While renting a vehicle and driving around on each of the Hawaiian islands is relatively straightforward, there are lots of reasons a visitor might choose to go without a vehicle. Thankfully, that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on any of the fun! Oahu is easily accessible for those without a rental car.
Where to stay
Without a rental car, the most convenient place to stay is definitely Waikiki. Only a short distance from the airport (and cruise port), this area incudes hotel options for every budget, tons of shopping and restaurants, as well as one of the most popular beaches on the island. All within walking distance!
Getting around
The best thing about staying in Waikiki is that you’re already within walking distance of a ton of things to do. But you’re certainly not stuck there!
Oahu has an abundance of taxis and ride shares available, particularly in the Waikiki area. Additionally, the Waikiki trolley offers narrated hop-on-hop-off routes that visit many popular locations. Further out, there are also guided tours available and a few attractions have the option to add on transportation to and from the Waikiki area. If the budget’s super tight, there’s also bus service available.
Things to Do Around Waikiki
Enjoy the beach: Waikiki is located right on the water which means you have direct access to one of the most popular beaches on the island! The majority of hotels offer rental options for beach chairs and umbrellas so that you can spend a day relaxing by the water.
Get out on the water: There are lots of great options for getting out on the water as well. You’ll find snorkeling cruises, whale watching cruises (in season), sunset cruises, outrigger canoe surfing, surf lessons, stand up paddle boarding lessons, and even a submarine ride available right from Waikiki.
Go hiking: You can’t miss seeing Diamond Head crater as it towers over the eastern end of Waikiki…and, for absolutely spectacular views of the island (particularly at sunrise), you can even hike up to the summit! The hike itself it approximately 1.5 miles round trip and consists of a combination of switchback trails and stairs which take you through some old military tunnels and bunkers on the way to the top. Advance reservations are required and can be obtained here.
Take a walking tour: The popular Shaka Guide offers narrated, self-guided walking tours of both Waikiki and downtown Honolulu.
Eat and Drink: You won’t have a shortage of places to eat and drink in Waikiki. Some popular locations include: Duke’s, Hula Grill, House Without a Key, Musubi Cafe Iyasume, Momosan Ramen, Island Vintage Coffee and Shave Ice, Marugame Udon, and Rainbow Drive In.
Visit the Iolani Palace: Learn a little bit of Hawaiian history by visiting the only royal palace in the United States…the beautiful Iolani Palace. Just a short distance from Waikiki and within walking distance of the cruise port, the Iolani Palace offers both guided group tours and self-guided audio tours.
Visit the Bishop Museum: The Bishop Museum is only a short distance from Waikiki and features exhibits on Hawaiian culture, the natural history of the islands, interactive science activities, and a planetarium.
Visit the Honolulu Museum of Art: Also only a short distance from Waikiki and within walking distance of the cruise port, the Honolulu Museum of Art features a wealth of incredible artwork from Hawaii…and the rest of the world. They also offer art classes for both children and adults.
Pay your respects at Pearl Harbor: Most people visiting Oahu have visiting Pearl Harbor on their list of things to do. Here you can tour the Pearl Harbor museums, visit the USS Arizona Memorial (reservations strongly recommended), tour the USS Bowfin submarine and the USS Missouri, as well as visit the Aviation Museum. No bags of any kind are allowed and luggage storage is available on site for a fee.
See some animals: Both the Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Aquarium are located within walking distance of Waikiki.
Go shopping: Waikiki offers a variety of shops for all budgets!
Walk through nature: There are a number of parks and botanical gardens in the area including Liliʻuokalani Botanical Garden and Foster Botanical Garden.
Check out the KCC Farmer’s Market: One of the best ways to meet locals and get a (literal) taste of the area is to check out a farmer’s market. The KCC Farmer’s Market is open on Saturday mornings in the Kapiolani Community College parking lot not too far from Waikiki.
Learn more about Hawaiian culture: The Royal Hawaiian Center hosts cultural entertainment and classes throughout the week. On certain evenings you can catch the free Kuhio Beach Hula Show at the hula mound near the Duke Kahanamoku statue.
Watch Friday night fireworks: On Friday nights, the Hilton Hawaiian Village hosts a short, free fireworks display on the beach.
Further Out on the Island
Not having a rental car doesn’t mean you can’t explore the rest of the island. Here are some options for how to easily visit areas beyond Waikiki without needing to drive yourself.
Polynesian Cultural Center: The Polynesian Cultural Center offers an entire day’s worth of hands on activities and entertainment…and, best of all, they offer optional round trip transportation from Waikiki. Here you can explore a variety of cultures through food, music, games, sports, and more!
Kualoa Ranch: Kualoa Ranch is a breathtakingly beautiful, private nature reserve that has been the location for many movies and TV shows…including Jurassic Park, Jumanji, Kong, and more. There are a huge selection of tours to chose from and the day-long adventures such as the “Best of Kualoa” and the “Half Day Package” offer optional transportation from Waikiki.
Luaus
Want to attend a luau while you’re on the island? No problem! You’ll have lots of choices even without a rental car.
The Diamond Head Luau at the Waikiki Aquarium and Rock-A-Hula at the Royal Hawaiian Center are both walkable from most Waikiki hotels. Not much farther away, the Ka Moana Luau at the Aloha Tower is a short trip via taxi or ride share…or opt for their add-on transportation.
Other popular luaus including the Polynesian Cultural Center, Experience Nutridge, Aloha Kai, and Mauka Warriors offer optional add-on transportation from the Waikiki area.
