If you want to get the most out of your Hawaii vacation, you should choose to rent a car. It is necessary because public transportation is not readily available in many cities in Hawaii (except Honolulu) and taxi service is quite expensive. But before you reserve a car at a car rental agency, you should do some homework to avoid any inconvenience.

Here are some important tips for renting a car in Hawaii:

All major car rental agencies accept international credit cards only. Some can even accept debit cards. Only a few agencies accept cash car rentals. But you should avoid making cash payments, as reputable car rental agencies only prefer credit card payment. Agencies that accept cash may not be reputable.

Throughout Hawaii, you can get around in a regular car. No SUV or 4×4 required (except if you’re moving to the top of Mauna Kea on the Big Island of Hawaii). So renting a 4×4 or SUV is a waste of money and you can save a lot of money by renting a regular car.

Car rental agencies are very strict about damage to the car. Therefore, you should drive the rented car very carefully. The agencies check the rented cars thoroughly, for example, even the mirrors under the car also check when you return it.

You must not drive the car off the road. Technically, if you drive the car off the road, you are in violation of the rental agreement. And if you have violated the rental agreement, the car insurance becomes invalid. Many tourists had to pay heavy fines for damaging cars or if their car is hit somewhere on the road. Remember, you will not be allowed to leave the state until you pay all of your debts. Therefore, to be safer, avoid making costly mistakes, that is, do not damage the car and always drive it on the road.

Many agencies offer online car reservations which are comparatively cheaper as there is a lot of competition on the internet. You can save even more if you book your car while you book your airline tickets and/or accommodations.

Booking a car well in advance will also help save on your pocket. Rental rates fluctuate depending on the demand for cars. And once you’ve booked your car, you gain immunity from these fluctuations.

Always book because no more than one week in a row. Packages beyond a week generally cost more rent.

Always opt for prepaid fuel at the rental counter. And refuel the car at the airport service station before returning. If you return the car before refueling, the rental agencies charge an exorbitant price once the car is back in your possession.

Before you opt for temporary car insurance, check with your own insurance company. You may already be covered by rental insurance. If so, you can save the money you were going to spend on your term insurance. Some card companies also offer this type of insurance, so check with your credit card company as well. The car rental agency salesperson usually insists on taking out insurance. But make sure you are already covered or not before shelling out your money.

For underage tourists (under 25), the underage fee to cover the risk is very high (anything between $25 and $75). Also, in Hawaii, because it is not given for rent to a tourist under the age of 21.

In case of car breakdown, immediately call your car rental agency; otherwise, your expenses will not be covered.

Upon arrival, if the car rental agency proves that it is unable to provide you with the reserved car model, it must negotiate to provide you with a higher model at the same rate that was set at the time of reservation. Certain car dealers make such excuses just to offer you a higher model at much higher prices. You have every right to get the model you have booked with the agency. Or if they still insist, better to go to another agency. Remember, there is fierce competition when it comes to car rentals.