Do You Need A Car in Hawaii 2023? The Ultimate Guide

Do you need a car in Hawaii in 2023? It’s a legit question, and trust me, I understand the struggle. Renting a car is one of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make when planning your Hawaiian vacation, and with car rental prices fluctuating, it’s no wonder you might be considering alternatives such as mopeds, scooters, or simply no rental at all.

I have learned the hard way of making a wrong decision, which brought me not only a painful experience but also a waste of money and time. It was the only thing I regretted during my trip to Hawaii, and I’m here to help you avoid that.

In this blog post, I will share with you my honest reviews on renting a car vs renting a moped in Hawaii. This will help you choose the right vehicle for your Hawaii itinerary. I will also help you plan the perfect itinerary without any rental if that’s what you want to do. So, without further ado, let’s get started!

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Do You Need a Car in Hawaii?

While there are certainly benefits to having your own set of wheels, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. On the plus side, a rental car will give you the freedom to explore all that a Hawaii island has to offer with the flexibility to change your plans. On the downside, rental cars can be expensive, and some roads can be crowded or confusing for first-time visitors. Whether you will need a car or not also depends on which island you’re visiting and the infrastructure of the island.

🚘 Do you need to rent a car in Oahu, Hawaii?

In general, you do not need a car in Oahu unless you have a packed itinerary and plan to visit different sides of the island. Oahu has excellent infrastructure and public transit system. Tourists can explore Oahu by walking, taking a bus, or renting a moped. There are also plenty of rideshare services like Uber and Lyft that make it easy to get around.

🚘 Do you need to rent a car in Molokai, Hawaii?

There is no public transportation and very limited ridesharing service on Molokai, so it is certainly worth renting a car in Molokai if you want to venture outside of your resort area. Alternative transportation options in Molokai include Hele Mai Taxi, Midnight Taxi, Taxi services, and Molokai Bicycle.

🚘 Do you need to rent a car in Lanai, Hawaii?

There is also no public transportation in Lanai. The only alternative transportation option to a car is Holoholo, a locally owned transportation network company (similar to Uber & Lyft). As a result, it is worth it to rent a car in Lanai for at least part of your stay. If you are staying at the Four Seasons, you can rent a vehicle or get a shuttle service through the hotel.

🚘 Do you need to rent a car in Kauai, Hawaii?

While Kauai is a relatively small island, it can be difficult to get around without your own set of wheels. Public transportation is limited while taxis and ride-sharing services can be expensive. With so many scenic attractions that are spread out and not on bus routes, it’s definitely worth considering renting a car during your stay in Kauai.

🚘 Do you need a car in Maui, Hawaii?

Maui is a big island, and you’d want to rent a car to get out and explore the non-touristy areas. However, like in Oahu, there are many transportation options available. If you’re only planning to stay in one area or if you are comfortable with using public transportation, renting a car may not be necessary.

Why are car rentals so expensive in Hawaii?

Hawaii car rentals have been getting more expensive because of the supply shortage. Like many rental companies across the United States, car rental companies in Hawaii sell large portions of their fleet and cancel new orders when facing revenue losses and financial hardships during the pandemic.

According to the Hawaii Tourism Authority, the state’s rental car fleet decreased by more than 40% during the pandemic. As tourism springs back, increased demand from tourists coupled with low supply from Hawaii rental car companies has intensified the rental car shortage, causing the prices to go up.

Is it worth renting a car in Hawaii?

It depends on a few factors: which Hawaii islands you are going to, the type of vacation you are on (e.g fly-and-flop staycation vs. adventure), and the cost vs. benefit of having a car rental. With that said, I know you are not here for the answer “it depends”, so let’s dive a little bit deeper into whether it is worth renting a car on some major islands.

How much does it cost to rent a car in Hawaii?

Normally, the cost of car rental in Hawaii ranges from $50 to $80 per day, while peak season can drive the price up to $100~$200 per day. When you rent the car for 5 days or more, the price of car rental may drop drastically.

🚗Find the cheapest car rental in Hawaii with Discover Cars

One thing to keep in mind about the cost of car rental is that you need to factor in the extra cost of insurance, gas, and nightly parking rates – which can often be way more expensive than the cost to rent the car itself.

