We will be staying at the Hilton H.V. and want to rent a car one day to explore the island. Is it best to set up the rental ahead of time using our entertainment card discounts through the companies - or wait until we are there at the Hilton and talk to the concierge? What rental companies are right there for pickup at the Hilton? Thanks!

We usually set up a rental a head of time. I'm not a big risk taker. Hertz has a counter at the HHV. When we were there in November, we got a good rate through National, which was less than a 5 minute walk from HHV.

There's also a Budget rental car stand right outside the Hilton on Ala Moana Blvd. What we normally do is just stop by and arrange one for the following day. I don't think they keep many cars at this location as they had to shuttle us to another lot to pick it up.

Yes, set up the rental car reservation in advance. I was able to get a great deal on Thrifty.com for the week with a midsize car in Honululu for $25 per day including tax.

we always rent ahead in maui but for the first time we decided to wait and rent by the day in honolulu. almost every hotel has rental companies on site and there are even more on the street. we stayed at the ilikai and rented thru alamo at $21 for a 24 hr period for full size car. coupons are available everywhere and most places negotiate prices according to what they have available. it was very easy for pick up and return and it eliminates the $14/day parking fee.
the last time we were in honolulu we rented a car for the week and only used it twice because its so great to walk everywhere. either way, have a great time!!