Advantages, disadvantages, information and how to rent cars in Hawaii from “non-airport” in-town locations.

These companies do not charge airport taxes or fees at the following “Airport” locations: Save at least $48/week / up to 22%

When you’re headed to Hawaii for a much-needed vacation, or even for your honeymoon, it’s expensive enough paying for airline tickets, accommodations, meals and a rental car without having to think about the fact that you may not be getting the best deal possible or you’re unnecessarily spending money you didn’t need to spend. We’re all looking for the best price possible and also for ways to save money.

Here at Hawaii Car Rentals, we’d like to let you know how you can save even more than you save when you take advantage of our already discounted rates. When you rent a car from any company anywhere on earth, you’ll always be charged the daily or weekly “base rate” (i.e., $27/day, $135/week). And on top of the base rate, you’ll be charged the usual taxes, fees and surcharges. But at airports, you may not be aware that there are additional taxes, fees and surcharges that can increase the cost substantially, especially for those on a tight budget.

If you choose to pick up your rental car at what is called an Off-Site, In-Town, Off Airport, No Airport Tax, Non-Airport location, depending on the car you rent, you could save up to an additional 22% in taxes and fees on your total rental car costs. And that’s over and above our already discounted rates. This is because additional surcharges and taxes (and also taxes on those additional fees) are assessed at airport locations, whereas they are NOT assessed at off-site in-town locations.

The cheaper the car, the higher percentage on taxes and fees you’ll save. As an example, on 08/15/2012, with our then-current rates, we calculated that 22% is the best percentage savings you can get. The lowest percentage savings that we’ve calculated would be a 12% savings on a $1,250/week 15-Passenger Van during peak season (You’d pay $177 less in taxes and fees at in-town locations).

How much can you save?

By renting “off-airport” or “in-town,” here are some examples of how much percentage and dollar amounts you can save on airport taxes and surcharges on various priced vehicles. Airport tax-exempt locations may be “at” the airport (aka off-airport) and also in town.

(Rates shown are for example purposes and may not be current)
* One thing to be aware of is, some car companies (but not all) have raised their base rates at non-airport locations. In essense, this has reduced or eliminated the total savings one might get from renting at non-airport locations. But if the base rate at the airport and in town is the same, you’re going to save big bucks.

Economy Car: Low Season, $135/week base rate
Total at the Airport:$214
Total In-Town:$166
Savings: $48 (22%)

Convertible: Low Season, $278/week base rate
Total at the Airport: $380
Total In-Town: $315
Savings: $ 65 (17%)

Jeep Wrangler: Low Season, $282/week base rate
Total at Airport:$384
Total In-Town:$319
Savings: $ 65 (17%)

Minivan: Peak Season, $472/week base rate
Total at Airport:$604
Total In-Town:$517
Savings: $87 (14%)

15-Passenger Van: Peak Season, $1,250/week base rate
Total at Airport:$1,505
Total In-Town:$1,328
Savings:$177 (12%)

Things to consider when renting a car in Hawaii at an “in-town” location.

• You may need to take a taxi cab to non-airport locations. If you’re arriving at an airport, the rental car company you choose will NOT have courtesy shuttles from the airport to their local in-town non-airport car rental location. In that case, you will need to take a cab or private limousine or shuttle service. However, larger hotels such as in Honolulu or Waikiki usually will have a free shuttle from the airport to their hotel. From there, you should be able to find a car rental outlet within walking distance. If you’re arriving on a cruise ship, you’ll receive instructions on courtesy shuttle buses to and from the ports in your rental confirmation email.
• Rates, bonuses, and waivers may possibly not apply, but only in very few cases (usually at hotel car rental locations): When you reserve through Hawaii Car Rentals, our special rates, bonuses and waivers usually will apply at most “in-town”, “off-site” locations, especially with Enterprise (who has the most non-airport locations). At most hotel car rental desk locations, our rates, bonuses and waivers usually will not apply. Note: When you try to reserve a location that is not in our corporate discount agreement, it usually won’t let you do it using our discount web links. It will usually say, sold out, car not available, or not in agreement, etc.
• Some companies counterbalance or neutralize the savings you might get at non-airport locations: One thing to be aware of is, some car companies (but not all) have raised their base rates at non-airport locations. In essence, this has reduced or eliminated the total savings one might get from renting at non-airport locations. But if the base rate at the airport and in town is the same, you’re going to save big bucks.