Top 5 best motorcycle rentals in Honolulu (HI)

Honolulu rewards riders who go beyond Waikiki's sidewalks. Trade the shuttle bus for two wheels and you can be climbing toward the Nu'uanu Pali Lookout before breakfast crowds even reach Diamond Head, then swing down to the North Shore for an afternoon watching surfers at Waimea Bay. A motorcycle turns the island into a single, connected playground instead of a series of separate excursions.

Oahu's sights are spread across winding coastal and mountain roads, usually 20 to 90 minutes apart, and H-1 traffic plus scarce beach parking make cars a poor match for that layout. A bike slips through congestion, tucks into curbside spots near the sand, and actually enjoys the switchbacks on routes like Tantalus–Round Top Drive, where a car is just transportation and a motorcycle is part of the fun.

Top 10 things to see in Honolulu by motorcycle

1. Diamond Head State Monument — the volcanic crater just east of Waikiki, a short ride for one of the best skyline-and-coast views on the island.
2. Nu'uanu Pali Lookout — a windswept clifftop reached via the Pali Highway's classic switchbacks.
3. Lanikai Beach — a narrow residential road hugging sand that regularly ranks among the world's best beaches.
4. Kailua Beach Park — a wide white-sand bay minutes from Lanikai, a natural stop on a Windward Oahu loop.
5. Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail — the island's southeast tip, with a paved lookout road facing Rabbit Island.
6. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve — a volcanic snorkeling cove at the end of a scenic coastal descent.
7. Tantalus–Round Top Drive — a twisty rainforest loop above the city with pull-offs over Honolulu and Diamond Head.
8. Haleiwa — the laid-back North Shore surf town, about an hour out, gateway to legendary winter breaks.
9. Waimea Bay Beach Park — calm and swimmable in summer, dramatic big-wave surf in winter.
10. Sandy Beach Park — a favorite bodysurfing beach along the southeast coastal run.

What do you need to rent a motorcycle in Honolulu?

You'll need a valid motorcycle endorsement on your driver's licence — every state requires one, and Hawaii is no exception. Most rental operators set their own minimum age, typically 21, with riders under 25 sometimes facing a young-rider surcharge. An International Driving Permit isn't legally required, but it's worth carrying alongside your home licence if it isn't in English. Expect to leave a deposit or a credit-card hold in your own name; the exact amount depends on the bike and the company.

How much does it cost to rent a motorcycle in Honolulu?

Small scooters and mopeds typically run 25-35 USD a day in low season, while larger touring motorcycles land around 80-120 USD a day. A premium Harley-Davidson or comparable big-bore bike can reach 150-250+ USD a day. Prices climb in high season, with scooters around 40-60 USD and larger motorcycles between 130-220 USD a day.

• Cheapest months: April-May and September-October, shoulder season with lighter demand.
• Priciest months: June-August and mid-December to early January, when tourist volume peaks.

When to book a rental motorcycle in Honolulu?

Book early if you're travelling in summer or over the winter holidays — that's when both prices and availability get tight across the island. If your schedule is flexible, aim for April-May or September-October: fewer crowds, better rates, and still excellent riding weather. Outside those peak windows, booking a week or two ahead is usually enough to lock in the model and price you want.

Local traffic rules in Honolulu

Traffic in Hawaii moves on the right, same as the rest of the United States. Helmet laws vary state to state, and it's worth checking current Hawaii requirements before you ride, though a helmet is always the sensible choice. Speed limits generally run 25-35 mph on city and residential streets, rising to 55-65 mph on the highway stretches you'll use heading to the North Shore or Windward side. The blood-alcohol limit is 0.08%, with zero tolerance for riders under 21, so plan your beach-day drinks around whoever's riding home.

Types of motorcycles available

On our website you can rent the following types of motorcycles: cruiser, sport, touring, standard, classic, dual-purpose, dirt bikes, street, naked bikes or roadsters, choppers, custom, streetfighter, sport-touring, dual-sport, on-road, off-road, adventure motorcycles, supermoto, scrambler, motorcycle with sidecar, enduro, motocross mx, trail, motards, tricycles, bikes with automatic or manual gears, luxury motorbikes.

Models of motorcycles available

On our website you can hire motorcycles from the following manufacturers: BMW, Harley Davidson, Aprilia, Buell, Cagiva, Ducati, Gilera, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, KTM, Husqvarna, Jawa, MV Agusta, Moto Guzzi, Triumph, Benelli, Bajaj, Indian, Royal Enfield, TVS, Beta, Bimota.

Which insurance is provided?

Most providers include basic third-party liability insurance in the rental price, with options to upgrade to fuller coverage that reduces or removes your deposit liability in case of damage or theft. Always confirm exactly what is and isn’t covered before you set off.

Extra services available

When you make an online motorbike reservation you can also order the following extra services and equipment: integral helmet, GPS navigation, intercom, unlimited mileage, top case, side cases, boots, jacket, gloves, individual guide or tour, map, full insurance, one-way rental, or delivery to your chosen address.

Why use BikesBooking.com?

• Compare prices from multiple local rental companies in one place;
• Read reviews from previous customers;
• Reserve online with a Best Price Guarantee;
• Friendly support if your plans change.

Most of our motorcycle rental providers have years of experience and will equip you with a well-maintained bike, helmet and insurance for the ride ahead. The number of companies we work with is increasing every day, so if you want to rent a motorcycle locally, just use the search form at the top of the page. Have a nice trip!