Driving during vacations can be an exciting way to experience your time away from home. If you’re planning on visiting Hawaii anytime soon, some of the essential experiences around O’ahu in Honolulu include catching the winter sunrise over the ocean at Diamond Head Lookout, then taking a 25-minute drive from Waikiki to go snorkeling at Hanauma Bay. Regardless of your travel agenda, there’s definitely something for everyone when you take the opportunity to go on a drive in the state. Hawaii is known for its beautiful beaches, but driving to these breathtaking vacation spots yourself can be so rewarding.
We’ve previously written about the decline of travel demand on Swift Passport & Visa Services, and why the increase of travel costs is one of many factors causing it. On top of that, crowded tourist destinations and attractions are also a turn-off for many. That being said, Hawaii still sees a rise in tourism numbers for a good reason. Thankfully, for vacationers who hold a driver’s license, renting and driving a car for your vacation can provide much-needed privacy while saving you some money. In this post, we’ll go over some of the things to keep in mind about renting a car in Honolulu, Hawaii:
To Rent or Not to Rent?
There are advantages to renting a car for your stay in Honolulu, but not all Hawaii vacations require you to rent a car to enjoy the experience fully. For many tourists, this depends on where you will be staying. For example, if you are staying in Waikiki and are planning to park yourself at the beach, then a car rental may not be necessary. Honolulu Airport car rentals are best if you’re planning on touring the island or staying on the North Shore, so you can quickly get around. Remember that car rental prices at Honolulu Airport often cost less than car rental prices in Waikiki, so be sure to plan your trip itinerary and decide whether to rent a car or not — and where.
Renting a Car vs.Taking an Uber
Suppose you don’t currently hold a driver’s license or are unwilling to drive. In that case, the option of taking Uber in Hawaii and commuting using the local public transportation systems is always available. Of course, there are downsides and upsides to both options. While taking an Uber saves you the hassle of driving yourself to places or worrying about parking spaces, you may be faced with long waiting times and prices that change depending on the time of day and the day of the week that you are trying to book on. Meanwhile, renting a car for your Hawaii stay offers you the freedom to decide when to leave for that drive to the beach you’ve been eyeing and when you can return to your accommodation. Not to mention, renting a car provides the added safety of not having a stranger drive you around, a worry that often plagues ridesharing app users.
How Affordable Are Car Rentals in Honolulu?
Speaking of car rental prices, be sure to inquire about your preferred car rentals as early as possible to avoid any last-minute changes to your trip, issues with availability, and differences in pricing. Car rental prices are expected to fall to around $50 to $80 per day by the end of 2022. Of course, the affordability of car rentals in Honolulu also depends on how early you book and the provider you book with. Some car rentals may also offer discounts depending on how long you will be renting the vehicle, so be sure to make inquiries at your preferred car rental.
Where Can You Drive Around O’ahu?
Lastly, as mentioned above, there are many fun and refreshing driving activities around O’ahu, Honolulu. For road trip enthusiasts, you can even take a round trip around O’ahu — a 110-mile loop following the scenic Kamehameha Highway that takes three and a half hours long. Remember that traffic in the urban centers will add the most to your travel time when you leave and come back to Honolulu. Be sure to plan your itinerary well, pack lots of food, and avoid peak commute hours in Honolulu in the mornings.
