Renting a car in Waikiki for daytrips

Question

I gather that having a car at Waikiki proper is a big hassle, my original plan was to rent one occasionally early morning for a trip to other beaches and return it late in the evening.

I am not a fan of rental through Truro, and it looks like that the only reasonably priced rental locations of other agencies (Enterprise, Thrifty, Dollar, etc.) are exclusively at the airport.

If you are aware of other, more convenient, locations to rent a car for a day @ price which does not constitute an extorsion ;-) please kindly let me know.

Also... how far in advance do I need to reserve a compact car?

Mahalo, A

Answer

Renting a car for day trips in Waikiki is a great idea for exploring the island, but you're right—parking and rental locations can be a hassle in the heart of Waikiki. Here's some helpful information to make the process smoother:

Rental Locations in Waikiki: While most traditional car rental agencies like Enterprise, Thrifty, and Dollar operate primarily from the airport, some offer additional locations in or near Waikiki. The options are limited, but you can find a few agencies with pick-up spots closer to the Waikiki area, such as:

Enterprise Rent-A-Car: There is an Enterprise location at 3000 Waialae Ave (in Kahala Mall), which is about a 10-minute drive from Waikiki. It's a good alternative if you want a more local pick-up spot. You can arrange for a shuttle service if needed.
Hertz: Hertz also has a location near Waikiki, though it's slightly further out. Their location at 2112 Kapiolani Blvd is relatively close and might work for day rental pick-ups.

Cost-Effective Rental Options: Car rental prices in Hawaii can vary greatly depending on the time of year and availability. However, rates are generally lower if you book in advance. If you're planning on using the car for just one day at a time, it's important to compare rates across different agencies. A compact car should be relatively affordable, but rates can soar during peak times.

Consider checking for discounts or special deals on car rental comparison websites like Kayak, Rentalcars.com, or AutoSlash. These websites sometimes have better rates than booking directly with the agency.
Some car rental companies have promotional deals, especially if you rent for more than one day or if you can find a coupon code online.

Advance Reservation: For a compact car, it’s generally best to book at least a few days in advance, especially during busy times (like holidays or weekends). If you are visiting during peak travel seasons (summer or the holidays), reserving at least a week in advance will help secure a reasonable price and ensure availability.

If you’re not picky about car models, booking 1-3 days ahead should suffice for off-peak times.
However, for peak times or busy periods, it’s always safer to reserve earlier to avoid inflated prices or limited availability.

Overall, renting a car for day trips in Waikiki can be convenient if you plan ahead and book early. By checking out nearby car rental locations and reserving in advance, you'll avoid paying high prices or running into availability issues. I recommend making your reservation online to ensure you get the best possible rate.

Mahalo and enjoy your time in Hawaii!

Renting a car in Waikiki for daytrips

More Honolulu Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions