Car Rental at Kona International Airport
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Cheapest Car Rental Rates
Economy
Chevrolet Spark
or similar
$49.98
per day
Compact
Ford Focus
or similar
$50.42
per day
Intermediate
Toyota Corolla
or similar
$53.74
per day
Standard
Volkswagen Jetta
or similar
$55.26
per day
Most Popular Car Rental Deals
Full-size
Chevrolet Malibu
or similar
$60.19
per day
Premium
Nissan Maxima
or similar
$65.52
per day
Luxury
Luxury (BMW 3 Series)
or similar
$72.51
per day
Special
Extraordinary (BMW 5 Series)
or similar
$83.71
per day
The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 2:12 PM on 12/8/24. Prices may vary based on the booking dates, length of rental, and car class.
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Travel Information
Languages
English, Filipino, Japanese
Currency
USD
Drive on
Right-hand side
Country code
+1
Average car rental price
$61 per day
Average car rental length
7 days
Speed limit within town
40 km/h or 25 mph
Speed limit out of town
72 - 96 km/h or 45 - 60 mph
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.08%
Airport travel guide
Kona International Airport is one of two airports on the island of Hawai’i (the Big Island). Located on the western side of the island, it is much busier than Hilo Airport on the eastern side. The Big Island is a great island to spend some of your vacations on and with connections to both other Hawaiian islands and cities on the mainland of the United States, Kona Airport makes getting to it very easy.
The largest island of the group is also the most southerly too. Given its size, there is, of course, much to explore. The Kailua-Kona serves as a great base with all of the amenities of a resort destination available. Don't miss spending time under the sun at gorgeous Hapuna Beach. The real adventure, however, lies in the rural parts of the island. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park hosts the island’s most famous landscape with the Crater Rim and Chain of Craters Roads. Visitors shouldn’t miss the Green Sand Beach even though a short hike is required to reach it. The most southerly point of any U.S. state is also nearby the beach and there is a spot where many dive off the cliffs there which is great for watching if you aren’t brave enough to take the risk.
You can find more of what to see and do in this guide to Kona.
Top international routes
- Los Angeles
- Phoenix
- Seattle
- Oakland
- Denver
- Tokyo
Main airlines
Hawaiian Airlines is the main airline serving Kona with connections to Honolulu, Kahului, and Lihue in Hawaii along with Los Angeles and Tokyo. All major American carriers also fly to and from the airport. This includes Alaska, America, United, and Delta. Southwest Airlines will begin service at the airport in January of 2020 with flights to and from Honolulu along with Oakland, San Jose, Los Agneles, and Las Vegas.
Terminals
The airport is a small island airport but has three terminals. The two main terminals have just five gates. There's also a third commuter terminal.
Location
Kona Airport is located on the northwestern part of the island of Hawai’i (the Big Island). It is a few miles north of the town of Kailua-Kona, but the rest of the island is within easy reach (for example, Hilo is about an hour and a half away).
Most popular types of rental car
- Convertibles - from $73 per day
- Large cars - from $52 per day
- Medium cars - from $50 per day
- Vans - from $88 per day
- Premium cars - from $61 per day
- Small cars - from $50 per day
- SUVs - from $55 per day
Car rental desks
Unfortunately, none of the rental companies have desks in the terminals. Instead, customers must board a shuttle which can be found in the center median of the road outside the baggage claim areas. Fortunately, the shuttle ride will only take a few minutes as all of the rental companies are located on the grounds of the airport.
Services and facilities
Though the unimaginative pun for it may have long ago lost its humor, the lei greeting is still a popular, culturally relevant tradition in Hawaii. Visitors can organize, or someone can organize for them, a lei greeting service to welcome them to the islands. Alternatively, there are flower shops and lei stands in each terminal where travelers can purchase leis.
Being a smaller airport, there is not as large of a selection of dining and shopping as there would be in larger airports. Each terminal has newsstands and gift shops. A snack shop can be found in the center between the terminals. Terminal 1 has the Laniakea Cafe and Terminal 2 has the Laniakea Restaurant.
There are ATMs but there is no currency exchange available at the airport. Currency can be exchanged if transiting through the Honolulu Airport, but using an ATM or paying with your card most often provide better rates.
Visitor Information desks are located throughout the airport and provide visitors with all of the information they need regarding travel and accommodation.
Being a smaller airport, there is not as large of a selection of dining and shopping as there would be in larger airports. Each terminal has newsstands and gift shops. A snack shop can be found in the center between the terminals. Terminal 1 has the Laniakea Cafe and Terminal 2 has the Laniakea Restaurant.
