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CAR RENTAL GUIDE

Renting a car in Hawaii as a Canadian: licence, insurance and roads

You drive on the right in Hawaii, and a valid Canadian licence is usually enough. Here's what else to sort out before you pick up the keys.

By the Viorvo team · Checked

Drive on theRight
IDPNot required
Minimum age21+

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Your licence

You can drive in the United States with a valid Canadian driver's licence, and you don't need an IDP. Honolulu's rules let adults with a licence from a 1949 Geneva Convention country, such as Canada, drive with that licence and their passport for up to one year after entering the US.

Hawaii rental companies typically require renters to be at least 21 and to have a major credit card in their own name. Drivers aged 21 to 24 pay extra daily fees, which vary by company.

Only CAA issues International Driving Permits in Canada. It costs $32 including tax, lasts one year, and is only valid with your Canadian licence.

Insurance: what to check

  • Many US states require auto insurance, and drivers must carry proof of it. Check with your insurer that your coverage is valid and enough for where you are going.
  • Credit-card rental coverage covers damage to the rental car, not third-party liability.

Roads, tolls and parking

  • You need a separate car rental for each island you visit. Each island's rental operates independently.
  • Traffic laws vary from state to state, and most states ban texting while driving.

Staying safe on the road

  • Don't leave bags or valuables unattended in parked cars, especially rental cars, even in the trunk.
  • Road conditions in the US are similar to those in Canada.
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Plan the rest

More for your trip to Honolulu

eSIM for the United StatesPlans, prices and setupRead →Honolulu travel hubFlights, when to go, entry rules and every guideRead →
Getting there

Cheapest flights from Canada

Vancouver → HonoluluYVR–HNLCalgary → HonoluluYYC–HNLEdmonton → HonoluluYEG–HNL

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Questions

Common questions

Do Canadians need an International Driving Permit in Hawaii?

No. A valid Canadian driver's licence is enough to drive in the United States, including Hawaii.

Can I take my rental car to another Hawaiian island?

No. Plan to book a separate rental on each island you visit.

How long can a Canadian drive in Hawaii on a Canadian licence?

Honolulu's rules allow drivers with a licence from a 1949 Geneva Convention country, such as Canada, to drive with that licence and a passport for up to one year after entering the US.

Sources

Checked September 30, 2026. Prices, rules and fees change, so confirm before you travel.

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