Car Hire for Cruisers

Question

Looking at hiring a car for 2 days in April once our cruise ship docks in Waikiki.

Obvious question is where to car park overnight close by the cruise terminal.

Do any car rental companies have drop off / pick up around the cruise terminal.

Any other information would be grateful

Regards

Dave

Answer

Hiring a car in Waikiki for a short period after a cruise is quite manageable, but there are some logistical considerations regarding pick-up, drop-off, and parking near the cruise terminal.

Car rental options near the cruise terminal:

Most major rental companies in Honolulu, including Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, and Alamo, have locations within a few miles of the Aloha Tower Cruise Terminal in downtown Honolulu or near Waikiki.
Some companies offer shuttle service from the cruise terminal to their rental locations. It's common to arrange a pickup from the terminal if you request it in advance.
Enterprise has multiple neighborhood locations in Waikiki, so you can often pick up a car within 1–2 miles of the cruise dock, which is convenient for short rentals.
Some smaller, local rental agencies may offer direct terminal delivery and pickup for an additional fee. This can be convenient if you want to minimize walking with luggage.

Parking considerations in Waikiki:

Overnight parking near the cruise terminal itself is limited. Paid lots and garages exist in downtown Honolulu, but rates can be $20–30 per night.
If you plan to keep the car overnight while exploring Waikiki, many hotels have paid parking. For short rentals, you might consider returning the car to the rental lot at the end of the day rather than leaving it on the street.
Street parking in Waikiki is metered and time-limited; it’s not recommended for overnight use.

Additional tips:

Book your rental in advance to secure the best rate, particularly in April when tourism is high.
Confirm shuttle service or terminal delivery with the rental company before you arrive.
Consider the size of the car; narrow streets and parking garages in Waikiki can make larger vehicles cumbersome.
Plan your itinerary to avoid heavy traffic on Kalakaua Avenue during peak hours, especially if you’re returning to the rental location downtown.

In summary, renting a car for 2 days from a location near Waikiki or downtown Honolulu is straightforward. Shuttle services from the cruise terminal to the rental office are common. Overnight parking at the terminal itself is limited, so returning the car to the rental location at the end of the day is typically the easiest solution.