Kona Airport Car Rental

Information compiled by David Enrich, aviation and airport guide expert since 1999.

Renting a car at Kona International Airport (KOA) is the most popular way for visitors to explore Hawaii’s Big Island. Because attractions are spread across a large area and public transportation is limited, many travelers prefer the flexibility of driving. From KOA, visitors can easily reach beaches, volcanic landscapes, coffee farms, and national parks. Car rental facilities are located close to the terminal area, making pick-up and drop-off convenient for arriving passengers.

Most major international car rental brands operate at the airport, offering a wide selection of vehicles ranging from compact cars to SUVs and convertibles. Rental counters are located in the arrivals area, and vehicles are typically parked in nearby rental lots within walking distance of the terminal.

Booking your rental car online in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak travel seasons such as summer and winter holidays.

Car Rental Companies at KOA

Several well-known car rental companies operate at Kona Airport. Their service desks are located in the terminal near baggage claim, and vehicles can be picked up in designated parking areas nearby.

Alamo
Enterprise
Hertz
Avis
Budget
National
Dollar
Thrifty

Typical Rental Prices and Customer Ratings

Company	Approx. Price / Day	Vehicle Type	Customer Rating
Hertz	$70 – $120	Economy / SUV	8.5 / 10
Avis	$65 – $110	Economy / Convertible	8.2 / 10
Budget	$60 – $100	Compact / Sedan	8.0 / 10
Enterprise	$75 – $130	SUV / Family Car	8.7 / 10
Alamo	$70 – $120	Compact / SUV	8.6 / 10

Estimated Waiting Times for Car Pick-Up

Waiting times at rental counters can vary depending on the time of day and the season. Peak arrival hours often occur when multiple flights arrive from the mainland United States.

Company	Typical Wait Time	Notes
Hertz	10–20 minutes	Fast service for pre-booked customers
Avis	15–25 minutes	Busy during peak flight arrivals
Budget	15–30 minutes	Often lower prices
Enterprise	10–20 minutes	Popular with families
Alamo	10–20 minutes	Efficient online check-in

Popular Driving Destinations from KOA

Renting a car allows travelers to explore some of the most scenic locations on the Big Island. Many attractions are easily reachable by road from the airport.

Destination	Distance	Driving Time
Kailua-Kona	11 km	15 minutes
Waikoloa Beach Resorts	35 km	30 minutes
Kealakekua Bay	30 km	35 minutes
Hilo	125 km	2 hours
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park	160 km	2.5 hours

Car Rental Insurance Explained

When renting a car at Kona Airport, travelers will usually be offered several types of insurance coverage.

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): Covers damage to the rental vehicle.
Liability Insurance: Covers damage or injury to other people or vehicles.
Theft Protection: Covers theft of the rental vehicle.
Personal Accident Insurance: Covers medical costs for driver and passengers.

Many credit cards include rental car coverage, so checking your card benefits before purchasing additional insurance can help you save money.