Rental car in Oahu?
 

So, we've finally decided to go to Oahu for 1 week for our honeymoon. We're staying at the Outrigger Reef on the Beach hotel. <BR><BR><BR>Renting a car in going to be a fortune. The hotel charges $11 a day for parking there, on top of the weekly rental car fee.<BR><BR>We were thinking about renting a car for a couple of days. Has anyone every not rented a car in Oahu? Is it easy to get around without a car?<BR><BR>I'd much rather take the money that we've saved by not renting a car and then paying for parking and going out to a nice restaurant and/or a day adventure.<BR><BR>Any suggestions?<BR><BR>Thanks!

The bus service around Honolulu/Wakiki is excellent, but you'll want a car to get out and see other parts of the island. And please DO get out and see the rest of Oahu - it's a georgous island and you'll miss so much if you don't get out of Wakiki.

I would recommend renting a car. There is a lot to see outside of Honolulu. <BR><BR>If you are a member of a warehouse club like sam's or Costco, check out their rental car deals. We are going to Hawaii in July and found the best rates through Costco vs. internet sites like travelocity.

Priceline has been an excellent source for rental cars in Hawaii for me and friends. Can generally get a convertible for less than $20/day.

The first time we went to Oahu we did not rent a car. We went on tours, I think it was with Enoa and enjoyed them very much. The second time we rented a car and were able to go back and visit the places the tour did not stop at. We are going back in three weeks, can't wait and will rent a car for a few days and bus it the rest of the time.

Thanks!

If you do not want to take the bus,I would suggest renting a car for just a couple of days from a Waikiki location. Everything you do in Waikiki you can walk to. You can take inexpensive shuttles to Arizona Memorial and Aloha Tower. Many day tours offer a transportation option. A car is nice to explore the north shore area and windward coast at your leisure, and to go to Diamond Head.

I agree with Lynn. We were in Oahu last August for a week and rented a car on two different days and it worked out great. Don't bother keeping it overnight. We circled the island one day and went to most of the nice beaches. On the second day, we hiked Diamond Head and then travelled to the Falls Park and Dole palantation. We were staying at Hilton and rented from National's office nearby. Remember to locate a gas station ahead of time to fill up before returning the car. Not many gas stations in Wakiki and some close early. Also, we found out we could get better rates by calling National's 800 number! The only time we took the bus was for visiting the Arizona Memorial. It was too long for me and on the way back we took the shuttle. But I know lots of people take the bus and don't mind the wait. Enjoy.

Thanks everyone! That's what we've decided to do. We're going to rent a car as needed!<BR><BR>Thanks again!

Many hotels in Waikiki have package deals which include a car and parking. We're staying at the Waikiki Parc and have such a package. See if the Outrigger Reef has a similar deal. If not, have your travel agent do some searching for you and I'm sure you can find a car/parking package.

The bus is great for going around Honolulu and Waikiki but service to the outskirts is not as good. Tour buses will only take you to the typical outlying tourist traps as well, so a car would definitely be an advantage. I would spend a day visiting the north/central part of the island, one day for west Oahu, and another day for the eastern part. <BR><BR>It's easy to drive around, just make sure you have a good road map. Suggest you avoid driving in town from 3pm to 6 weekdays as traffic becomes very bad.