Car Rental Hawaii

Electric Car Hire

Hawaii is a great place to drive electric, because most trips are short, scenic, and easy to plan. Getting an EV as a car rental in Hawaii can be a great choice to make the scenic ride ever smoother, since you’ll be stopping often anyway for beaches, viewpoints, and food spots.

If you’re heading farther out, just plan one or two charging breaks along the way. It keeps things simple, and it fits naturally into an island day.

With Hertz, you can pick an EV that suits your route, choose a convenient pickup location, and enjoy an eco-friendly ride to enjoy the best of nature.

Charging Points

Hawaii has around 900+ public EV charging ports available statewide. That means you can usually find charging options across the main islands, especially around Honolulu and other built-up areas, and it keeps getting easier to plan simple charging stops while you drive.

Congestion Charges

Hawaii does not currently have a congestion charge where you pay a fee just to drive into a city area (like a downtown “zone” charge). You may hear congestion pricing mentioned in local discussions, but it’s been talked about as an idea rather than something that’s in place today.

Key Roads

• H-1 Freeway (Honolulu corridor): This is the main east–west route across Oʻahu. It’s the one you’ll use a lot for getting around Honolulu, and for drives between the city side and the Kapolei area.
• H-2 Freeway (to Central Oʻahu): If you’re heading inland, H-2 is your go-to. It connects from H-1 near Pearl City up toward Mililani and Wahiawā, which is useful for reaching central parts of the island.
• H-3 Freeway (scenic cross-island route): H-3 is a popular cross-island drive because it runs through dramatic mountain scenery. It links the Halawa area with the Kāneʻohe side, mainly via the famous tunnels through the Koʻolau Range.

Key Roads

Hawaii does not have congestion charges, and it also does not have toll roads where you pay to enter certain areas or use specific highways. So if you’re driving a rental car in Hawaii, you won’t be dealing with zone fees.

Your extra driving costs are more likely to come from parking, especially in busy areas like Waikīkī or downtown Honolulu, and from paid entry at a few attractions.

Driving Tips: When you are in Hawaii

Driving in Hawaii is pretty relaxed, but a few local rules matter a lot, especially around Honolulu and busy beach areas. Here are some simple tips to keep your drive smooth:

• Keep speeds in check. Hawaii’s posted limits are generally lower than those in many mainland states. On major routes, the top posted limits are often around 60 mph, and many other roads are lower, so follow the signs.
• Do not hold your phone while driving. Hawaii law treats “using” as holding a mobile device while you’re operating the car, even if you’re stopped at a light. If you need to use your phone, pull over safely and stop.
• Buckle up, every seat. Drivers and passengers in both the front and back seats should wear seat belts.
• Right turn on red is allowed, but only after a full stop. Come to a complete stop first, then turn only when it’s safe, and always yield to pedestrians. Some intersections may post signs that block it.
• Move over for flashing lights. If an emergency vehicle is stopped with its lights on, move into the next lane when it’s safe. If you can’t move over, slow down to a safe speed.