VERIFIED REVIEWS
Frequently Asked Questions
What does my Hola Car Rentals booking with Thrifty in Honolulu include that other companies don't offer?
Hola Car Rentals is the only premium partner of the top car rental brands operating in Honolulu, including Thrifty, giving you exclusive access to our All Inclusive+ rate. This rate includes benefits that no other company can match:
- Free liability coverage starting at US$ 300,000 in case of an accident (applies only to certain rates and itineraries)
- Toll cashback: recover up to 5% of the reservation's total value for toll charges incurred during your rental period
- Premium travel medical assistance providing up to US$ 150,000 in coverage for a maximum of 5 passengers in case of a medical emergency, excluding pre-existing conditions
- No Extra Charges© guarantee: if the counter charges you for something not listed on your confirmation and not an optional add-on you accepted, Hola Car Rentals will work to remove or reimburse the charge after verification
All of this comes at no extra cost, ensuring a fully protected Thrifty rental experience and peace of mind throughout your trip in Honolulu.
Will I face unexpected charges at the Thrifty counter in Honolulu when I book through Hola Car Rentals?
No. With Hola Car Rentals, all costs and charges for your Thrifty booking in Honolulu are clearly shown at the time of reservation and in your confirmation email, so you know exactly what you are paying before you arrive at the Thrifty counter.
On top of that, every Hola Car Rentals booking includes the No Extra Charges© guarantee. This is a pricing guarantee (not insurance) that protects you if the Thrifty counter in Honolulu charges you for something that was not listed on your confirmation and was not an optional add-on you accepted. If that happens, Hola Car Rentals will work with Thrifty to remove or reimburse the charge after verification.
The only costs outside this guarantee are:
- Optional add-ons you choose at the counter (GPS, child seats, prepaid fuel)
- Usage-based charges (tolls, fuel shortfall, traffic fines)
Where do I pick up my Thrifty rental car in Honolulu?
Thrifty operates off-airport neighborhood locations in Honolulu rather than an on-site counter at Honolulu International Airport (HNL). The main Thrifty locations in Honolulu are:
- 452 Kalewa St, Honolulu, HI 96819 (Lagoon Thrifty, near the airport)
- 1777 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96815 (Ilikai Hotel, lobby level)
- 2424 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815 (Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort)
If you are arriving at HNL and your Thrifty booking is assigned to the Lagoon location at 452 Kalewa St, contact Thrifty directly upon landing to arrange transport, as there is no dedicated on-airport Thrifty shuttle. For Waikiki hotel locations, plan to reach the counter by taxi, rideshare, or public transport from the airport. Confirm your exact pickup address on your booking confirmation before travel, and allow extra time as Waikiki counters can experience significant wait times during peak periods.
What documents do I need to pick up a Thrifty rental car in Honolulu?
To collect your Thrifty rental car in Honolulu, you must present the following physical documents at the counter:
- A valid, original driver's license in the main driver's name
- A passport or government-issued photo ID
- A major credit card with the driver's name printed on the card, in the main driver's name, for the security deposit hold
- Your booking confirmation or printed voucher
- Round-trip flight or cruise tickets (required for international visitors)
If your driver's license is not in English and does not use a Latin (Roman) alphabet, such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic script, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is mandatory alongside your original license. Even if your license is in English, an IDP is recommended if it was not issued by an EU/EEA country. All documents must be physical originals; digital copies are not accepted at the Thrifty counter in Honolulu.
Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent from Thrifty in Honolulu?
It depends on your license. When renting from Thrifty in Honolulu, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is mandatory if your driver's license uses a non-Latin alphabet, such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic script. In that case, you must carry both your original license and the IDP together.
If your license is in English or uses a Latin alphabet, an IDP is recommended but not strictly required. However, if your license was not issued by an EU/EEA country, having an IDP can prevent complications at the Thrifty counter in Honolulu.
Important points to keep in mind:
- The IDP is a translation document only and cannot be used without your original license
- You must obtain the IDP in your home country before traveling, as it cannot be issued abroad
- All documents presented at the counter must be physical originals
Are there toll roads I need to worry about when driving a Thrifty rental car in Honolulu?
No, there are no toll roads in Honolulu or anywhere in Hawaii. Thrifty rental car drivers in Honolulu will not encounter any toll booths, cashless toll lanes, electronic transponder requirements, or congestion charges of any kind. Hawaii has no tolled highways, bridges, or tunnels, so toll programs common in other U.S. states, such as E-ZPass or SunPass, are entirely irrelevant here.
