HNL Rental Car Guide: Daniel K. Inouye International Airport
Renting a car at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) in Honolulu, Hawaii. This guide covers the pickup process, top brands on-airport, pricing, hidden fees, and the specific tricks for saving money at HNL that you would not learn from the rental company itself.
Where to pick up your rental at HNL
All on-airport brands share the five-story Consolidated Rent-A-Car Facility (CONRAC), directly across from Terminal 2. From Terminal 2 baggage claims 19-31, walk to the CONRAC entrances outside claims 26 and 31. From Terminal 1, take the free rental car shuttle from the median between baggage claims 8 and 9.
International arrivals (claims 16-18) and Terminal 3 also use the shuttle. Counters are on CONRAC Level 2, and the shuttle runs 4 a.m. to midnight.
HNL pricing & hidden fees
Average daily rate: varies by season, so compare all-in quotes for your dates.
Mandatory airport fees: A daily customer facility charge (it pays for the CONRAC), Hawaii's daily rental motor vehicle surcharge tax, general excise tax, and a concession recovery fee. Check your agreement for the exact amounts.
These charges are added on top of the quoted base rate, so a cheap headline price at HNL can look very different at checkout. Always check the all-in total when comparing across brands.
Top rental brands at HNL
HNL hosts 10 on-airport rental brands:
- Alamo
- Avis
- Budget
- Dollar
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- National
- Payless
- Sixt
- Thrifty
Best for premium service: National (Emerald Aisle) and Hertz (Gold) let loyalty members skip the counter
Cheapest base rates: Compare Payless, Dollar and Thrifty against the majors, since the gap changes with your dates
For each brand's specific fuel policies and refueling charges, see our deep-dive guides:
Hertz fuel policy · Enterprise fuel policy · Avis fuel policy · Budget fuel policy · National fuel policy
HNL-specific quirks worth knowing
Should you rent off-airport instead?
Waikiki has several rental branches within walking distance of the big hotels, which can help you skip airport charges and nightly hotel parking on the days you don't drive.
Worth considering for longer rentals: Rent in Waikiki for one or two day trips and take TheBus, a shuttle or a rideshare to and from the airport.
How to save the most at HNL
- Compare the all-in total. At HNL, the cheapest headline rate is not always the cheapest final bill.
- Skip prepaid fuel. Self-fill is usually cheaper: fill up close to the return location, since the company refuel charge is usually well above the pump price. Check your agreement for the exact rate.
- Check your coverage before you go. Many credit cards and auto policies cover damage to a rental, but card coverage never includes liability, so confirm what you have before declining the counter's offer.
More tips: how to avoid hidden rental fees.
Frequently asked questions
Where do you pick up a rental car at HNL?
From Terminal 2, walk to the CONRAC (entrances outside claims 26 and 31). From Terminal 1, international arrivals or Terminal 3, take the free shuttle; counters are on Level 2.
What is the average rental car price at HNL?
There is no reliable average for HNL: rates move with season, demand and car class, and airport charges come on top. Compare all-in quotes for your dates.
What hidden fees should I watch for at HNL?
A daily customer facility charge, Hawaii's rental motor vehicle surcharge tax, general excise tax and a concession recovery fee.
Which rental car company is best at HNL?
National (Emerald Aisle) and Hertz (Gold) let loyalty members skip the counter. Price Payless, Dollar and Thrifty against the majors.
Is it cheaper to rent a car off-airport from HNL?
For Waikiki stays, renting from a Waikiki branch only for day trips can skip airport charges and nightly hotel parking.
Are there any quirks to renting at HNL?
Oahu has no toll roads, so the real extra costs are H-1 rush-hour traffic and Waikiki hotel parking.