Car Hire Hilo Airport — Your Gateway to Waterfalls, Volcanoes and the Real Hawaii
Look, Hilo isn’t the polished resort town you’ll find on the other side of the Big Island. And that’s exactly why people fall in love with it. This is old Hawaii — rain-soaked streets, family-run eateries that have been around for generations, and a pace of life that forces you to slow down whether you want to or not. Renting a car at Hilo Airport isn’t just convenient; it’s pretty much essential if you want to experience anything beyond the downtown strip. Public transport exists, sure, but it won’t get you to that hidden waterfall you saw on Instagram or the lava tube that nobody told you about.
What makes this corner of the island special is the sheer variety packed into a relatively small area. One morning you’re standing at the edge of an active volcano watching steam rise from craters, and by afternoon you’re swimming under a 400-foot waterfall. The Hilo side gets rain — sometimes lots of it — but that’s what keeps everything impossibly green and the rainbows showing up almost daily. Having your own wheels means you can chase the sunshine or embrace the mist on your own schedule, without waiting for a tour bus or paying premium prices for someone else to drive you around.
Picking Up Your Rental Car in Hilo Airport
Hilo International Airport is small, which is actually a blessing when you’re tired from a flight. You won’t need a map to find the rental car counters — they’re all right there in the terminal, a short walk from baggage claim. Most major providers have desks here, including Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and Avis, along with some local operators who sometimes offer better rates if you’re willing to go off-brand.
The pickup process is straightforward, but there are a few things worth knowing. Have your driver’s license and credit card ready — debit cards are accepted by some companies, but they often place larger holds on your account. If you’ve booked through a third-party site, bring your confirmation email, preferably printed or easily accessible on your phone. Check your vehicle for existing damage before driving off, and snap a few photos just to be safe. The airport location means you can literally walk out the door and into your rental, which is a nice change from those massive mainland airports where you need a shuttle just to reach the car park.
One thing to note: Hilo Airport isn’t a 24-hour operation, and neither are most of the rental counters. If you’re arriving on a late flight or dealing with delays, double-check your provider’s hours. Some will arrange after-hours pickup, but only if you’ve arranged it in advance.
Where to Go with Your Rental Car in Hilo Airport
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park — This is the big one, and it’s about 45 minutes south of Hilo. You can easily spend a full day here walking through lava tubes, driving Chain of Craters Road, and watching the landscape shift from rainforest to what looks like another planet entirely. Kilauea has been continuously erupting for decades, and while you can’t predict what you’ll see, the park offers something incredible regardless of volcanic activity.
Akaka Falls State Park — About 30 minutes north of Hilo, this is home to the 442-foot Akaka Falls. The loop trail takes maybe 20 minutes, but you’ll want to linger. It’s lush, humid, and exactly what you imagine when you think of tropical Hawaii. There’s a small parking fee, but the views are worth every cent.
The Hamakua Coast Drive — Heading north from Hilo, this coastal drive serves up ocean views, old sugar mill towns, and more waterfalls than you can count. Stop at Waipio Valley Overlook if you have time — the view down into the valley is one of the most photographed spots on the island, and for good reason.
Mauna Kea Summit — If your rental agreement allows it (check first — some companies prohibit summit drives), heading up Mauna Kea is unforgettable. The sunset from nearly 14,000 feet is something you’ll talk about for years. Even if you don’t go all the way up, the visitor center at 9,200 feet offers incredible stargazing.
Tips for Driving in Hawaii
Driving in Hawaii is generally relaxed, but there are a few quirks worth knowing. Speed limits are lower than you might be used to — often 25-35 mph in towns and rarely above 55 mph even on highways. Police do enforce these limits, so don’t assume the relaxed vibe extends to speeding. There are no toll roads on the Big Island, which is one less thing to worry about.
Fuel stations are plentiful in and around Hilo, but they get sparse once you head into more remote areas. Fill up before long drives, especially if you’re heading toward Volcanoes or up the Hamakua Coast. Gas prices in Hawaii tend to be higher than on the mainland, so budget accordingly.
Hawaii drives on the right, same as the rest of the US. One local rule to remember: if you’re on a single-lane road and someone behind you wants to pass, you’re expected to pull over when safe and let them by. It’s not just courtesy — it’s the law, and locals will appreciate you knowing it. Also, never leave valuables visible in your car, especially at trailheads and beaches. Break-ins aren’t common, but they do happen.
Ready to explore the Big Island on your own terms? Use the search widget above to compare rates and book your car hire at Hilo Airport today. It only takes a few minutes, and you’ll have one less thing to worry about when you land.