This means you will not be charged any toll-related fees during your Thrifty rental in Honolulu, and you do not need to enroll in any toll pass program or worry about administrative processing fees for toll usage.
If your trip extends beyond Hawaii, for example if you rent in Honolulu and later drive in a state with toll roads, Hola Car Rentals includes Tolls Cashback on all bookings, reimbursing up to 5% of your total booking value for tolls paid. Submit your claim with receipts to [email protected] within 30 days of returning the vehicle.
Is a credit card required to rent from Thrifty in Honolulu?
Yes, a major credit card in the main driver's name is required to rent from Thrifty in Honolulu. The card must be physical, with the driver's name printed on it, and must have sufficient available credit to cover the security deposit hold placed at pickup.
Key points about the credit card requirement at the Thrifty counter in Honolulu:
- Debit cards and prepaid cards are not accepted for the security deposit hold
- Digital wallets such as Apple Pay or Google Pay are not accepted as a substitute for the physical card
- The card must be in the main driver's name, not a third party's name
- Typical security deposit holds in the United States range from US$300 to US$400 for standard vehicles, though the exact amount is set by Thrifty at the counter
- The hold is released after the vehicle is returned, but your bank may take up to 15 business days to reflect the release
Bring a backup credit card in your own name in case your primary card is declined.
Is there a young driver surcharge for under-25 drivers renting from Thrifty in Honolulu?
Yes, a young driver surcharge applies to drivers under 25 years old at the Thrifty counter in Honolulu. For Thrifty in Honolulu, the young driver fee is US$13.50 per rental day plus applicable taxes, with a maximum cap of US$189 plus taxes for the rental period.
Additional details to keep in mind:
- The minimum age to rent from Thrifty in Honolulu is 21 years old
- Drivers aged 21 to 24 are subject to the daily surcharge and vehicle class restrictions
- Certain vehicle categories, including full-size SUVs, premium, luxury, convertibles, and vans, are typically restricted to drivers aged 25 and older
- Economy, compact, and intermediate vehicle classes are generally available to younger drivers
- The surcharge is paid at the Thrifty counter in Honolulu and is not included in your prepaid rate
If you are between 21 and 24, confirm your eligibility for your chosen vehicle class before booking to avoid surprises at the counter.
How does the fuel policy work for Thrifty rentals in Honolulu?
Thrifty rentals in Honolulu follow a Full-to-Full fuel policy. You receive the vehicle with a full tank and must return it full to avoid additional charges.
Here is what to do at each stage of your Thrifty rental in Honolulu:
- At pickup: check the fuel gauge with the agent and confirm the starting level is recorded on the rental agreement. Take a photo of the dashboard showing the gauge and odometer
- During the rental: use the correct fuel type as specified in the vehicle documentation
- Before return: refuel within approximately 10 miles or 15 km of the return location so the gauge does not drop below full before you arrive
- Keep your fuel receipt as proof in case of any dispute
If you return the Thrifty vehicle in Honolulu with less than a full tank, you may be charged for the fuel shortfall at the partner's refueling rate, which is typically higher than retail pump prices, plus a refueling service fee. Returning the car full is always the most cost-effective option.
Can I add an additional driver to my Thrifty rental in Honolulu?
Yes, you can add an additional driver to your Thrifty rental in Honolulu, either as part of your rate or for a fee paid at the counter.
For Thrifty in Honolulu, the additional driver fee is US$13.50 per rental day plus taxes, with a maximum cap of US$189 plus taxes, unless your booking confirmation explicitly states that an additional driver is included at no charge.
Requirements for adding a driver at the Thrifty counter in Honolulu:
- The additional driver must be present at pickup and show a valid driver's license
- If their license uses a non-Latin alphabet, they must also present an IDP
- The additional driver must meet the minimum age requirements; drivers under 25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge
- Both the main driver and the additional driver must sign the rental agreement
Only drivers listed on the rental agreement are covered by the vehicle's protections. Never allow an unlisted person to drive the Thrifty vehicle in Honolulu, as this can void coverage and result in additional charges.
What insurance coverage is included with a Thrifty rental in Honolulu?
The insurance and protection options available with your Thrifty rental in Honolulu depend on the rate plan selected at booking. Here is a summary of the main coverages to understand:
- Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW): reduces your financial liability for damage to the Thrifty rental vehicle in Honolulu from a collision, theft, or vandalism. A deductible may apply unless your confirmation states zero excess
- Third-Party Liability (LIS/ALI/SLI): covers bodily injury and property damage you may cause to others while driving. In Hawaii, confirm whether your rate includes state-minimum liability or whether you need to add supplemental coverage
- CDW/LDW does not cover third-party injuries or damage to other vehicles; those require separate liability coverage
- Personal injuries to you or your passengers require Personal Accident Insurance (PAI), if purchased separately
Review your booking confirmation carefully to see which protections are included in your Thrifty Honolulu rate. At the counter, verify all listed coverages on the rental agreement before signing, and decline any add-ons you do not need.
