Is driving on Oahu and Honolulu Safe? Oahu Driving Tips

The first time I came to Oahu, I was skeptical about driving. I had been to many countries all over the world and seen that the way the locals drive can be crazy and dangerous. I was pleased to see that the driving in Oahu is very much like driving in the rest of the United States. Oahu Drivings tips.

The Hawaiian style of driving does have a few quirks you should know about before you drive here, I will explain them to you below. Is driving in Oahu safe? Oahu Driving tips you need to know.

After I saw that the driving on Oahu was very similar to driving in any major city I rented a car, and I continue to do so every single time I come to Hawaii and in every city.

Is Driving On Oahu Safe? Honolulu Driving tips

What is the best way to see Oahu?

The best way to see the entire island of Oahu is to rent a car and drive around it. It is a really neat drive. You will notice that there are micro climates on Oahu and that you could be driving and it will be pouring and 5 minutes later the sun will come out and dry everything rapidly. Another area will be extremely windy and have huge waves and the other side of the island the waves will be tiny.

You will notice that every side of the island will feel a bit different for you. On the south side it will be busy and there will be a lot of traffic. When you go to the north side, life slows down a bit and it will remind you of small town living. The east side is lush tropical and mountainous and the west side is dry and industrial. You can easily drive around the entire island in a day if you wanted to.

How long does it take to drive around Oahu?

Driving around Oahu will take you 6 Hours. It is highly dependant on the time of day you are travelling as traffic in some parts of the island can be bad during rush hour. There is also a lot of construction constantly happening on Oahu. The slowest parts of the drive would be on Highway H1 and the LikeLike highway if there is construction or a crash.

How many miles is it around Oahu?

Oahu is a total of 597 Miles round. You can travel the entire island easily in a day if you are driving.

Beach shot in Hawaii. Oahu

How much does it cost to rent a car on Oahu?

We usually spend around $20 per day. Car rentals are very inexpensive here and there is almost every brand of car rental. For around $20 per day you would be getting a compact car. This time we are here with friends and kids so we rented a huge 8 seat SUV and it only costed us $400 USD for 2 weeks!

6 Reasons You should rent a car on Oahu

You will get to see the entire island

Driving around Oahu and Honolulu is really fun, I like to explore the entire island and really feel like I am a part of Hawaii. There is no tour you can take to see the entire island, so pack a gps and rent a vehicle.

It is cheaper

Getting  around the island on tours can get really expensive. You will also have to wait for people and do things you might not be into. Renting a car is much cheaper than doing it this way and more productive, you will be on your own time.

Exploring secret beaches

Every single time we have come to Hawaii we just drive around and stop at small beaches. This is one of my favourite things to do in Hawaii. You will find hidden gems all over the island.

sunset and Palm trees. Oahu driving

Getting to prime hike sites

Getting to the good hiking location requires a vehicle. You can take an Uber or a taxi in Oahu, but that is more costly. Think about it this way…your rental car will cost $20 for the day and you can do multiple things with it. A taxi or uber will cost you $40 roundtrip to many of the popular hike sites.

Shopping

We stay is a time share or an air BNB when we travel to Honolulu. We buy the majority of our groceries and cook meals in our rental in order to save money. When we have the rental car, we can hit up places like costco and Walmart and get cheaper groceries.

Freedom

Being limited to one single area is very frustrating, having the rental car gives you the freedom you want to explore Oahu on your own time. You will not be limited to one single area to get bored of. It will keep your vacation diverse.

Is Driving On Oahu safe?

Yes driving on Oahu is very safe, it is standard American driving style. The roads are clearly marked and there are traffic lights just like every other city in the United States.

They really try to make it easy for tourists in Oahu and it is safe to go into any neighbourhood here. There are no dangerous areas to drive into on Oahu.

Oahu canal. Waikiki

5 Things You Need To Know About driving on Oahu, Hawaii driving rules

1.There are lots of one ways.

