Car rental near cruise port

Question

We will be in Honolulu dor 2 days next week from our cruise and we want to rent a car for the first of those 2 days. When I reserved the rental some time ago it seemed the only pickup locations were at the airport. Are there car rental offices near the cruise port? That would certainly be more convenient for pickup and drop-off.

Answer

In Honolulu, there are limited car rental options directly near the cruise port. Most of the major car rental agencies typically have their offices at the Honolulu International Airport (HNL) or other central locations. However, there are a few alternatives you can consider for more convenient car rental pick-up and drop-off near the cruise terminal in Honolulu:

1. Car Rental at the Port

While not common, a few car rental agencies offer pick-up services at the Honolulu cruise port (Pier 2). You may need to call ahead to arrange a pick-up or confirm availability. These companies usually provide a shuttle service that will take you from the cruise terminal to their rental office. It's worth contacting the car rental company directly to check if this service is available for your arrival date.

2. Rental Locations Close to the Cruise Port

There are a few car rental locations located within a short drive from the cruise port. These locations may not be immediately next to the terminal, but they are typically only a few minutes away. Some popular locations include:

Enterprise Rent-A-Car - Located in downtown Honolulu (about a 5-10 minute drive from the cruise terminal).
Hertz - Another rental agency with locations that are a short drive away from the cruise terminal, around the Ala Moana area.
Budget and Avis - Both agencies also have downtown offices that are a quick ride from the port.

3. Rental Shuttle Services

If you find that your rental company doesn't have an office near the cruise port, many agencies offer a shuttle service to and from the airport or other car rental locations in Honolulu. Most of the time, you’ll need to arrange for a shuttle either before or on the day of your arrival. This can be a convenient option if you don’t mind a short ride to pick up your car.

4. Consider Alternatives like Turo

If you're unable to find a convenient traditional car rental location near the cruise port, you could consider using Turo, which is a peer-to-peer car rental service. Turo allows you to rent vehicles directly from car owners, and you can arrange for pick-up or drop-off at more flexible locations, potentially even near the cruise terminal.

Final Tips:

It’s best to contact the car rental agencies ahead of time to confirm availability and ask about shuttle or pick-up options.
Booking a car rental well in advance is crucial, especially if you’re traveling during a busy time like the winter season.
Always verify with the rental company regarding pick-up and drop-off options for a more seamless experience.

With a bit of planning, you should be able to find a convenient rental option for your stay in Honolulu after your cruise. Enjoy your time on Oahu!