4 Things You Should Know Before Driving in Hawaii

Whether you just moved to Honolulu or you’re planning a vacation here, there are a few things you should be aware of before heading out on the island roads. It can be valuable to know how transportation works here when you’re out and about, taking in the many stunning views. Review these four helpful tips from Little Hawaii Rent A Car before you hop in the driver’s seat of your rental vehicle.

1. Street Names Are Difficult to Pronounce

We love our heritage, but sometimes it can be difficult to pronounce Hawaiian words and names. That goes for those of us who are from here, too. If you use Google Maps or Siri to find your way around the island, don’t be surprised when they mispronounce a few, or many, of the street names.

2. We Have Many Back Roads

While we do have main roads, we also have several winding side streets and curvy back roads. If you’d like to explore more of the Honolulu area than simply the outskirts, consider driving your rental vehicle down a few of these back streets. It may take you longer to get to your destination, but you never know what you may discover on the way.

3. View the Coastline from a Few Main Roads

If you prefer to stick to the coastlines of Hawaii, it’s hard to get lost as there are only a few main roads you need to follow. Starting in Honolulu, drive your rental up the east side of the island by following Kamehameha Highway. To view the west side of the island, begin at Highway 1 and then drive along Farrington Highway.

4. Traffic Slows around Tourist Attractions

You’ll need to leave in plenty of time to reach your destination, especially if you’ll be driving past several visitor attractions. Naturally, the roads in these locations are busier and slow down considerably during peak times. Vacationers may be looking for a place to park, viewing scenic beaches, or simply trying to navigate Honolulu roads.  

Call to Reserve Your Rental Vehicle Today

Before arriving in Honolulu, be sure to call us about a rental. You can contact us at (808) 374-2137 or conveniently reserve one online. We rent a wide range of vehicles including compact cars, sprinter vans, Jeeps, and more!

Source: Allen, Kevin. “12 Things You Need to Know About Driving in Hawaii.” Web article. Hawai’i Magazine. 26 Feb. 2019. Web. 16 Sep. 2022.