Hello! We are wondering about renting a 4WD vehicle vs. a car on the Big Island. What do you usually do? Are there 4WD SUVs available to rent that are completely enclosed (not open-air Jeep)? What things would we miss out on seeing if we don't rent a 4WD? Thanks in advance for any input!

We rented a Buick car and we were just fine. The only place you'd really want a 4WD would be to do the Sadle Road. Everywhere else is paved.

We've done the Saddle Road from the Kona side to Mauna Kea in a full size rental with no problem. A place you do need 4WD is getting into-out of Waipo Valley.

Aloha monalua,

We LOVED having a 4w drive jeep on the BI... used the drive many times trecking to different beaches off the beaten path that a reg car would not make... saw many hikers that parked their cars in the parking lots as we passed them on the lava strewn roads.

Our fav was driving out to Green Sand Beach near South Point... a long hike w/o 4w. We drove our jeep right up to the beach and up the hill above. Got some great photos that we thought would make some fun advertisments for the vehicle. All in all, we wouldn't have been w/o... just depends how you'll use it.

Whatever you decide, have a great time.

makai1, Did you need a permit for this road? May be confusing it with another. Would love to do this drive. We just rented a jeep from Alamo very reasonable price.

RH,

No permit... just an adventurous spirit and don't be afraid to use that 4w... that's what it's there for. Some of the most amazing trecks we've had w/ 4w have been on the BI... I held my breath a few times, but DH is good w/ that kind of driving, so all was good. ><

just a side note... our time on the BI was in 2001, so if they've changed that up re. a permit req'd for the road to green sand, then it's new to me. Check BI Revealed, I'm sure they'll have it posted.