Arriving in Hawaii by cruise ship? Renting a car gives you flexibility, letting you explore beaches, volcanoes, scenic drives, and hidden gems at your own pace. But the process isn’t always as simple as stepping off the ship — knowing which car rental companies offer shuttles from the pier, which ones don’t, where the rental offices are, and how to plan can save you time and stress.

Renting a car while on a cruise ship in Hawaii can be a great way to explore the stunning beauty of the islands at your own pace. Each island has its unique charm and natural beauty, and a rental car can give you the freedom to see the sights you’re interested in without being confined to a set schedule or route, or relying on a guided tour that might not get you everywhere you want to go.

Once you have rented a car, you can set out to explore the island. In Hawaii, there are numerous scenic drives that will take you through breathtaking landscapes of lush forests, towering mountains, and sparkling coastlines. For example, on the island of Oahu, you can take a drive around the North Shore to see the famous surf breaks and beaches or drive to the top of the Ko’olau Mountain Range for panoramic views of the island.

This guide walks you through what to expect, where shuttles are available, and how to pick the best rental arrangements for your time in Hawaii.

Here are some unique points / policies you should know:

• When booking, make sure to select the “CRUISE PASSENGERS” option under island/location. That helps you see which suppliers offer shuttle service (if any) for that specific port. You can click on a car type that you would prefer and look at the details – you can see if the supplier offers cruise ship pick ups. (Most do not).
• The confirmation email will include cruise ship shuttle information if your supplier provides it.
• Some suppliers do provide free shuttle service to/from various piers. But most do not. Hence often you may need to take an Uber, taxi, or comparable service from the pier. Even if there is a shuttle, it is sometimes much faster to just call an UBER or TAXI to beat the crowd to the counter. This way, you can choose any company, and go with the best price, not the best shuttle service.

In addition to scenic drives, renting a car also allows you to visit attractions that may be difficult to access without your vehicle. For example, on the island of Maui, you can drive the winding road to Hana, which takes you through numerous waterfalls and scenic lookouts. Similarly, on the island of Kauai, you can drive to the end of the road at Ke’e Beach and hike the Kalalau Trail for stunning views of the Na Pali Coast. Make sure you research these options ahead of time to make sure they are open, and accepting visitors. Some places require reservations. Also, make sure you have enough time on shore to get to and from your destination.

It’s important to note that driving in Hawaii may be different from what you are used to, so it’s important to familiarize yourself with the local driving laws and customs. For example, in Hawaii, drivers must stop for pedestrians at crosswalks, and speed limits can vary depending on the area. It’s also important to be aware of the weather and road conditions, especially if you plan on driving on mountainous or rural roads.

To have an agent review the best options with you, please call us at 1 800 292-1930.

All vehicles are booked with our discounted rates. No credit card information is required until you pick up the vehicle. You have no obligation to use the reservation and there is no penalty for cancellations. All vehicles will be newer models with automatic transmissions and air conditioning.