SUV rental at Kona International Airport (KOA)
Discover the Turo car rental marketplace
- Car rental
- SUV rental
- Kona International Airport
Extraordinary selection
From standard cars to supercars, find the perfect car for any occasion or budget
Liability insurance included
Third-party liability insurance comes standard, and choose from a range of vehicle protection plans
Easy airport pickup
You can skip the rental counter at 100+ airports across the US and Canada
Rental cars in Kona International Airport
Average daily prices for a 3-day trip
Subaru Crosstrek
2022
•4.99
(252)
GMC Terrain
2022
•4.97
(33)
Ford Bronco Sport
2023
•4.98
(63)
Toyota 4Runner
2014
•4.99
(169)
Jeep Wrangler
2026
•5.0
(2)
Subaru Crosstrek
2025
•4.63
(58)
BMW X5
2026
•5.0
(1)
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
2015
•5.0
(17)
Subaru Crosstrek
2026
•5.0
(10)
SUV rental at Kona International Airport
Kona International Airport serves as your gateway to the Big Island's incredible volcanic landscapes, pristine beaches, and lush tropical terrain. This remarkable destination offers everything from black sand shores to snow-capped peaks, coffee plantations to ancient lava fields. An SUV provides the perfect combination of comfort and capability for navigating the island's diverse roads, from smooth coastal highways to winding mountain paths that lead to breathtaking viewpoints and hidden gems throughout Kailua Kona and beyond.
Why choose Turo?
Enjoy a streamlined airport experience
100+ airports across the US and Canada let Turo hosts bring cars to airport parking lots and garages. Some smaller airports even allow curbside pickup at the terminal.*
Get personalized service from a local host
Turo hosts are everyday entrepreneurs who share cars in their communities.
Relax with support & damage protection
24/7 support and roadside assistance mean help is just a call away, plus you can choose from a range of protection plans.
Recent reviews
Everything went perfectly! The car was great, clean, comfortable, and exactly as described. Communication with Grant was easy and friendly, and the whole rental process was smooth from start to finish. We had a great experience exploring Big Island with the Jeep. Thank you so much — highly recommended!
Communication with the host was excellent, and the car is a real beauty—it reminded me why it’s my favorite car 😮💨. Don’t miss the chance to rent it if you can; plus, the price was unbeatable.
The car was in good condition, clean and easy to find at airport. Dylan was great at communicating. I will say that the car struggled getting up some of those steep hills but that is no fault of Dylan's, just the car's abilities. We were a bit cramped because we had lots of luggage, if you had a normal amount of luggage and 4 people, you should be plenty comfortable. One of the passenger seat belts would not lock in but we just moved to the middle seat. Dylan offered to take care of it immediately but we could manage for our trip so told him just to deal with it after we turned it in. I would rent from Dylan again.
I had a great experience renting the Jeep Compass! It was clean, comfortable, and perfect for getting around the Big Island. The Jeep drove great throughout my trip and made exploring the island super easy. The whole rental experience was smooth and stress-free. I’d definitely rent it again on my next trip to Hawaiʻi!
This trip was a blast in large part due to this rental! Helped us much through our stay including Hurricane Lala, much love. Mahalo!
The great trips to Hawaii are made by great hosts. Rent from Michael. He is the best.
Very responsive, great communication, and an excellent deal. Definitely helped make my trip smooth, solid, and memorable!
We rented from Craig for a 9 day trip. The car was great, with optional third row seating. We had room for luggage and seating easily for 5 adults. The separate AC control to the back seats was fantastic. We brought little cigarette lighter phone chargers, allowing four cables at a time. Very easy pickup and drop off, and short Lyft to and from the airport. Would easily rent again!
Easy and smooth pick up. The car was great for our family trip! Highly recommend!
Car is clean, host super responsive and helpful! Great rental for our two week trip.
This Turo host and vehicles are top shelf all the way. This is my second time renting a Jeep from Grant (2 different Jeeps) and both vehicles have been very well cared for and terrific operation machines (tires, electronics, engines, paint, interiors, cleanliness and comfort). This 2022 Wrangler is the ultimate island rig as the whole roof top slides open at the push of a button. You can literally tan the whole family while traveling & not lose any sun time. The whole process is so easy and worth the little extra cost and no fuss! The whole family loves it and we get some extra time to actually vacation and not do all the big brand rental runaround BS which is time consuming. We have also chosen to rent body boards, coolers, beach umbrella from Grant & family, the price is very reasonable for the additional convenience. They provide very well kept gear in close to new if not new condition, at end of trip you just return it with the vehicle and off you go. The whole process was so easy, a big mahalo goes out to Grant & team, will see you again this November. Sincerely Jason M. & Family
Loved the vehicle! Clean, great gas mileage, beautiful sun roof! It got us safely to our destinations all over the island. Retrieving the car was a pretty seamless process. The price of the car was also cheaper than any of the local car rental companies, even Costco. I would definitely rent from them again:)
Jeep was the best thing we drove all of our trip. Among 4 different rentals on different islands - this one was the most fun and comfortable to drive. Clean when we picked it up and stood out in parking lots when we were traveling. Definitely recommend
Toyotas never disappoint and being that I already own a 4Runner, I was expecting the rental to be the same in which it is. Vehicle was clean and easy to find in the parking lot as Sean provided clear directions. Reservation was easy, fast, and simple! Sean is very friendly, prompt in responding, and has accommodated our extension which we greatly appreciate! We definitely will rent from Sean again! Mahalo plenty!!