Is it better to rent a car or use Uber in Hawaii?

It really depends on what you want to do in Oahu. Take a look at your itinerary and get the price estimate on Uber, then compare it with the cost of your rental car. If the price difference is a lot, you can choose the cheaper option. However, if the price difference is small, renting a car would most likely be a better option than Uber.

The reason is that the Uber price will increase when there is inclement weather (like rain) or when there is a lack of drivers on the road. In addition, it could be very difficult to get a ride from certain areas after dark. For example, it’s almost impossible to get an Uber from the North Shore of Oahu at night (yep, I also learned this the hard way) because most drivers would go home or to the tourist area of Waikiki and Honolulu.

Renting a Moped in Hawaii

🏍️ Moped Rental in Hawaii – General State Law

Sometimes, renting a car in Hawaii is out of the question. Even with the hefty price tags, car rental has occasionally been sold out in Hawaii, especially during holidays. As a result, it is worth considering a moped rental, and understanding the law is one of the first steps to determine if it would work for you.

🏍️ Do you need a license to rent and drive a moped in Hawaii?

You don’t need a special license in order to rent and drive a regular 50cc moped in Hawaii. All you will need is a valid (car) driver’s license.

🏍️ Do you need a motorcycle license to drive a scooter over 50cc in Hawaii?

Yes, If you would like to rent a two-passenger premium moped or motor scooter, you will need a valid motorcycle license.

🏍️ How old do you have to be to rent a moped in Hawaii?

You will have to be at least 18 years old to be able to rent a moped in Hawaii.

🏍️ What is the required attire for moped rental in Hawaii?

Surprisingly, helmets are not required by the state of Hawaii law if you are 16 or older. However, eye protection is required. It is recommended that you wear close-toed shoes, but also not required.

🏍️Where can you park your moped in Hawaii?

You can pretty much park anywhere that is not blocking traffic! For the smaller moped, you will want to lock and chain it to a poll or a bike. For the two-passenger moped or scooter, you will just have to lock the wheels and put it next to a poll, a tree, or in a car parking spot.

🏍️Check Prices for Moped Rental in Oahu & Maui, Hawaii

Renting a Car vs a Moped in Oahu, Hawaii

Can you use a moped to get around Oahu?

Hypothetically, it is possible to use a moped to get around Oahu. However, it is not that simple in reality. If you have a valid driver’s license, you will be able to rent the regular moped up to 50cc, meaning your maximum speed would be 35 mph. You won’t be able to get on several major highways with the mopeds, including the H-1, H-2, H-3, 93, 63, and 61.

These are the critical highways for you to get from one side of the island to the other side. If you can’t get on these highways, you will have to go along the coast. As a result, it may take you 3 to 5 hours to get to the other side of the island, something that would take a car one hour.

Can you use a scooter/two-person moped to get around Oahu?

It is more feasible to use a scooter to get around Oahu than a moped. If you have a motorcycle license, you will be able to rent the scooter (which is sometimes called the premium two-passenger moped). With the scooter, you can get to the speed of 50-60 mph. That would allow you to catch on with the traffic on the highway and you will be able to get on H-1, H-2, H-3, 93, 63, and 61.

Can you use an electric scoot coup to get around Oahu?

No, you can only use a scoot coup in Waikiki and Honolulu. There will be a custom map to help you navigate to the best attractions in these areas, but you won’t be able to get on the highways.

Why I regretted renting a moped instead of a car in Hawaii

I was looking for information and advice on how to tour Hawaii without a rental car and I found several bloggers that recommended moped rental in their Hawaii travel blog posts. These people made it sound so amazing that I was super excited. With the lack of true information and over-fantasizing comments from these posts, I have painted a very wrong picture of getting around Oahu on a moped.

With the lack of correct information, we had the very wrong itinerary for renting a moped in Oahu. As a result, it wasn’t an enjoyable experience for us and we would not do that ever again. That’s why I want to make sure you are equipped with the right knowledge to plan an itinerary if you do want to rent a moped to get around Oahu.

Although it is possible to rent a moped to get around Hawaii, it is not the most convenient or enjoyable way to explore the islands – and I will explain to you why below.

