The Advantages of Renting a Car for Your Trip to Honolulu
Hawaii tourism has skyrocketed in the last year.
An article published last December shows that Oahu has seen the highest increase in tourist visits among all the islands in Hawaii, with the numbers up by 25%. This is unsurprising as the island of Oahu is well-known for its ancient historical landmarks and gorgeous landscapes. Honolulu, the state’s capital city, showcases the island’s diverse appeal in a number of ways. For one, it has a fascinating arts and culture scene, especially since the Bishop Museum is home to some of the most unique artifacts in the Pacific. On the other hand, our post ‘Top 10 Hawaiian Foods’ mentions that the capital is teeming with good places to eat. For instance, old-school markets such as Maunakea are abundant in stalls selling durian smoothies, fish head soup, and soba noodles.
All that said, it’s clear that there’s no shortage of activities and sights to experience in Honolulu. If you want to maximize your vacation, one of the most important things you’ll need is a safe, secure, and flexible means of transportation. Below, this article will list the advantages of renting a car for your trip to Honolulu.
It enables a flexible itinerary
Honolulu has much to offer by way of delicious restaurants, sprawling nature trails, and stunning beaches. That said, the top attractions in Honolulu are quite spread out. Thankfully, renting a car helps ensure that you check off every sight and landmark on your itinerary. For instance, in the morning, you can easily visit historical places like the Kawaiaha’o Church and Washington Palace, which are located in downtown Honolulu. Then, for an afternoon spent in nature, you can head on over to hike Diamond Head or snorkel at Hanauma Bay. Although mass transit and guided tours are available in the area, traveling by rental car provides you with an opportunity to visit the aforementioned sights at your own leisure.
Rent as soon as you land
Renting a car in Oahu is a very popular option, especially with the above-mentioned influx of visitors making public transport less convenient. For those looking to rent a vehicle it is much better to book before you travel and pick it up at Honolulu International Airport than rent one after arriving. By booking a car rental at Honolulu Airport in advance you can opt for the right vehicle to suit your needs and preferences, without worrying about availability. You can choose between an economy car, large minivan, SUV, or even a Wrangler based on how many passengers or luggage you’ll need to fit inside your vehicle. Rent prices at the airport will also tend to be cheaper than car rental prices in Waikiki. It’s also convenient to pick up the rental too, as you only need to stroll over to the airport’s CONRAC Consolidated Car Rental Facility.
It’s cost-efficient
Although you can utilize public transport during your trip to Honolulu, it can be a much pricier option compared to renting your own car. According to a KITV feature, commuters in Oahu experienced steeper bus fares in the last year. This is because last July, Honolulu’s Department of Transportation Services changed adult fares from $5.50 to $7.50 a day, and youth fares from $2.50 to $3.75. Taxi prices can also rack up due to the traffic in Honolulu. So, if you have a packed itinerary during your trip, or are otherwise staying for an extended time, then you may end up spending a lot to get from one stop to another, as well as the inconvenience of having to wait for public transportation. In this case, renting a car will save you money and time overall.
Honolulu has many scenic spots that you won’t want to miss during your vacation. A rental car enables you to experience an enjoyable and stress-free way to tour the city.
