RCI Exchange to Kauai--Car Rental Advice

[Mr_Potts]

A while back I got lots of great advice from people on the board about our upcoming trip to Kauai (we exchanged points to stay at the Point at Poipu). We arrive in Kauai on July 3 and I just realized I forgot to make our car rental reservations. Does anyone have any tips for getting a good deal in Kauai? I just called the company I usually book with and was shocked at the price. Thanks for any help!

Mr. Potts

 

[bwvBound]

Start running searches on Travelocity, Kayak, and others for comparisons. Try each of your memberships for 'deals': Costco, AAA, Entertainment Book, etc. Sign up for alerts! Try every coupon code you can find ... and when you find the magic break: book it immediately!

We had a fairly reasonable PT Cruiser on Kauai from an off-airport rental company last year. I'll see if I can find the email confirmation ... I've long since forgotten who we used.

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Edited to add:
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Our Feb-2009 car was booked through Thrifty's website in Dec-2008 responding to an email alert sent by Hotwire. We had a "wild car" (mid-size or larger) for $183/week, unlimited miles.

 

[Dean]

Back in 2008 I rented a car on Maui and Oahu both at or just under $200 for a week including all taxes/fees. While it didn't apply to us, this also included the same price for those under 25 y/o. I used a small local HI company, I can give you the email link if you want to see what they have, they're contract was with Thrifty but the prices were cheaper than Thrifty direct.

 

[Mr_Potts]

Thanks for the advice. I never think to check Travelocity for car rentals--good idea. Also, I think I know the middleman company you used, Dean. Sounds like you had a good experience with them. I might give it a try. One last question. Would you recommend paying the extra money for a convertible or open topped Wrangler or will this just make us stand out as tourists?

 

[dianeschlicht]

Yep, you'll stand out as a tourist, but most of the other folks there will as well. I guess I'm not sure how many "tourists" are in Hawaii in the summer though. I know we have always gotten something small when we have rented cars on the islands. Mostly because the roads are narrow if you are going off the beaten path at all. Kauai has a lovely mountain trail that is well worth the drive, but expect a winding narrow road.

 

[bwvBound]

For 7/3-10, Hotwire is offering the following from LIH:
* Mid-size, $257/w
* Standard, $274/w
* Full size, $274/w
* Convertible, $471/w

Posted rates claim, 'Includes tax recovery charges and fees'

 

[murphy t]

Thanks for the advice. I never think to check Travelocity for car rentals--good idea. Also, I think I know the middleman company you used, Dean. Sounds like you had a good experience with them. I might give it a try. One last question. Would you recommend paying the extra money for a convertible or open topped Wrangler or will this just make us stand out as tourists?

I would highly recommend renting a convertible, but not a Jeep wrangler. We were there last January and had such a good time touring the island in the convertible that we just bought one!
We have a Jeep wrangler also, taken over by our son of course, and the convertible top on the car is SO much easier to put up (just a touch of a button) and on Kauai the climate changes so quickly as you are driving, you really need to put up the top fast.
We found the best price on all the islands for car rentals to be Dollar. Go to the Mousesavers site and you will find lots of codes that you can combine to get a good deal. Have fun. Don't miss Waimea Canyon. We drove it and then took a helicopter ride thru it.
Murphy

 

[ACDSNY]

You might want to try Priceline and bid around $20 per day, since you're this close to your arrival date, if they have extra vehicles they'll likely take your bid.

I've had good luck with Alamo using Costco codes in the past.

 

[Dean]

Thanks for the advice. I never think to check Travelocity for car rentals--good idea. Also, I think I know the middleman company you used, Dean. Sounds like you had a good experience with them. I might give it a try. One last question. Would you recommend paying the extra money for a convertible or open topped Wrangler or will this just make us stand out as tourists?

Depends on the price difference but as a rule I would not. However, it's a personal decision based on it's value to you that only you can truly answer.

 

[Mr_Potts]

Thanks for all the help. I am going to confer with the people I am travelling with and settle first on a type of car. Then I will start looking for the best discount. Now the only thing left to worry about is how we are going to get to the airport in Boston for a 6:00 a.m. flight.

 

[Dean]

Thanks for all the help. I am going to confer with the people I am travelling with and settle first on a type of car. Then I will start looking for the best discount. Now the only thing left to worry about is how we are going to get to the airport in Boston for a 6:00 a.m. flight.

Go the night before and stay overnight in the area, maybe use priceline to get something. Can't afford to miss a flight due to a traffic jam or flat tire for such a situation.