Aloha and welcome to the Hawaii Travel Made Easy Podcast, your go-to resource for planning an unforgettable Hawaii vacation. I'm Marcie a mom of two and a Hawaii travel expert. If you're new here, I've been to Hawaii more than 40 times, and trust me, I've rented cars, skipped cars, taken the bus, tried Uber, and walked miles in Waikiki.
If you're here, you've probably already booked your flights and accommodations, but now you're wondering. Do I really need a car in Hawaii? The answer isn't as simple, yes or no. It totally depends on what island you're visiting, what you wanna do, and how much flexibility you need. So today I'm breaking it all down.
The pros and cons of renting a car on each island, alternative transportation options, and when renting a car is absolutely necessary. By the end of this episode, you'll have a clear idea of whether a rental car fits into your Hawaii travel plans, and if not, how to get around without one. So grab a notepad or just sit back and relax and let's get started.
To answer the car rental question, let's start by looking at each island individually because the best decision for you depends on which island you're visiting. Some islands have great public transportation, while others have almost none. Some are compact and walkable while others require hours of driving to see the highlights.
Let's begin with Oahu. Oahu is the most urbanized Hawaiian island, which means transportation options vary depending on where you're staying and what you plan to do. If your itinerary is mostly centered around Waikiki, Pearl Harbor and Honolulu, you can easily get by without a car. But if you wanna venture out to places like the North Shore, Lanikai Beach or the West Side.
Having a rental car makes things a lot easier. So what are some pros of renting a car on Oahu? Well, there's flexibility. A rental car allows you to explore at your own pace, stopping wherever you want for scenic photos, hidden beaches or local food spots.
There's also easy access to the North Shore and the windward side. Public transportation to these areas is slow, and Uber and Lyft fares can add up quickly. It is also a great convenience for large groups or families. If you're traveling with kids or multiple people. Having a car can be so much more convenient than coordinating public transportation or multiple ride shares and scenic drives.
Some of the best experiences on Oahu involve driving routes like the Kamehemeha Highway to the North Shore or the coastal drive around Makapu'u Point. Okay, but there are some cons of renting a car on Oahu. Honolulu traffic is no joke. Traffic congestion is especially bad during the morning between like 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM and the afternoon, three to 6:00 PM Those are the rush hours.
Even short distances can take much longer than expected. Parking is also super expensive in Waikiki. Many hotels charge $40 to $50 per night for valet or self-parking. And public parking lots can be hard to find. It's not ideal for a Waikiki only trip. If you're spending most of your time at the beach shopping or visiting Pearl Harbor, a car may not be necessary.
There are some alternative transportation options on Oahu. There is the bus. Oahu has the best public transportation in Hawaii, and an all day pass is only $5 and 50 cents. However, routes to areas like Hanauma Bay or the North Shore can take two or more hours each way. There's also Uber or Lyft. These are great for short trips, but expensive for longer journeys.
Like Waikiki to North Shore can cost $75 or more just one way. There are also shuttles. Many companies offer shuttles to Pearl Harbor, Kualoa Ranch, and Hanauma Bay, which can save you money compared to a car rental. And there's Biki Bikes, a great way to explore Waikiki in nearby areas without worrying about parking.
So the verdict is if you're staying in Waikiki and plan to relax at the beach shop and visit Pearl Harbor, you can totally skip the car and rely on the bus, Uber and walking. But if you wanna see the North Shore explore Kailua Beaches or visit Ko Olina, renting a day or two might be worth it. A hybrid option works well.
Stay car-free in Waikiki, then rent for adventure days. Okay, let's move on to Maui, where rental car is almost always a must. Maui is known as the valley is, and while it's famous for its stunning beaches, scenic drives in outdoor adventures, the island is spread out making a rental car the best way to explore.
If you're only staying in a resort area like Wailea or Ka'anapali, you might be able to get away without one. But most visitors will need a car to truly experience what Maui has to offer. So a few pros of renting a car in Maui. It is essential for the road to Hana this famous scenic drive is 65 miles of winding roads, waterfalls and lush rainforests, and there's no tour or public transport that covers all the best stops at your own pace.
