Which Car Hire to Choose on ‘Eua?
As the second largest island in the Kingdom of Tonga, getting around ‘Eua isn’t as easy as a quick stroll. If you want a sense of independence when exploring ‘Eua, then you’ll want to hire a car. Whether you need to hire for just the day or your whole stay, this list of car rentals on ‘Eua will help you compare car rental companies. What’s more, it’s also worth comparing companies in The Best Car Rentals on Tongatapu should you want to use a car rental on both islands and transport it on the ferry.
Note that car rental vehicles are generally not suitable for accessing attractions in the ‘Eua National Park (east side of the island). Alternatively, you can hike to the logging road entrances and hike or take one of the 4WD island land tours.
5 Things to Look For When Comparing Car Rentals on ‘Eua
Before we dive into our comparison of the car hires on ‘Eua, know what to look for with these car rental comparison tips.
1. Prices and Inclusions
Car rental companies on ‘Eua have very few inclusions beyond the vehicle itself. Where they do differ, however, is their daily rental rates. It’s also worth considering the value of hiring a car compared to taking a guided land tour, as the latter can take you to several sites in one day often for a very similar price. For further costs to consider for your car rental, check out the 10 Ways to Save Money on Car Rental in Tonga.
2. Vehicles Offered
‘Eua’s car rental companies are limited with limited but varied fleets. The size of your vehicle will matter depending on how many people are travelling in the vehicle. You might want to get a high-clearance vehicle to access attractions like Lakufa’anga, the Rock Gardens and Hafu Pool, which have dirt roads but don’t usually require a 4WD vehicle. Limited 4WD vehicles are available, which are necessary to access attractions on the east side of the island. Otherwise, the main roads are in good condition between villages where any type of car is suitable. Learn more about what it is like to drive in our guide, How to Drive in Tonga.
3. Service
Once you have picked one or two car rental companies to compare, give them a phone call and ask them a few questions. See how helpful they are in their answers. This little test will give you an idea of how helpful the company will be should anything go wrong during your trip.
4. Payment Options
Nowadays, not everyone wants to have a credit card; not even car rental companies! Note that most car rental companies require a bond in cash (around TOP$200), some will accept card payments for the rental fee, while others only accept cash. Double-check which car rental companies accept other payment methods and be sure to bring enough cash with you to ‘Eua. Learn more about the island’s cash services in our guide to Information, Shops & Services on ‘Eua. Plus, learn more about paying for things in What is The Best Way to Pay in Tonga?
5. Location
Location is important if you’re hoping to hire a vehicle straight off the ferry or close to your accommodation. Some will deliver a vehicle to the wharf or airport.
© TongaPocketGuide.comLei’ataua Car Rental
This one-stop shop for groceries, cash withdrawals and takeaways in the north-central village of Angaha also offers car rentals. Lei’ataua Car Rentals has a fleet of around seven vehicles, most being Nissan X-Trail SUVs which they say there are “no restrictions on where you can go”. Book ahead and the team can deliver your vehicle to the wharf or airport so your wheels will be ready for you on arrival.
Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations
Lei’ataua Store, Angaha village. Complimentary delivery is available to Nafanua Wharf and ‘Eua Kaufana Airport.
Vehicles Available
Vehicles offered by Lei’ataua Car Rental include Nissan X-Trail SUVs, compact cars similar to a Honda Fit, and a minivan.
Approximate Price
Prices are subject to change. Cars with Lei’ataua Car Rentals cost approximately TOP$100-$130 per day for an SUV or compact car, and TOP$250 per day for a minivan. Payment is accepted in cash or card.
Insurance
No insurance is available. A bond is taken for all vehicle rentals via cash of around TOP$200 (cash only) until the vehicle is returned. Damage fees will be negotiated with the rental operator. It’s best to be honest if something is broken.
© TongaPocketGuide.comJLC Car Rental
Another vehicle rental company operating out of the local store, JLC Car Rental can be found at the Pepe Mahe Store. The locally run business has a fleet of around five vehicles including one 4WD. Otherwise, their compact cars will get you between villages in a jiffy. Call ahead and they’ll be able to deliver a vehicle to the wharf or airport.
Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations
Pepe Mahe Store, Mu’a village. Delivery is available to Nafanua Wharf and ‘Eua Kaufana Airport.
Vehicles Available
Vehicles offered by JLC Car Rental include Nissan X-Trail SUVs including one 4WD and Nissan Dualis compact cars.
Approximate Price
Prices are subject to change. Cars with JLC Car Rental cost approximately TOP$100 per day for a compact car and TOP$120 per day for an SUV. Payment is accepted in cash, cheque or card.
Insurance
No insurance is available. A bond is taken for all vehicle rentals via cash of around TOP$200 (cash only) until the vehicle is returned. Damage fees will be negotiated with the rental operator. It’s best to be honest if something is broken.
© TongaPocketGuide.comChang en Wei Car Rental
A small fleet of rental cars is available at the grocery store, Chang en Wei, including a couple of SUVs and a minivan. The car rental company/grocery store has some of the cheapest rates on the island, but vehicles are often booked out. They can deliver vehicles to the wharf or airport if you book ahead. Come with cash.
Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations
Chang en Wei Store, central district. Complimentary delivery is available to Nafanua Wharf and ‘Eua Kaufana Airport.
Vehicles Available
Vehicles offered by Chang en Wei Car Rental include a Honda and Nissan X-Trail SUVs and a minivan.
Approximate Price
Prices are subject to change. Cars with Chang en Wei Car Rental cost approximately TOP$70 per day for any car and TOP$150 per day for a minivan. Payment is accepted in cash only.
Insurance
No insurance is available. A bond is taken for all vehicle rentals via cash of a negotiable amount but usually around TOP$100 (cash only) until the vehicle is returned. Damage fees will be negotiated with the rental operator. It’s best to be honest if something is broken.
© TongaPocketGuide.comSeta’s Guest House
Finally, those staying at Seta’s Guest House have the opportunity to hire a vehicle directly from the accommodation provider.
Seta’s has one vehicle available to rent for their guests; a Nissan Dualis, which costs approximately TOP$100 per day.
Learn more about the guesthouse in our guide, Where to Stay on ‘Eua: The Best ‘Eua Accommodations.
More About Car Rentals on ‘Eua
That’s it for our complete comparison of the car rental companies on ‘Eua. Learn more about renting a car using the following guides:
- What You Need to Hire a Car in Tonga
- 10 Safety Tips for Driving in Tonga
- 10 Best Car Rentals in Tonga
Finally, compare car rentals with other ways to travel around the island in our ‘Eua Transport Guide: 5 Ways to Get to (& Around) ‘Eua.
