Transportation
RENTAL CARS
If you're relocating to Oahu, chances are you’ll need a rental vehicle while waiting for your car to arrive or before purchasing one locally. To avoid overpaying, make a reservation in advance—last-minute rentals often leave you with premium vehicles that can exceed your budget and needs.
While it's convenient to rent directly at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), it’s worth exploring off-airport rental options, which can offer better rates and more flexible terms.
For military members, companies like Budget and Enterprise offer military discounts, long-term rentals, and have over 20 locations across Oahu. Be sure to visit their websites and filter for Hawaii-specific deals and availability.
PICKING UP YOUR CAR
If you’ve shipped your privately owned vehicle to Oahu, International Auto Logistics (IAL) is the official contractor handling delivery under the Global Privately Owned Vehicle Contract (GPC) III.
To track your vehicle’s arrival, visit PCSmyPOV.com. Under the Locations tab, select Honolulu to view required documents and local pickup details.
VEHICLE REGISTRATION
Registering Your POV in Hawaiʻi
You must register your vehicle within 30 days of arrival in Honolulu (or obtain a permit) through the City & County of Honolulu. Take the vehicle to an official Hawaii safety inspection station first; you must present a valid safety inspection to register. Then visit any Satellite City Hall (or the JBPHH registration office with proper access) to submit documents and complete registration. Appointments are required for many services.
Military Registration
If you live on post, you must also register the vehicle with the base’s Pass & Registration (or vehicle control) office for base access.
REGISTRATION RENEWAL
There are four ways to renew a Hawaii Motor Vehicle Registration:
Hawaii DMV– Kiosks are now located inside select Safeway and Foodland stores to quickly and securely renew your vehicle registration. The kiosk will print out your new registration card and license plate emblem immediately after you pay for your renewal.
https://hawaiidmvnowkiosk.com/Online–Online registration renewal is available provided your City and County of Honolulu address is correct and no supplemental forms are required (safety inspection certificate, location certificate, CS-L (MV) 50 or 50A, etc.
https://mvinquiry.hnl.info/renewalMail–Renew by mail with check or money order made payable to “City and County of Honolulu.” Follow instructions on your Motor Vehicle Registration Renewal notice and mail to: Department of Customer Services, Division of Motor Vehicle, Licensing and Permits, P.O. Box 30320, Honolulu, HI 96820-0320.
Satellite City Hall–Renewal at a Satellite City Hall offers an in-person transaction option at an express window.
https://www.honolulu.gov/csd/satellite-city-hall/
SAFETY INSPECTIONS
Before registering your vehicle in the State of Hawaii, you are required to complete a Hawaii safety inspection at a certified inspection station.
What to Bring:
● Current vehicle registration
● Valid proof of Hawaii no-fault insurance
During the inspection, the station will verify your vehicle meets state safety standards. Hawaii’s electronic safety inspection system allows stations to enter results directly into the Department of Transportation (DOT) database. This provides immediate verification for DMV registration purposes—no need to present a paper certificate.
To help prevent sticker theft or misuse, vehicle-specific information is printed directly on the safety inspection sticker, which must be affixed to your vehicle's windshield after passing inspection.
DRIVER’S LICENSES
Like many states, Hawaiʻi’s driver’s license rules can be detailed—especially for military members and new residents. Below are key highlights and tips to help you navigate the process. For official resources, visit honolulu.gov or hidot.hawaii.gov.
Switching to a Hawaiʻi License
If you decide to obtain a Hawaiʻi license, you’ll need to apply before your current out-of-state license expires. If your license is still valid, you may only need to take the written test and a vision exam. If your license has expired, you’ll likely need to take the road test as well. Schedule or reschedule a road test at any Oʻahu location online at honolulu.gov/csd/road-test.
Where You Can Get a Driver’s License or Take Tests:
● Kapalama Driver Licensing Center (925 Dillingham Blvd, Honolulu)
Full licensing services including written tests, road tests, vision tests, and license issuance. Real ID processing. Road test appointments available here.
● Motor Vehicle Control Branch (1112 Kapahulu Ave)
This is the new Express Road Test site where you can take behind-the-wheel testing and complete licensing paperwork after passing the test.
