Go through your travel itinerary and determine exactly when you'll need a rental car. Depending on what activities you have planned, you may need a vehicle for only a portion of your trip. Know exactly what days you need a car before you start researching rental companies.
Go online to research different car rental agencies in Hawaii. All of the big car rental companies operate in Hawaii, but very few accept cash payments. Dollar Rent A Car is one of the few companies that will allow renters to pay in cash.
Compare rates between the rental agency's website and a quote from a discount rental website. Just like discount airfare companies, discount car rental companies represent major rental agencies and are able to secure vehicles at a discounted fee. Discount car rental agencies represent many different companies, so ensure that the quotes you're looking at are for the company that accepts cash payments.
Reserve your car well ahead of your travel dates. To ensure that you get the type of car you want, if not the color, you need to book it in advance. Check the company's upgrade policy since there may be restrictions on what type of upgrades are allowable. You can also reserve a child safety seat if necessary.
Contact your insurance company to check that you have adequate coverage for your rental. Hawaii is a no-fault insurance state, so if you're in an accident and don't have collision insurance, you'll have to pay for all the damage before you leave Hawaii. If your own policy is lacking, you can opt for the rental company's insurance.
Collect your car at the designated time and location. For cash payments, you need to present your driver's license and a round-trip airline ticket before you're able to take possession of the vehicle. Cash payments also require you to leave behind a security deposit.
Pay the rental fee when you return the vehicle. Your security deposit will be returned to you at this point if the car is returned undamaged.
