Kona Car Rental Wait Times

Question

Traveling into KOA in early June and was wondering about the lines for the car rental agencies. We have our rental through discount-hawaii (Thrifty) and our flight arrives around 515pm, any idea how long we should budget for picking up the car?

Answer

Hi there!

As for car rental wait times at Kona International Airport (KOA), it can vary depending on the time of day and the season, but in general, there are a few factors to consider:

Arrival Time: Your flight arrives at 5:15 PM, which is just before the evening rush at KOA. This can be a busy time for car rentals, as many flights from the mainland arrive in the late afternoon/early evening. However, June is not the peak of tourist season, so it may not be as crowded as during the winter holidays.
Car Rental Agency Wait Times: Wait times at the Thrifty counter can range from 15 minutes to over an hour, especially if multiple flights arrive around the same time. With a discount booking through Discount Hawaii, you may have to go through some additional paperwork or verification, which can add to the wait time.
Efficient Pickup: If you’ve pre-checked in or opted for any express pickup options (if available), that can help speed things up. It's also helpful to have all your documents and confirmation numbers ready to go when you approach the counter.
Shuttle Service: Thrifty (and other agencies) usually have a shuttle service to take you from the terminal to the car rental lot. Depending on how many people are arriving at the same time, you might have to wait a little for the shuttle, which can add extra time.

In general, I would recommend budgeting at least 45 minutes to 1 hour for picking up your car at Thrifty after your flight lands. If it's a busy day, or there’s a large line, it could take a bit longer, so it’s always a good idea to plan accordingly.

Safe travels and enjoy your trip to Kona!