There's also the freedom to explore. Maui has stunning coastal drives, hidden beaches and scenic upcountry areas like Makawao and Kula that you'll miss without a car. These are some of my personal favorite areas on Maui. There's also Haleakala National Park. Watching the sunrise or sunset from the summit is a once in a lifetime experience, and there's no public transportation options to get there.
You will need to book a tour. More beach options. The best beaches aren't all located near the resorts. With a car, you can visit places like Makena, Big Beach, Honolua Bay, or Baldwin Beach for quieter, more local experience, and it's super convenient for grocery runs. If you're staying in a vacation rental.
Having a car makes it easy to stock up at Costco, Safeway, or Foodland instead of relying on overpriced resort food. All right, but what are the cons of renting a car on Maui? Expensive rental prices. Maui has some of the highest car rental rates in Hawaii, especially during peak season.
So book early to avoid price hikes. Uber and Lyft is limited while rideshare services work in resort areas and the airport, their unreliable or unavailable in remote areas like Hana. Haleakala and parts of upcountry. Maui traffic can also be super slow while it's not as bad as Oahu. Traffic around Lahaina, Kihei and Paia can get congested, especially in the afternoons and near popular attractions, and some areas have parking challenges.
Finding parking in Wailea, Kihei or along the road to Hana can be difficult at peak times. So there are some alternative transportation options on Maui. You can do guided tours if you don't wanna drive the road to Hana or Haleakala. Tours are available, but they limit your flexibility on stopping and timing and they cost money.
There's also the Maui bus. This is limited public transportation, but it mostly serves local commuters rather than tourists, and it does not reach most major tourist attractions. They're also taxis and Uber and Lyft. These are expensive and not available in many remote areas, making them unreliable for a full trip.
And there's resort shuttles. Some resorts in Wailea and Ka'anapali offer shuttles to shopping centers or nearby beaches, but they don't go to major attractions like Haleakala or the Road to Hana. So what's my verdict? You 100% need a rental car in Maui unless you plan to stay in a resort the entire time and rely solely on tours for day trips.
If you wanna explore the beaches, waterfalls, and national parks, a car is essential. So what's a good compromise? You can rent a car for part of your trip. You can relax at your resort for a few days and then rent a car for adventure days. Okay, now let's talk about Kauai, where renting a car is just as important.
Kauai known as the garden isle is one of the most rugged and scenic Kauai islands with lush landscapes, dramatic cliffs, and fewer commercial developments than Oahu or Maui. Unlike other islands, many of Kauai's top attractions are spread out, and public transportation is extremely limited. Renting a car is the best way to experience the island's beauty at your own pace.
So here are some pros of renting a car on Kauai. Waimea Canyon and Koke'e State Park often called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific? Waimea canyon is a must-see and the scenic drive offers stunning overlooks in hiking trails. No public transportation reaches this area. You also have the freedom to explore.
Kauai is known for its hidden beaches, waterfalls, and charming small towns like Hanapepe and Kilauea, which are difficult to reach without a car. There's also Hanalei and North Shore Access. Many of Kauai's best beaches like Tunnels Beach, Hanalei Bay, and Ke'e Beach are located on the North Shore, which require a car to access.
There's also Poipu in South Shore Ventures. If you're staying in Poipu, a rental car allows you to visit spouting horn, shipwreck beach, and the Allerton garden without relying on expensive taxis, and you have sunrise and sunset flexibility. Kauai's best viewpoints like Kalalau Lookout or Polihale Beach are best visited early or late in the day.
Having a car means you can go at your own schedule, but there are still some cons of renting a car on Kauai. Again, there are expensive rental prices. Kauai has fewer rental cars than Oahu or Maui, making prices higher, especially during summer and winter peak seasons. So booking early is a must. There's limited rideshare and taxi options.
