Rental Car Mess

[Mcterry]

So, we are arriving into HNL at 11:42PM and no rental car places are open. I took everyone’s advice and booked a hotel near the airport for that first night, however, when I called and talked to Aulani about cancelling my first night, I lose some of my discount and end up paying $115 less for the trip but I am paying more than that at the airport hotel! So, next question, are there limo companies or places that will take us to Aulani at midnight? We are a group of 6, we know we want to do Pearl Harbor and probably a few other things, could we get by without a rental car? Are we going to spend way more on transfers? Thanks for any advice!

 

[mitsukoshi samurai]

Uber?

 

[Budzooka]

This is who we are using in July. Haven’t used them before but good reviews.

https://go808express.com/

 

[happymommy]

Aulani is only about 30 minutes from the airport. I wouldn’t stay at an “airport” hotel near HNL; the only one kind of close is a crappy hotel. I’d just take a taxi to Aulani upon arrival. I’d see about getting a car later for a few days depending on how long you’re staying, but with 6 of you I’d get a minivan so maybe just a day or two. Our rental car for October (just a midsize) has gone from $50/day which we’re paying to $100/day now (we got it for the whole 2 weeks, as I like to have a car the whole time). We own at the Marriott Ko Olina so that’s where we’re staying.

 

[nkereina]

I'm not sure when you're going, but keep an eye out to see if the satellite rental car offices in Ko Olina re-open before your trip. Alamo is at Aulani and Enterprise is at the Marriott, though both have been closed due to Covid. I would guess that as things return more towards normal, the number of tourists increases, and with the current rental car demand, they may end up re-opening this year.

I agree with PP that I would just stay at Aulani for the duration. I'm certain you could find a private car service you could hire, or UberXL is another viable option. Someone could always Uber to a rental car office (or find one that will pick you up) the next day to get the rental car. IMO, a rental car is a must not just for cost savings but also for flexibility, giving you the opportunity to make unplanned stops, go off site for meals, avoid traffic and rush hour, etc etc.

 

[OKW Lover]

Agreeing with the PP's on several points.
The hotel near HNL airport is not great. Even for just one night.

Getting from HNL to Aulani at midnight should be a problem at all. Even if you don't use a car service. Charlie Taxi will have cabs there and they offer a flat-rate to Aulani. At that time of night you'll have no issues with traffic so it will be a quick trip.

I'd also agree that renting a car for a day at Aulani is a good solution for getting to Pearl Harbor or other spots around the island.

 

[jimmymc]

There are taxi's, Uber/Lyft, and private shuttles that you can book to get to Aulani late at night. Hawaii has so many international and oddly-timed flights that they're used to late night transfers. When looking for prices, search the Ko Olina resort area.

 

[tankin]

We used Platinum for a daytrip to the North Shore when we had a big group in HI a few years ago. It was a good experience. Looks like they do airport pick ups

https://platinumtransportationhi.com/

 

[longboard55]

We just did a rental less trip, we used Hawaii 23. Not the best vehicle but great driver and communication. HNL to Waikiki was $23, Waikiki to Aulani was $78 and Aulani to HNL was $58. Plus tips. They will also do tours for $58 an hour