where is the nearest airport to Kealakekua, HI?

Question

and where is the nearest car rental?

Answer 1

The closest airports in the area are the Kona International At Keahole airport (KOA) located about 21 miles northwest of Kealakekua in Kailua / Kona, Hawaii and:
the Waimea Kohala airport (MUE) located approximately 35 miles northeast of Kealakekua in Kamuela, Hawaii, and finally the Hilo International airport (ITO) located roughly 53 miles east of Kealakekua in Hilo, Hawaii.

Car Rentals

Enterprise Car Rentals www.enterprise.com have just opened in Hilo with an off airport site, a shuttle and VERY good prices, we of course recommend that you compare, but think you may find they have the best prices and will rent to 21 and up.

Another new site advertises no deposit or cancellation fees. http://discounthawaiicarrental.com National Car Rental Company's rates were not good deals and did not match current Internet offers. Go to Travelocity or Orbitz or Expedia and search for a good rate. This procedure has been receiving good press in the Travel media also. Fly/Drive deals are also often bargains via the Internet.

Caution on renting cars on the Big Island

Due to the mountainous terrain and narrow roads in some remote areas, almost all car rental companies have restrictions on where their cars may go and remain insured.

Most rental companies ban travel on the Saddle Road (Hghy 200/220) which leads to Mauna Kea Mountain 13,796ft 4200m, (strictly banned). South Point access road is also banned by most companies due to it being extremely narrow and the grass sides hiding large rocks.

We actually began our Mauna Kea Tours 10 years ago, in response to the number of cars our guests wrecked due to steep 20% grades and thin air. You also must consider that all commercial tours have oxygen on board whereas if you violate your rental contract and go up, you may suffer Oxygen deprivation and pass out, or a family member may pass out leaving you to drive and tend to them at the same time. The summit is remote and there are NO SERVICES.

Some rental companies will rent you a 4x4 cleared for Mauna Kea and you still have the Oxygen problem. Signage at the Visitor station at 9000ft (2740m), warns against taking children under 16 up the remainder of the mountain, and of potentially life threatening consequences to certain people with medical conditions or weak systems. These companies have high deductables even when you take their "full" Loss damage waiver and we advise caution in renting any 4x4 vehicle.

Some other Rental companies have 4x4s but do not allow off road or Muana Kea use. Be sure to be specific when booking your vehicle and when picking it up, some mainland reservation centers are not fully aware of local restrictions.

While this is a very large Island with a relatively small population of 140,000 it has only one belt highway, which apart from occasional passing lanes, is one lane in each direction. Allow for average speeds point to point of only 45mph (72kmh). Kona to Hilo for instance at 120 miles (193km), will take a good three hours without much sightseeing.

Answer 2

Kona, HI (KOA)
http://www.hawaii.gov/dot/airports/hawaii/koa/

Car Rentals:
Alamo Rent-A-Car
Airport
Toll Free


[phone]
1-800-327-9633
1-877-603-0615

Avis Rent-A-Car
Airport
Toll Free


[phone]
1-800-331-1212
1-800-831-2847

Budget Rent-A-Car
Airport
Toll Free


[phone]
1-877-283-2468
1-800-527-0700

* Dollar Rent-A-Car
Airport
Toll Free


[phone]
1-800-342-7398
1-800-800-4000

Harper Car & Truck Rental
Airport
Toll Free

[phone]
1-800-852-9993

Hertz Rent-A-Car
Airport
Toll Free


[phone]
1-800-654-3011

National Rent-A-Car
Airport
Toll Free


1-866-450-5101
1-800-227-7368
1-888-868-6207

* Thrifty Rent-A-Car
Airport
Toll Free

[phone]
1-800-367-5238 ext. 1
1-800-847-4389