Should You Rent a Car on Oahu?

As a resident of Oahu, I often get asked whether it’s worth renting a car when visiting the island. The short answer is…. it depends on what you plan to do during your stay. 

If you’re only planning on staying in the touristy areas of Waikiki and taking a few organized tours, renting a car may not be necessary. Waikiki is very walkable, and plenty of public transportation options are available. 

However, if you want to explore more of the island and experience its natural beauty, renting a car is highly recommended. Oahu offers much more than just the popular city life of Waikiki or your resort area.

In this article, we will share why renting a car is worth it and why it might not be for some people visiting Oahu.

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1. Freedom to Explore 

Renting a car on Oahu is worth it mainly because it allows you to explore the island at your own pace. 

While organized tours can be convenient, they often have set schedules and routes that may not align with your preferences.

Having a rental car allows you to plan your itinerary and make impromptu stops along the way. If you are anything like us, you know the importance of being able to stop and take in the breathtaking views or try out that local food truck you just passed by.

I can’t tell you how often we’ve stopped along our Oahu road trips because we saw a beautiful beach or a charming local market that we didn’t plan to visit. This kind of freedom to explore is something you can’t get with organized tours.

Note: We do not recommend randomly stopping on the side of highways or roads. Always pull over in designated areas and follow all traffic laws.

2. Some of the Best Things to Do on Oahu Are Not in Waikiki

Waikiki is great, especially for first-time visitors to Hawaii. It is a tourism hub with many restaurants, hotels, and shopping options. 

However, if you want to experience the beauty and culture of Oahu, you have to venture outside of Waikiki.

Some of the best beaches, hiking trails, and cultural sites are outside Waikiki. You can easily explore areas like the North Shore, Kailua, and the island’s West side with a rental car. These areas offer a more authentic Hawaiian experience and are less crowded than Waikiki.

While the public bus system can take you to all these places, renting a car gives you more flexibility and saves you time. You don’t have to worry about schedules or waiting for the next bus to arrive. 

Plus, with a car, you can easily bring all your beach gear, snacks, and water without carrying them on public transportation.

3. A North Shore Road Trip Is More Fun if You Do It on Your Own

While you can take organized tours to the North Shore of Oahu, such as this one, we recommend renting a car if you can. 

There are so many things to do and see on the North Shore that you will want to have the freedom to stop wherever and whenever you want. You can plan your itinerary and take your time exploring each area.

4. It Might Be More Economical

Renting a car on Oahu can often be more cost-effective than relying on tours or rideshare services. Of course, this only applies to people who want to venture out of Waikiki or their resort area.

For example, let’s use the North Shore again. A rental car might cost around $50 a day, but a full-day tour of the North Shore can cost upwards of $100 per person. If traveling with multiple people, renting a car and splitting the costs may be more economical.

If you were to take Uber or Lyft from Waikiki to the North Shore, it could cost around $100 each way since it’s an hour away. That’s way more than renting a car for a day. 

5. The Island of Oahu Is Bigger Than Most People Think

Many visitors are surprised to learn that the island of Oahu offers more than just its famous beaches and Waikiki. Its diverse landscapes include lush valleys, towering mountain ranges, and agricultural fields stretching over 597 square miles. 

If you were to drive around the entire island, it would take approximately four to six hours, depending on which route you take and how many stops you make. If you add traffic to that equation, it could take even longer. 

Why You Should Not Rent a Car on Oahu

As mentioned, renting a car on Oahu will ultimately depend on your travel style. So here are the reasons why renting a car might not be the best option for you:

1. You Plan On Staying in Waikiki or Your Resort Area the Whole Time

While we love driving around the island and exploring every nook and cranny, we understand that some people just want to relax on the beach or by the pool during their vacation, which is 100% okay. 

There is nothing wrong with staying in one area and enjoying your resort’s amenities and activities. In this case, renting a car would be an unnecessary expense. 

Plus, if you are staying in Waikiki, everything is within walking distance or easily accessible with public transportation.

2. You Love to Take Tours

If you enjoy the ease and educational aspects of guided tours, renting a car might not be necessary. 

Oahu has numerous tour companies offering various experiences, from cultural and historical tours to adventurous outings like snorkeling or hiking. 

These tours can provide transportation to and from your hotel and come with knowledgeable guides who can offer insights into the island’s history, culture, and natural environment. Opting for tours can also be a great way to meet other travelers and make new friends during your visit.

3. You Have More Time Than You Do Money

When budget constraints are a significant consideration for your trip, it might be wise to skip the rental car. This is especially important if you stay in Waikiki because parking fees here are ridiculous! Depending on your length of stay, these daily fees can quickly add up and take a chunk out of your budget.

Public transportation on Oahu, particularly The Bus system, offers an affordable alternative to get around the island.

Although it may not be as fast or convenient as having your own car, it allows significant savings to be allocated towards other experiences on your trip. 

Should You Rent a Car for Your Entire Stay?

This also depends on your itinerary! For example, before moving to Oahu, we usually stayed for ten days but didn’t rent a car the whole time. 

We did this because we spent part of our trip in Waikiki and didn’t plan on venturing out much. This saved us a lot of money since we would only rent a car for six of our ten days there. It was also a nice break from always being on the go to relax on the beach or explore Waikiki.

If you don’t want to rent a car for your entire stay, we always recommend renting one for a few days so you can explore the island beyond Waikiki or your chosen resort area. 

Our Preferred Car Rental Company on Oahu

Our top pick is Discount Hawaii Car Rentals. They offer a range of vehicles to suit various needs, from compact cars for solo travelers or couples to spacious SUVs perfect for families or groups. 

We love that they offer discounted rates, and their customer service is top-notch.