After spending 10 days on Maui, we will be going to Oahu for 3 days so we can visit Pearl Harbor. Trying to decide whether to rent a car or just use public. I hate thinking about driving in traffic after relaxing on Maui. I want to see Waikiki but don't have much interest in spending much time there. Any off the strip hotel suggestions (NOT bare bones)to drive or not to drive? Thanks.

Ask 10 people you'll get 11 different answers. However, for three days, I suggest a car. While the public transportation is decent, you'll spend/lose a fair amount of time trying to catch buses, etc. After all, how often do you go to Hawaii and why would you want to waste precious time over a lousy $60 (approx)?

Thanks Pumpy--probably will rent a car...wasn't as interested in saving 60 bucks as not wanting the hassle of driving in traffic but on retrospect trying to catch a bus sounds more irritating. Been reading posts for two days. Very helpful. Thanks.

Cannot disagree, a car is preferable to public transportation but it comes with hassle or two of its own - parking (which can be not only a hassle, but also expensive anywhere near Kalakaua Ave/Waikiki Beach).

Maybe your best bet is to rent a car in the norning of days you want to do some sightseeing to areas (like the north shore, the cultural center etc.) where public transport eats up too much time.

Perhaps utilize "The Bus" and cabs for destinations closer to your lodgings.

I'm from NY, so I'm used to using public transportation, and I regret not renting a car when I was in Oahu. Although I was a student then so the $60 did matter to me then... Having a car is much more convenient for getting out and seeing the North Shore in particular. I didn't think the traffic was that bad, but I think your view of that often depends on where you're from/what you're used to (like I said, I'm from NY...).

Sounds like first trip to Hawaii...Oahu.

From the airport to your hotel you will need transportation...yes there are shuttles/buses/taxi's etc...but I think most of us agree that a car is the best solution. You will have three days to explore the island....with a car you can cover much more area, and in your own time frame.

Driving on Oahu is not much different than "relaxing" Maui!

Off the strip hotel....and miss all the fun? Get a hotel well centered in Waikiki, park the car in a parking garage[which you have to do at most hotels anyway], and walk around Waikiki and enjoy it.

Go early in the morning to "Arizona Memorial" [Pearl Harbor]...and use the rest of the day exploring the other parts of the island...i.e. North Shore.

Downtown...Ioloni Palace, Statue of King Kamehameha, etc...lunch at Aloha Towers.....lots to do

Visit Kailua Beach...on the other side of the island...one of the best beaches in Hawaii......Take the Pali over to the other side and stop and take in the view from the Pali Lookout!..GET THE CAR!

You will enjoy Oahu

Hawaii....it's all good!

Aloha all!

Must agree w/ Circa... get the car... freedom... no schedule... beauty at every turn... enjoy O'ahu!

I habe been to Oahu over 30 times and ALWAYS get a car. I cannot imagine wasting precious time waiting for or riding on a bus.