| Travelers have found that sometimes, just | | | | it behooves one to rent 3 months in advance of |
| before departure, they can find greatly reduced | | | | the summer season. |
| deals on airfare as the airlines try and fill empty | | | | Car rental availability also depends on the |
| seats. This is, of course, a gamble but it does | | | | destination island. Hawaii is the island which |
| work out sometimes for the last minute traveler. | | | | experiences the most tourism in the Hawaiian |
| In my experience, rental cars do not work this | | | | Island chain. As such, it sells out earlier than the |
| way. | | | | others. There are two major airports on Hawaii, |
| The car rental agencies will stock their fleets at a | | | | "The Big Island", Hilo and Kona. Hilo is the smaller |
| level they hope will be profitable. This means they | | | | of the two and thus sells out sooner as it has less |
| want to limit the amount of cars sitting around | | | | inventory. By the end of November, Kona tends |
| during slow times but have enough on hand to | | | | to be completely sold out of every type of |
| get the most profit during Hawaii's peak travel | | | | vehicle let alone the vehicle of your choice. |
| season. Because of this, they are willing and plan | | | | Molokai sells out next due to its small size and |
| to accept a low percentage of idle cars and thus | | | | limited car inventory. Next comes Kahului on Maui |
| do not cut rates at the last minute to increase | | | | and then Lihue on Kauai. By the first week in |
| rentals. | | | | December, you are no longer searching for deals |
| Tourism in Hawaii is at its peak from December | | | | on your desired car, but merely searching for any |
| 15th to March 1st. The last two weeks of | | | | available car. Instead of a minivan, you are now |
| December tend to be so busy that the majority | | | | renting two full size vehicles, etc. |
| of rental car companies will increase their rates | | | | One other issue to consider is that the major |
| greatly over this period of time. If you search far | | | | rental agencies do not charge for cancellations or |
| enough in advance, you may find a company | | | | changes. With this in mind, there is little or no |
| which offers flat rates over that period of time | | | | monetary risk involved in making an early |
| but they will be completely sold out 3 to 4 | | | | reservation. |
| months in advance of the peak season. | | | | So, a few rules of thumb: |
| As far as rental classes, Minivans will sell out first. | | | | 1. Make your car rental reservations six months in |
| Generally, minivan inventory on all islands is sold | | | | advance for the last two weeks of December. |
| out three months in advance of the peak season. | | | | Remember that minivans sell out early in the |
| Minivans you find after this time frame usually | | | | process. |
| come at a steep premium. If you want to find | | | | 2. Rent at least three months in advance of |
| the best deals, you need to reserve your minivan | | | | travel over the summer season. |
| six months in advance, not at the last minute. | | | | 3. If you are going to the Big Island, you may |
| SUVs tend to sell out next as they tend to carry | | | | want to move this timetable up by a full month. |
| 5 passengers, have a lot of room for luggage and | | | | So, in summary, rent 6 months in advance of the |
| usually four wheel drive capability. SUVs will sell | | | | peak winter season and at least 3 months in |
| out about 2 weeks after the minivans are sold | | | | advance of the busy summer season. |
| out. | | | | Remember, there are no penalties for cancellation |
| The next spike in tourism in Hawaii comes over | | | | and changes. Take the money you save on your |
| the summer months. Again, many rental agencies | | | | car rental and use it to buy additional activities to |
| increase rates over the summer. Several are now | | | | maximize your vacation fun. |
| offering flat rates through the summer; so again, | | | | |