perfect for day trips where you will not need extra space for luggage.
The minimum age for renting a car is 21 years old. However, there is a "young drivers fee" for drivers that are 21-24 years of age, which is going to be added to the booking.
The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary and Education Center is located in Kihei. Kula Botanical Garden is only 25 miles from Kihei. For a longer road trip, on the other side of the island, travel the famous Road to Hana — a real sightseeing adventure with many amazing attractions and wondrous landscapes all along the way.
Generally, Lihue drivers — like on all Hawaiian Islands — are very relaxed drivers. So, driving there will not be stressful. The maximum allowed speed in Lihue is 50 mph, with various residential areas allowing maximums between only 25 mph and 35 mph.
Though gas prices in Hawaii are generally higher than on the mainland, and do vary from island to island, in Lihue gas prices are generally lower than in other parts of the Hawaiian Islands.
Lihue offers a wide range of parking options from parking lots and parking garages to free street-side parking for shorter periods of time.
On Molokai there are many remote locations to discover. If you want to visit one of the nature preserves, your best choice is a 4-wheel drive like a Jeep Wrangler.
Molokai’s maximum speed limit is lower than on the other islands, with a top speed of 45 mph.
On all of Molokai you have to be at least 21 years old to rent a car.
Outside of Hilo you will find many
beautiful attractions like the Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park,
which is home to one of Hawaii’s most sacred places and where you can soak up
Hawaiian culture.
Generally, all
Hawaiian freeways have a 55 mph speed limit, unless otherwise stated.
Nonetheless, in general, traffic is rather slow — so always make sure to drive
considerately and politely.
Similar to most other Hawaiian locations, there are many parking options such as parking garages, parking lots and street-side parking. Especially with street-side parking you can find some spots that are free of charge. However, there simply is NO overnight street parking — doing so will result in being towed, and it is expensive and inconvenient to get your car back.
Depending on what you have planned for your stay at Kona and on the Big Island, you can pick the perfect car to suit your needs. Smaller cars are ideal if you want to discover Kona and other cities like Hilo — and you will notice how practical it is to always find a parking spot for your small car. If you are travelling with a larger group, an SUV is the perfect choice that accommodates everything.
In Kona and the surrounding areas you will find many parking options. There are parking lots and parking garages as well as many street-side parking opportunities. Regarding prices, with a little bit of research you will quickly find the best options.
The average gas price per gallon in Kona is around $4.00, which is slightly higher than most mainland cities. But the expense is worth the freedom that having a rental car brings you. Nonetheless, we recommend that you "Google" for current prices and corresponding gas station locations.
All coasts of Big Island have plenty to offer and which is the best side to stay depends on which activities you have planned. Landing at either Kona International Airport (KOA) on the west coast or Hilo International Airport (ITO) on the east coast, you can pick up a rental car as soon as you arrive. This will give you the freedom to explore the island at your own pace and discover its hidden gems.
The only red sand beach of all the Hawaiian Islands is Kaihalulu Beach on Maui. It is also simply called "Red Sand Beach".
There is a wide range of hotels that offer all-inclusive stays for their guests. If you travel with small children and plan to get back to your hotels in the afternoons, this might be a great option for you.
In order to fully take advantage of what the Hawaiian Islands have to offer, you should plan to stay for a minimum of 10 days. This will give you the opportunity to get fully acclimated first before you plan any bigger day trips.
When packing for your Hawaiian trip, put all important things into your hand luggage so that it is impossible to lose them. This includes all important documents as well as possible prescription medication. Also make sure to bring your child’s favorite stuffed animal or other toy along in the hand luggage so that there is no way it can be lost.
When packing clothes, a good trick is to plan daily outfits and put them into packing cubes so that once you have arrives, choosing outfits won’t be a problem anymore.
On each of the Hawaiian Islands you will find many destinations like beaches and sights that your children will love. From Big Island to Maui to Oahu, you will find many activities for kids.
Travelling with a baby under 9 months of age can be quite stressful as sleeping and feeding patterns are still quite unpredictable. Whether you want to fly in this case or not depends on your individual situation and it is quite difficult to make any predictions. Travelling with toddlers requires careful planning: it is crucial to bring a lot of distractions in the form of film and picture books on the plane.
Once again, the crucial point is providing enough entertainment by bringing toys and snacks. Also make sure to take regular stops so that the driving intervals are not too long.
Under the age of 18, US citizens do not need an ID. However, it is recommended to bring along a copy of the birth certificate.