The car was very clean and reliable. I had to extend my rental for an extra day and it was no big deal.
Iz was the best and we loved the car. We would definitely rent from him again!
We had a wonderful experience renting Courtney’s Tesla Model Y! The car was in very good condition, clean, comfortable, and we had absolutely no issues during our trip. Courtney was a great host — she was always responsive, answered any questions we had, and got back to us quickly. We also really appreciated having Autopilot. It made driving during our vacation much easier and more relaxing, especially on longer drives. Thank you, Courtney, for a great experience! We would definitely recommend renting from her and would be happy to do it again.
Discover Big Island adventures from Kona International Airport
The Big Island beckons with an extraordinary range of attractions easily accessible by rental car from Kona airport. You'll find yourself exploring active volcanoes, world-famous coffee farms, and stunning beaches with crystal-clear waters. Historic Kailua Kona town offers cultural sites and waterfront dining, while the island's interior reveals cascading waterfalls and botanical gardens. An SUV enhances your island exploration with elevated seating for panoramic views, ample space for beach gear and hiking equipment, and the confidence to tackle varied terrain as you discover this tropical paradise.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park showcases nature's raw power
This UNESCO World Heritage site stands as one of the world's most active volcanic regions, featuring the legendary Kilauea crater and dramatic lava landscapes. You'll witness steam vents, sulfur banks, and ancient petroglyphs while driving through this geological wonderland. The park's Crater Rim Drive offers spectacular viewpoints, and your SUV provides the ground clearance and stability needed for the park's sometimes challenging roads. Multiple visitor centers provide educational exhibits about volcanic activity, while hiking trails lead to recent lava flows and scenic overlooks that showcase the island's ongoing creation.
Mauna Kea summit offers world-class stargazing opportunities
Rising over 13,000 feet above sea level, Mauna Kea represents one of Earth's premier astronomical observation sites. The journey to the summit takes you through multiple climate zones, from tropical coastline to alpine desert. Your rental car handles the winding mountain roads with ease, though the final stretch requires four-wheel drive capability. The visitor information station provides educational programs about Hawaiian culture and astronomy, while the summit itself hosts international observatories and offers unparalleled views of the night sky.
Akaka Falls State Park features magnificent tropical waterfalls
This lush state park showcases the Big Island's spectacular 442-foot Akaka Falls, surrounded by dense rainforest filled with bamboo groves, wild orchids, and native Hawaiian plants. The paved loop trail provides easy access to multiple viewpoints, while your SUV ensures comfortable transportation through the park's sometimes narrow access roads. You'll also discover the smaller but equally beautiful Kahuna Falls along the same trail. The park's elevated location offers cooler temperatures and frequent rainbow sightings, making it a refreshing escape from the coastal heat and a photographer's paradise.
Kona coffee farms reveal the secrets of world-renowned beans
The slopes above Kailua Kona produce some of the world's most prized coffee, and numerous family-owned farms welcome visitors for tours and tastings. You'll learn about the cultivation process from cherry to cup while enjoying panoramic views of the coastline below. Many farms offer educational experiences about sustainable farming practices and the unique volcanic soil that gives Kona coffee its distinctive flavor. The winding roads between plantations are perfect for leisurely exploration, and your rental car provides the flexibility to visit multiple farms at your own pace.
Punaluu Black Sand Beach creates an otherworldly coastal experience
This striking beach features jet-black sand created by volcanic activity, offering a dramatic contrast to the turquoise Pacific waters. Hawaiian green sea turtles frequently bask on the warm sand, while coconut palms provide natural shade for visitors. The beach's remote location requires a scenic drive through rural landscapes, and your SUV handles the coastal roads with confidence while providing excellent visibility for spotting wildlife. Nearby, you'll find a visitor center with information about marine conservation efforts and the geological processes that created this unique shoreline. The area also offers excellent opportunities for photography and peaceful contemplation.
