Thinking about renting a car for your Hawaiian vacation? Scroll to find out everything you need to know about rental cars in Hawaii.
This rental cars in Hawaii post was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
So you’re planning a Hawaii trip and wondering if you should rent a car? I get this question all the time from families getting ready for their first island adventure.
Here’s the thing. After visiting Hawaii more than 40 times, I can tell you that having a rental car completely changes your Hawaii experience.
And as a Hawaii travel expert who’s explored every island with my kids, I’m going to share everything you need to know about renting a car in Hawaii.
Do You Really Need a Rental Car in Hawaii?
The short answer? It depends on which island you’re visiting and what you want to do.
When my boys were younger, I used to think we could save money by skipping the rental car. Big mistake. We ended up spending way more on taxis and missing out on so many amazing spots that weren’t on the tour bus routes.
Now we almost always rent a car in Hawaii. I love exploring outside of resort areas and finding those hidden gems that make Hawaii so special.
My Favorite Rental Car Memory
The first time I rented a car as a mom, I was on Maui solo with a toddler. I remember planning long drives with the AC blasting so he’d take an afternoon nap. Those scenic drives became my sanity savers.
Fast forward to my last trip to Hawaii with that same kid (now almost 12), and he was the DJ with Apple Music. We sang to all kinds of music together while cruising around the island. It’s one of those memories I’ll treasure forever.
The Best Way to Save Money on Hawaii Car Rentals
Let me save you some serious cash right now.
I always book through Discount Hawaii Car Rental. They work with all the major companies like Alamo, Dollar, Avis, Thrifty, Enterprise, and Budget to get you the best deals.
What I love about them is they often throw in perks like free extra drivers or reduced young driver rates. These little extras can save you hundreds of dollars on a week-long trip.
For more money-saving strategies, check out my 105 expert tips for enjoying Hawaii on a budget.
Renting a Car on Oahu
If you’re visiting Oahu, you’ll probably fly into Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. This is where most first-time visitors start their Hawaii adventure.
The good news? Oahu has the most rental car options of any Hawaiian island.
The CONRAC Facility at Honolulu Airport
All the major rental companies are now in one massive building called the CONRAC (Consolidated Rent-A-Car facility). It’s super convenient because you can walk there from Terminal 2 or take a quick shuttle from Terminal 1.
You’ll find these companies right at the airport:
- Alamo
- Avis
- Budget
- Dollar
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- National
- Payless
- Thrifty
Prices typically start around $40 to $60 per day for economy or compact cars. If you need something bigger for your family, like an SUV or minivan, expect to pay more.
Do You Need a Car in Waikiki?
Here’s my honest take. If you’re staying in Waikiki and planning to stick around that area, you probably don’t need a car the whole time.
Waikiki is super walkable, and there’s enough to keep you busy right there. But if you want to explore North Shore, drive to the windward side, or visit some of Oahu’s incredible hiking trails, you’ll definitely want wheels.
I talk about this exact topic in my podcast episode: Do You Need to Rent a Car in Hawaii? Complete Guide.
For families staying in Waikiki who want flexibility, consider renting a car for just a few days of your trip instead of the whole time. You can pick one up in Waikiki when you’re ready to explore.
Want to explore Oahu without a car? Check out my guide on how to get around Oahu without a car.
Renting a Car on Maui
Maui is where a rental car goes from “nice to have” to “absolutely essential.”
Why? Because all the best stuff is spread out across the island. The Road to Hana is on one side. The beaches are on another. And you’ll want to drive up to Haleakala for sunrise or visit charming towns like Paia and Lahaina.
Kahului Airport Car Rentals
Most people fly into Kahului Airport, which has all the major rental companies right on site:
- Alamo
- Avis
- Budget
- Dollar
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- National
- Thrifty
There’s also Sixt, which is located just off airport property. Their rates run a bit higher, but they offer unlimited mileage. If you’re planning to put serious miles on your car (hello, Road to Hana!), this could actually save you money.
Get the best Maui car rental deals through Discount Hawaii Car Rental.
What Kind of Car Do You Need for Maui?
I always recommend getting something comfortable, especially if you’re doing the Road to Hana.
We rented an SUV on our last trip and it was perfect. Plenty of room for the kids, beach gear, and all those snacks we picked up at Costco.
