Expert Advice for Hawaii

All Articles on Hawaii

How to Get a Hawaii Learners Permit
You’re able to get a Hawaii learner’s permit once you turn 15 1/2 years old. This is the first phase of a three-tiered program for licensing young drivers.
avatar
Amber Reed
Do You Need Rental Car Insurance in Hawaii?
Depending on what your personal auto policy already includes, you may not need additional rental car insurance in Hawaii. Here are the details!
avatar
Brittni Brinn
The Best Gap Insurance Companies in Hawaii
Gap insurance isn’t required coverage in Hawaii, but it could potentially save you thousands of dollars if your new car is totaled.
avatar
Amber Reed
Hawaii Provisional License
Hawaii has a three-phase licensing program that includes a provisional driver’s license in the second phase. Here’s what that means.
avatar
Abbey Orzech
Do You Need a Car In Oahu?
If you’re visiting Oahu, you can get around without a rental car—unless you want to explore the lesser-known parts of the island.
avatar
Meaghan Branham
How to Find Defensive Driving Courses in Hawaii
The best way to find a defensive driving course in Hawaii is by visiting your county or island’s DMV.
avatar
Brittni Brinn
What to Do After a No-Fault Car Accident Without Insurance in Hawaii
In Hawaii, you can file a claim with the insurance provider of the driver at fault after a car accident, but you could still be penalized for driving uninsured.
avatar
Jasmine Kanter
Do You Need a Car in Waikiki?
You probably won’t need a rental car while staying in Waikiki, thanks to the great public transportation options and general walkability. Read more here!
avatar
Zachary Morgan
Do You Need a Car In Maui?
If you want to see some of Maui's wildest (and most beautiful) sights, renting a car is a must.
avatar
Jasmine Kanter
Do You Need a Car In Kaua'i?
Having a rental car while traveling in Kaua'i can be super helpful, especially if you’re planning to do a lot of hiking.
avatar
Liz Jenson
Buying a Car in Hawaii From Out of State
To register your out-of-state vehicle in Hawaii, confirmation of the vehicle’s weight, a safety test, and other documents are required.
avatar
Mary Cahill
Do You Need a Car In Honolulu?
It’s possible to get around Honolulu without a car—but if you want to adventure away from downtown, or if you’ve got a lot of gear, you’ll need a vehicle.
avatar
Bonnie Stinson
How to Register a Car in Hawai'i
To register your car in Hawai’i, you will need a vehicle inspection form, certification title, and application for registration. Requirements vary by island.
avatar
Pat Roache
What Counts As Proof of Residency In Hawaii?
If you’re new to The Aloha State, you can use your voter or automobile registration, utility bill, or mortgage document as proof of residence.
avatar
Andrea Barrett
2023 Hawaii CDL Requirements Guide
You must be 21 years old and hold a valid basic Hawaiian driver’s license to obtain a CDL license in the Aloha State.
avatar
Jacqulyn Graber
Look Out for These Invasive Plants in Hawaii
Albizia, miconia, and smothering seaweed are just a few of Hawaii’s most troublesome invasive plant species.
avatar
Melanie Krieps Mergen
Hawaii Is Able to Stop Relying on Coal-Powered Electricity Thanks to Tesla
The state of Hawaii is retiring its coal-powered electric plants in lieu of a new battery-based energy storage project using Tesla Megapack batteries. 
avatar
Allison Stone
Does Hawaii Require Front License Plates?
You must have a front and rear license plate if you are registering your vehicle in Hawaii. Here are the details!
avatar
Brittni Brinn
Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Hawaii: Do You Need It?
Uninsured motorist coverage isn’t required in Hawaii—but driving without it isn’t a smart move.
avatar
Jason Tushinski
Hawaii Gas Tax
Hawaii’s fuel excise tax adds 16 cents per gallon to your gas purchase—but that’s only the tip of the iceberg. Click here to find out how to save on gas in Hawaii.
avatar
Matt Nightingale
What Is the Driving Age in Hawaii?
Hawaiian teens can get a learner’s permit at 15.5 and a full license by age 17. Learn more about the Hawaii driving age here.
avatar
Jacqulyn Graber
How to Deal with Rising Gas Prices in Hawaii
Hawaii’s gas prices are the second-highest in the country at $5.344 per gallon, but you can save more with better car insurance.
avatar
Christelle Agustin
Hawaii Car Accident Laws
If you get into a car accident in the Aloha State, you’ll need to know Hawaii’s car accident laws to file a report or claim damages.
avatar
Mariza Morin
How to Complete a DMV Change of Address in Hawaii
To complete a change of address in Hawaii, visit your county’s Motor Vehicle Licensing office in person or apply by mail, fax, or email.
avatar
Mariza Morin
How to Get a Hawaii Handicap Placard (and Who’s Eligible)
Find out if you are someone you know are eligible for a handicap license plate or placard in Hawaii.
avatar
John Pickhaver
How to Get Cash for Junk Cars in Honolulu
If you have a junk car to get rid of, call one of Honolulu’s scrappers, junkyards, or car recycling services.
avatar
Mary Alice Morris
Hawaii Road Closures
Driving in Hawaii can be a challenge, with natural disasters and construction causing road closures. Always check your routes before you hit the road.
avatar
Andrea Barrett
How to Find Temporary Car Insurance in Hawaii
Temporary car insurance in Hawaii doesn’t really exist, but you can purchase a six-month policy and cancel early.
avatar
Meaghan Branham
Everything You Need To Know About Driving in Maui
Relax when driving on Maui—not only do you want time to take in the view, but locals (and speed limits) are also slower than drivers on the mainland.
avatar
Jasmine Kanter
Everything You Need To Know About Driving in Honolulu
Honolulu’s traffic is some of the most congested in the country, but there are ways to avoid getting stuck in it.
avatar
Matt Nightingale

