Car Rental Honolulu

Parking information

• Ala Moana Center Parking (1450 Ala Moana Blvd): Gives thousands of parking spots close to shopping areas, restaurants, and Waikiki attractions.
• International Market Place Parking Garage (2330 Kalakaua Ave): Provides approximately 700 parking spaces near Waikiki Beach and nearby hotels.
• Harbor Court Parking Garage (55 Merchant St): Includes roughly 400 parking spaces in Downtown Honolulu close to business and waterfront areas.

Key roads in Honolulu

• H-1 Freeway: is the main highway connecting Honolulu with western and central Oahu.
• Kalanianaole Highway: runs along Oahu’s scenic southeastern coastline toward beaches and lookout points.
• Nimitz Highway: links downtown Honolulu with the airport and harbor districts.

Electric car hire

If you’re planning to rent a car in Honolulu, an electric vehicle can be a convenient option for exploring Waikiki, coastal routes, and other parts of Oahu. Hertz offers EV options that are ideal for shorter island drives and everyday city travel.

Charging points

Honolulu has more than 120 public EV charging points and over 350 charging ports across the city and surrounding parts of Oahu, including locations near hotels, shopping centers, public parking garages, and major attractions.

Congestion charges

Honolulu currently does not operate a congestion charge system for passenger vehicles. Drivers should still expect heavier traffic around Waikiki, Downtown Honolulu, and major highways during peak travel hours.

Travel routes

Getting from Honolulu to the North Shore

• Start in Honolulu and join H-1 West before connecting to H-2 North.
• Continue toward Haleiwa and the North Shore coastal areas.
• Follow local roads toward beaches, surf spots, and scenic viewpoints.
• The drive usually takes around 1 hour depending on traffic conditions.

Getting from Honolulu to Hanauma Bay

• Begin in Waikiki or Downtown Honolulu and join H-1 East.
• Continue toward Kalanianaole Highway following signs for Hanauma Bay.
• Follow local roads toward the coastal park and beach area.
• The journey normally takes around 25–35 minutes depending on traffic.

Best hotels in Honolulu

Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort

2005 Kalia Rd

A large beachfront resort located close to Waikiki attractions and restaurants.

Halekulani Hotel

2199 Kalia Rd

A luxury oceanfront hotel known for its peaceful atmosphere and sea views.

OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beach Resort

2335 Kalakaua Ave

A popular beachfront stay in the heart of Waikiki.

Popular restaurants in Honolulu

Duke’s Waikiki

2335 Kalakaua Ave

A lively beachfront restaurant known for seafood and Hawaiian-inspired dishes.

Helena’s Hawaiian Food

1240 N School St

A well-known local restaurant serving traditional Hawaiian meals.

House without a key

2199 Kalia Rd

A relaxed oceanfront dining spot popular for sunset views and live music.

Top places to visit in Honolulu

Waikiki Beach

Kalakaua Ave

One of Hawaii’s most famous beaches, known for surfing, shopping, and ocean views.

Pearl Harbor National Memorial

1 Arizona Memorial Pl

A historic memorial site commemorating the events of World War II.

Diamond Head State Monument

18th Ave & Diamond Head Rd

A popular volcanic crater offering hiking trails and panoramic island views.

FAQs

1. Do I need to make a reservation in advance for a Hertz car rental in Honolulu?

You may be able to rent at the counter, but booking ahead is usually the better option in Honolulu. It gives you more choice, clearer pricing, and a smoother pickup, especially during busy island travel periods.

2. Do I need a driving permit to hire a car in Honolulu?

You need a valid driving licence to hire a car in Honolulu. If your licence is not in English, carry an International Driving Permit along with your original licence, as the permit works as a translation and is not accepted on its own.

3. Can I pick up a rental car in Honolulu and return it to a different city in the United States?

Most Honolulu rentals are planned for travel around Oahu, and one-way return options can depend on the branch, vehicle type, and booking terms. Check availability while reserving if you want a different return location.

4. What is the best time to book a Honolulu car for hire?

Booking early is a smart choice during school holidays, summer travel, Christmas, New Year, and other peak visitor periods. Demand for renting a car in Honolulu can rise quickly when flights and resorts are busy.

5. Are there any restrictions on taking a rental car outside Honolulu?

Most Hertz rental cars can be driven across Oahu on public roads. Off-road driving, restricted routes, beaches, trails, and unpaved areas may not be allowed, so check the rental terms before heading beyond standard roads.