Kauai Rental Car Alternative – Locally Owned

Who wants to get off a long plane flight, smell the scented air, feel the tropical breeze, and then spend two hours in a line waiting for your Kauai rental car? Not the best way to start your vacation. Unfortunately, that has been happening lately at some of the well-known car rental agencies on island. The good news is that Tracey Pilbin Palmer and her family have another option for you at Pineapple Express Kauai Car Rentals.

At Pineapple Express you will have a choice from their fleet of 23 cars that are meticulously clean and available within minutes of you receiving your baggage. The family offers these cars to visitors at or below market price. There are SUVs (seats 7), Crossovers (seats 5), and Compact cars (seats 5) from which to choose. Each car includes complimentary Tommy Bahama beach chairs, a beach umbrella, and boogie boards if requested.

Getting your Kauai rental car is simple. The family will correspond with you prior to arrival in order to know just when you will need the pickup. Once you have your luggage, a driver will meet you with the car. A quick drop-off of the driver at a close location and you are on your way. No lines. No hassle. Have your rental car and be on your way in 10 minutes! The car drop-off at departure is just as easy.

Here is a sample of their cars:

2017 Nissan Pathfinder – Seats 7

2019 Nissan Armada – Seats 7

2017 Ford Explorer – Seats 7

2018 Dodge Journey White – Seats 7

2019 Dodge Journey Gray – Seats 7

2018 Nissan Rogue – Seats 5

2019 Chevy Equinox – Seats 5

2022 Hyundi Venue – Seats 5

2018 Jeep Renegade – Seats 4

2022 Hyundai Accent – Seats 5

2018 Nissan Murano – Seats 5

From the Owner:

I asked Tracey to tell us a little bit about her family and why they happened to start this Kauai business. Here is what she had to say:

“Chris (US Navy Veteran) Tracey (Entrepreneur for over 25 years) and the Palmer Ohana moved 1 year ago from Murrieta, Ca to pursue their dream of moving to Kauai! As a family we have vacationed here for 17 years in Poipu each year longer and longer until we eventually would stay all summer! Due to Covid (2020) we were unable to travel back to Kauai for our annual vacation and we missed it terribly.

Fast forward to early spring 2021 we had a family meeting and just asked the question, “What if we could move to Kauai”. Our kids (at the time: ages 9, 15, 18 & 20) were excited over the potential but were also hesitant at the same time. As soon as we could we booked flights for all of us to explore the houses and areas for our potential massive move. Obviously the outcome was a 100% let’s do it. It was during this moment we realized we had 6 weeks of timeshares that needed to be rented for the summer of 2021 because it was our plan to become residents before July.  Timeshares were everywhere BUT there was a greater need – CARS! We decided to take a risk and send out 2 of our personal cars a couple of months ahead of ourselves so that we can provide a “package deal” with our timeshare weeks and provide a car at the same time.

Once we arrived on island we realized this would be a great family business to start! We started Pineapple Express Kauai car rentals with a mission: We wanted to honor every second of our guests vacation time and provide them with a quality car at an affordable rate because we were that family standing in line for 2-3 hours every summer waiting on our minivan while our kids were tired, hungry, hot and just wanting to hit the beach. And… including complimentary beach chairs, umbrellas, boogie boards & sand toys helps families save money and lessens the footprint of all the tourists coming to this beautiful island.  

Our entire Family loves meeting new people from all over the World and it’s a blessing to build lasting friendships and return guests with many of our clients. Our family now includes our older daughter Natalie and her husband Errict who just transitioned out of the US Marine Corps”

Pineapple Express has amazing references and reviews. I found this one on Social Media this morning: “We got home this morning after 8 beautiful days in Kauai. My parents live in Kapa’a and usually they have a 3rd vehicle we can use. But they sold it. So we rented through Tracey Pilbin Palmer and I gotta say – if you’re renting through one of the larger corporate companies and not through her – that’s the biggest mistake you’ll make on your island visit!!! The cost was so reasonable, the terms were as well, they have a very reliable fleet of vehicles and take pride in their company. Each car comes with beach chairs, boogie boards, a beach umbrella, and towels. They even left a cute little thank you note and a pineapple for us in the car! There were no wait times, no miscommunications, no frustrations like you’re going to get with the big rental companies. Seamless process, great service! We will absolutely be calling you guys next time we are on the island!” Kels A. (August 3, 2022)

Contact Information

Name: Tracey Pilbin Palmer

Email: kauaipalmers@gmail.com

Phone Number: (951) 906-6630

Website: Pineapple Express

So, unless you have a car rental agency with which you love to work, give Pineapple Express a try. Their service and aloha will be a nice start to your stay on Kauai. Warning: with just twenty three cars, they book up fast! If you are too late, here’s another option: BookingKauai

For more of my blogs, or to subscribe, go to our Guides page in the menu and scroll down to the bottom. For more information about our luxury vacation rental, Honu Point, on the north shore of Kauai, go to any other page of this website. We would LOVE for you to follow us on Instagram. @honupoint