We'll be spending 7 nights in eastern Waikiki area but want to see more/spend more time on more scenic parts of the island. (No choice on the accommodations.) So do we need a car for the whole week, or is there mass transit/buses/shuttles that can get us around to some of these places? (Beaches, other towns, etc.) Has anyone ever used any of the Hawaii discount places online to get a car? Would we be foolish to wait until we get there and play it by ear, getting a car when we need one?
(We also plan to do a day trip to Kauai, and spend time at that Hanauma (sp) Bay snorkeling. That's why we're wondering if it would be more cost-effective to get the car for a few days. Just curious about others' experiences. Thanks a lot.

really should call on costs. I would not be without a car in Waikiki. I have used the bus service on Oahu and find it slowwwwwwwww as snails. I also like to pop out of Waikiki frequently. Too many other gorgeous spots around the island. too handy to have a car. Call and see what the car by day charges and availability look like. Call Royal Hawaiian Concierge if your hotel would not have service info.

eating options in Waikiki are dismal by my standards I would much rather pop off to Roys or chinatown or sam choys or you name it? SO MANY CHOICES AT NON-TOURIST PRICES outside of Waikiki.

pop over the pali in 20 minutes and you are in Lanikai or Kalua beach park. I can't imagine someone choosing Waikiki over these beaches. Kind of like choosing Miami over a Maine coastline in summer.

Thanks everyone. Like I said, we had no choice on the Waikiki part, which is why I'm trying to figure out the best way to get out of there!
Thanks again!

I have stayed in Waikiki at the ilikai on a few summers Suzy. You don't have to have car but it frees you up incredibly if you do. I did not drive on Oahu and whenever I did not have a ride somewhere it was a hassle. It is easier simply to drive out of the airport rather than wait for the shuttle that makes a million stops before yours. Taxie anyone, many are not airconditioned! Most any week you will be there, there will be events at the Blaisdale, AlaMoana, the various cultural centers, temples. I don't know about you but I love this stuff. Hunt for a rental deal. I think it is more expensive to rent by the day than if you take if for the week. But of course you need to factor in garage cost if your hotel does not provide.

I would not wait on a car if you are going in August. I am already running into places that don't have an SUV for me on Kauai. Secure it now. Read the article in the archives of Tips about car rentals. Tells you how to do it cheaper. Always request a compact you usually get and upgrade because they are highly requested. Other hints on not buying insurance you don't need and that drive up costs.

http://www.fodors.com/traveltips/carrental/

TheBus serves the Honolulu area very well, which includes the Waikiki area. However, service is poor throughout the rest of the island; it can take 2-3 hours during nonrush hour to get from Waikiki to the other side of the island. A car will get you there in 30 minutes. So I would think a car rental is the best way to go if you want to venture outside of town, which is highly recommended!

You can take a Circle Island tour from Roberts, Poly Ad and other companies that hit the highlights around the island. There are also transportation companies that take you directly to top sites like Pearl Harbor and the Polynesian Cultural Center.