On the southside of O’ahu, nicknamed “The Gathering Place” because of its high population density (compared to the other Hawaiian islands), sits the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) also referred to as the Honolulu airport. It is the largest airport in the state and was recently renamed in honor of the 49-year-serving U.S. Senator who was also the highest-ranking public official of Asian descent in country history at the time of his death in 2012.
Honolulu Airport (Photo: Jennifer Boyer via Flickr/ CC BY 2.0)
After landing in Honolulu, getting around the island—especially outside of the city—depends mostly on personal vehicle making the airports six car rental agencies a great service. Several car rental agencies are located off property, but offices for Avis, Budget, Hertz, National, and SIXT are located on the ground level of the Terminal 2 parking garage. The Enterprise office is located just around the corner on Aolele Street, within walking distance of the terminal exit.
To determine which rental car companies offer the best vehicles across our three categories (Most Affordable, Best for Luxury, Best for Minivans), Travelmag.com has carefully researched the prices, availability, policies, and customer reviews of the six car rental companies operating out of HNL. Here are our findings:
Most affordable: BUDGET
In terms of overall value between price and quality of vehicle rental Budget ranks highest at the airport. For example, in the Economy range of vehicle Budget offers a Ford Fiesta at a weekly rate of $375; the next closest rate for a comparable car is for a Kia Rio at $437 per week. In the Compact category, Budget provides drivers with a Ford Focus with five seats, room for two large bags, and an automatic transmission for $383 per week. The Budget fleet also consists of Hyundai Elantras, Buick Veranos, and Chevrolet Tahoes.
Best for luxury cars: SIXT
Mercedes-Benz vehicles are known for their luxury and SIXT offers 5 models to choose from at their airport location. For $84 per day, visitors to the island can cruise Pali Highway in a Mercedes C-Class to O’ahu’s windward coast and spend the day at Kailua Bay. For those travelling as a group, the Mercedes Metris is the perfect vehicle to take around the island hilly countryside with its Hill-Start Assist, which prevents backward rolling by maintaining brake pressure for approximately two seconds after the brake pedal is released. This 7-seat vehicle rents for only $72 per day.
Best for Minivans: HERTZ
The Hertz at the airport ranks at the top of customer satisfaction when it comes to vehicle drop off time and car cleanliness making them the easy choice for best company to rent a minivan. Hertz offers a Dodge Grand Caravan for $425 per week. Larger crews will enjoy the spaciousness of the Ford Transit. The passenger van easily holds 12 riders with space enough for four large suitcases—making drop off at the airport even easier. Hertz includes free unlimited mileage at an affordable weekly rate of $530 per week.