Hawaii Car Rental - Can't use Enterprise. Help!

[Handbag Lady]

Okay, so I won a stay in Hawaii due to the Disboards' budget board's posters talking about the $1 hotel room contest from lastminutetravel.com

I won! YAY!

Now, I need to get a car rental in Hilo and I only use Enterprise exclusively now. (Long story, I had a big issue with an SUV rental from them 7 years ago and not only did they feel really bad about it, they earned all of my future business by making me feel like a valued customer. We've been loyal ever since.)

Enterprise has closed their Hilo airport location. I called Enterprise and they said my only option was for a local Enterprise rental but they are closed on the day we arrive (a Saturday).

So, regretfully, we have to go with another company that is based out of the Hilo airport area.

Who is the best out of Avis, Alamo, National, and Thrifty?

How do I get the BEST price? I have the entertainment book and AAA and a member of my family works for Disney (we get discounts on some things, too.) I know how to Google and I'm not afraid to use it for rental online codes, either.

Thanks for any help you can give me!

 

[juju]

try looking at the codes and tips on www.mousesavers.com. They are posted for WDW, but I have used those codes many times in Hawaii and other states.

 

[Handbag Lady]

Thanks! I will try that!

 

[Kathymcbain]

Okay, so I won a stay in Hawaii due to the Disboards' budget board's posters talking about the $1 hotel room contest from lastminutetravel.com

I won! YAY!

Now, I need to get a car rental in Hilo and I only use Enterprise exclusively now. (Long story, I had a big issue with an SUV rental from them 7 years ago and not only did they feel really bad about it, they earned all of my future business by making me feel like a valued customer. We've been loyal ever since.)

Enterprise has closed their Hilo airport location. I called Enterprise and they said my only option was for a local Enterprise rental but they are closed on the day we arrive (a Saturday).

So, regretfully, we have to go with another company that is based out of the Hilo airport area.

Who is the best out of Avis, Alamo, National, and Thrifty?

How do I get the BEST price? I have the entertainment book and AAA and a member of my family works for Disney (we get discounts on some things, too.) I know how to Google and I'm not afraid to use it for rental online codes, either.

Thanks for any help you can give me!

I live on Kona side of the Big Island and I would HIGHLY, HIGHLY suggest you Priceline it and bid. I actually picked up a full size car for $17 a day for three weeks just today - I'm dropping my car in Hilo to ship to the mainland because I'm moving so needed something to drive while it travels across the Pacific. Anyway, occupancy is sooooo low on the islands right now that you can start your bid for a car at about 50% - 60% of the published price and get it almost every time right now.

Just look at what they are going for, check your options to see what your lowest price will be, and then use the bid function on Priceline. I've used it tons of time for work and personal stuff and have never been disappointed.

The only thing is you have to be SURE of your travel dates because with Priceline you pay up front and you won't get a refund very easily if your plans change.

Have a great time on the Big Island - make sure you check out the volcano...but check the VOG levels, we've had a lot. Oh, and there's this great hidden spot in Hilo that no tourists ever go - tell me if you want to know where it is.

And...make sure you check out Waipio Valley and visit North Kohala (I live in N. Kohala and it's gorgeous here). Okay, I'm getting out of hand. If you need any vaca advice, just let me know!

 

[got2travel]

I'll be leaving for the Big Island in 10 days but I'll be on the Kona side.

So far the best rate I've found for a rental is with Alamo. They have a HI special and you can get a Jeep or convertible for $199 per week plus taxes. You can also apply a coupon code on top of that. AD6974JDM is good for $25 off. I have an Entertainment coupon that is good for a free day and it ended up taking $28.xx off.

It was also recommended to me to try http://www.discounthawaiicarrental.com/ which has some pretty good rates for compacts and midsize. Many posters on Trip Advisor have used this service with no issues.

I think I'm sticking with my Alamo ressie, but will keep checking up until I leave. I might try Priceline too, just depends on what else I find.

 

[Kathymcbain]

I'll be leaving for the Big Island in 10 days but I'll be on the Kona side.

So far the best rate I've found for a rental is with Alamo. They have a HI special and you can get a Jeep or convertible for $199 per week plus taxes. You can also apply a coupon code on top of that. AD6974JDM is good for $25 off. I have an Entertainment coupon that is good for a free day and it ended up taking $28.xx off.

It was also recommended to me to try http://www.discounthawaiicarrental.com/ which has some pretty good rates for compacts and midsize. Many posters on Trip Advisor have used this service with no issues.

I think I'm sticking with my Alamo ressie, but will keep checking up until I leave. I might try Priceline too, just depends on what else I find.

You got an incredible deal! Jeeps are sought after because there are some places rental companies won't allow you to drive without one! Tourist counts here are so low that rental car companies are practically giving away rentals.