Waikiki Car Hire

Question

Any recommendations for car hire that can be picked up / dropped off in Waikiki town centre.

Not wanting to go to the airport for car hire, as it is the opposite way to where we want to go.

Looking at hiring a car for the day, so it may be a late drop off in the evening, as we will go back to the cruise ship

Do the majority of hire cars come with GPS, as I've come across where some rentals you have to hire for the day.

Thx

Answer

Picking up a rental car in Waikiki rather than the airport is definitely doable, and there are several local rental offices that cater specifically to tourists staying in the hotel district. This can save you time and taxi/shuttle costs, especially if you just need a car for a day trip or short hire.

Here are some tips and options to consider:

Enterprise Rent-A-Car – They have a Waikiki location near Kuhio Avenue. They often offer same-day rentals and flexible drop-off times. Enterprise typically provides optional GPS units for an additional daily fee.
Avis / Budget – Both have Waikiki offices. Avis usually offers a GPS as an add-on; some cars may have built-in navigation depending on the model. Budget also allows late returns, but confirm in advance.
Hertz – Located in Waikiki, Hertz allows day rentals and late evening drop-offs if arranged ahead of time. GPS units can be included or added for a small fee.
Turo (peer-to-peer car rental) – If you prefer a local option, Turo rentals often include GPS in the car or allow you to request it. Pickup and drop-off can sometimes be more flexible than traditional rental agencies.

Regarding GPS, most major rental companies do not include it as standard on all vehicles. You typically have two options:

Rent a GPS from the company for a daily fee (usually $10–$15/day).
Use your smartphone with Google Maps or Apple Maps, often the easiest and cheapest option. Many car rentals now provide a USB charger and mounts to make this convenient.

Other considerations for Waikiki car hire:

Reserve ahead of time if possible, especially for weekends or holidays — Waikiki offices can run out of cars quickly.
Check whether your hotel allows short-term street parking or if you need to pay for a hotel garage if returning the car late.
For one-day hires, clarify insurance coverage and mileage limits — most local offices offer unlimited mileage, but confirm.

In summary, pick a reputable company with a Waikiki office, arrange GPS if needed, and confirm late evening drop-off policies. With these steps, hiring a car for a day in Waikiki should be smooth and convenient for your plans to visit the cruise ship or explore the island.

Waikiki Car Hire

More Waikiki Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions