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Short answer: The Big Island is the one place a Jeep rental changes what you can do. The major airport companies do not allow the Mauna Kea summit road, but two Kona Jeep companies do: Hawaii Lifted Jeep Rentals (5.0 on 788 Google reviews) and Big Island Jeep Rental (5.0 on 541). If you only want a convertible Jeep for paved roads, Kona Jeep Rental rents 2WD Jeeps for less.
A Big Island Jeep rental is worth thinking about because of one road. The Mauna Kea visitor station is reachable in a normal car, but the summit road above it is off-limits under major rental contracts, as our Saddle Road guide explains. A few local Kona companies say their Jeeps are approved for it. Here they are, rated.
Kona Jeep rental companies, by Google rating
| Company | Where | Mauna Kea summit allowed? | Google rating | Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii Lifted Jeep Rentals | 73-4241 Hulikoa Dr, Kona | Yes, per its site | 5.0 | 788 |
| Big Island Jeep Rental | 73-4038 Hulikoa Dr, Kona | Yes, per its site | 5.0 | 541 |
| Kona Jeep Rental (2WD Jeeps) | Kona, Hilo and Waikoloa | Not 4×4 | n/a | n/a |
| Kona Airport companies | KOA rental lots | No | 2.4 to 4.6 | Thousands |
Google Maps ratings and review counts, checked October 20, 2026.
Hawaii Lifted Jeep Rentals
Hawaii Lifted Jeep Rentals calls its fleet the only true 4WD-Low rental fleet in Hawaii. It says every Wrangler, Rubicon, Gladiator, Wagoneer and Bronco is approved for the Mauna Kea summit and unpaved state and county roads and parks. Kona renters can book a private airport shuttle, drivers must be 21 or older, and rates include unlimited miles.
Big Island Jeep Rental
Big Island Jeep Rental (Joe’s) is close to Kona Airport and open every day of the year. It rents soft-top Jeeps with free beach gear and says plainly that it lets renters go up Mauna Kea.
Kona Jeep Rental
Kona Jeep Rental is the budget option, with pickup at Kona Airport, Hilo Airport and Waikoloa. Its own site says its Jeeps are not 4x4s, so this is for the convertible experience on paved roads, not the summit.
Paved roads only? Check prices for your dates before you land.
Before you drive to the summit
- Get the permission in writing. Approval comes from the rental company, not the vehicle, so keep the email or contract line that allows the summit road.
- Check road conditions on the day, and read our visitor station guide before you go.
- Plan for distance. The Big Island is big, so check how long it takes to drive around the Big Island before you plan a summit day.
Not going up Mauna Kea? Then any Jeep or car works, including the Jeeps at the airport companies (Avis has a Kona Jeep page). Ratings for every desk are on our Kona Airport ratings page and Hilo car rental page.
Compare Big Island rental rates →
Renting a Jeep on another island? See Jeep rental in Hawaii, island by island.
Photo: ArtHouse Studio on Pexels.
Researched and written by Neo Pecorro. Ratings come from public Google Maps listings. Company details come from each company’s own website. Ratings change, so check the current listing before you book.
Last updated: October 20, 2026.