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Car rental Kailua-Kona
At a glance
Locations: Find all Hertz car rental locations in Kailua-Kona, including at Kailua Kona - Kona International Airport (KOA).
Fleet: Browse the full range of car rentals in Kailua-Kona and find the right one for your trip.
Things to do: Discover the best things to do in Kailua-Kona and how a rental car gets you there, including visiting itinerary staples like Mauna Kea Summit, Manini'owali Beach and Hulihe'e Palace.
FAQs: Everything you need to know about getting a car rental in Kailua-Kona, US, from one-way options to long-term rental and FAQs.
Renting a car at Kailua-Kona
Discover Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, with a Hertz car rental, picking up from Kailua Kona - Kona International Airport (KOA), around 8 miles and a 15-minute drive from Kona Town. From here, explore Mauna Kea Summit, Manini'owali Beach, and Hulihe'e Palace.
The Big Island's public transport doesn't reach most of its beaches, parks, and lava fields, so a rental car is the most practical way to see it beyond Kona Town, whether that's the Kahauale'a Natural Area Reserve or Manuka State Wayside.
Choose from the full range of Hertz vehicles to suit your trip, from compact cars for getting around town to SUVs for the island's rougher roads.
Kailua-Kona rental locations
Kailua-Kona rental car options
Popular vehicles to rent in Kailua-Kona
Things to do in Kailua-Kona
Mauna Kea Summit
Mauna Kea Access Rd, Hilo, HI
Mauna Kea Summit is the tallest mountain in Hawaii, which sits 4,207 meters above a dormant volcano. Standing at the top will feel like stepping into another world. The sunset provides panoramic vistas of the horizon, radiating its fiery colors. At night, the stars come out and it suddenly becomes a moment when you’re lost in time.
Mauna Kea Summit is one of the Best things to do in Hawaii and it’s located right in the middle of the island. An SUV or truck might be a good vehicle to rent here, ideal for navigating the winding roads in the natural backdrop.
The Fish Hopper Seafood and Steaks
75-5683 Alii Drive, Kailua-Kona, Island of Hawaii, HI 96740
Just a short walk from Hulihe'e Palace is The Fish Hopper Seafood and Steaks, a great stop if you're feeling hungry after visiting the former royal residence. It's a short drive up Ali'i Drive, with coastal views along Kailua Bay and parking available in the on-site customer lot.
There are breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus. The dinner menu, served between 4pm and 9pm, includes starters like crab cakes, crispy coconut shrimp, and oysters on the half shell, with mains such as Kona brew fish and chips, teriyaki chicken breast, and a 10oz filet mignon. Explore more of the best restaurants in Hawaii.
Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel
75-5660 Palani Road, Kailua-Kona, Island of Hawaii, HI 96740
Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel sits on the west coast of the island, next to Honu'ula Forest Reserve. There's on-site parking for your Kailua-Kona car rental, with valet options available. It's close to Wai'aha Springs Forest Reserve, Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park, and Maka'eo Walking Path, all a short drive away.
Amenities include an outdoor pool and direct access to the beach on Kamakahonu Bay.
Long term car rental
If you’re going to be staying in Kailua-Kona for a while, a long-term car rental could be a good option. Great if you’re here for temporary work, or in between vehicles. This gives you a choice of a range of rentals, and best of all, you can end the term whenever you like – all made with just one booking.
One-way car rental
One-way rental cars in Kailua-Kona let you pick them up and drop them off in different places. Like, if you’re going to be picking up from the airport and dropping off at the Waimea, Kohala - Fairmont Orchid Hertz spot. The flexibility offers more options for road trips and the like.
Business rental
Hiring a business rental car in Kailua-Kona lets you have a vehicle while you’re visiting the island for work. It’s a great way to impress your clients, not to mention giving you an option to carry work items and colleagues around for those all-important meetings and work dinners. Premium/Luxury models could work well for this. You can collect Hertz Gold Plus Rewards points and skip the counter when picking up the vehicle.
Popular road trips from Kailua-Kona
Kailua-Kona to Ho’okena Beach Park
23.9 miles & 45 minutes
Head south through the coffee-growing South Kona region on Highway 11, passing communities such as Captain Cook, Honaunau Rodeo Arena, and Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park before arriving at the coast. At Hoʻokena Beach Park, expect beautiful vistas of the sheltered bay, black-sand shoreline, crystal clear waters, and amazing views of the Pacific.
Kailua-Kona to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
83.3 miles & 1 hour and 54 minutes
This drive follows Highway 11 through South Kona and the Kaʻū district, with ocean views and changing volcanic landscapes along the way. The park rises to 13,680 feet above sea level to two of the most volcanically active volcanoes in the world – Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. Here you can explore their lava fields safely, as well as enjoy the mesmerizing scenic overlooks in one of nature’s magnificent wonders.
Kailua-Kona to Kehena Black Sand Beach
106 miles & 2 hours and 12 minutes
Traverse the Big Island toward the verdant east coast, passing through Hilo and the Puna region. Kehena Beach is famed for its striking black volcanic sand, palm-lined cliffs, and rocky coastal scenery. There’s a quiet atmosphere here – great if you want to be one with nature in peace.
FAQs when renting a car in Kailua-Kona
How much does it cost to rent a car in Kailua-Kona?
How much it costs to rent a car in Kailua-Kona depends on things like:
- Car type
- Rental length
- When the booking is.
Start a reservation to get an idea of how much your car rental in Kailua-Kona could cost.
How do I get the best deal on a Hertz rental car in Kailua-Kona?
To get the best deal on a Hertz rental car in Kailua-Kona, some of the things to take into consideration are:
- Book as early as you can
- Look out for deals
- Take advantage of Hertz Gold Rewards.
What type of car can I rent in Kailua-Kona?
Kailua-Kona is on the island of Hawaii, so it depends on what is the purpose of your visit. There’s so much to do here, like see all of the Big Island, including coastal drives, volcano national park visits, and access to the more remote parts of the island. Check our vehicles to pick a ride for your visit.
What are the Hertz rental office hours in Kailua-Kona?
The Hertz car rental office hours in Kailua-Kona are listed on the individual locations’ pages in the rental locations section on this page.
Do you need a rental car in Kailua-Kona?
A rental car in Kailua-Kona can help you get from A to B much more easily, as the Big Island’s transportation can be limited. Also, some of the distances between major attractions are far apart. Driving yourself allows you to take in the scenery at your own pace, without being limited by external schedules.
