Will be in Oahu in Feb and not sure if driving is something I would like to do. Is it really frustrating or is it worth it to have your own car? Would like to site-see with family of 4 but is it better to take tour packages? Been to Oahu before and thought the driving looked like a nightmare! Thanks!

While the driving can at times be a nightmare, with a family of four you may find it cost effective to rent a car. Definitely check on parking accomodations at your hotel before deciding.

Actually, driving is quite easy on Oahu and it gives you the freedom to go where you want when you want. The bus will take you everywhere, but it takes a long time.

If you are planning on spending a lot of time sitting on Waikiki beaches, then just rent a car for a few days.

I'd avoid H1. The traffic was so bad on it when we were there if I were driving, I would have parked the car and put a for sale sign on it.

Traffic is bad during rush hour, particularly through town. Rush 'hour' is about 7:30 am - 9:00 am and 4:30pm - 6:00pm. The severity of the traffic also depends on the direction in which you are traveling. Outside of rush hour the traffic isn't too bad - or no worse than any other large city's.

Ditto Sci girl. If you are avoiding HI than I would think you are avoiding Pearl Harbor, Bishop Museum, North shore and other options if your base is Waikiki. I have already posted extensively on another post just this morning.

Would not be on Oahu with out are. "The Bus" is slow, cabs are expensive and the best places on Oahu driving distance away. We were 6 in a minivan an had a blast.

GOOD DRIVING MAP of the entire island is necessary. I did not think so having lived there but in retrospect it was slightly more complicated than I remembered. I was also finding festivals, restaurants and going off the beaten track. You have to decide if that is your type of travel also.

The book "Driving and Discovering O'ahu" by Richard Sullivan is a really good resource. The Bus is convenient for things in Honolulu and avoids the hassle of parking. For seeing the rest of the island, definitely get a car, to give yourself flexibility.

Thanks for all the great responses. I think I'll look for the book by Sullivan and decide then. But I'm leaning toward getting a rental. Thanks again!!!