Hawaii Car Rental
Renting a car is recommended for getting around any Hawaii Island, unless you are staying in Waikiki or West Maui. In those cases, consider renting a car for a day or two to explore some of the more scenic and remote sites.
On the Big Island a 4wheel drive vehicle is recommended due to the rugged terrain and numerous unpaved roads that lead to the island's best attractions. Note that some rental companies disable the four wheel drive component of their vehicles or deem it a breach of contract to drive on 'unpaved roads.' Check with your car rental company previously to renting a 4wheel drive vehicle.
A rental car is not needed if staying in Waikiki, as Waikiki hotels are within walking distance of beaches, restaurants, and shopping centers. If you need some wheels for shorter distances, hailing a cab or riding The Bus is your best bet. Renting a car in Oahu is recommended if you are staying outside of Waikiki, planning on taking day trips to the North Shore (recommended), or for driving the scenic coastline around the whole island (3-4 hours).
The rental car companies listed below have rental location at Honolulu Airport and near Waikiki.
| Alamo | (888) 826-6893 or (808 )833-4585 | Enterprise | (800) 261-7331 or (808) 836-2213 |
| Avis | (800) 230-4898 or (808) 834-5536 | Hertz | (800) 654-3131 or (808) 529-6800 |
| Budget | (800) 527-0700 or (808) 836-1700 | Thrifty | (800) 847-4389 or (877) 283-0898 |
| Dollar | (800) 800-3665 or (866) 434-2226 |
Kahului and Kaanapali are the two most popular areas of Maui to rent a car. The main airport is in Kahului, and there are several rental car companies at the airport or just a shuttle away. In west Maui visitors can rent a car in Kaanapali, which is close to the Kapalua airport. Kaanapali car rental companies offer free shuttle service for those in Lahaina looking to rent a car.
| Recommended Local Companies | ||
| Bio Beetle | (808) 873-6121 | Rents bio-diesel cars from Kahului airport |
| Maui Cruisers | (808) 249-2319 | Rents 'local cars' out of Wailuku, 15 min from Kahului Airport |
| Kihei Rent A Car | (808) 879-7257 | Rents typical brands and 'local' cars out of Kihei in South Maui |
| The Big Brands | |||
| Alamo | (808) 871-6235 | Enterprise | (808) 871-1511 |
| Avis | (808) 871-7575 | Hertz | (808) 877-5167 |
| Budget | (808) 871-8811 | Thrifty | (808) 877-7208 |
| Dollar | (866) 434-2226 | ||
Lihue is the main gateway into Kauai and there are several car rental companies at the airport. There is no public transport at Lihue airport, so your choices include renting a car or using a taxi.
| Recommended Local Companies | ||
|---|---|---|
| Kauai Rent a Car | (808) 246-1881 | Older, local cars at an affordable rate. Airport pickup. |
| The Big Brands | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Avis | (808) 245-3512 | Hertz | (808) 245-3356 |
| Budget | (808) 245-9031 | Thrifty | (808) 246-6252 |
| Dollar | (808) 245-3651 | ||
Big Island Car Rental On the Big Island a 4wheel drive vehicle is recommended due to the rugged terrain and numerous unpaved roads that lead to the island's best attractions. Note that some rental companies disable the four wheel drive component of their vehicles or deem it a breach of contract to drive on 'unpaved roads.' Check with your car rental company previously to renting a 4wheel drive vehicle.
Harper's Hawaii Car Rental Rents 4x4 vehicles and allows rental cars to be driven on Saddle Rd and to the summit of Mauna Kea.
When driving around any of the Hawaiian Islands be on the lookout for the Hawaii Visitors warrior sign (pictured right). This red and yellow clad Hawaiian points towards sites of interest from cultural heritage sites to ancients Hawaiian Temples to jungle-like botanical gardens. The name of the location is printed underneath the warrior's feet. These signs are conveniently posted on the main roads and city streets.
