Loading Page...

Is it worth it to rent a car on Oahu?

I would highly recommend you getting a rental car for at least two days. We just got back from vacationing in Oahu and loved the time we had with the car. As you probably already know, there are a lot of shuttles and buses that go pretty much anywhere in the island.



People Also Ask

Unless you want to just relax at your hotel, the answer is yes. Driving is the best way to get around and will provide you with the most flexibility. Hawaii Island is known as “The Big Island” for good reason — spanning 10,931 square miles, it has a lot of ground to cover.

MORE DETAILS

In fact, Oahu is the best Hawaiian island to be without a car. While other islands, like Kauai, would be almost impossible to navigate without a car, Oahu is well connected by public transportation and ride share. Plus, most of Honolulu's main sites are close together.

MORE DETAILS

The coronavirus pandemic halted tourism in the islands in 2020, and that hit the rental car industry. Once tourism reopened, the demand for rental cars skyrocketed – and so did the cost. People wanting to rent a car in Hawaii saw prices go from about $30 a day to more than $700 in some cases.

MORE DETAILS

I would highly recommend you getting a rental car for at least two days. We just got back from vacationing in Oahu and loved the time we had with the car. As you probably already know, there are a lot of shuttles and buses that go pretty much anywhere in the island.

MORE DETAILS

You should plan to spend around $333 per day on your vacation in Oahu, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Past travelers have spent, on average, $52 on meals for one day and $21 on local transportation.

MORE DETAILS

The best way to get around Oahu is by car. And fortunately, the island has some of Hawaii's most reasonable rates for car rentals, particularly at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL).

MORE DETAILS

Urban Honolulu is very much a walkable city. It's a little over six miles from the iconic Diamond Head State Monument to the heart of Downtown, a flat south-to-north stretch with several straight-line routes along Ala Moana Boulevard, King Street, and Beretania Street.

MORE DETAILS

Understanding the Disadvantages of Renting a Car
  • There is no hired driver. One of the most significant disadvantages of renting a car is it doesn't come with a driver. ...
  • High prices. ...
  • Strict terms and conditions. ...
  • Unfamiliarity with the vehicle. ...
  • Responsibility for any mishaps. ...
  • Less time to relax and enjoy.


MORE DETAILS

I have found Discover Cars has the cheapest Hawaii Car rentals, as well as the cheapest Hawaii driving insurance at less than $11 per day. The key is to book at least 2-3 weeks in advance for their super low rates. If you book the day before it will be much more expensive.

MORE DETAILS

Transportation options vary from island to island. Many visitors enjoy taking bus tours to conveniently explore the Islands. For most islands you can also get around by shuttle, taxi, ride-sharing app such as Uber or Lyft, or public transportation.

MORE DETAILS

The Waikiki Shuttle Offers One If The Best Ways To Explore Oahu! Becca On The Blue Line Was Amazing! The Waikiki Trolley is one of the absolute best ways to explore the beautiful island of Oahu, and I highly recommend it!

MORE DETAILS

The best time to visit Oahu is from mid-April to early June or between September and mid-December. During these shoulder seasons, attractions are less crowded, festivals are plentiful and airfare and room rates are at their lowest.

MORE DETAILS

April thru June and mid-August thru mid-September are Hawaii's low seasons, and airfares are lower then. No matter what time of year you travel, you may be able to score better deals if you travel midweek.

MORE DETAILS