Renting a car in Honolulu opens up Oʻahu’s beaches, trails and scenic drives — and with the right tips, it’s easier and more affordable than you might think.

A winding road on the coastline of Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi.
Winding Road on Oʻahu.

Oʻahu measures 44mi (71km) long and 30mi (48km) wide, with three major highways (H-1, H-2, H-3). It’s easy to navigate if you’re comfortable driving on the right-hand side of the road.

You don’t need a car while staying in Waikīkī, where everything is easily accessible by foot, bike, bus, trolley, taxi, scooter, or rideshare services like Uber, Lyft and Holoholo.

For island exploration, renting a car is a great option. Pick up and drop off vehicles at the Consolidated Rental Car (CONRAC) facility at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL).

Alternatively, rent a car from one of the many car hire depots in Waikīkī, perfect for taking day trips to explore Oʻahu’s beaches, hiking trails and scenic attractions.

Discount Hawaiʻi Car Rentals

Discount Hawaiʻi Car Rentals is a trusted site for booking Oʻahu car hire. Find competitive rates on a wide range of vehicle types.

Choose from Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, or Thrifty, with flexible pick-up and drop-off locations available across Oʻahu.

Why book with Discount Hawaiʻi Car Rentals?

  • No booking fees
  • No prepayment
  • No cancellation penalties
  • Great customer service

Car Rentals at Honolulu Airport

Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) has a five-story Consolidated Rent-A-Car (CONRAC) facility, housing major car rental companies.

Passengers arriving at Terminal 2, Baggage Claims 19-31, can walk directly to CONRAC. Other terminals offer a free shuttle service.

Shuttle pick-up points are Terminal 1 between Baggage Claims 8-9, Terminal 2 across from Claim 18 and outside the Terminal 3 building.

Shuttles operate daily from 4:00am to midnight. Rental company hours may differ, so confirm details with your provider for after-hours returns.

INSIDE TIP: For car rentals on Oʻahu, we recommend using Discount Hawaiʻi Car Rentals. There are no booking fees, no prepayment and no cancellation penalties!

Car Rentals in Waikīkī

No matter where you stay in Waikīkī, you’ll find a car rental company within walking distance — ideal for short-term or last-minute rentals.

We’ve noticed frequent lines at the car rental desk at International Market Place. For quicker pickup, try these alternatives:

  • Sixt at ʻAlohilani Resort
  • Budget at The Twin Fin
  • Enterprise at Hyatt Centric Waikīkī Beach
  • Hertz at Hyatt Regency Waikīkī Beach
  • Thrifty at ʻIlikai Hotel

INSIDE TIP: For car rentals on Oʻahu, we recommend using Discount Hawaiʻi Car Rentals. There are no booking fees, no prepayment and no cancellation penalties!

Car-Sharing Programs

Honolulu’s urban core offers two convenient car-share options, providing short-term vehicle rentals perfect for city exploration and day trips.

  • Turo is a peer-to-peer car-sharing program, it’s like Airbnb but for cars.
  • Hui is a round-trip, station-based car-sharing program by the hour or day.

Parking in Waikīkī

Parking in Waikīkī is expensive, with hotel and lot rates ranging from $30 to $60 per vehicle per night. Many visitors rent cars only for day trips.

For temporary parking, Royal Hawaiian Center and International Market Place offer structures with validation available.

Paid hourly parking is also available at Honolulu Zoo (maximum of four hours at a time) and Fort DeRussy Beach Park (overnight parking allowed).

INSIDE TIP: Download our Free Waikīkī Map — the only map that lets you compare star ratings, resort fees and parking rates for over 80 Waikīkī hotels in one glance.

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Ashlee & Keliʻi

We’re residents, business owners and superhosts inside Waikīkī’s 96815 zip code. When it comes to enjoying the best of Waikīkī, Honolulu and Oʻahu, we’ve got you covered with all the good stuff you won’t want to miss! Follow travel advice from locals on our Waikīkī Beach Stays website and social media.


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