Car Rental Hawaii

Parking in Hawaii

• Ala Moana Center Parking (Honolulu) offers one of the largest parking areas in the state, with around 11,000 parking spaces available.
• International Market Place Parking (Honolulu) is a convenient option near Waikiki, with approximately 700 parking spots.
• Waikiki Beach Parking Garage (Honolulu) is ideal for quick beach access, offering around 500 parking spaces.

Electric car hire

EV car hire in Hawaii is a thoughtful choice for travellers who want to explore the islands with a lighter local footprint. With no tailpipe emissions, electric vehicle rental can help reduce roadside pollution around beaches, coastal drives, volcanic landscapes, and nature reserves.

Hertz EV rentals make this easier by offering electric models for scenic routes, resort stays, and island day trips while supporting a cleaner way to experience Hawaii’s natural beauty.

Charging points

Hawaii continues to expand its EV network, making EV car rental in Hawaii more practical than ever. Across the islands, there are around 400–500 public charging points, with a higher concentration on Oahu, including Honolulu and Waikiki.

Congestion charges

There are no congestion charges in Hawaii, which makes car hire in Hawaii a straightforward option. Traffic may build up in Honolulu during peak hours, so planning ahead helps.

Key roads

• H-1 Freeway: The main highway running through Honolulu, connecting key areas like downtown, the airport, and Pearl Harbor.
• Kalanianaole Highway: A scenic coastal drive that takes you past beaches, lookout points, and local neighbourhoods on Oahu’s southeastern side.
• Hana Highway: One of the most iconic drives in Hawaii, known for its winding roads, waterfalls, and lush rainforest scenery.

Toll roads

Hawaii has no toll roads, making car rental in Hawaii simple and hassle-free for travellers.

Driving tips: When you are in Hawaii

Driving is generally relaxed, and choosing to hire a car in Hawaii makes it easier to explore at your own pace.

• Traffic can get busy in Honolulu, especially during morning and evening rush hours, so plan your drives accordingly.
• Scenic routes like coastal highways or the Hana Highway can be slow and winding, so allow extra travel time.
• If you rent a car in Hawaii, set up your navigation before starting your journey to avoid distractions.
• Always watch for pedestrians and cyclists, particularly in tourist-heavy areas like Waikiki.

Best hotels in Hawaii

Moana Surfrider

2365 Kalākaua Avenue, Honolulu, Oahu, HI

A historic beachfront stay with classic island charm, known as the “First Lady of Waikiki” thanks to its heritage design and prime oceanfront location.

Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort

2005 Kalia Rd, Honolulu, HI

A large resort with direct beach access, unique for its village-style layout, multiple pools, and a wide range of on-site dining and activities.

Grand Wailea Maui

3850 Wailea Alanui Dr, Wailea, HI

A luxury resort known for its relaxing setting, featuring a massive multi-level pool area and a stunning beachfront along Maui’s south shore.

Popular restaurants in Hawaii

Duke's Waikiki

2335 Kalākaua Ave 116, Honolulu, HI

A relaxed beachfront spot for local flavours, unique for its open-air dining, live music, and iconic Waikiki sunset views right by the shore.

Helena's Hawaiian Food

1240 N School St, Honolulu, HI

A go-to place for authentic Hawaiian dishes, known for its long-standing local reputation and traditional recipes passed down through generations.

Mama's Fish House

799 Poho Pl, Paia, HI

Known for fresh seafood and ocean views, this spot stands out for its daily catch menus and its beautiful beachfront setting.

Best places to visit in Hawaii

Waikiki Beach

Honolulu, HI

Perfect for beach days and sunsets, it’s unique for its lively atmosphere, surfing spots, and stunning views of Diamond Head.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Big Island, HI

A unique landscape shaped by active volcanoes, where you can witness lava fields and craters.

Road to Hana

Maui, HI

A scenic drive filled with waterfalls and coastal views, famous for its lush rainforest, and countless hidden stops along the way.

FAQs

1. What do I need to bring for a car rental in Hawaii?

For a smooth car rental in Hawaii experience, bring a valid driving licence, a passport or government-issued ID, and a payment card in the main driver’s name. An International Driving Permit may be required if your licence is not in English.

2. What are the age rules for car hire in Hawaii?

With car hire in Hawaii, drivers under 25 can usually rent a vehicle, but extra fees or vehicle restrictions may apply depending on the car type and location.

3. What payment types are accepted?

When you rent a car in Hawaii, a major credit card is typically required for the deposit. Some locations may accept debit cards, but this depends on local policies and conditions.

4. Does the rental come with a full tank of fuel?

Fuel is generally not included. If you hire a car in Hawaii, you’ll need to follow the fuel policy in your booking, usually returning the car with the same fuel level.

5. What is Hertz’s cancellation policy in Hawaii?

For car rental in Hawaii, prepaid bookings can often be refunded if canceled within the allowed timeframe, while pay-at-location reservations are usually flexible but may include a no-show fee if not canceled before pickup.