There are ATMs but there is no currency exchange available at the airport. Currency can be exchanged if transiting through the Honolulu Airport, but using an ATM or paying with your card most often provide better rates.
Visitor Information desks are located throughout the airport and provide visitors with all of the information they need regarding travel and accommodation.
Nearest gas station
Multiple stations can be found south of the airport. The closest one to the airport is an Ohana Fuels station located at the intersection of Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway and Hulikoa Drive. If you have a Costco membership, then the Costco on Maiau Street is the best station; even though it is farther away, its prices are significantly lower. Note that if traveling to the airport from the northern part of the island, you will have to pass the airport and make a circle as there are no gas stations within 30 miles of the airport to the north.
Fact checked by
Next is Hawaii
Next is Hawaii is a Hawaiian islands travel blog that focuses on planning a trip to one of the world's most coveted travel destinations. The team consists of Hawaii enthusiasts that have lived there and traveled there and is keen to deliver all the best travel tips to make your vacation as dreamy as it should be.
Airport info
Kona International Airport (KOA)
- IATA: KOA
- ICAO: PHKO
- Name: Kona International Airport (KOA)
- Distance from city: 6 miles / 9.7 km
Top 7 locations near Kona International Airport
-
104.4 km / 64.9 miles away
-
135.1 km / 83.9 miles away
-
151 km / 93.8 miles away
-
191.6 km / 119.1 miles away
-
252.6 km / 157 miles away
-
262.8 km / 163.3 miles away
-
423 km / 262.8 miles away
Map of Car Rental Locations
When are car rental prices the lowest at Kona International Airport?
The cost of renting a car at Kona International Airport varies by season. The table and graph below can help you find the best time of year to save on a rental car.
Average rental costs per day at Kona International Airport
The cheapest month of the year to rent a car at Kona International Airport is November — when rental costs average $41.35 per day. This is 19% cheaper than the yearly average and 45% cheaper than renting a car in December (when prices average $75.39 per day).
This information can help you identify the low season. But these are only average numbers. How much your car rental will cost will depend on the type of vehicle you rent, how long you’ll rent it for, and how far ahead you book. Simply enter your dates in the form at the top of the page to see the exact prices.
This information can help you identify the low season. But these are only average numbers. How much your car rental will cost will depend on the type of vehicle you rent, how long you’ll rent it for, and how far ahead you book. Simply enter your dates in the form at the top of the page to see the exact prices.
For how long do renters keep their vehicles at Kona International Airport?
How long travelers keep their rental cars varies by the time of year: in January the average rental period is 10 days, while in May, the average rental period is only 5 days.
Average number of rental days at Kona International Airport
What is the most popular time of year to rent a car at Kona International Airport?
Based on how many users search for a car in at Kona International Airport, travelers are most likely to rent a car in November, while they are least likely to rent in in April.
Monthly searches at Kona International Airport by pick-up date relative to the average
Car rental information
| Popular suppliers | Dollar, Thrifty, Alamo, SIXT, Enterprise |
| Popular car categories | SUVs, Large cars, Medium cars, Small cars |
| Lowest price | $50 per day |
| Cheapest supplier | Dollar |
Most popular car models of rental suppliers
| Rental Supplier | Model | Doors | Luggage | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dollar | Honda CR-V | 5 | 3 | SUVs |
| Dollar | Jeep Renegade | 4 | 2 | SUVs |
| Dollar | Volkswagen Jetta | 4 | 2 | Large cars |
| Thrifty | Nissan Rogue | 5 | 3 | SUVs |
| Thrifty | Volkswagen Jetta | 4 | 2 | Large cars |
| Dollar | Honda Civic | 4 | 2 | Large cars |
| Dollar | Hyundai Accent | 4 | 2 | Medium cars |
| Dollar | Mazda 3 | 2 | 2 | Large cars |
| Alamo | Nissan Rogue | 5 | 3 | SUVs |
| SIXT | Midsize (Toyota RAV4) | 4 | 2 | SUVs |
FAQ
How can I get from the island of Hawaii to other islands in the state?
The best way to do this is to fly. There are very few ferries and boats between the islands.
Are there any toll roads on the big island?
No, there are no toll roads anywhere in Hawaii.
Do I need a 4wd vehicle on the big island?
You may think that having a 4wd vehicle would be nice to drive to the summit of Mauna Kea, but keep in mind that rental companies do not allow any of their vehicles to be driven on unpaved roads. So having a 4wd vehicle won't make much of a difference.
Do I need to rent a car even if staying at a hotel in Kona?
