This is a contributed post.
Tourism in Hawaii is booming again. In July 2022, the number of visitors to the Hawaiian Islands totaled 919,154 — a 92.4% recovery from July 2019. With most accommodation options open and attractions in full swing again, you can make your dream come true, take that long-awaited trip, and have the perfect Hawaiian vacation with your kids.
Of course, traveling with children is anything but simple, especially when you’re a single parent. That’s why it’s crucial to maximize convenience, safety, and cost-efficiency where possible. If you’re going to visit Hawaii with your children, one of the best ways to achieve this is by renting a car. Here’s how it can help you.
Countless sightseeing opportunities
Hawaii has abundant natural beauty, boasts a rich history and culture, and many exciting places to visit. Unfortunately, it’s likely that you won’t have the time to see them all — especially if the places you want to see are far apart. Car rentals in Hawaii can help expand your reach so you can explore the full scope of the island that you’re on. If you’re in Oahu, you can visit beaches, shopping areas, and restaurants anytime. Likewise, if you’re in Maui, you can travel from resort areas to scenic routes without worrying about the logistics too much.
More importantly, having a car allows you to visit locations difficult to reach via public transportation. These may include calm and quiet residential areas or scenic drives around the islands. You can even indulge your kids’ requests for car camping or catching a sunrise or sunset.
Enhanced safety and convenience
Getting around any destination can be difficult, especially with younger kids. They’re not always capable of carrying their own belongings. If you’re bringing a baby or toddler along or are planning to visit any of Hawaii’s wonderful beaches — like Hapuna or Kalaupapa — so you may have to lug around heavy bags. This can quickly become a nightmare when you travel by bus or taxi. Just imagine trying to get everyone inside while ensuring no one strays too far away!
For this reason, renting a car poses a safer and more comfortable alternative. Having your own vehicle allows you to transport your family at your convenience without worrying about bus schedules or taxi availability. You can leave items in the car, so you can more easily focus on your kids when you walk around. You can also go out at any time of day, including early in the morning, late at night, when there are emergencies, or you need to pick something up at convenience stores or pharmacies. The Balance states that rental companies even provide roadside assistance, so you don’t need to worry if the car breaks down in an unfamiliar area.
The cost-effective option
One of the heaviest expenses for vacations is transportation. Our article ‘The Most Rewarding Vacation Spots for a Single Mom and Her Kids + What it Takes to Get There Financially’ explains that you have to see where you can reduce your expenses. You can easily reduce some of these costs when you rent a car.
Although it may seem like taxis, ride-shares, or shuttles don’t cost much, visiting two to three destinations daily can quickly make your bills pile up. You may even have to adjust your budget when you want to visit more places. For example, you may decide to traverse Maui’s famed Road to Hana, a 64-mile stretch covering spots ranging from the Waianapanapa State Park to the Pools of Oheo. The shuttle bus costs for this trip can rack up quickly, especially when traveling with your family. Renting a car allows you to know the upfront costs of your transport so you can explore as many destinations as possible.
Visiting Hawaii can become a core memory for your children. By renting a car, you can maximize safety, comfort, convenience, and cost-effectiveness as you explore as much of the Hawaiian islands to your heart’s content.
