Despite a contracting visitor base, Enterprise Rent-A-Car and its sister company, Alamo Rent-A-Car, are expanding to neighbor isles.

Enterprise, which opened a rental car office at Honolulu International Airport last summer, announced that it will expand its service to Hilo and Kona on the Big Island, and Lihue, Kauai, beginning June 1.

Alamo, meanwhile, also announced plans to operate a car rental concession at Molokai Airport, also beginning June 1.

“;Even though travel is down in this economy, we think we are very well-positioned, and committed to growth in the long-term future,”; said Enterprise spokeswoman Laura Bryant.

Enterprise and Alamo bid for and won the concession rights at the neighbor isle airports, which offer limited slots for car rental companies.

In Hilo and Kona, Enterprise will join a lineup that already includes Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Hertz, National and Thrifty.

On Molokai, Alamo joins a lineup that already includes Budget, Dollar, Island Kine Auto Rental & Sales, and Molokai Rent a Car & Sales.

Paul Kopel, vice president and general manager for Enterprise, said the company will offer special kamaaina pricing and corporate programs for both brands.

The company will be hiring extra staff locally for its Kona, Lihue and Molokai operations, Kopel said.

In 2007, the Taylor Family of St. Louis, which owns Enterprise, acquired Alamo, along with National Car Rental, bringing them under one ownership. Enterprise has expanded from just one airport location in 1995 to more than 240 today.