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VIP Trans Hawaii » Car Rental vs. Booking a Shuttle - Hawaii Vacation Transportation
Car Rental vs. Booking a Shuttle
HAWAII VACATION TRANSPORTATION - WHICH ONE SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?
For most of us, the first means of transportation that comes to mind while on vacation is by car. Driving alongside a pristine beach in a red convertible, with the top down and wind blowing through the hair, is precisely what many tourists who come to Hawaii envision for themselves during their stay. Fulfilling this fantasy is not difficult to do. One needs only to rent a car and get ready for the freedom, privacy, convenience, and control that a car provides.
However, one should not overlook the option of riding a shuttle, a mode of transportation that is vastly underappreciated despite its undeniable practicality. The most obvious advantage of taking a shuttle is that it will be much cheaper. Renting a car in Hawaii can cost around $70 a day (with insurance), not accounting for gas, which is an entirely different story.
Driving in an unfamiliar place can be exhausting for two reasons:
1) a greater chance of getting lost, and 2) a new set of often-unintelligible driving laws to learn.
Although Oahu is a small island, the mountains and natural curvature of the island have led to somewhat convoluted urban planning; except in certain areas, most neighborhood streets are not in grid form. On top of that, many street names are in Hawaiian; it's difficult enough pronouncing the names, much less trying to navigate them! Taking a shuttle from the airport to your hotel will remove the need to navigate around streets such as Kalaimoku, Keoniana, and Kaiolu when you first arrive. Of course, it is recommended to become familiar with the streets and neighborhoods of Hawaii, but wouldn't it be more fun to do so after settling into your hotel, luggage safely stowed away, and family in full exploration mode?
Gas is expensive everywhere, but it should be no surprise that it is exceptionally expensive in Hawaii. In fact, the town of Hana (located on the Hawaiian island of Maui) is reported to have the nation's most expensive gasoline, at $6.03 a gallon, which is more than $2 above the national average. Riding a shuttle eliminates the need to both find a gas station and to pay such exorbitant costs. Let your shuttle driver deal with that.
There are other benefits to not having to drive, such as avoiding the frustrations of traffic and not having to worry about parking. Hawaii can get very congested, as almost one million people are squished onto one little island. Finding parking can be difficult in Honolulu, as well as expensive, especially in Waikiki. Just take a look at the costs to park at some of Waikiki's most popular hotels.
Hotel |
Cost of self-parking per night |
Ala Moana Hotel |
$20 |
Halekulani |
$22 |
Hawaii Prince Hotel |
$15 |
Hilton Hawaiian Village |
$24 |
Hyatt Regency |
$30 |
Miramar Waikiki |
$20 |
Outrigger Regency |
$20 |
Pacific Beach |
$20 |
Queen Kapiolani Hotel |
$15 |
If you're staying in Waikiki, there may be days during which you will not leave the area, as there is a multitude of restaurants, shops, and other fun activities within walking distance, thus rendering a car superfluous. Most rental car companies require you to catch a shuttle from the airport to pick your car up anyway; why not stay on the shuttle all the way to your hotel?
VIP Trans Hawaii offers shuttle services that fulfill any visitor's transportation needs. For a mere $12 (one way) or $20 (round trip), available 24 hours a day, you can catch the shuttle to and from your hotel in Waikiki. You can either book online or call toll free on the same day at 1-866-836-0317.
Unlike most airport shuttle companies that wait until an entire bus is full before leaving the airport, VIP Trans shuttles accommodate fewer passengers, thus leaving the airport much quicker and requiring fewer stops between the airport and your hotel.
Besides an airport shuttle, VIP Trans also offers transportation to Pearl Harbor for only $6 (one way) or $9.99 (round trip). This service is offered at set times, departing from Waikiki on the hour from 7am to 12pm, and from Pearl Harbor at 11:30am, 2pm and 4:30pm. A narrated tour of highlights Honolulu's history is available and covers Pearl Harbor, the USS Arizona Memorial, the National Cemetery of the Pacific, the Stat Capitol, the Governor's Mansion, King Kamehameha statue, Iolani Palace, and Kawaiahao Church. This comprehensive tour is available for $19 for adults and $15 for children.
For even more history, a Pearl Harbor and Honolulu City Combo Tour is available four days a week, for $29.99 (adult) and $19.50 (children). This narrated tour, approximately 5 hours long, includes Downtown Honolulu, Chinatown, Punchbowl Crater National Cemetery, Honolulu Harbor, and Fisherman's Wharf.
The Royal Circle Island Tour offers a 7-hour tour around the entire island. The tour goes around the eastern part of the island, past Diamond Head and Kahala, to Hanauma Bay, Sandy Beach, and Makapu'u Lookout. The shuttle crosses over to the Windward Side and up to the famous North Shore.
  
Those interested in shopping for the best deals on souvenirs in town, VIP Trans offers service to the Aloha Stadium swap meet, Hawaii's largest open air flea market frequented by locals. Hundreds of local merchants sell their goods every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday. The shuttle picks up from all major Waikiki hotels and costs $6 per person (one way) and $9.99 (round trip).
VIP Trans also offers transportation for large private groups, such as corporate retreats, school field trips, and weddings. Just think - a reliable way for your wedding party to arrive together on time!
Most people come to Hawaii to relax. We want your stay here to be as enjoyable as possible. Leave the tedious transportation duties to us, so you can free your mind and take full advantage of everything our island has to offer.
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