Going to Hawaii, heard traffic was horrible there. Should I rent a car?

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Paatrick

Rent a car.

Time is valuable during your vacation.
Waiting for a bus is a waste of time.
Finding a taxi is harder in Honolulu than most cities.

Aloha.

sugarBear

Rent a car, take the bus, take a taxi, the trolley, which ever one you choose, you will still end up in traffic. Yes, it's true that traffic is bad, but your better off renting a car. The Bus goes around the entire island, so does The Cab but if you rent a car, it would be better because you have the freedom to go, leave right then & there instead of waiting for the bus, calling the cab & waiting. The Bus is not expensive, but The Cab is.....so, just rent a car because it's more convient & worth the money.

basic324

definately rent a car. you could visit tourist sites without relying on the city bus, taxi or the hotel tour bus. also you can go and come as you please without the headache. traffic is only bad when you are going to work in the morning or in the afternoon when everyone goes to work.

Bub

I lived in Oahu for ten years. Traffic is horrible during rush hour only---which is in the morning and late afternoons---monday through friday.

You should have no problems getting a bus when you're going through Waikiki and downtown honolulu. But, you should take a car if you want to go outside those areas. It's faster and you won't get confused with the required transfers.

tigervixxxen

I haven't been yet but my husband and I are planning a trip to Hawaii right now and are struggling with the same question. So far the information that I have found is that you will pay to park you car each night at the hotel ($15-$25) and might have to pay to park at some of the attactions such as the Polynesia Culture Center. It also seems like al lot of the activites that can be booked included in the price of admission is a pick up service. So we are thinking about maybe just renting a car for a day or two. I guess my point is to keep in mind the additional costs of renting a car there.

Gabriella

Rent a car you will have a lot more freedom and it is really cheap to rent a car there. We used Alamo when we went, and were very satified. There is traffic but is not that bad compared to some other big cities.

Spring

Rent a car when you went to go outside of Honolulu/Waikiki area. Such as visiting Arizon Memorial (Pearl Harbor), Aloha Stadium (swap meat on Wed, Sat & Sun morning) or drive round the island.

Take a bus when you travel withing Honolulu & Waikiki area (that is shopping at Ala Moana Shopping Center or visit UH campus etc). There are bus that take you for round island trip. If you like to be able to watch some scenery during the drive, then, take the bus for this trip. Get a transfer (once only) and you can hop on the next bus for free.

Traffic is terrible during rush hours (morning time from around 6 a.m to 9am & 3:30pm to 6pm.).

Taxi is very expensive, but use it if you have a lots of items to carry when you are within town areas.

No Picture

the public transit (TheBus) is fantastic and can get your anywhere. check out the url below for timetables/routes, etc. on TheBus, you'll have the freedom to literally sight see versus drive defensively. if you're staying in town, i think TheBus will suffice. it's also nice to walk around Honolulu. there is a LOT to see, and walking is pleasant, just watch both ways before crossing the street... Go to Chinatown and 'Iolani Palace (url's below). if you want to venture out, rent a car for a day or two, but make sure the place you're staying at has secure parking; there are a lot of car thefts and vandalism. hope this helps.

Joan G

Rent a car, the traffic isn't any worse then anywhere else. The bs takes too long and the taxi won't get you there any faster. Enjoy your trip and drive.

G S

Traffic is not as bad as you might think and a car would give you more freedom to roam around and check out the sites at a pace that works for you, just try to avoid driveing during rush hour 7 AM to 9 AM and 4 PM to 6 PM You won't have to worry much as the top speed limit on Oahu Island is 45MPH and 50 on the interstates in town and 60 out in the country on the Interstates.

Paris Hilton

It's no worse than any big city.

CYTRAVEL30

We were there in Nov.. I would rent if I wanted to tour the whole island. A 2.00 bus ride will also take you everywhere. @20.00 for a five day pass. The trolley bus is 4.00. Taxi's are more expensive. We took a shuttle bus from airport cost 12.00 and returning we used a limo service it was cheaper than the shuttle. We got coupons in the airport before leaving in the little tourist books. There isn't a lot of parking spots at hotels and very small spaces. Save money the bus will take you around the whole island in two hours. You can get off and on again,same ticket. have fun.

Just Jess

I have to disagree with everyone who says rent a car. I LOVE taking the bus in Honolulu.

If you're going to be spending the majority of your time in Honolulu/Waikiki then you're just wasting your money renting a car. You'll have to pay for parking almost everywhere you go, including your hotel, IF you can find parking. Traffic is bad, especially around rush hour.

The bus goes around the whole island, and runs frequently (like every 6-10 minutes) through Waikiki. You can get almost anywhere you want to go taking the bus. They even have an 800 number you can call. You tell them where you are and where you'd like to go and they will get you there in one transfer.

The bus isn't very expensive-$2 a ride w/ 1 transfer, or $20 for a 4 day pass, or $40 for a monthly pass. Check out their website for more info http://thebus.org/

If you want to rent a car, do so for a day or two while you explore other parts of the island, otherwise, take the bus.

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