I can’t count the number of times I accidentally went down a one way on Oahu. Especially in the Waikiki area. Some one ways are not clearly marked and you could find yourself on one easily if you are not careful. I did this in a walmart parking lot and one of the locals freaked out at me.

2. Hawaiians don’t use the horn unless they have to.

Every place you go will have interesting quirky driving rules. Here in Hawaii, the people do not use the horn unless they absolutely have to. I have travelled to many countries where they use the horn for everything, but here it is for emergency situations only.

3. Stay off the cell phone

Driving and talking on the cell phone is illegal and considered distracted driving here. You can get a major fine for this. Use your hands free if you need to talk on the phone.

4. Child car seats are required

Like every other US state, child car seats are required. I bring mine everywhere we travel, it is a free item on the plane so you might as well bring it. Make sure you bring the little clip as some rental cars will not have the seat clips.

5. Zero tolerance for drinking and driving

If you drink and drive in Hawaii, you can be arrested and charged. Hawaii has a zero tolerance approach to this.

Waikiki beach surfboards

5 Places you need to drive to On Oahu

There are 5 places you have to visit if you are going to be driving around Oahu. Even if you are coming for 7 days, you can get this all in. These are the most popular places on Oahu.

1. North shore

The north shore drive is the most beautiful drive on Oahu. The best surfing is in this area as well as the best snorkelling on the island in the summer months.  There are food trucks set up all over the place as well as local souvenir shops. Many of the best things on the island are located here including sharks cove, the dole plantation, Kuala Ranch and the Polynesian cultural centre.

2. Waimea Falls

Waimea falls is located inland on the north shore. It is a paved hike that is good for all ages through a beautiful Hawaiian botanical garden. At the end of the walk, there is a amazing waterfall you can swim in.

3. Hanauma Bay

Hanauma Bay is located on the west side of the island and is the #1 snorkelling spot on Oahu. It is a marine reserve with a huge healthy coral reef.

4. Ko Olina

Is a newer discovery of mine and was one of the best places you can take kids on Oahu. Read more about Ko Olina here.

Kahala resort Oahu

5. Waikiki

Waikiki is the busiest area in Honolulu and Oahu. It is the location of Waikiki beach and all of the best restaurants and clubs on the island. Waikiki has good hiking, surfing, and shopping. Your going to love it.

Is it dangerous to drive on Oahu when it rains?

Yes, the drivers here act as if it snowed when it rains here. Take you time and watch out for crappy drivers around you.

Where should I park at Waikiki beach?

You can park in any metered parking area, or at the hotels and malls. Right beside the Sheraton Waikiki, there is a huge parking lot. Alternative you can also park in Kapiolani park at a meter. The walk is very short and will give you good insight into what Waikiki is all about.

Diamond head Parking

If you are hiking diamondhead, you can park in Kapiolani park at a meter or in one of the parking lots.

Waimea Falls Parking

There are 2 lots you can park at in Waimea falls. The first lot is 100 yards back from the main building and the main lot is right at the building. Parking here is free.

Sharks cove parking

You can park in the parking lot across the street from sharks cove where you will see some food trucks.

Turtle cove beach parking

When you drive into the resort area, pass the first sets of condos on your right and the golf course. The beach and guest parking is in the lot to the right closest to the large hotel. The beach is right there.

Ko Olina parking

Every cove and beach in Ko Olina has its own parking lot. The parking here is very easy and you don’t have to be staying in the hotel to park here.

Waikiki beach boardwalk

Kahana beach parking

The parking lot for Kahana beach is right in front of the park by the beach. It is free parking

Warning about parking at Electric beach

Do not leave anything valuable in your car, this area has a lot of homeless that live at the beach and they will break into your car and steal your valuables.

Kailua beach parking

Parking in Kailua Is very simple, it is mostly residential and you can park where you like. There are no meters and it is all free. I usually park across the street from the restaurants by the beach.

Hanauma Bay parking

There will be sign to where you can park at Hanauma Bay. The parking lot is at the top of the bay in front of the checkin building. The parking lot is huge and you will have no issues finding a spot.

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