Driving Around Oahu: Tips for First-Timers

Hawaii is recognized for its eight major islands, each with its unique heritage and tourist attractions. From this set of islands, we’ve previously listed the all-year-round summer in Oahu as something you should take advantage of. Honolulu’s second-largest island and state capital offers an exciting blend of exotic waterfalls, lush rainforests, and pristine beaches. It also has a rich food and arts scene that predominantly caters to culturally inclined tourists.

With these many things to do and see on the island, you will want to maximize every second of your trip by driving around. But driving in Oahu as a first-time traveler requires careful planning and consideration, so here are a few tips that can help you out.

Research driving laws.

Before anything else, make sure you’re eligible to drive in Oahu as a tourist by bringing your driver’s license. If you live outside of the US, you must have an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your license from your home country.

Remember that being a guest doesn’t exempt you from the law either. The Honolulu Police Department’s updated driving policies prohibit using a handheld mobile device while driving. This means you should use a hands-free device or phone only after you’ve pulled over and turned off your engine.

Rent a car at the airport.

While finding a rental car is easy, it’s in your best interest to rent a car as soon as you land. This avoids the hassle and added expenses of going to a resort town like Waikiki and being charged higher rates for a rental car.

The car rentals available at Honolulu Airport can be easily picked up at the airport’s dedicated Consolidated Rent-A-Car (ConRAC) Facility. It’s recommended that first-timers book in advance to secure the lowest possible rates and ensure that the type of vehicle that suits their needs and preferences is available. The variety of rental automobiles ranges from cushy convertibles and sporty rides to spacious minivans that can accommodate your entire group.

Prepare for gas and parking payments.

Aside from rental car fees, you should also factor in gas prices and parking payments in advance to stay within your budget. As of writing, the average gas prices per liter in Hawaii range from $4 for unleaded to $6 for diesel.

Meanwhile, Honolulu has free and cheap parking spaces, especially along public parks like Ala Moana Beach Park. On-street metered spots generally vary from $1 up to $4.50 per hour but are otherwise free of charge on Sundays and state holidays.

Incoming tourists should remember that aside from coins, roughly 1,700 digital parking meters in Oahu accept cashless payments, but only via the “Park Smarter” app. Following the shutdown of Verizon’s 3G network in Oahu, many parking meters stopped taking credit cards as a payment method.

Make a list of sights to see.

No matter how spontaneous and adventurous you may be, it’s still a good idea for first-time travelers to plan their sightseeing agenda. This helps you create a realistic timeline while making as many stops as possible on your scenic drive around the island. For example, Ala Moana Beach Park’s seaside views that stretch out for about half a mile make for a perfect stopover before you explore the rest of Oahu. But if you’re starting your road trip from Honolulu, the iconic Diamond Head State Monument is a must-see before taking your much-needed respite at Hanauma Bay State Park.

Driving around Oahu is an excellent way to take in all of its beauty and culture. However, as a tourist, it’s your responsibility to do prior research and prepare your necessities to show respect to the island and its local people.