Teen Drivers & Graduated Licensing
Even if you hold an out-of-state license, drivers aged 15 to 17 must follow Hawaiʻi’s Graduated Licensing Program (GDL), which includes three stages: Instructional Permit, Provisional License, and Full License.\
For minors under 18, parent or guardian consent is required. You’ll be given a written test and vision test. If you pass, you’ll receive a temporary paper license until the official license is mailed.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
When applying for a Hawaiʻi license, you may need the following:
● Current out-of-state license
● Birth certificate or passport
● Proof of legal presence (if not a U.S. citizen)
● Proof of Social Security Number (or exemption)
● Proof of Hawaiʻi residency (such as a utility bill)
● Vision corrected to at least 20/40
If Your Hawaiʻi License Expires While Deployed
If you're on active federal duty and your Hawaiʻi driver’s license expires while you're deployed outside the state, your license will remain valid for 90 days after returning to the U.S. To renew, you may need to present deployment orders or other official documentation.
BICYCLES, MOPEDS & MOTORCYCLES
Bicycle Registration
● Owners of bicycles with 20-inch or larger tires must register their bike permanently.
● Registration is available at any Satellite City Hall or the Main Bicycle Registration Station at: 1112 Kapahulu Avenue, Honolulu
● Cost: $15 per bicycle plus $5 to transfer registration.
● Required documents: Serial number and bill of sale.
● Registration fees fund local bicycle projects and safety programs.
● For details on registration, regulations, and safety tips, visit: honolulu.gov/csd/bicycle-registration.
Helmet Rules: All riders under 16 must wear helmets. Military bases require all bike riders to wear helmets regardless of age.
Moped Registration & Operation
● Mopeds with 49cc engines or larger must be registered and Safety inspected annually
● Registration and inspections require an appointment at a Satellite City Hall.
● Insurance is mandatory to pass inspection and register your moped.
● To legally operate a moped, you need at least a valid Class 1 driver’s license or permit.
● Noise regulations: Oʻahu mopeds must have mufflers, as per Bill 53. Violations may result in misdemeanor charges with penalties up to 1 year in jail and/or a $2,000 fine.
Moped Operation Rules: Unless posted otherwise, mopeds should be driven in bicycle lanes at speeds not exceeding 35 mph. Mopeds are prohibited on freeways and interstate highways.
Motorcycle Safety & Equipment Requirements
● All motorcycle riders and passengers must wear:
○ Long sleeves and pants
○ Hard sole shoes
○ Shatter-resistant eye protection
○ Full-finger leather or similar gloves
○ DOT-approved helmet
○ Safety vest with front and back retro-reflective strips
● Motorcycles and mopeds must:
○ Have rearview mirrors on both sides
○ Keep lights on while operating
● On military or government installations, mopeds (49cc+) are treated as motorcycles.
TheBus Service on Oʻahu
The Bus operates 106 routes, including
3 express and 2 limited-stop routes.
Adults: $3.00 per ride
Youth (ages 6–17): $1.50 per ride
Children under 5 ride free when accompanied by a paying passenger and not occupying a seat
High School Students: All public high school students ride free
on The Bus.
Fares:
Monthly passes are available at: TheBus Pass Office (Middle Street & Kamehameha Highway), 7-Eleven stores, Foodland supermarkets, Times Supermarkets, and Any Satellite City Hall. The HOLO Card also works on the Handi-Van paratransit service and will be accepted at upcoming rail stations.
Where to Buy Passes
For the latest route changes and schedules, visit the Routes & Timetable page on TheBus.org. Or call TheBus Customer Service at (808) 848-5555 and press 2 for updates.
Stay Updated
Use a HOLO Smart Card for convenient tap-and-go fare payment. Get your HOLO Card or reload it online at HoloCard.net or call 808-768-4656. Cash payments are also accepted onboard.
How to Pay
BEST RESOURCES:
Satellite City Halls: www.honolulu.gov/csd/satellite-city-hall
Driver’s License & Satellite City Hall Appointments: AlohaQ.honolulu.gov
Renew Vehicle Registration: www.honolulu.gov/csd/motor-vehicle-registration
Moped Owners & Drivers Details: www.honolulu.gov/csd/moped-registration