Uber and Lyft are available near the airports and resorts, but they're not reliable for exploring the island in rural areas like Hanalei or Waimea Canyon. They might not be available at all.
Parking can be limited. Popular spots like Hanalei Bay and Ke'e Beach have small parking lots that fill up quickly, requiring you to arrive early or plan around peak hours. Some roads, especially on the north shore, may be closed or washed out, so always check conditions before heading out.
So what are some alternative transportation options on Kauai
you can take tours to Waimea Canyon and Boat tours along the Na Pali coast, but they won't give you as much flexibility as having your own car. There's the Kauai bus. This local bus service is mainly for residents with limited routes that don't reach major attractions like Waimea Canyon or Hanalei. It's not a good option for tourists.
There are taxis in Uber and Lyft, but while they're available near the airport and resorts, they are expensive and unreliable for getting everywhere on the island. There's also biking and walking.
If you're staying in kapaa biking along the Ke Ala Hele Makalae Coastal Path is a great way to explore the coastline, but it's not a practical way to see the whole island. So what's my verdict? A car rental is highly recommended on Kauai unless you're planning to stay at a resort the entire time.
A rental car is the best way to experience Kauai's natural beauty, beaches, and scenic drives. If you want to cut costs, you could rent a car for only part of your trip and spend a couple of days relaxing at your resort, but I personally would recommend reserving it for your entire trip. Okay, now let's talk about the big island where a rental car is practically a requirement.
The Big Island is by far the largest Hawaiian island, nearly twice the size of all the other islands combined because of its massive size and spread out attractions, a rental car is almost always necessary to experience the best of what the island has to offer.
While some visitors stick to a resort in Kona. Those who want to explore beyond the immediate area will need a car. So what are the pros of renting a car on the Big Island? The island is huge. Unlike Maui or Oahu, there are hundreds of miles between major destinations like Kona Hilo, and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Having a car is essential to making the most of your trip. There's also Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Access if you want to see active lava flows. Hike through volcanic craters or explore lava tubes. A car is necessary since the park is about two hours from Kona and 45 minutes from Hilo. There also scenic drives and waterfalls.
Must see spots like Akaka Falls, Rainbow Falls and the Hamakua Coast are best explored by car at your own pace. There's also Mauna Kea Star gazing if you wanna drive to the Mauna Kea Visitor Center. At 9,200 feet for stargazing, you'll need a car, especially since there are no tour buses or shuttles that go up there at night.
Explore both sides of the island. The big island has two major towns. Kona, which is dry, but has sunny beaches and hilo, which is lush rainforest, and waterfalls a car. Makes it possible to experience both. They also have more affordable gas. Surprisingly, gas on the Big Island is often cheaper than on Maui or Kauai, making a car rental, more budget friendly for long distance driving.
But there are still some cons of renting a car on the Big Island. If you're staying in Kona only, you might not need one. If you plan to stay in a resort in Kona, take a few guided tours and relax at the beach. You can get by without a car. This is the only way you can get away with not having a car.
Car rentals are also expensive, so during peak seasons, rental cars on the big island can be pricey. Booking early is essential. There's no good public transportation for tourists. The Big Island does have the Hele On bus, but it's designed for residents, runs on a very limited schedule, and it's not a good option for visitors.
Some roads require four-wheel drive. If you wanna visit places like the Green Sand Beach or the Summit at Mauna Kea, you'll need a four-wheel drive vehicle. Many rental companies prohibit driving to these areas, so you'll need to check before booking. There's also really long drive times. The drive from Kona to Hilo is about one and a half to two hours, and to Hawaii Volcanoes.
National Park from Kona takes about two hours. So be prepared for long stretches of road time. Okay, so what are some alternative transportation options on the big island? You can do guided tours. You can book tours to Hawaii, volcanoes, national Park, Mauna Kea, and Waipio Valley, but they tend to be pricey.
There's also Uber, Lyft, and taxis. These are available in Kona, but not reliable for exploring the island. Rides to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park or Mauna Kea can cost over $100 one way. They're also resort shuttles.
