Aulani (HNL) rental car rates dropping for summer

[stacieps]

Just an FYI for those booked at Aulani (or Oahu) this summer. I've been checking rental car rates a few times per week for our June 28-July 7 trip. Before today the best rate if could get (thru Aloharents) was $239. Today I was able to book 9 days in a compact car thru Alamo for $133 total.

 

[amym2]

Was this using a code?

 

[stacieps]

I did use the code from visa.com and the coupon code from there ($15) - the codes saved me $20.80

 

[stacieps]

Today the rates for Thrifty/Dollar are also way down ($126 total for compact for my 9 days). They have "city special" rates for HNL on both sites.

 

[urquie]

Thanks OP! I just checked costco's rates and saved almost $100, for a nine day rental, end of April. Final price, tax included, is $135, for a four door compact car. Economy was a few dollars less. Alamo had the best rates.

 

[pequele]

Do you "need" to rent a car? I haven't looked into going there yet but thinking maybe 2014 Fall. I'm just wondering as I thought they had excursions and I could hire a ride to and from the airport couldn't I? I like when things are done for me on vacation (like transport and cooking!). I want to relax and not have to drive myself places . Thanks

 

[amym2]

You don't have to have a car, but if you plan to explore the island it is useful. We'd rather have a car and be free to explore as we wish. Of course the excursions add additional fees for transportation, and just getting to/from the airport isn't cheap, plus you're stuck with on site restaurants (or the few that are walk able) if you don't have a car. Unless you really just plan to relax at the resort, I'd look into renting a car.

 

[pequele]

You don't have to have a car, but if you plan to explore the island it is useful. We'd rather have a car and be free to explore as we wish. Of course the excursions add additional fees for transportation, and just getting to/from the airport isn't cheap, plus you're stuck with on site restaurants (or the few that are walk able) if you don't have a car. Unless you really just plan to relax at the resort, I'd look into renting a car.

thank you! Still in the very infant planning stages (here, Tokyo Disney or Paris DL). So there aren't "a lot" of things really to do resort-wise? hmmm, now I'm wondering if my now 4 yo would actually like going? Thank you for the info!

 

[eandesmom]

Thanks for posting this, just checked my May rate with Costco. It had been holding steady for months with Costco being the best rate. $261, Alamo, Economy 7 days over memorial day weekend. Got it down to $217 for an intermediate. Every little bit helps!

Alamo still the best deal.

 

[amym2]

thank you! Still in the very infant planning stages (here, Tokyo Disney or Paris DL). So there aren't "a lot" of things really to do resort-wise? hmmm, now I'm wondering if my now 4 yo would actually like going? Thank you for the info!

Sure, there's a ton to do at the resort, but most people who visit want to check out other parts of Oahu (Pearl Harbor, North Shore, etc). With a 4yo, you'd probably be best just staying at the resort anyway.

 

[Anal Annie]

I got excited for about 5 minutes when I saw this thread. Unfortunately the rates for August are still way up there. I checked Costco - still running $320-330 for standard sizes. DiscountHawaiicarental.com is still $226 for a "mid-size" and $256-330 for a "standard" size. I am afraid to go any smaller with 3 people who will each have 3 large duffles and 3 carry-ons. I am already wondering if a "Corolla or similar" is big enough if we book a "mid-size". I have rented too small before to the point where we couldn't close the doors or trunk & I had to upgrade at the counter. Don't want to get into THAT again!! Looks like the Costco coupons & deals are dated thru June 25 so maybe the later summer rates will drop after June 25th?! I would LOVE to get under $200 (as we also need to rent for 4 days on Maui so between the 2 islands I'm looking at over $400 right now).

 

[stacieps]

These rates (for my dates) for both Alamo and Thrifty/Dollar went back up just the day after I booked and posted the great rates here. The rates are back up - closer to $300 for a compact for 9 days.

Really glad I checked when I did! I reserved both Alamo ($133) and Thrifty ($126), so I'll just have to decide which one to go with and cancel the other when I get closer.

 

[cbnsoul]

I checked the day you posted the lower rates and by the time I looked, they were already back up.

 

[amym2]

Yep, I checked that same day also and couldn't find the rates you posted (even for your exact dates). You really got lucky!!

I have 6 days on Oahu booked through DiscountHawaii (using Budget) for $260 for a full size for October. Definitely keeping an eye on rates between now and then!

 

[stacieps]

Update 4/19
This morning I was checking rates again - booked a mid-size thru Alamo for 9 days (6/28-7/7) for $124 total!

 

[Anal Annie]

Update 4/19
This morning I was checking rates again - booked a mid-size thru Alamo for 9 days (6/28-7/7) for $124 total!

WHOA! I want that rate!!! I know somebody else who's going to be there that week too - how did you get that? Did you use a coupon code? Did you get that rate directly thru Alamo? Details please!! I want to share this with the person I know going that same week - then I have to hope they drop for August too!!
TIA!!

 

[stacieps]

WHOA! I want that rate!!! I know somebody else who's going to be there that week too - how did you get that? Did you use a coupon code? Did you get that rate directly thru Alamo? Details please!! I want to share this with the person I know going that same week - then I have to hope they drop for August too!!
TIA!!

I booked directly at Alamo site; used a Visa rate and $15 coupon code that is available on visa.com (rate code was 7015504, don't remember coupon code).

 

[cbnsoul]

This is the second low rate posted that I can't replicate with the same coupon codes. We are going June 8-14 and the prices haven't budged.

 

[Anal Annie]

I booked directly at Alamo site; used a Visa rate and $15 coupon code that is available on visa.com (rate code was 7015504, don't remember coupon code).

This is the second low rate posted that I can't replicate with the same coupon codes. We are going June 8-14 and the prices haven't budged.

I couldn't get it to work either. Just figured it was ME not being smart enough to book a car!! Stacie must have some sort of magic pixie dust on their keyboard!!

 

[stacieps]

I guess I must have "lucky" dates! I've just looked again and for my dates (6/28-7/7) a full size at Alamo, with no codes or coupons, is $145 for the 9 days. I check cbnsoul's dates (6/8-6/14) and a compact is $245 - so the difference of a few weeks makes quite a difference in rates.