Yes, unless you are staying in the very center of the city, you will need a car simply to get to grocery stores or restaurants.
Our customers' reviews
Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have the option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic.
RW
Canada
Lincoln Continental
5/12/24
BI was awesome, loved the vibe in Kona and the Volcano National Park
LL
United States of America (USA)
Volkswagen Jetta
2/6/24
Star gazing on Mauna Kea and whale watching were epic.
PM
United States of America (USA)
Mazda 3
9/29/22
It is Hawaii, so much to do and see.
Car Rental Statistics
Highest-rated company
Alamo
8.6 / 10
Lowest-rated company
Thrifty
7.3 / 10
Total number of reviews
5
Total rental companies
9
Average daily price
$61.41
Lowest daily price
$49.98
Total cars available
366
Top 9 suppliers at Kona International Airport in 2024
+808449141550
73 106 A Ulepe Street, 73-200 Kupipi St
$54 - $148
Working hours
Mon:05:15 - 22:30
Tue:05:15 - 22:30
Wed:05:15 - 22:30
Thu:05:15 - 22:30
Fri:05:15 - 22:30
Sat:05:15 - 22:30
Sun:05:15 - 22:30
SIXT
+18887498227
73-5622 Kaiakoili St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
$60 - $113
Working hours
Mon:07:00 - 22:00
Tue:07:00 - 22:00
Wed:07:00 - 22:00
Thu:07:00 - 22:00
Fri:07:00 - 22:00
Sat:07:00 - 22:00
Sun:07:00 - 22:00
8664342226
73-200 Kupipi Street
$50 - $150
Working hours
Mon:05:00 - 22:30
Tue:05:00 - 22:30
Wed:05:00 - 22:30
Thu:05:00 - 22:30
Fri:05:00 - 22:30
Sat:05:00 - 22:30
Sun:05:00 - 22:30
+18083341810 / +18449141549
73-107 A'Ulepe Street, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
$57 - $264
Working hours
Mon:05:15 - 22:30
Tue:05:15 - 22:30
Wed:05:15 - 22:30
Thu:05:15 - 22:30
Fri:05:15 - 22:30
Sat:05:15 - 22:30
Sun:05:15 - 22:30
Avis
+18083273000
73-361 Kupipi Street Suite One
$57 - $119
Working hours
Mon:05:00 - 22:30
Tue:05:00 - 22:30
Wed:05:00 - 22:30
Thu:05:00 - 22:30
Fri:05:00 - 22:30
Sat:05:00 - 22:30
Sun:05:00 - 22:30
Hertz
+18083293566
73 104 Aulepe St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, United States
$57 - $119
Working hours
Mon:05:00 - 22:30
Tue:05:00 - 22:30
Wed:05:00 - 22:30
Thu:05:00 - 22:30
Fri:05:00 - 22:30
Sat:05:00 - 22:30
Sun:05:00 - 22:30
National
+18888266890
73-109 A'Ulepe Street, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
$58 - $266
Working hours
Mon:05:15 - 22:30
Tue:05:15 - 22:30
Wed:05:15 - 22:30
Thu:05:15 - 22:30
Fri:05:15 - 22:30
Sat:05:15 - 22:30
Sun:05:15 - 22:30
Budget
+18083298511
73-361 Kupipi Street
$52 - $651
Working hours
Mon:05:00 - 22:30
Tue:05:00 - 22:30
Wed:05:00 - 22:30
Thu:05:00 - 22:30
Fri:05:00 - 22:30
Sat:05:00 - 22:30
Sun:05:00 - 22:30
+18772830898
Kona International Airport, 73-200 Kupipi St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, United States
$50 - $151
Working hours
Mon:05:00 - 22:30
Tue:05:00 - 22:30
Wed:05:00 - 22:30
Thu:05:00 - 22:30
Fri:05:00 - 22:30
Sat:05:00 - 22:30
Sun:05:00 - 22:30
Awards
World Travel Tech Awards - World's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2023
World Travel Tech Awards - World's Best Car Rental Booking App 2023
Magellan Awards Gold Winner 2023
Travel & Hospitality Awards 2021
FT 1000: Europes Fastest Growing Companies - Top 300 Companies 2021
FT 1000: Europe's Fastest Growing Companies - Top 100 Companies 2020
Uzakrota Travel Awards - World’s Leading Car Rental Website 2022
Inc. 5000 Europe - Top 500 Companies 2019
Trustpilot - Top 10 Car Rental Agencies
SimilarWeb - Top 50 Car Rental Websites
Highly recommended by our customers
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