Waikiki is about 1½ miles of hotels, shops and restaurants, which renting a car would be very frustrating due to the parking limitations. What few street parking there are is normally always filled and the paid parking, which is very expensive in Waikiki, is based on first come first served basis and they can also be filled when the Waikiki is busy. As such, parking is not a recommended option if you will be staying in Waikiki. It's a lot better to be walking or using the public transportation service or the taxi.
It is a different story if you want to visit the rest of the island because public transportation, even though it is very good and reliable, is also very slow. As such, renting a car in the morning and returning in the same day would be recommended, which would be enough time for a scenic drive around the island and having to park overnight in Waikiki can be avoided.
Nevertheless, if you still wish to rent a car for your complete stay, make sure that your hotel will have a parking space available for you as some hotels in Waikiki do not have parking and some are very limited. Parking fees in Waikiki are very high also, which you should find out before arriving to the hotel with a car.
Neighbor Islands Car Rentals
Renting a car on the neighbor islands is a must, unlike Waikiki, the only place in the neighbor island that does not require a car to move around is within your own hotel. Shuttles from airport to hotels are not easy to come by and cost as much as some car rental companies charge per day and taxies are definitely expensive considering that there is anywhere from 10 to 45 minutes drive from airport to the hotels.
Valuables in the car
Fortunately we don't have a big problem with crime in Hawaii but that doesn't mean that you shouldn't be alert. Under no circumstance should you leave any valuables in the car, including hidden in the trunk or under the seat. Also be alert at all the lookouts where you normally "step out of the car for a minute to take a picture." If you arrive to your hotel before 3:00 pm or depart after 12:00 noon, you may be inclined to keep your luggage in your car until you check in either at the hotel or the airport. That is not a good idea. Most hotels will be happy to hold your luggage for a few hours before you check in or after you check out and it is a lot safer that way.
Seat Belts
By State Law, all front passengers of a car must use seat belts. We recommend that seat belts be used by all passengers, front and rear.
Child Seats
By State Law, all children must travel in the back seat of the car restrained by a seat belt and those under seven years of age must use a child seat at all times during the trip.
