we will be travelling to the BI on a cruise twice -one on the outbound (Kona) and then again on the return(Hilo). Is there any advantage/disadvantange to renting a car in Kona rather than Hilo or vice-versa.

Your opinions are greatly apprreciated!!

The rental rates will be about the same for either location - and the major rental agencies are at both sides of the island. There is a substantial drop-off fee if you rent in one city and drop off in the other (about $80). Gas is cheaper in Hilo - so that might be an advantage. Otherwise, probably no significant difference between the two. If you plan to make a trip to the Volcano National Park that is easier from Hilo.

Have a good trip.

I've heard otherwise. We rented from Alamo in Hilo for a one way rental to Kona this past June. The agent there told us they were sending a car carrier over from Kona because they were so short on cars.

I suggest calling the offices at the airport and asking them.

I've reserved a car from Avis, pick-up in Kona and drop-off in Hilo and I don't believe it has a drop-off charge (price is comparable to others before they add the drop-off charge). We're AAA members so that may have something to do with it.

I recently priced this, and the dropoff charge ranged from $35 for a sedan from Avis to $75 for a mini-van from Thrifty. Not every company would let me book this online, so maybe calling is your best bet.

We are doing a car rental from Hilo to Kona in October. Both Avis and Hertz have drop charges of around $40 (even for Hertz AAA rates). I found a rate at National that doesn't have a drop charge and is cheaper than the others.