What travel assistance is included with my Thrifty booking in Honolulu?
Most Hola Car Rentals bookings include travel assistance coverage through Terrawind Global Protection, and this applies to Thrifty rentals in Honolulu as well. This benefit is designed for situations such as a medical emergency, a breakdown on the H-1 Freeway, or an accident in a remote part of Oahu during your rental period.
Core benefits typically included are:
- Travel insurance with medical coverage for up to 5 passengers
- Legal assistance in case of an accident
- Compensation for luggage lost by the airline
- Flight cancellation insurance
To reach assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, call +1 888 980 9992 (toll-free) or contact WhatsApp at +1 208 910 1001. Have your Hola Car Rentals confirmation number ready when you call.
Important: this travel assistance benefit applies only to non-North American customers. Residents of the United States and Canada do not qualify for this coverage. Check your booking confirmation for the exact terms and coverage limits that apply to your Thrifty rental in Honolulu.
Can I pick up my Thrifty car in Honolulu and return it to a different city?
Yes, one-way rentals with Thrifty in Honolulu may be possible, but availability and fees depend on the specific route and are subject to partner rules. Because Honolulu is on an island, cross-island or inter-island one-way returns are generally not permitted or are very limited, and returning a vehicle to a mainland U.S. city from Honolulu is typically not available.
If a one-way or drop-off fee applies to your Thrifty booking in Honolulu, it will be shown during the booking process under the section labeled as payable at the destination. This fee is not included in your prepaid rate and must be paid at the Thrifty counter in Honolulu or at the return location.
Key points to keep in mind:
- The drop-off fee is route-specific and varies by distance, vehicle class, and season
- Cross-border or inter-island one-ways are often restricted or unavailable
- Changing your return location after booking may reprice the rental and add or increase the drop-off fee
- Always confirm the return location and any associated fees on your booking confirmation before pickup
What driving rules should I know before driving a Thrifty rental car in Honolulu?
Driving a Thrifty rental car in Honolulu has some unique characteristics compared to other U.S. destinations that are worth knowing before you get behind the wheel.
- The H-1 Freeway is the main east-west artery through Honolulu and can be confusing for first-time visitors. It is subject to overnight full-lane closures on weekdays and some Sundays, typically between 8:30 p.m. and 4:30 a.m., requiring detours via Ala Moana Boulevard or Kapiolani Boulevard
- King Street runs one-way eastbound parallel to H-1 and has 4 to 6 lanes, but some on-ramps narrow to a single lane, creating unexpected bottlenecks
- Bus-priority red lanes on King Street are enforced with delineators that block cut-offs, which can catch unfamiliar drivers off guard
- Waikiki and surrounding areas frequently have street closures for parades and events, particularly around the Aloha Stadium and University of Hawaii on game days
- There are no toll roads anywhere in Honolulu or Hawaii, so your Thrifty rental will not require a toll transponder
Driving is on the right-hand side, the same as the continental United States. Allow extra time when navigating Honolulu, especially if your Thrifty pickup or return is at a Waikiki hotel location.
How does the Thrifty car return process work in Honolulu?
Returning your Thrifty rental car in Honolulu depends on which location you picked up from. For Waikiki hotel locations such as the Hyatt Regency at 2424 Kalakaua Ave, the return garage entrance can be easy to miss, so look carefully for signage near the Royal Hawaiian area and allow extra time. For the Lagoon Thrifty location at 452 Kalewa St, follow the return instructions provided in your rental agreement.
Steps to follow for a smooth Thrifty return in Honolulu:
- Refuel the vehicle before returning it, as Thrifty in Honolulu uses a Full-to-Full fuel policy. Refuel within approximately 10 miles of the return location and keep your receipt
- Return the vehicle during counter operating hours; confirm hours in advance as they are not standardized across all Honolulu Thrifty locations
- Have an agent inspect the vehicle and confirm the fuel level and condition at return
- Request a final receipt or confirmation that the contract is closed
- Keep all paperwork until the security deposit hold is released by your bank, which can take up to 15 business days
If you have any post-rental charges you did not expect on your Thrifty Honolulu rental, contact Hola Car Rentals support with your rental agreement and final receipt.
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