What really happens when you use a moped or scooter to get around Oahu?

The microclimate is one of the factors that makes traveling long distances in Oahu using a moped or scooter not enjoyable. Waikiki typically has really nice weather, but it is not the same for other parts of the island. As soon as we got on the highway, it became super windy that I kept feeling as if it would push us onto the other lane with the opposite traffic. Another fifteen minutes passed by and the sun was brutal, then all of a sudden, it started raining cats and dogs.

We were still on the highway and we could barely see anything ahead of us. We literally had to stop and wait in the rain by the side of the road without any cover for almost 20 minutes before we could continue. That cycle happened to us three times over the course of two days.

The second problem is the road condition. As you travel out of Waikiki, you will find that the roads are not as well-maintained. It is also not well lit up at night on the other side of the island and on the highways. As a result, it is generally not very safe to ride a scooter or a moped at night outside of Waikiki.

Should you rent a moped in Oahu?

There are nice perks in renting a moped to get around Oahu, especially during the rental car shortage in Hawaii. It gives you more control to plan an itinerary than taking a public bus or a guided tour. It is also nice that you do not have to worry about parking and can stop almost anywhere you want to.

However, I’d recommend you to only rent a moped to travel within 15 miles from Waikiki Beach and try to stay within Waikiki, Honolulu, Waimanalo, and Pearl Harbor. I would absolutely advise again using a moped or a scooter to get to the North Shore, especially in the late afternoon and evening.

Do you need a car or a moped rental in/near Waikiki?

You can visit many attractions in Waikiki, Honolulu such as Honolulu Zoo, Royal Hawaiian Center, and Waikiki Aquarium by walking. If you get the Oahu Go Card, you can get free tours and shuttles to some of the most popular attractions on the island. In addition, you can get round-trip shuttles for as low as $25-$35 to the best luaus in Oahu. So realistically, if you plan most of your Oahu itinerary in Waikiki and Honolulu, you won’t need a car rental.

Even though you can’t explore most of Oahu island on a moped (and I strongly advise against using a moped to get out of Waikiki and Honolulu), the local roads in Waikiki are very nice for a moped or scoot coupe ride.

🛵Check Prices for Moped, Scooter and Scoot Coupe Rentals in Waikiki

My Honest Review of Renting a Scooter from Hawaiian Style Rentals in Honolulu, Oahu

I chose Hawaiian Style Rentals to rent a moped because the Oahu Go Card covers a 3-hour standard moped rental rate, 3-hour e-bike rental, or a full-day bicycle rental rate. It is also conveniently located in the Waikiki Beach resort area. If you want to extend your rental or upgrade to a different vehicle such as a scoot coupe and scooter, the staff will apply a discount of $28 for each Oahu Go Card.

The process of renting with Hawaiian Style Rentals is pretty easy. You can make a reservation online through the website. It will take your credit card to guarantee the reservation, but you will pay at check-in. You have up to 48 hours prior to your rental date to cancel without any charges.

We arrived a few minutes before they opened at 8 am to avoid the wait time, but there were already some people ahead of us. Nevertheless, we were able to pick up the rental fairly quickly. The staff will show you an instructional video on how to operate the rental, and you will be required to complete a road test around the block.

You have the option to buy Hawaiian Style Coverage, which can give you peace of mind over theft and unforeseeable circumstances. It gives you a $0 theft and damage deductible, islandwide roadside service, free overnight parking for multiple-day rentals, and allows you to return the vehicle after hours.

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Hawaii Without a Car – Suggested Itineraries for Oahu Island

A Hawaii itinerary without a car can be tough to make. But no worries, I’ve got you covered with these itineraries that include the best things to do in Oahu!

Hawaii Vacation Guide: Oahu Without a Car FAQs

Where to Stay in Oahu, Hawaii Without a Car

The best place to stay in Oahu without a car is Waikiki Beach, which is full of luxury resorts as well as mid-range and budget-friendly hotels. It is within walking distance of the beautiful white-sand beaches, snorkel spots, restaurants, and grocery stores.

Below are some of my top picks to stay based on price, location, and amenities.

Sheraton Waikiki: this beachfront hotel is right across from the Royal Hawaiian Center. You will be steps away from the beach and the main shopping streets.

Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa: This hotel is across the street from Waikiki Beach. It is also the pick-up and drop-off point for many Hawaii tour companies.

Queen Kapiolani Hotel: it’s only a 3-minute walk from the beach and the rooftop has incredible views of Diamond Head. It’s also just a few steps from Hawaiian Styles Rental so it’s very convenient if you want to rent a scooter, moped, or scoot coupe.

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#1 Hawaii Itinerary – Oahu Without a Car & No Moped Rental

This itinerary is similar to our actual Oahu 5-day itinerary (through which we saved $460 with the 3-day Oahu Go Pass). I have adjusted it so that you can take more advantage of the free tours and shuttles included in the pass.

Please note that I have arranged this itinerary to maximize the value of the card for three days. If you feel that the itinerary is too packed, consider extending your stay and adjusting the pass for the number of days accordingly. In the event that you stay for a week, I would suggest getting 2 of the 3-day passes instead of one 7-day pass because it entitles you to one extra premium activity that’s worth more!

All the (*) activities are included in the 3-day Oahu Go Pass. ✔️Buy Now

Day 1 – Activate the 3-day Oahu Go Pass

Full-Day Tour: Hidden Gems (Go Oahu Pass’s premium activity)* picks up at 7:00 am and gets back at 5:00 pm. The tour will take you to many popular attractions in Oahu including Dole Plantation, Diamond Head Lookout, Halona Blowhole, and North Shore. You will have time to swim with sea turtles at the Puaena Point Beach Park.

Day 2

Take the tour Diamond Head: Shuttle & Self-Guided Hike* (6:20 am to 8:45 am). After that, you can take an Uber or a bus to Iolani Palace* in downtown Honolulu. After a visit to Iolani Palace (1 hour), head back to Waikiki Beach where the shuttle will pick you up for the Polynesian Cultural Center*. Islands of Polynesia at Polynesian Cultural Center is free with the Go Pass, but the round-trip shuttle costs $30.

Pick up a moped for two days at the Hawaii Styles Rental* at 8 am. Visit Iolani Palace* in downtown Honolulu, Historic Downtown Honolulu, and Chinatown. Head back to Waikiki Beach where the shuttle will pick you up for the Polynesian Cultural Center*. You can check out my tips to book Hawaiian luau and call to upgrade the admissions ticket to the Ali Luau Package for an extra charge of as low as $83.

Day 3

Pearl Harbor and Honolulu City Tour* lasts for 5 hours. You can choose to depart at 6 am or 8:30 am. The tour will take you to Pearl Harbor, Historic Downtown Honolulu, Chinatown, and a drive through the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Punchbowl Crater. If you take the early tour at 6 am and get back early, you will have plenty of time to get to the Makani Catamaran Sail* at 2 pm.

#2 Hawaii Itinerary – Oahu Without a Car but with a Moped Rental

This itinerary will allow you to have more time to explore the best attractions in Oahu, Hawaii with a moped rental instead of guided tours. I have also arranged it to maximize the value of the 3-day Oahu Go Pass with a moped, but again, if you feel that it is too packed, you can extend the number of days for the pass.

All the (*) activities are included in the 3-day Oahu Go Pass. ✔️Buy Now

Day 1 – Activate the 3-day Oahu Go Pass

Full-Day Tour: Hidden Gems (Go Oahu Pass’s premium activity)* picks up at 7:00 am and gets back at 5:00 pm. The tour will take you to many popular attractions in Oahu including Dole Plantation, Diamond Head Lookout, Halona Blowhole, and North Shore. You will have time to swim with sea turtles at the Puaena Point Beach Park.

Day 2

Pick up a moped for two days at the Hawaii Styles Rental* at 8 am. Grab some malasadas (Portuguese donuts) at Leonard’s Bakery then visit Iolani Palace* in downtown Honolulu. Explore the historic downtown and Chinatown.

Head back to Waikiki Beach where the shuttle will pick you up for the Polynesian Cultural Center*. Islands of Polynesia at Polynesian Cultural Center is free with the Go Pass, but the round-trip shuttle costs $30. You can check out my tips to book Hawaiian luau and call to upgrade the admissions ticket to Ali Luau Package for an extra charge of as low as $83.

