Hertz car rental at Hyatt Regency

Question

Our travel agent has reserved a rental car from Hertz at the Hyatt in Waikiki for us to explore the island the one free day we have. We do not want to pay for overnight parking so want to return it the same day. We are told their hours are 8:00-4:00. Does anyone know if we can drop the car after hours? I’m wondering if cars are stored offsite so it may not be possible. I can’t get through to anyone at Hertz or Hyatt for a proper answer. If we can’t, is this time frame enough time to do some driving around the island, stopping at the Dole Plantation and driving up along the north shore and back? Thanks.

Answer

It sounds like you're planning to make the most out of your one free day on Oahu! In response to your questions:

1. Can you drop the car after hours?

Hertz at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki typically operates between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM, as you mentioned. However, most car rental locations, including those at major hotels, do offer after-hours drop-off options. Since you're concerned about whether the cars are stored offsite, here's the general process:

After-hours drop-off: Hertz often allows after-hours returns at their Waikiki location. Usually, you would park the car in a designated area (often near the rental office) and leave the keys in a secure drop box. However, it's always best to confirm with Hertz directly to be sure. If you can't get through to them at the moment, try emailing them or checking with the Hyatt Concierge for a more direct answer.
Key drop box: If after-hours drop-off is permitted, there should be a secure key drop box. This means you won’t need to worry about the car being stored offsite.
Verify the car's return location: Double-check where the drop-off area is for after hours and if there are any special instructions for returning the car once the office is closed.

2. Is the 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM time frame enough for driving around the island?

It’s absolutely doable to explore some highlights of Oahu within that time frame, even with a few stops along the way. However, the island is fairly large, so it’s important to plan your route and be mindful of the time. Here's a rough itinerary for the day:

Start Early: If you pick up the car right when the rental office opens at 8:00 AM, you’ll have a solid 8 hours of daylight for your drive.
Dole Plantation: This is a great stop along the way, about 45 minutes from Waikiki. You can tour the plantation and enjoy the pineapple ice cream. Aim for 1-1.5 hours here, including time for the maze or a quick tour.
North Shore: After the Dole Plantation, continue up to the North Shore (another 30-45 minutes depending on traffic). Famous beaches like Waimea Bay and Sunset Beach are worth a quick stop, but be mindful of time if you want to return the car by 4:00 PM. A 30-minute stop at one of the beaches should suffice.
Return to Waikiki: The drive back from the North Shore to Waikiki will take about 1-1.5 hours. If you’re planning on dropping the car by 4:00 PM, you should aim to leave the North Shore by 2:30 PM to allow for some buffer time.

Tip: Traffic can be a factor, especially if you’re driving around lunchtime or in the late afternoon, so be prepared for some delays. Consider checking traffic apps (like Google Maps) to estimate the best routes and timing.

If you’re looking to do a more relaxed drive, focusing on a few key spots might be a better option. But with some planning, you’ll be able to make the most of your day without feeling rushed.

Overall, it sounds like a great day of exploration! Just confirm the after-hours return with Hertz to avoid any last-minute issues. Safe travels!