Hello!

My wife and I are planning on going to the Big Island for a week in early April. Per Fodors website and other people we have talked to we should get a AWD or 4WD rental vehicle. We are debating whether to go with an SUV or Jeep. Any suggestions or comments? Thank you.

BPat

You don't need either.

We've always rented an intermediate-sized car on the BI and have had no problems.

You don't need either. With the exception of Harper's Car Rental, you can't take a rental off road, up to Mauna Kea, down to Waipio, Green Sand Beach or Saddle Road.

Thanks for the info!

birajup: We have visited the Big Island three times and rented a small SUV each time. I have bad knees and it is easier for me to climb in and out of the SUV than a regular car. We have never needed the four wheel drive; we just go with the SUV for comfort.

There are some really nice beaches on the Big Island that require driving over some rough road, but an SUV will do it unless you want to get really adventurous. (We have been to Kona 5 times for 3 weeks each and have explored LOTS of beaches!)

To find out about the hidden beaches, get the book called "The Big Island Revealed" (a bright blue paperback). It has the best info of any guidebook because the authors live there. It is great at rating all kinds of accommodations and activities. Well worth the purchase. We call it "the Bible" for the Big Island.