Day 3

Visit Pearl Harbor Historic Sites including Battleship Missouri Memorial*, Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor*, Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum*, and the USS Arizona Memorial from 7:00 am to 1:00 pm. Take a ride along the beautiful coastal road to Diamond Head, Halona Blowhole, and China Walls, and Hanauma Bay or visit Sea Life Park Center* and visit Makapuu Lighthouse Trail.

Alternatively, if you leave Pearl Harbor early, you can take a trip to Kualoa Ranch*, which is an incredible 4,000-acre nature retreat and filming location for many movies and TV shows including Jurassic Park, 50 First Dates, Pearl Harbor, Triple Frontiers, and Kong: Skull Island. You have to book a tour in order to visit Kualoa Ranch, but note that some tours at Kualoa Ranch are included in the Oahu Go Pass.

What to do in Hawaii for 5 days or one week?

If you are thinking of staying in Oahu for longer, consider buying the 5-day or 7-day Go Oahu Pass and using my additional suggestions below to enhance your itinerary:

1. Add Wet n Wild – the park is open till 9:00 pm on Saturday.
2. Add Diamond Head shuttle and self-guided hike at 6:20 am and get back at 8:45 am
3. Add Makani Catamaran Sail
4. Add Queen Emma Palace
5. Add Sea Life Park Hawaii
6. Add Waimea Valley and Waimea Canyon, nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”

🍽️🍹Check out my reviews and tips to save money and have the best experience at Hawaiian Luaus on Oahu!

Key Takeaways: Do You Really Need a Car in Hawaii?

Renting a car in Hawaii is a great way to get around and explore the islands. It gives you the freedom to go where you want, when you want. But you do need to consider other factors such as gas, insurance, and parking.

Renting a moped in Hawaii is another option for getting around. It’s a great way to save on gas and parking, and it gives you a lot of freedom and flexibility. However, the roads can be dangerous and I don’t recommend it for long trip around the island.

Overall, whether you decide to rent a car or moped, planning your itinerary is key. Start by deciding on a few must-see places and activities, then look into transportation options to get there. You can also look into using public transportation or walking to get around.

Ultimately, both renting a car and renting a moped in Hawaii have their pros and cons. Consider your budget, experience, and itinerary when making your decision. With the right planning, you can have a great trip no matter which option you go with.

In my opinion, the freedom to explore at your own pace is often worth the cost of a car rental in Hawaii. However, if you are on a budget, consider choosing Oahu as the destination for your vacation instead of other islands. You can still see plenty of sights and enjoy all that the island has to offer without having to worry about getting around.

Oahu is truly the most economical choice for a Hawaii itinerary without a car thanks to its abundance of alternative transportation options and the Oahu Go Pass. I hope that you have found helpful information in this article to plan your ideal itinerary in Oahu, Hawaii.

Aloha and have fun in Hawaii!

Other Hawaii Travel Resources

1. How to Tour Hawaii & Do More Things for Less Money $$$
   • List of the best things to do in Oahu and how to maximize the value of Go Oahu Pass
2. How to Find the Best Hawaiian Luau in Oahu, Hawaii
   • Reviews of the best Hawaiian Luaus in Oahu and tips to get the best experiences
3. Hawaii Without a Car — Should You Rent a Moped?
   • Itineraries and tips to cope with the rental car shortage in Hawaii
4. Best Places to Visit in 6 Major Hawaii Islands
   • Hawaii Travel Guide to help you pick the best Hawaii islands for your visit
5. Best Beaches in Oahu, Hawaii for Snorkeling & Swimming with Sea Turtles
   • List of the best beaches in Oahu and visiting tips for you to spot green sea turtles!
6. Kualoa Ranch Tours: Which One is Worth Visiting?
   • A complete guide and review of Kualoa Ranch tours and activities
7. Polynesian Cultural Center Luau Review, Ticket Discount & Visiting Tips
   • A complete guide and review of the Polynesian Cultural Center
8. 125+ Best Hawaii Quotes for Instagram Captions!
   • Get inspired with the best quotes to capture your Hawaiian experience on social media!