All Questions on Hawaii

Should I rent a car in Hawaii or take an Uber?
I’m super excited about my trip to Hawaii soon! To get around, do I need to rent a car in Hawaii, or do the islands have Uber?
avatar
Jacqulyn Graber
Should I rent a car in Honolulu?
My whole family is visiting Honolulu, Hawaii. Should we rent a car or is there a better way to get around?
avatar
Jacqulyn Graber
What are the best things to do in Hawaii?
My partner and I are planning our bucket-list vacation to Hawaii. What we didn’t anticipate was how many islands there are to visit! To narrow our scope, what are some of the best things to do in Hawaii?
avatar
Eric Schad
What are the best things to do in Kauai?
I found a great deal on accommodations in Kauai, so my partner and I are going to visit for about 10 days. None of our friends or family have been to the island, so we need some guidance. What are some of the best things to do in Kauai?
avatar
Eric Schad
What’s the best time to visit Oahu?
My husband and I want to head to Hawaii, but frankly, he’s too cheap to pay for a trip over Christmas—what’s the best time to visit Oahu?
avatar
Jason Tushinski
What are the best family activities in Oahu?
We’re super excited to be visiting Hawaii as a family for the first time! We will mainly be staying in Oahu so I was wondering what the best family activities are on this island.
avatar
Tiffany Leung
What is the best route from Kona to Hilo?
I’m spending my vacation on the Big Island of Hawaii, and I want to take a road trip from Kona to Hilo. What’s the best route between the two? Anything I should stop to see along the way?
avatar
Brittni Brinn
Do I need uninsured motorist coverage in Hawaii?
I’m spending two years in Hawaii at the end of this year, and I will be getting a car for my stay. I know I’ll need liability insurance but do I also need uninsured motorist coverage?
avatar
Andrea Barrett
What is the Hawaii speed limit?
Hawaii is at the top of my bucket list. After years of saving, I’m finally ready to explore the islands for a month. I’m going to rent a car, but I want to make sure I don’t get a speeding ticket. What’s the speed limit in Hawaii?
avatar
Eric Schad
How old do you need to be to rent a car in Hawaii?
My husband and I are taking a trip to Hawaii for our honeymoon. We plan on renting a car and exploring Maui, but we weren’t sure if we could rent a car because we’re only 24 years old. In Hawaii, how old do you need to be to rent a car?
avatar
Eric Schad
Why is gas so expensive in Hawaii?
My partner and I are vacationing in Hawaii. We thought we’d budgeted well for the whole trip, but we’re spending so much more on gas than we expected. Why is gas so expensive in Hawaii?
avatar
Sarah Gray
Are there toll roads in Hawaii?
My husband and I are taking a month-long vacation on the Big Island of Hawaii, and we plan on renting a car to get around. But we’re unfamiliar with the roadways. Are there toll roads in Hawaii?
avatar
Mariza Morin
How do I check a driving record in Hawaii?
I’m from Hawaii, and while I don’t live there anymore, most of my family does. My cousin wants to look at his driving history and asked for my help, but I’m unsure what the process is. Can you explain how to check a driving record in Hawaii?
avatar
Maxine Boyko
Is lane splitting legal in Hawaii?
Is it illegal to split lanes on a motorcycle when driving in Hawaii? Sometimes I get stuck in long lines of cars but I know I could get where I need to go way faster if I just rode straight down the middle!
avatar
Liz Jenson
Are there interstate highways in Hawaii?
I’m moving to Hawaii in the near future. However, I like to learn everything about a place before I go there. I drive a lot. So does Hawaii have interstates?
avatar
Eric Schad
Do you need a front license plate in Hawaii?
I’m planning on moving to Hawaii in the next few months. Currently, I’m creating a checklist of things I need to do before I hop over to the islands. Do I need to get a front license plate if I get a car loan for a new ride?
avatar
Eric Schad
Is a cell phone ticket a moving violation in Hawaii?
I’m renting a car to drive around the Hawaiian island of Oahu. However, I’m also going to work an hour or two a day while I’m there. The only thing is that I’d like to make my work calls while I’m getting to my destination. Is a cell phone ticket considered a moving violation when you’re visiting Hawaii?
avatar
Eric Schad
Can you turn right on red in Hawaii?
My husband and I are taking a trip to Hawaii next month and we are something of over-preparers. We’re renting a car and want to make sure we follow all traffic laws. Are right turns on red legal in Hawaii?
avatar
Abbey Orzech
Do you need a smog check in Hawaii?
I’m moving to Hawaii, so I’m making a checklist before I leave. One of those things is to sort out my car situation—it’s a bit of a beater, but it belonged to my late father. I want to ship it, but I want to get work done on it first if I need to pass an emissions test—does Hawaii require a smog check?
avatar
Eric Schad
How much can you make driving for Uber in Hawaii?
My cousin has gotten it in his head that he’s going to move to Hawaii and make a killing as an Uber driver. I’m all for ambition and adventure, but I'm not sure it’s going to be the cash cow he thinks it is. Just how much do Uber drivers make in Hawaii?
avatar
Amber Reed
How long does a car battery last in Hawaii?
My wife and I are thinking about moving to Hawaii sometime in the next year or two. However, the prices for everything are frighteningly expensive. As such, we want to budget for every possible scenario, including car ownership. How long will a car battery typically last in the Aloha State?
avatar
Eric Schad

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings — it's 100% free