Lots of good ideas and context. Thank you.
I've used it twice. Once on Kona and once on Oahu. Kona is easier since they can leave it in the airport parking lot for you. I had 6 people so needed a van and it was fine. I saved 300 on the week that way. I did not get the added insurance on kona because it's kona. On Oahu I did because that is like a tropical Seattle and don't trust people much.
I'm not a fan of damage coverage for my own vehicles, but with someone else's car I feel better with coverage. I once damaged a rocker panel on decorative lava rock in a parking lot in Kailua Town. Only claim I've ever made against a rental, but I was glad to have had the insurance. I'll give Turo another look.
Non-diving - not sure of the timing for you, but if you visited Volcanoes NP when you were there before, it's possible it will look different due to volcanic activity. We went in 2012 and again in 2019 - big difference!
I was fortunate to be there back in the '00s when the flows had just over-run the lower visitor center, and we spent an evening playing around the flowing lava. Truly surreal, an unforgettable experience. If I end up with a car, I'll definitely look into the opportunities.
Crazy costs! In 2019 (pre-pandemic), we paid $500 for a 1 week rental on Kauai and later that year $702 for 2 weeks on the Big Island. The nice thing for us is we travel with friends , so split the cost between 2 couples. Both of those would have included costs for extra (collision/damage/loss of use) waiver. Last year for 1 week, we got a Minivan in Oahu for $720 (thru AAA/Hertz) + $88 for the waiver (thru Allianz.) Can't remember if that waiver was offered through AAA/Hertz of if I got it on my own.
I've seen Allianz charges on my dad's CC statements, now I know what they were! I usually use a CC that provides the coverage.
If you wind up renting, and you want to get out of Kona, head up to the Kohala coast to Puako. I did boat dives there, but I know you can also shore dive - it's a different look than diving the Kona area.
I like the Puako diving when conditions permit, and some of the spots along the way there. Have to see if I can get up there this trip.
I was in Kona last week and did see a couple of Lyft lights in cars while walking, so, there may be some savings found over renting.
I’ve always enjoyed the ease, safety and beauty of Hawai’i, but I’ve always felt it is a poor place to cut corners, trying to save money. I just accept I’ll be spending a premium and enjoy myself.
These times may have passed, but I've had good luck making Kona trips pretty budget-friendly. Cars for <$150/wk, nice waterfront condo just outside Kailua with shore access diving for <=$100/nt all in, and lots of shore diving. That worked for at least a half dozen trips through the '00s and '10s. I expect there will be some sticker shock this time. Hope the boat dives are still under $200!
Lift and Uber run 15-20 per ride per direction even on short runs. Airport to Kailua-Kona was almost $50. Rental is by far cheaper of you're planning anything other than walking around the local markets.
To make Lyft/Uber work I'd have to rely on boat diving, aside from what I can find across the street from the condo. Have to see if the dive op can recommend a way to get to the shop or harbor on dive days. It would be a change from the typical car-centric trips of the past, but I can see just spending some time snorkeling and free diving around Kailua Bay. Maybe rent the car for part of the time. Still considering options at this point.
And trying to do scuba, especially if you have you own equipment, without a rental car would be very, very, impractical.
I wouldn't be able to shore dive away from the condo, but for boat diving I'd just need to shuttle with my snorkel gear, and leave the BC and weights at the shop.
