Car Hire Hawaii

With towering volcanic peaks standing in the middle of the Pacific covered in lush rainforests and skirted by glorious sandy beaches, is it any wonder that the state of Hawaii is such a popular visitor destination? Getting around each of the main islands is easiest, of course, if you have a hire car. They may look like small dots on the map but the distances can be deceptive. For example, the island of Hawaii itself, known locally as The Big Island, would take you all day to drive around its coast road.

The good news is that it’s very easy to drive on these islands. The roads are well maintained and signed, the traffic is relaxed and the traffic rules are very similar to mainland America.

You won’t find the normal American road system here though. There are fewer roads and no grid patterns of straight urban blocks and provide views across the amazing landscapes of the island. Enjoy the bends and curves between the mountains and around the shoreline. The only Interstate roads are on the busiest island, O’ahu. These are the H1, H2 and H3 plus the H201, which are mainly found towards the south of the island. These are good quality four-lane freeways across the island with a speed limit of 60mph.

Find the full details of Hawaii’s driving rules and regulation in a free copy of the state driver’s manual online.

The Hawaiian Islands have become one of America’s most popular holiday destinations thanks to its incredible lands and the warm and tropical climate. There are six islands to choose from when visiting Hawaii, each with its own unique atmosphere.

O’ahu Island and Pearl Harbour

You’ll find the state capital Honolulu on O’ahu. The high rise city stands round a crescent of white sand and turquoise water known as Waikiki Beach. The city itself is a melting pot of Eastern and Western cultures with a corresponding variety in cuisine, and you’ll find the state’s major museums, galleries and institutions here.

Pearl Harbour stands to the west of the city on a big natural inlet. Take in the museums, galleries and the USS Arizona Memorial, a landmark monument in the water that is accessible by boat tours, when in the area.

Just to the east of Honolulu is Diamond Head, a volcanic cone with a crater on top. It has become a state icon and is an easy but memorable hike with steps and tunnels, rest stops and viewing areas.

Hawaii Island

Known as The Big Island or even TBI, it is almost 100 miles across. At the centre is Mauna Kea, the highest mountain in the state, reaching 13,803ft high from sea level. There is a road up the mountain if you fancy traveling that high, or instead you can enjoy spectacular hiking trails at lower altitudes. The views can be spectacular.

The Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island, however, is one of the major sights of the state. You can drive in special routes around active volcanos and craters, walk amid lava landscapes and marvel at scenery ranging from desert to rainforest in a few miles.

Maui

The quieter island of Maui has some of the best landscapes. One of the finest driving routes in the archipelago can be found here. The Hana Highway runs for around 60 miles along the island shore, winding round headlands, through rainforests and above empty beaches.

Haleakala National Park protects a wilderness area that spreads around a dormant volcano. You can drive up to the mountain summit on a well-maintained road to find a visitor centre, and from here, you can see the extraordinary crater - it’s seven miles across and 2,600ft deep. There are walking trails down into the crater’s surreal volcanic landscape.

Kaua’i

‘The Garden Isle’ may be small but it has featured in scores of Hollywood films thanks to its undisturbed rainforest, dramatic cliffs and rock stacks. The Waimea Canyon is accessible thanks to an 18-mile road leading up from the town of Waimea. You’ll get fantastic views of the canyon, which is 10 miles long and 3,000ft deep.

Hawaii can be the ideal place to spend a relaxing break, or can be the perfect backdrop to a quick business trip. With so much to do and see here, it can truly be a fantastic retreat.