Car rental in USA Hawaii

Tips for scoring a cheap car to rent in Hawai‘i

Need a cheap car rental in Hawai‘i? With Economybookings, you can easily compare multiple providers to find the best possible deal, no matter where you plan to start your Aloha State adventure. A quick comparison can save you time and money, which means you can devote more time and money to planning and enjoying your perfect Hawaiian vacation.

• Compare pickup locations – Select the broader urban area instead of a specific location to unlock more deal options, including off-airport savings.
• Slightly adjust pickup times and dates – Even changing your booking by an hour can reveal lower rates.
• Choose the right car for your needs – For more rugged excursions into the rural backcountry areas, a sportier four-wheel drive vehicle can help navigate through rougher terrain. But if you mostly plan on exploring Honolulu and major resort areas like Kailua-Kona and Lāhainā, a compact car can help you save time on finding parking and money on fuel costs.
• Book early – Peak travel seasons like winter (December-February) and summer (June-August) often see higher prices, so reserving in advance helps secure better rates and availability.

Tips when renting a car in Hawai‘i

• Rent a car if you plan to go beyond the big cities and resort towns to reach smaller towns, the mountains, and remote beaches, as mass transit options are limited outside the most touristy regions.
• Avoid rush hour traffic on major freeways like Nimitz Highway, the Pali Highway, and H-1. 
• Picking up your rental car at major airports like Honolulu, Kahului, and Kona provides the best vehicle selection and access to toll road options.
• Choose a mid-size or compact car for easier parking at attractions, resorts, and city centers, and to maximize fuel efficiency for day trips.
• Hawai‘i currently has no emission zones, congestion pricing programs, or toll roads.
• Always inspect the car and take photos before and after your rental.

Driving tips in Hawai‘i

• Drive on the right and overtake on the left.
• Headlights flash as a polite signal (e.g., to let you pass), not as aggression.
• On freeways faster drivers tend to drive in the left lanes, while the right lanes move more slowly.
• Use parking apps like Park Smarter to find and pay for metered spots in popular areas.
• Note parking signage: Many street parking spots in downtown areas have time limits during the day, and some residential areas restrict street parking to permit holders.
• Popular gas stations: Texaco, Shell, and 76.
• Keep your license, rental papers, and insurance with you at all times. (You might also want to keep your passport or proof of valid passport within easy reach as well.)
• Major freeways like H-1 and H-2 connect popular destinations, so they often experience traffic during major holidays and peak tourist season. 

Speed limits

In Hawai‘i, speed limits are typically 45 mph (72 km/h) on city roads, 50 mph (80 km/h) on rural highways, and 60 mph (97 km/m) on urban freeways. In addition, local authorities can enforce 25 mph (40 km/h) limits in school zones and residential areas. Always watch for posted signs, as limits can vary.

Road signs

US road signs follow international standards and are usually clear and well-placed. They’re primarily in English and use symbols for quick understanding. Speed limit signs are in miles per hour (mph). In Hawai‘i, look out for signs marking one-way only streets, bus-only lanes, shared bike lines, and designated school lanes, which may have time-based restrictions and speed limits.

Toll roads and park fees

Unlike most other popular US destinations, Hawai‘i has no toll roads operating anywhere in the state. While a bill was introduced in the state legislature to allow a portion of Maui’s Hana Highway to convert into a toll road, no action has been taken on this bill as of Fall 2025. 

If you plan to drive to any of Hawai‘i’s state and national parks, note that many of these parks charge vehicle entry fees. In particular, if you will be driving to any National Park Service run public lands, they typically charge vehicle entrance fees ranging from $7 at Pearl Harbor National Memorial to $30 at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. And at Hawai‘i State Parks, expect to pay $10 per vehicle and an additional $5 per person for non-residents. 

Discover Hawai‘i by car

Renting a car in Hawai‘i opens up much more of the state to explore. Beyond famous attractions like Waikiki and Kailua-Kona, you can venture to quiet beaches, lush rainforests, and majestic mountains. From the legendary shores of Waimea Bay to the groovy hippie vibes of Pāʻia, Hawai‘i is made for road trips. A rental car lets you explore areas that buses don’t reach.

When to Visit

As the United States’ only tropical state, Hawai‘i truly is an inviting year-round destination. With this said, the state can be affected by seasonal conditions. In winter, heavy rain can affect areas like O‘ahu’s North Shore. And late in the summer (especially August), hurricane season occasionally brings tropical cyclones to the state. 

For the best road trip weather, try the spring and summer months, when you will run into less rain and more sunshine. And if you will primarily be driving around O‘ahu, May is likely your best month to avoid the biggest tourist crowds. Whenever you plan to hit the open road, make sure to pack water and sunscreen, and to check weather forecasts before leaving.

Languages & Communication

English is the primary language spoken in Hawai‘i, but the state is highly multicultural and home to diverse communities. As you explore, you’re likely to hear a wide range of languages, including Tagalog, Japanese, Chinese, and Korean. From major resorts to restaurants and boutiques, Hawai‘i is well-equipped to welcome global visitors, with most signage and services available in English and staff highly experienced in assisting non-English speakers.

Currency & Payments

Hawai‘i uses the U.S. Dollar (USD$). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, with contactless payments commonly used at gas stations, parking meters, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are readily available throughout cities and surrounding areas, making it easy to withdraw cash if needed.

Top driving routes from Hawai‘i cities

Hawai‘i really is the ideal state for road trips. Whether you aim to go surfing at the beach, seek out the best poke bowls and shave ice, or climb atop volcanoes, these top driving routes highlight some of the best day trips and weekend getaways across the state:

• Līhuʻe – Līhuʻe functions as the main town on the island of Kauaʻi, and it’s a welcoming gateway to reach lush nature preserves like Wailua River State Park (home to Wailua Falls) and Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park. 
• Haleʻiwa – Anchoring the North Shore of O‘ahu, Haleʻiwa has a central village with a fun variety of boutiques, art galleries, and eateries, and it’s within easy reach of top North Shore attractions like the Dole Plantation, Kawailoa Beach, and Waimea Bay.
• Kapolei – Situated on the western shores of O‘ahu, Kapolei is home to top resorts like Disney’s Aulani and the Four Seasons, Paradise Cove for exceptionally scenic lūʻaus, and pristine beaches like Hawaiian Electric Beach Park.
• Honolulu – Of course, Honolulu has many of the state’s biggest tourist draws, such as Waikiki, Pearl Harbor, and Diamond Head, but there’s much more to this city, including the vibrant streets of Chinatown and the ʻIolani Palace that provides a glimpse into life before US conquest in 1898.
• Lānaʻi – If you prefer a less developed and commercialized Hawaiian experience, try Lānaʻi for an abundance of indigenous culture, early 20th century plantation-era history, local art and artisan boutiques, and relaxing country-style inns (and secluded Four Seasons resorts).
• Lāhainā – In August 2023, a wildfire roared into Maui’s famed resort town of Lāhainā and destroyed some 80% of it. Since then, the region has begun to rebuild and most of the area’s hotels and resorts have reopened. In addition, this makes a great base camp to reach wonderful Maui beaches like Kapalua and Kahakuloa.
• Kailua-Kona – This is the main town on “the big island” of Hawaiʻi for hotels, resorts, restaurants, and shopping. Just beyond town, Kona is also the state’s prime destination for home-grown coffee, historic treasures like Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historic Park, and the explosive natural beauty of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.