Car on Oahu?
 

Hi-We will be on Oahu for a week then the Big Island for 5 days. We plan on a car on the Big Island but wonder if it's worthwhile to rent one on Oahu as well? Thanks.

I would want one to visit the north side of the island, Pali overlook, etc. but if you like using public transportation you could probably get by without one if your lodging is located in an area you will want to stay in the whole time.

At least rent one for one or two days to visit the places emalloy mentioned - North Shore (beaches, Haleiwa), Diamond Head, Kailua/Lanikai, Pearl Harbor, the Pali, driving across the H3.

Depends what you plan to do. I stay right on Waikiki and don't go much further than between DiamondHead and downtown Honolulu. I do just fine using The Bus and on foot.

But if you want to get out to see the rest of the island, a rental car would be the way to do that (unless you want a tour).

I did a "Circle the Island" bus tour to see those places. It included a stop for an awesome lunch at a shrimp truck. Next time, I will rent a car so I can spend more time at the North Shore and explore more on my own.

If you want to see places other than Waikiki and Diamond Head, you would need a car. As Songdoc pointed out, the North Shore requires a car. It is beautiful, IMHO, as is the west coast of Oahu (Kailua and Lanikai areas).

Kailua and Lanikai are on the east coast of Oahu.

sf7307, you are so right.

The one thing to remember on Oahu is that almost every hotel charges for parking, so if you rent for the duration of your stay, you'll likely have to pay a nightly parking fee if you are staying at a hotel. If you are staying in an AirBnB or other rental, it may come with free parking.

If it's the latter, then there's no downside to renting if you can get a good rate for the week, but if it's a hotel, you're better off only renting for those specific days you need the car.