Some Kona Resorts offer free shuttles to downtown Kona shopping areas or nearby beaches, but they won't take you to major attractions. There's also biking and walking. Kona town is walkable, but the distances between towns and attractions are far too long for biking. So what's my verdict? You absolutely need a rental car on the big island unless you're staying in Kona and only taking guided tours.
Since most of the island's top attractions are spread out, having a car is the best way to experience the volcanoes, waterfalls, scenic drives, and unique landscapes at your own pace. If you want to save money, consider renting a car for only part of your trip and relying on resort shuttles or tours for the rest.
But I highly, highly recommend booking a car for your entire trip. Okay, now that we've covered which islands require rental car, let's talk about where to go to find the best deals on car rentals. Because Hawaii rentals can be expensive,
but I have a go-to resource that always saves me money. If you've decided to rent a car for your Hawaii trip, you might be wondering where to book to get the best price. Rental cars in Hawaii can get really expensive, especially during peak travel seasons, but I have a go-to resource that I always use to save money.
Discount Hawaii Car Rental is my number one recommendation. I always book my car rentals through Discount Hawaii Car Rental because it consistently offers some of the lowest rates on all the major car rental companies like Alamo, enterprise Hertz, thrifty, dollar National, and Avis. It's a free service that doesn't require prepayment, and the best part, no cancellation fees.
So here's why I highly recommend booking through them. Number one, you get the best prices on major rental brands. You get access to exclusive discounted rates with top rental companies. Number two, no prepayment is required. Unlike many other booking sites, you don't have to pay up front and you can cancel or modify your reservation at any time without fees.
Number three, free extra drivers on mini bookings. Some rental companies charge extra for additional drivers, but discount Hawaii Car Rental often includes free extra drivers as part of their deals. Number four, no hidden fees. What you see is what you pay. There are no surprise fees at pickup.
Number five, airport and off airport locations. Whether you're flying into Honolulu, Maui, Kauai, or the Big Island, they have rental locations at all major airports and at some resorts. And number six, customer service you can actually reach if you ever have an issue or need to change your booking. Their customer service is responsive and helpful.
All right, so what are some pro tips for booking your Hawaii car rental book? Asap. Prices tend to rise closer to your travel dates and cars do sell out. You'll also wanna check back often if the price drops. You can modify your booking with the lower rate. You might also consider renting for only part of your trip.
If you're staying in Waikiki or at a resort for a few days. You might not need a car the whole time and pick up at the airport for convenience. While some hotels offer rentals, getting one at the airport often gives you more options and lower prices. I'll link discount Hawaii car rental in the show notes so you can check them out for your trip.
If you wanna save money on a car rental in Hawaii, this is the best place to book. But what if you don't wanna rent a car at all? Let's go over some other ways to get around. So alternatives to renting a car. You might be thinking, I really don't wanna rent a car. What are my options? Let's go over the alternatives.
There's the bus. This is just for Oahu. It's super affordable. It's only $5 and 50 cents for an all day pass, which lets you hop on and off as much as you want. It also covers most of the island, including Waikiki, Honolulu, Pearl Harbor, the North Shore, and even Lanikai Beach. But it's not ideal for island exploring.
While the bus is great for getting around urban areas, it's much slower and less convenient for reaching the most remote areas of the island. My pro tip, if you're staying in Waikiki and just need to visit popular spots like Pearl Harbor or Ala Moana Shopping Center, the bus is a fantastic money saving option.
There's also Uber and Lyft. This works well in Honolulu and the resort areas. You can easily grab a ride from Waikiki to Pearl Harbor or to nearby beaches like Ala Moana and Diamond Head. It's less reliable and more expensive On Maui. Kauai in the Big Island, wait times can be long and surge pricing during busy hours can get expensive.
It is good for short trips. If you only need transportation once or twice during your stay, it can be cheaper than renting a car for the whole trip. So my pro tip. If you plan to use Uber or Lyft often check the estimated fares beforehand to see if it's actually cheaper than renting a car.