Turo car rental vs. traditional rental
Turo Car rental
App-based experience
No waiting in line
1,600+ unique makes & models
Get the exact car you choose
Delivery options & thousands of pickup locations
Cars rented out by local small businesses
Vehicles and hosts rated by guests
Traditional rental
Standard rental counter experience
Waiting in line
Limited selection
Get a type of vehicle “or similar”
Pickup at retail locations
Owned by large corporations
No vehicle ratings
Nearby SUV rental alternative locations Kona International Airport
Frequently asked questions in Kona International Airport
How does car rental insurance work on Turo?
No, you don't need personal insurance coverage to rent a car on Turo. In the US, any personal insurance you may have that covers damage to the host's vehicle would kick in before your Turo protection plan. When booking a car in the US, you'll choose between three protection plans — Premier (eligibility requirements apply), Standard, or Minimum — to get the level of protection that's right for you. On each trip, you're covered with third-party automobile liability insurance provided under a policy issued to Turo by Travelers Excess and Surplus Lines Company.* In New York state, you'll also choose between Premier (if available), Standard, or Minimum. With each plan, you're covered with liability insurance of $1,250,000.* Protection plans for New York trips also include access to roadside assistance, priority phone support, and 24/7 customer assistance.
Can I get car rental discounts on Turo?
You can get discounts and low cost car rental on Turo. On your Account page, make sure you've checked the box to receive email notifications, and enable push notifications from the Turo app in your phone settings — we'll send you occasional promo codes, discounts, and deals. Additionally, frequent travelers on Turo can get rewarded with the loyalty bonus — earn a promo code for one bonus day when you take trips totaling 10 days in a 90-day period.
What driving rules should I know before leaving the airport?
Hawaii follows standard US traffic laws with right-hand driving and speed limits typically ranging from 25-55 mph on Big Island roads. Always yield to pedestrians at crosswalks, and be aware that many tourists unfamiliar with the area may drive slowly while sightseeing. When picking up your rental car from Kona International Airport, remember that Hawaii has strict laws against using handheld devices while driving.
Do I need to be a certain age to rent a car on Turo?
To rent a car on Turo in the US, you must be 18 years old or older.
What documents and paperwork do I need to rent a car on Turo?
To rent a car on Turo, you must create a Turo account, have a valid driver's license, get approved to drive on Turo, and be 18 years old or older in the US, 21 years old or older in Australia, or 23 years old or older in Canada. In the UK, you must be 21 years old or older and have held a UK or EU license for at least one year, or another driver's license for at least two years. In France you must be 18 years old or older and have held a driver's license for at least 2 years, longer for certain makes and models of vehicles. When you're booking your first trip, you'll go through a quick approval process by entering your driver's license and some other information. In most cases, you'll get approved immediately, and you'll be set for all future road trips, day trips, and business trips!
Where can I find gas stations near Kona International Airport?
Several gas stations are located along Queen Kaahumanu Highway between the airport and Kailua Kona, with additional options in downtown Kailua Kona itself. You'll find major brand stations offering both regular and premium fuel options for your rental car. Gas prices in Hawaii are typically higher than mainland US prices, so factor this into your Big Island travel budget.
Are there toll roads near Kona International Airport?
No toll roads exist anywhere on the Big Island, including the areas surrounding Kona International Airport. All highways and local roads around Kailua Kona and the broader Big Island are free to use. This makes exploring the island in your rental car particularly convenient, whether you're heading to volcanic national parks or scenic coastal drives.
Should I rent an SUV from Kona International Airport?
An SUV rental from Kona airport provides excellent versatility for Big Island exploration, offering higher ground clearance for volcanic terrain and ample space for beach gear or hiking equipment. The Big Island's diverse landscapes, from Kailua Kona's coastal areas to volcanic regions, are well-suited to SUV capabilities. Consider your planned activities and group size when selecting between an SUV, luxury sedan, or other vehicle options available at the airport.
How do I drive from Kona International Airport to downtown?
From Kona International Airport, head north on Queen Kaahumanu Highway (Highway 19) for about 7 miles to reach downtown Kailua Kona. The route is straightforward with clear signage directing you toward Kailua Kona and the Big Island's western coast. Your rental car will give you the freedom to explore beyond downtown, including the scenic coastal areas and volcanic landscapes that make this part of the Big Island so spectacular.
What are the best road trip routes from Kona International Airport?
The scenic Saddle Road (Highway 200) connects Kona to Hilo and offers stunning views of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa volcanoes. Highway 11 south from Kailua Kona leads to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, one of the Big Island's premier attractions. The northern route along Highway 19 takes you through historic towns and offers spectacular ocean vistas, making any of these routes perfect for your rental car adventure from Kona airport.
* Est. daily price. Search for up to date price information.