Car Hire Ala Moana Blvd — Your Gateway to Oahu’s Best Beaches and Beyond
Let’s be honest — you could spend your entire holiday in Waikiki, but you’d be missing out on so much of what makes Oahu special. Ala Moana Boulevard sits in one of the most convenient spots on the island, sandwiched between downtown Honolulu and the world-famous Waikiki strip. Securing car hire here puts you within a 30-minute drive of some of the island’s most spectacular attractions, from the rugged North Shore to the lush windward coast. Rather than waiting for tour buses or shelling out for ride-shares every time you want to explore, having your own wheels gives you the freedom to discover hidden gems that most visitors never see.
What makes this location particularly brilliant is its proximity to Ala Moana Centre, the largest open-air shopping centre in the world. Whether you’re picking up groceries for a beach picnic or need last-minute holiday essentials, everything is right at your fingertips. Plus, the boulevard itself runs along the stunning Ala Moana Beach Park, where locals gather for evening strolls and weekend barbecues. It’s a proper neighbourhood feel rather than a tourist trap — and having a hire car lets you blend right in with the kama’aina (locals).
Picking Up Your Rental Car in Ala Moana Blvd
Most car hire counters along Ala Moana Boulevard are conveniently located within or near the major hotels and shopping complexes. If you’re arriving from Honolulu Airport (about 20 minutes away), you can easily catch a taxi or ride-share to your pickup point. The main cluster of hire desks can be found near Ala Moana Centre, with several reputable companies operating from the nearby hotels along the strip. Some providers also offer meet-and-greet services where a representative will bring the vehicle directly to your hotel — worth asking about if you’re staying locally.
When collecting your vehicle, make sure you have your full driving licence (UK licence holders are fine for up to 90 days), a credit card in the main driver’s name, and your booking confirmation. It’s worth noting that Hawaiian hire companies are quite strict about additional drivers — anyone who might get behind the wheel needs to be registered, otherwise your insurance could be void. Most counters open around 7am, with closing times varying between 6pm and 9pm depending on the season, so do check your pickup window if you’re arriving on a late flight.
Where to Go with Your Rental Car
Once you’ve got the keys, the island opens up beautifully. Waikiki Beach is barely a 5-minute drive east along Ala Moana Boulevard — perfect for those first morning dips. Head further east on Kalakaua Avenue and you’ll reach Diamond Head Crater in about 15 minutes. The hike takes roughly an hour round-trip, and having a car means you can arrive early to beat the crowds and the midday heat.
For something completely different, drive north on the H-2 Highway towards the North Shore — about a 45-minute journey without stops. Winter brings legendary surf competitions at Waimea Bay, whilst summer offers glassy waters perfect for snorkelling at Shark’s Cove. Don’t miss the shrimp trucks along Kamehameha Highway; Giovanni’s is the original, but there are several excellent options.
Heading west? Pearl Harbor is roughly 20 minutes via the H-1 West. Book your USS Arizona Memorial tickets in advance though — they often sell out days ahead. If you fancy a scenic drive, take the coastal route east on the H-1 to Hanauma Bay (about 25 minutes). This volcanic crater turned marine sanctuary offers some of the best snorkelling on the island, but arrive early as they limit daily visitors to protect the ecosystem.
For a proper local experience, drive 30 minutes east to Kailua Beach via the Pali Highway. The windward side receives more rainfall, making it lush and green year-round. Kailua’s turquoise waters and powdery white sand rival any Caribbean beach, yet it remains surprisingly uncrowded during weekdays.
Tips for Driving in Hawaii
Driving in Hawaii is generally straightforward, but there are a few quirks worth knowing. Speed limits are strictly enforced and tend to be lower than you might expect — often 35mph in urban areas and 55mph on highways. The police presence is noticeable, especially near tourist areas, so stick to the limit and use your indicators. Speaking of which, Hawaiian drivers are surprisingly courteous; you’ll often see people waving thanks when you let them merge — returning the gesture goes a long way.
There are no toll roads on Oahu, which makes budgeting easier. However, parking can be a different story. Waikiki hotels charge extortionate daily rates ($30-50 is common), so if you’re staying there, check whether your accommodation includes parking. Street parking exists but requires careful attention to signage — residential areas often have permit-only zones, and the city is diligent about ticketing. Ala Moana Centre offers reasonably priced parking if you need a central base.
Weather is another consideration. Sudden tropical downpours can reduce visibility dramatically, and the roads become slippery quickly due to accumulated oils. If it starts raining heavily, slow down and increase your following distance. The windward side (east) receives significantly more rain than leeward areas, so a sunny morning in Waikiki doesn’t guarantee clear skies in Kailua. Always check conditions before heading to the North Shore in winter — high surf can close coastal roads.
Fuel stations are plentiful in urban areas but become sparse once you venture further afield. The cheapest petrol is typically found at Costco near the airport or at independent stations away from tourist strips. Most hire companies require you to return the car with the same fuel level as pickup — failing to do so incurs hefty refuelling charges that far exceed local pump prices.
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