There's also shuttles and tours. Many hotels offer airport shuttles, so if you're staying in Waikiki, you might not need a car at all. Resorts in areas like Ko Olina, Ka'anapali, and Poipu often have their own shuttle service to nearby beaches, restaurants, and shopping centers.
Guided tours can also be a great alternative to driving yourself, especially for the road to Hana. This is the narrow winding roads could be trick. The narrow winding roads can be tricky, and a tour lets you enjoy the views without the stress. There's also Haleakala sunrise. You won't have to drive up the mountain in the dark.
And Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island. A tour gives you insight into the park's, geology, and history without the hassle of long driving distances. My pro tip, if you're staying in a walkable area and only need a car for one to two big excursions, book a guided tour instead of a rental car because that can save you money and stress.
There's also biking and walking in Waikiki, biking, or walking is a great way to explore. There's a bike sharing program called Biki, and many popular spots are within walking distance. Maui has some scenic bike routes,
but biking and walking is not practical for long distances on other islands Outside of urban areas, the roads aren't very bike friendly and attractions are often spread out. My pro tip is if you're staying in Waikiki. Or Ka'anapali biking is a great way to explore locally while avoiding parking hassles.
You can also rely on taxis and private transfers. Taxis are available but pricey, especially for longer distances. Private airport transfers are a good option if you want a stress-free ride straight to your hotel. This sometimes is better for groups. So if you're traveling with multiple people, splitting a private shuttle or taxi can sometimes be cheaper than renting a car.
In my pro tip, if you're only planning one big day trip, it might be cheaper to book a car for just one day instead of relying on taxis or transfers. So final thought, if you're staying in Waikiki, Ko Olina or Ka'anapali, you can probably skip the caral and rely on buses, shuttles, or Ubers for shorter trips.
But if you wanna explore Maui, Kauai, or the Big Island, renting a car will give you the most freedom and flexibility. All right, so let's say you've just decided to rent a car before you book. Here are some hidden costs and challenges to keep in mind. Number one is hotel parking fees.
Many Waikiki and resort hotels charge 30 to $50 per night for parking, which can add up quickly. Number two, gas prices. Hawaii has some of the highest gas prices in the US so expect to pay more, especially on Maui and the big island.
Number three, traffic and congestion. Honolulu traffic can be brutal, especially during the rush hours of seven to 9:00 AM and three to 6:00 PM. Even Maui can get congested around Kahului and Ka'anapali Number four, limited rental car availability During peak travel seasons, rental cars often sell out.
Always book early. Number five, road restrictions and off limit areas. Some rental car agreements prohibit driving on unpaved roads like the backside of the road to hana. If you plan on exploring this area, check your contract. And number six, respecting local driving etiquette. Hawaiians practice the aloha spirit on the roads.
This means driving with patience, letting people merge and not honking unless absolutely necessary. So my pro tip, if your hotel charges high parking fees, check if there's a cheaper overnight parking lot nearby, or consider renting a car for only part of your trip. Okay, so maybe you don't need a rental car for your entire trip, but there are definitely days when it's useful.
So here's when to rent a car and when to skip it. The best days to rent a car are your road trip days. If you're planning to explore the North Shore on Oahu, the Road to Hana on Maui or Waimea Canyon on Kauai, you'll definitely want your own car. Also, for resort escape days, if you're staying at resort.
If you're staying at a resort and wanna explore local towns, beaches, or restaurants. And for Haleakala sunrise or Mauna Kea. these places require early morning starts and tours can be expensive. So what are the best days to skip a rental on your Waikiki? Only days if you're staying in Waikiki, you won't need a car to walk to the beach shops and restaurants on your tour heavy days.
If you're doing a guided tour, like a snorkel trip or volcano excursion, you won't need a rental car that day. And on your spa or pool days, if you plan to just relax at your resort, save money by skipping the rental for a day or two. So my pro tip is to split your rental stay car, free for the first few days in Waikiki.