Speaking of the Road to Hana, definitely check out my complete Road to Hana guide before you go. It’ll help you know which stops are worth it and which ones you can skip.
If you want to skip the driving and learn more about Maui without a car, read my guide about getting around Maui without a car.
Renting a Car on Kauai
Kauai is probably my favorite island, and you absolutely need a car here. Public transportation is limited, and so many of the best spots require driving on your own.
Lihue Airport Rentals
When you fly into Lihue Airport, you’ll find these rental companies:
- Advantage
- Alamo
- Avis
- Budget
- Dollar
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- National
Prices are pretty similar to Oahu, though they can spike during peak season.
There’s also a local company called Island Cars LLC that sometimes has great rates if you want to venture away from the big chains.
For the best deals, check Discount Hawaii Car Rental.
Why You Need a Car on Kauai
The scenery on Kauai is absolutely stunning. You’ll want to drive to Waimea Canyon (the Grand Canyon of the Pacific), cruise along the North Shore to Hanalei, and explore all those gorgeous beaches.
Plus, having your own car means you can stop whenever you want for photos, beach time, or one of those incredible food trucks.
Renting a Car on the Big Island
The Big Island is huge. Like, really huge. It’s bigger than all the other Hawaiian islands combined.
You have two airport options here: Kona on the west side or Hilo on the east side.
Kona Airport Car Rentals
Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport has these rental companies:
- Alamo
- Avis
- Budget
- Dollar
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- National
- Thrifty
Expect to pay 20-30% more here than on Oahu, but that’s pretty standard for the neighbor islands.
Hilo Airport Car Rentals
Hilo International Airport has:
- Advantage
- Alamo
- Avis
- Budget
- Dollar
- Hertz
- National
They also offer shuttles to Harper’s and Enterprise locations.
One important thing to note: some companies at Hilo Airport have shorter hours than other locations. Always double-check their opening and closing times, especially if you’re arriving on a late flight.
Exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Having a car on the Big Island lets you explore at your own pace. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a must-see, and you’ll want the flexibility to spend as much time as you want hiking and exploring.
Check out my complete guide to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park for all the details on what to see and do.
Renting a Car on Lanai
Lanai is the smallest Hawaiian island you can visit as a tourist. It’s tiny and doesn’t have any major rental car chains.
Your only option is Lanai City Service, a local company. Give them a call ahead of time to make arrangements.
Honestly, if you’re staying at one of the resorts on Lanai, they usually provide shuttle service to the main attractions. You might not even need a rental car here.
Smart Tips for Renting a Car in Hawaii
After all my trips to Hawaii, I’ve learned a few tricks that’ll save you money and hassle.
Book Way in Advance
Seriously, book as early as possible. You can sometimes save up to 25% by booking ahead and prepaying.
Plus, car rental availability can get tight during peak season (December through March and summer). You don’t want to arrive in Hawaii and discover there are no cars available.
Shop Around
Don’t just book with the first company you see. Compare prices on Expedia, check out Discount Hawaii Car Rental, and look at what your hotel offers.
I also love booking through Costco Travel if you have a membership. They often bundle car rentals with hotels for amazing deals.
Take Photos Before You Leave
This is so important! Walk around the car and take photos of every angle before you drive off the lot. Get close-ups of any existing scratches or dents.
I learned this the hard way on my first Hawaii trip. We got charged for damage that was already there, and we had no way to prove it wasn’t us.
Understand the Fees
Ask about all the fees upfront. Do you need to return the car with a full tank? What’s the mileage limit? Are there cleaning fees?
Also, parking fees in Hawaii can add up fast. Some hotels charge $30 to $50 per night just to park. Budget for that when you’re planning your trip costs.
Check out my complete breakdown of how much a family trip to Hawaii costs to help with your planning.
Return It Where You Got It
Dropping your car off at a different location than where you picked it up can cost you big time. Those one-way fees are no joke.
Plan to return your car to the same location to avoid this extra charge.
Pack Smart for Road Trips
If you’re doing any long drives (which you totally should!), pack plenty of snacks and drinks. Gas station prices in Hawaii are steep, so having your own stash saves money.
We always bring a cooler with sandwiches, fruit, and drinks. It makes road trips so much easier with kids.
For packing ideas, check out my ultimate Hawaii packing list.
