Each month, a number of individuals and households with an Oahu vacation on the near-horizon debate between two polar opposites of Honolulu International Airport (HNL) transportation. They come online to compare a city bus or car rental from HNL to their hotel or vacation rental. Interestingly, and as the featured photo above shows, the two supposed options are located across from one another along Rodgers Blvd which takes recent arrivals away from the airport to their intended destination.
We’re here to intervene, because neither TheBus (as it’s called by Honolulu Transit Authority) or a car rental are reasonable options for 90% for vacationers coming to Oahu. Here’s why.
Why a Bus or Car Rental from Honolulu International Airport is a Bad Idea
Why the Bus is a Bad Idea
- TheBus does not accept standard large luggage (items that won’t fit under the seat).
- TheBus rarely leaves on time.
- TheBus is often overpacked with travelers and those picked-up on the dozens of stops between HNL and your destination.
- Getting to TheBus stop from baggage claim is arduous and time consuming.
Read more about TheBus, in this article on Can You Take the Bus from Honolulu Airport.
Why a Car Rental is a Bad Idea
- Car rental prices from HNL are significantly higher when compared to rates in Waikiki and other communities. The airport markup on car rentals runs anywhere from 100% to 300%.
- Car rental inventory, including volume in addition to variety of makes/models is dramatically limited when compared to what is available in Waikiki and other resort communities.
- The wait-time for car rentals at HNL is significantly longer when compared to wait-times in Waikiki and other communities. New arrivals typically experience waits ranging from 45-to-90 minutes to get their vehicle, even when it has been reserved ahead of time. The wait time can be about 2-hours or more if a vehicle has not been reserved ahead of time.
- Getting to car rental agency section from baggage claim is arduous and time consuming.
Preferred Alternative | Direct, Private, Low Flat Rate Shuttle
To avoid all of the negatives listed above, choose Honolulu Airport Transfer. Our commercially licensed service offers you direct and private transportation from HNL to your hotel or vacation rental, 24-hours a day. Further, your driver will meet you outside of HNL baggage claim. Lastly, our’s is the most cost efficient service on the island, with a low flat rate to Waikiki Beach hotels of just $45 for your entire party (up to four adults). View flat rates to other Oahu communities right here.