Then rent a car for day trips. Okay, so you've decided to rent a car, but how do you get the best deal? Here are some insider tips. Number one is to book early. Hawaii has a history of rental car shortages. Reserve your car as soon as you book your flights. Number two, use credit card insurance. Many travel credit cards include rental car coverage, so check your card's benefits before paying for extra insurance.
Number three, compare prices. Use rental car comparison sites like Costco, travel Touro Auto slash or Kayak to find the best deals. But I swear the best deals are with Discount Hawaii Car Rental. Number four, check your hotel. Some hotels partner with rental car agencies and offer onsite rentals or discounts.
Number five, consider Turo. This is like Airbnb for cars. Renting from a local via Turo can sometimes be cheaper than traditional rental agencies, but always check the reviews because I've heard some pretty awful horror stories. Number six, be flexible with pickup and drop off locations. Airport rentals tend to be cheaper due to extra fees.
Compare prices for off airport locations if you can Uber there. And number seven, they'll up before returning. Rental car companies charge way more for gas if you return the car empty. My pro tip is that some Costco memberships include discounts on rental cars and they often waive additional driver's fees.
All right, let's talk a little bit about driving tips and what to expect on the road. Driving in Hawaii isn't like driving on the mainland. There are a few things to know before hitting the road. Number one, speed limits are lower. Most highways have a max speed of 55 miles per hour, and smaller roads can be 25 to 35 miles per hour.
Number two, two lane highways. Many roads, especially on Maui and Kauai are two lane highways with no passing lanes. Number three, curvy and steep roads. If you're driving the road to Hana or up to Haleakala, be prepared for hairpin turns and steep inclines. Number four, flash flooding rain can cause sudden road closures, especially on Kauai in the big island.
So always check road conditions before setting out Number five, one-lane Bridges, Kauai and Maui have several one lane bridges yield to oncoming traffic and take turns. And number six, Hawaiian Road etiquette.
Locals drive with the aloha spirit, wave or throw a shaka to say thank you. Don't honk aggressively and be patient. Another pro tip is to download offline maps to Google Maps before driving in rural areas because cell service can be spotty.
All right, let's talk about a few common car rental mistakes and how you can avoid them and experienced travelers make rental car mistakes in Hawaii. Here are the most common ones, and how to avoid them. Mistake number one. Booking too late. Hawaii has had car rental shortages in the past. If you wait too long, prices will skyrocket or cars will be sold out.
Mistake number two, not checking parking costs. Some hotels charge $40 or more per night for parking. Please factor this into your budget. Mistake number three. Skipping car insurance without checking your coverage. If your credit card or personal car insurance doesn't cover rentals, you might need the extra protection mistake.
Number four. Assuming Uber is always available in smaller towns or rural areas, Uber or Lyft may not be an option when you need it. Mistake number five. Returning the car without gas rental agencies charge way more for fuel if you don't refill the tank. And mistake number six, not checking your rental for damage.
Always inspect the car before leaving the lot and take photos of any dent or scratches. My pro tip is to take a video walk around of the car before driving off to have proof of its condition. All right. Let's do a quick recap of today's episode.
When to rent a car in Hawaii, essential on Maui, Hawaii, and Big Island. Optional for Oahu. Consider renting for a few days. Book early to get the best rates. So when should you go car free if you're staying in Waikiki the whole time. If you're using guided tours for matrix excursions or if you're comfortable using public transportation on Oahu.
A few bonus tips. Use a travel credit card for rental insurance. Download offline maps for remote areas. Watch out for hidden fees like hotel parking, and take the time to enjoy the journey. Hawaii's roads, have some of the best views in the world. Did this episode help you decide whether to rent a car?
Let me know. Send me a DM on Instagram at Hawaii, travel with kids, or check out my blog for even more Hawaii tips. And if you found this episode helpful, please take a second to subscribe and leave a review. It really helps more travelers. Find this podcast, Mahalo for listening, 📍 and I'll see you in the next episode.
Aloha.