What to Bring on Your Hawaii Road Trips
Having the right gear in your rental car makes everything better. Here are some Amazon essentials I recommend:
Backseat Organizer – Keeps all the kids’ stuff organized and within reach. Game changer for long drives.
Car Window Sunshades – The Hawaii sun is intense! These keep the kids comfortable and protect them from sunburn through the windows.
Portable Cooler – Essential for keeping drinks cold and snacks fresh. We use ours on every single Hawaii trip.
Travel Car Seats – If you’re flying with little ones, consider lightweight travel car seats that are easier to transport than your regular ones.
Should You Get a Convertible or Jeep?
Okay, this is totally a personal choice.
I don’t particularly care for messy hair, and my boys complain about the wind so much that convertibles aren’t for us.
But if it’s your honeymoon and you want nothing more than to cruise North Shore with the wind in your hair? Go for it! Just know that convertibles and Jeeps typically cost more to rent.
Want more Hawaii honeymoon ideas? Check out my guide to the best things to do on a Hawaii honeymoon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to rent a car for my entire Hawaii trip?
Not necessarily. If you’re staying in Waikiki, you can probably skip the car for part of your trip and just rent one for the days you want to explore outside the city.
Where can I find the cheapest car rentals in Hawaii?
Discount Hawaii Car Rental consistently has the best rates. Also check Costco Travel if you’re a member.
What do I need to know before picking up my rental car?
Ask if you need a car seat (they cost extra to rent). Find out about the fuel policy and mileage limits. Decide if you want to purchase their insurance or use your credit card coverage.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Hawaii?
Economy cars typically start around $40 to $60 per day. Larger vehicles like SUVs, minivans, or Jeeps will cost more. Prices are highest during peak season and on the neighbor islands.
Is renting a car in Hawaii expensive?
It’s more expensive than on the mainland, especially if you want something like a Jeep or convertible.
But with all the budget-friendly options available through companies like Discount Hawaii Car Rental, you can find reasonable rates starting around $40 per day.
Do I need a 4-wheel drive vehicle?
For most Hawaii road trips, a regular car or SUV is perfect. You don’t need 4-wheel drive unless you’re planning to drive to really remote areas (which most rental agreements prohibit anyway).
Why I Always Rent a Car in Hawaii
Look, I know rental cars add to your vacation budget. But here’s why I think they’re totally worth it.
Having a car gives you freedom. You’re not tied to tour bus schedules or expensive private transfers. You can stop at that random fruit stand, pull over for sunset photos, or decide last minute to drive somewhere new.
With kids, this flexibility is priceless. Need a potty break? No problem. Want to leave early because someone’s having a meltdown? You can. Discover an amazing beach that’s not on any tour? You can spend as long as you want there.
Some of our best Hawaii memories happened because we had a rental car and could explore on our own timeline.
Planning Your Hawaii Adventure
Renting a car is just one piece of planning an amazing Hawaii vacation. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the details, I’d love to help.
I offer personalized Hawaii travel consultations where we can talk through your specific trip and I’ll create a custom itinerary just for your family.
I’ve also created detailed digital travel guides for each island:
- Maui Travel Guide for Families
- Oahu Travel Guide for Families
- Kauai Travel Guide for Families
- Big Island Travel Guide for Families
These guides are packed with insider tips, daily itineraries, and everything you need to plan an incredible trip.
Free Resources to Help You Plan
Not sure where to start? I’ve got you covered with these free email courses:
- How to Travel to Hawaii Like a Pro
- How to Save Money in Hawaii
- How to Plan a Trip to Oahu
- How to Plan a Trip to Maui
- How to Plan a Trip to Kauai
- How to Plan a Trip to Big Island
Ready to Hit the Road?
Trust me, having a rental car in Hawaii opens up so many possibilities for your vacation. You’ll be able to find those hidden beaches, stop at local food trucks, and create your own adventure.
Book early, shop around for the best rates, and don’t forget to take those before and after photos. With a little planning, you’ll have the perfect car for exploring paradise.
Safe travels, and enjoy every moment of your Hawaii adventure!
Love this post about Hawaii Car Rental Tips? Find out how to get around Oahu without a car, how to get around Maui without a car, and check out my Hawaii Scenic Drives posts about Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the Road to Hana, and North Shore Oahu!
