Though car rental can be expensive, driving is the best and most efficient way to get around in Hawaii. “U.S.” (as in “U.S. 1”) refers to US highways, and “Rte.” (as in “Rte. 7”) refers to state and local highways.
Depending on which island you plan to visit, the business of renting a car varies. Molokai and Lanai have only a few car rental agencies. In addition, some areas all but demand 4WD (areas on Lanai, Molokai, Kauai, and the Big Island in particular). Rental agencies on these islands will limit the roads where you are allowed to drive and will not cover towing if you get stuck. In general, cheaper cars tend to be less reliable and harder to handle on difficult terrain. Less expensive 4WD vehicles tend to be more top-heavy and are more dangerous when navigating bumpy roads.
You can generally make reservations before you leave by calling major international offices in your home country. However, occasionally the price and availability information they give doesn’t jive with what the local offices in your country will tell you. Try checking with both numbers to make sure you get the best price and accurate information. The local desk numbers are included in town listings; for home-country numbers, call your toll-free directory.
Car rental agencies fall into two categories: national companies with hundreds of branches, and local agencies that serve only one city or region. Generally, airport branches have more expensive rates. To rent a car from most establishments in Hawaii, you need to be at least 21 years old and have a major credit card. Some agencies require renters to be 25, and most charge those ages 21-24 an additional insurance fee around $25 per day. Small local operations occasionally rent to people under 21, but be sure to ask about the insurance coverage and deductible, and always check the fine print. Reserve a rental car in Hawaii far in advance; the 4WD vehicles go especially quickly.
National Agencies
Local Agencies
Hawaii also has a number of locally owned rental services. Be aware that their selection of vehicles may be more limited than that of national chains. Local car rental agencies are listed in the Transportation section of towns and cities.
Rental car prices start at around $35 a day from national and local agencies. Expect to pay more for larger cars and on the smaller islands. Many rental deals offer unlimited mileage, while others offer a limited number of miles per day with a surcharge per mile after that. Return the car with a full tank of gasoline to avoid high fuel charges. National chains sometimes allow one-way rentals (picking up in one city and dropping off in another). There is usually a minimum hire period and an extra dropoff charge of several hundred dollars.
Remember that if you are driving a conventional rental vehicle on an unpaved road in a rental car, you are almost never covered by insurance; ask about this before leaving the rental agency. Rental companies in Hawaii offer a variety of insurance plans to supplement your rental; these are not required to rent but are usually a smart decision. You can buy a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), which will waive the excess in the case of a collision. Loss Damage Waivers (LDWs) do the same in the case of theft or vandalism.
If you plan to drive while in Hawaii, you must be over 18 and have a US driver’s license or an International Driving Permit (IDP). Your IDP, valid for one year, must be issued in your own country before you depart. An application for an IDP usually requires one or two photos, a current license, an additional form of ID, and a fee. To apply, contact your home country’s automobile association.
Most credit cards cover standard insurance. If you rent or borrow a car, you will need a green card, or International Insurance Certificate, to certify that you have liability insurance and that it applies abroad. Green cards can be obtained at car rental agencies, some travel agents, and some border crossings. Rental agencies may require you to purchase theft insurance.
The majority of the main highways are easily navigable in a 2WD car. Other roads on the islands, however, are narrow, bumpy, and subject to erosion, rain damage, and closure due to close running lava flows. Check out www.hawaiihighways.com for up-to-date information about road conditions in Hawaii. Most out-of-state drivers will find that the biggest difference between driving in Hawaii and driving anywhere else is the friendliness of other drivers; speed limits are observed and driving aggressively will likely earn you the “stink eye” from locals. Hawaii’s seat belt laws require all front seat occupants to buckle up, as well as back seat passengers under the age of 18. Violators of seat belt laws will be assessed a $92 fine. Gasoline (petrol) prices vary, but average about $4.20 per gallon in Honolulu and around $4.50 per gallon on the outer islands.
The roadways on Oahu are some of the easiest to navigate. Be careful in Honolulu and Waikiki, as many of the one-way streets are bustling with people. Some of Oahu’s freeways and two-lane highways are narrow, winding and scenic (such as the H3 Freeway). Don’t get behind the wheel if you’re likely to take your eyes off the road for some sightseeing.
The main highway system through central Maui is easy to understand and well maintained, but expect a steady flow of traffic most of the time. The infamous road to Hana , a 52-mi. stretch of road containing over 600 turns and 50 one-lane bridges, is both one of the most beautiful and most dangerous roads in the state. Roads beyond the town of Hana are even more difficult to negotiate. You won’t need 4WD, just patience and alertness. Check with your rental car company about where they will allow you to drive.
Though a 4WD is not necessary for much of the Big Island, time and caution are crucial. The Big Island’s main roads are two-lane highways, often narrow and winding, with no shoulder; do not underestimate how long it will take you to get around the island. Gas stations are fairly far apart, and in rural areas, they tend to close early in the day. Fill up at the first station you encounter when you start to run low. Most rental companies do not allow driving on Saddle Rd. because it is narrow and poorly maintained in areas.
Kauai’s main roads are also narrow two-lane highways, often without shoulders. Avoid Lihue during the morning and late-afternoon—traffic clogs the narrow roads. 4WD is necessary for the more remote parts of the island and caution should be taken especially after heavy rain.
Driving on Lanai is some of the trickiest in the state. Be sure to have 4WD. Heavy rain frequently washes out roads, making them impassable. Ask about current driving conditions when you rent your car and always bring a map and plenty of supplies. Lanai’s axis deer population outnumbers its human population (6000 to 2500). Always watch for deer, especially in the evening hours.
Molokai has only one main highway. The roads leading off the highway are not often traveled and heavy rain can sometimes make them impassable. Be sure to check with your rental car company about the driving conditions and watch for the occasional mongoose (small, brown, weasel-shaped animals).
In general, but especially on Molokai and Lanai, call your rental car company first if you need roadside assistance.
Hawaii-Wide
Hawaii County
Honolulu County
Kauai County
Maui County
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For 52 years, we have published the world’s favorite budget travel guides, written entirely by students and updated every year. With pen and notebook in hand and a few changes of underwear stuffed in our backpacks, we spend months roaming the globe in search of travel bargains.
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