Car or no car?

Question

We will be in Waikiki for four days in January, then on to Big Island and Maui. I am wondering about the strategy of getting around without a car, after reading about parking etc- (we will undoubtedly need a car for the other islands). First time for us, seniors, want to do Pearl Harbor etc .. obviously we would need transport to and from the airport etc, but any recs on good tour companies to see parts of the island? Thx,

Kris

Answer

For four days in Waikiki, it is entirely feasible to get around without a car, especially for first-time visitors who want to focus on sightseeing and cultural attractions. Many seniors and visitors find it convenient to rely on shuttles, taxis, rideshares, and tour companies, avoiding the stress of parking and traffic.

Airport Transfers:

Most hotels in Waikiki offer shuttle service from Honolulu International Airport (HNL). Confirm in advance if your hotel provides complimentary or paid shuttles.
Uber and Lyft are widely available in Waikiki and provide convenient, direct airport transfers.
Traditional taxis are available at the airport, but rates are typically higher than rideshares.

Getting Around Waikiki:

The Waikiki Trolley offers multiple routes covering popular areas including Ala Moana, Diamond Head, and downtown Honolulu. Day passes or multi-day passes make it easy to hop on and off.
Walking is very feasible within Waikiki, as most beaches, shops, and restaurants are clustered closely together.
Public buses (TheBus) are affordable and can take you to attractions outside Waikiki, like Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, and Hanauma Bay.

Tour Companies for Island Exploration:

Polynesian Adventure Tours – Offers guided tours to Pearl Harbor, the North Shore, and other popular sites with hotel pickup and drop-off.
Roberts Hawaii – Known for day trips to Pearl Harbor, Hanauma Bay, and other Oahu highlights.
Makani Catamaran or local sunset cruise operators – For a scenic ocean experience near Waikiki.
Small group or private tours – Companies like Hawaii Forest & Trail offer hikes, nature tours, and cultural experiences tailored to seniors or first-time visitors.

When a Car Might Not Be Needed:

If your itinerary mainly includes Waikiki, Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay, and the North Shore, guided tours and shuttles can cover most attractions.
Parking fees and traffic in Waikiki can be challenging and expensive, so skipping a rental for the first four days may reduce stress.
For airport pickup and inter-island flights, relying on shuttles or rideshares is usually simpler.

Overall, for a first-time Waikiki visit, especially for seniors, using a combination of shuttles, tour companies, rideshares, and walking is very manageable. You can always rent a car once you move on to the Big Island or Maui, where a vehicle is more necessary for exploring remote areas and natural attractions.