Renting a moped (rental car, rental, income)

[the310]

Hi,
I will be visiting for the first time and plan to rent a moped/scooter for 2 days so I can see more than Waikiki. I saw a website where they offer 50cc ones. My question is...is that enough to go on the highways? I plan on taking this thing around the whole island and I don't want to be holding up traffic on the highways. If I go for the 200cc one, will I need a motorcycle license? Thanks.

[whtviper1]

You cannot take a moped on H-1, H-2, H-3, Pali Highway, or Likelike Highway.

[honobob]

Does your state require a separate motorcycle license? If not then you can operate a motorcycle here. But why not rent a car? Probably cheaper and more convenient and SAFER.

[ScottStielow]

Agree. Rent a small car. That way you will be able to see more of Oahu. Moped you will not be able to go on the Freeways like posted before.

[the310]

Thanks for the advice, all. You've convinced me to forgo the moped for a Smart car. I thought parking would be a hassle in many areas and a moped would make it easier. I also (to my surprise) heard cars get broken into and stolen quite frequently in Hawaii.

[hotzcatz]

They don't always steal the cars unless they want parts, mostly they steal the stuff inside to pawn for money. So a lot of stuff gets stolen and cars get broken into. Especially rental cars since everyone knows tourists leave expensive stuff inside of them and then they go away in ten days and aren't around to prosecute charges if anyone gets caught. Plus the big businesses sort of see tourists as their source of income so that attitude filters down to the "lower socio-economic group" as well. And rental cars are really easy to spot. They are new, they are shiny, they have the little bar code sticker on them. You could perhaps get some sort of local decal and put over the bar code sticker, but it will still look like a rental from a distance, it just won't have the final confirmation.

[ScottStielow]

Originally Posted by hotzcatz

They don't always steal the cars unless they want parts, mostly they steal the stuff inside to pawn for money. So a lot of stuff gets stolen and cars get broken into. Especially rental cars since everyone knows tourists leave expensive stuff inside of them and then they go away in ten days and aren't around to prosecute charges if anyone gets caught. Plus the big businesses sort of see tourists as their source of income so that attitude filters down to the "lower socio-economic group" as well. And rental cars are really easy to spot. They are new, they are shiny, they have the little bar code sticker on them. You could perhaps get some sort of local decal and put over the bar code sticker, but it will still look like a rental from a distance, it just won't have the final confirmation.

Agree!
They know all the hot spots that visitors like to go see.
Try to rent a older car, and make it dirty, attempt to cover up the bar code? Do not leave your expensive stuff in the car. Anything to give them some trouble and not a easy hit.