Airport car rentals LIH/OGG

Question

Hello,

We have booked a 2 week holidays for our parents on Hawaii to celebrate their 50s.

We have arranged everything, but missing a car rentals at LIH and OGG.

Does Alamo car rental have a lot directly at airport or do you have to take a shuttle to pick up car elsewhere?

We want to make it as simple as possible for them, as they are not the best English speakers.

Currently trying to decide whether to go for Alamo, but sadly cannot be prepaid for LIH and OGG, or just rent Turo, but I know the parking lot at LIH is quite away.

Thank you for answer.

Answer

Both Lihue Airport (LIH) on Kauai and Kahului Airport (OGG) on Maui have on-site car rental facilities that are very convenient for travelers, especially for those who may not be confident with English or navigating off-site lots.

Lihue Airport (LIH): Alamo, along with other major rental companies, has a car rental counter located inside the terminal building. After claiming baggage, your parents can go directly to the rental counters in the airport without needing a shuttle. Once the paperwork is complete, the car is typically either on-site in a nearby lot or a short walk away. This makes the process straightforward for travelers who want to minimize confusion.

Kahului Airport (OGG): Similarly, Alamo and other major rental companies operate from the airport terminal. There is a consolidated car rental facility within walking distance of the terminal, so no shuttle is required. The pick-up process is streamlined, and signs are clear, making it easier for travelers who are not fluent in English.

Additional considerations:

Prepaid rentals are ideal to avoid currency or language issues, but even if prepaid is not available, Alamo staff are generally helpful, and forms can be filled out quickly with minimal interaction.
If considering Turo, note that at LIH the designated Turo lot is off-airport, requiring a short shuttle ride. This can add complexity, especially for travelers who prefer minimal language interaction or hassle.
Booking directly through Alamo provides familiar support if any issues arise, versus Turo where the process is more peer-to-peer and may require more communication with the host.

In conclusion, for ease and simplicity for your parents, using Alamo at both LIH and OGG is highly recommended. Both airports allow direct pick-up at on-site facilities, avoiding shuttles, and the process is generally user-friendly for non-English speakers.