Car rental Honolulu Airport (HNL)

When you arrive at Honolulu International Airport, you’re only a short distance from the city, so you can start your trip in non time. You can head into the heart of Honolulu on the H-1 interstate highway, or just take it for part of the way before joining Highway 92. While some of the more scenic areas of Oahu have quiet roads, those in the city itself can be busy during peak times.

You’ll likely be familiar with most of the rules of road in Hawaii. Seatbelts must be worn by everyone in the car and you can’t use your cell phone while driving. If you have any specific questions about driving here, our local team will be happy to help.

Speeds are generally slower here than in the rest of the US. The speed limit on most of the island’s highways is 55mph (88km/h), although there are now a few 60mph (96km/h) stretches. In residential areas, the maximum is capped at 25 mph (40km/h) unless otherwise stated.

It’s simple to navigate the city on the H-1, which also joins up with the H-2 and H-3. Route 93 will lead you up the west of the island, while Route 99 will take you to North Shore. Some of the scenic drives here – skirting coast, forest, volcanic crates and areas of outstanding beauty – are unforgettable.

You’ll have to use a meter for on-street parking, as it’s only free on state holidays and Sundays. You’ll also find numerous parking lots and garages, while your hotel may also have parking arrangements.

Whether it’s dipping your toe into impossibly soft, warm, white sand that tempts you, or the stellar nightlife, you’ll find it on the island of Oahu. Drive beyond vibrant Honolulu, and you’ll discover quiet coves, Polynesian culture, international cuisine, watersports and wildlife – it’s time to explore.

Heavenly Honolulu

Honolulu is a unique city. Studded with skyscrapers, it just happens to be next to the coastal curve of Waikiki Beach, meaning it feels like a dazzling and busy city, mixed with the feeling of a resort.

The Bishop Museum is justly celebrated, with millions of exhibits running the gamut, from natural history to cultural items that tell a tale of Polynesian life past and present. There’s great stuff for science buffs, too. Entrance is cheaper if you buy online in advance.

Take a tour of ‘Iolani Palace, built in 1882 as the seat of the short-lived Hawaiian monarchy. It fell into disrepair, although renovation has breathed new life into it and captured its majestic glory. This is the only royal residence in the US, so add to your must-see list.

Unseen Oahu

You’ve got the whole of Oahu as your playground, so hop into your rental car from Honolulu Airport and find that special corner that you’ll always remember; nature reserves, remote bays, palaces, temples, forests and mountain ranges all await.

You’ll see a different side of Hawaiian life on your travels. Steer down the Kalaniana’ole Highway to witness rural island life, where lush farms nestle between mountains, and where you’ll discover beaches that the crowds don’t know about. There are TV and film locations to be found, too – the Kualoa Ranch is in an unspoiled valley and can be spotted in Jurassic Park, Lost and Godzilla. Park up and ride a horse down the otherworldly Kaaawa Valley Road, with numerous trails to follow.

A taste of Honolulu

You can eat wonderful food in Hawaii and Honolulu, with local cuisine vying for attention with the best of international tastes. Head to Chinatown for lip-smacking noodles and dim sum, or stop off at one of the roadside food trucks for tasty fish tacos.

For a taste of Hawaii, look no further than Alan Wong’s, one of the most celebrated restaurants in the state. Key dishes include ginger-crusted red snapper, poke and short ribs. Word is out, however, so don’t just turn up expecting a table – reserve before you arrive on the island. More accessible is Ethel’s Grill, a hole-in-the-wall that punches above its weight. Expect ahi sashimi, taco rice, rib steak and specials such as tripe stew or pork miso soup.

The best restaurant on the island, however, might just be Senia on North King Street. It’s fine dining but with a casual touch, with some sharing plates as well as traditional a la carte, and an indulgent tasting menu. Humble ingredients are sprinkled with magic dust – beets are barbecued into silky submission, salmon is triple-smoked and served with lemon and chive waffles. Understandably, it’s a hot table and a sign of how Honolulu is so much more than a cliched resort.

Car rental from Honolulu Airport opens up a world of adventures. Embrace the opportunity and explore every beautiful inch of the state capital and Oahu island.