Bup

Going to Kaui for a week in October. We have found car rentals very expensive. Need advice from Hawaii travelers as to the best way/price to get a car rental.

LittleWing

do you have any car requirements? I did well with priceline and when we landed I upgraded from an economy car to a convertible for $10 a day. I was willing to gamble and bite the bullet and enjoy an economy car. On Maui and Hawaii I was less successful and stuck with my backup rentals.

You have time to search while booking the best for your needs now. But there does come a moment when you realize that the difference between $5 a day is not worth your time, and just go for it.

martym

I've had luck with http://www.discounthawaiicarrental.com/ in the past. Also try Priceline. If you are Costco members, try their website.

montereybob

Try to get whatever discount you can get: AAA, government rate, senior, costco, etc.
Unfortunately car rates are now one of the most expensive parts of a trip.

travelbug2000

We've had good luck with Priceline. In June we paid $15/day (Alamo) in Boston and we just got a car for next month in CA for 9 days for less than $300 (Hertz).

Songdoc

I always use Priceline in Kauai and have gotten economy or compact cars for $13, $14, $15, $16/day -- the price going down the longer I wait. October's not peak season so you shouldn't have any trouble. The rentals have been with Alamo and I've never had any problem.

Kal

Ditto P'line and hotwire. Used them maybe the past 5-6 trips over and never had a problem.

Got full and mid sized as low $18/day.

Since we go for New Year's and sometimes over 14 days, we bid 2x.
The first bid is for 3-4 days when we expect to pay $20+ a day...then bid the remainder low balling them to death.

The dance has begun already for our 12-30 return to that hell hole.