Kona Airport Ranks as the Most Expensive Car Rental Spot
Hawaii is known for its stunning landscapes and beautiful beaches, but this winter, it is also making headlines for having the highest car rental prices in the United States. Kona International Airport, located on Hawaii's Big Island, has been identified as the costliest car rental destination, with an average daily rental rate of $127 for the most affordable vehicle.
How the Rental Prices were Determined
A recent survey analyzed car rental prices at one hundred airports across the U.S. for the winter period spanning December 2025 through February 2026. In addition to Kona Airport's rankings, Kahului Airport on Maui came in second place with average daily rates hitting $104
Other locations such as Palm Springs Airport and Long Beach Airport followed closely, taking third and fourth places respectively. The trend is clear: renting a vehicle in Hawaii can be expensive during the winter months, largely due to increased demand during the holiday season.
Surge in Holiday Rental Prices
During the Christmas travel period, a notable surge in car rental rates occurs. Specifically, from December 21 to 26, daily rental prices can reach up to $84, making it the highest recorded rate for the year. Some airports see even higher increases compared to the standard winter prices. For instance, Kahului Airport's rates soar by 148%, while Lihue Airport witnesses a staggering 187% rise. This means that travelers should expect to pay nearly double the standard rates when renting during these peak days.
Price Comparison: Winter versus Summer
Despite the high prices during the winter, a silver lining exists: winter rental rates tend to be lower compared to those in the summer months. Current data shows that car rental rates for this winter season are more than 17% lower than the summer averages, making some Hawaiian destinations relatively affordable of car rentals during the summer.
Overview of the Most Expensive Car Rental Destinations
The survey also identified the ten most expensive U.S. airports for car rentals in the winter. Below is the list highlighting the average daily rates for the most affordable vehicles:
1. Kona (KOA) $127
2. Kahului (OGG) $104
3. Palm Springs (PSP) $91
4. Long Beach (LGP) $90
5. Madison (MAD) $83
6. Boise (BOI) $81
7. Lihue (LIH) $79
7. Burbank (BUR) $79
9. Louisville (SDF) $77
10. Phoenix (PHX) $76
Planning Ahead for Winter Travels
As the peak travel season approaches, it’s crucial for travelers to plan ahead. Understanding these pricing trends can help in budgeting for trips, particularly to Hawaii. While we cannot predict specific future fluctuations, booking earlier is often a wise strategy to secure better rates.
Considerations for Travelers
Travelers should remain flexible with their plans, as rental prices can vary substantially based on the time of booking, location, and duration of the rental. Watching for promotions or discounts is also advised, as many rental companies might offer seasonal deals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average car rental cost at Kona Airport this winter?
The average cost at Kona International Airport is $127 for the most affordable vehicle.
Which Hawaii airport has the second-highest rental rates?
Kahului Airport on Maui has the second-highest rental rates, with averages at $104.
How do winter car rental prices compare to summer prices?
This winter, car rental rates are more than 17% lower than summer levels, indicating that winter can be a more economical time for rentals.
What time period sees the highest rental rates?
The period from December 21 to 26 sees the peak rental rates, where prices may climb to $84 per day.
Are there any specific strategies for saving on car rentals?
Booking early and being flexible with travel dates can help secure better rates, while also keeping an eye on seasonal promotions can lead to significant savings.
