If you have ever booked a Waikiki vacation rental, you know the secret: parking in Waikiki is brutal. Most condos charge $35–$50 per night for valet, and street parking is essentially nonexistent. For a 5-night stay, that’s $175–$250 in parking alone — money that should be funding shave ice, not a parking garage.
Why parking matters in Waikiki
Waikiki is dense, popular, and built on a tiny strip of land. The hotels and condo buildings were designed for guests who arrive by taxi from the airport and never need a car. But if you want to actually explore Oahu — drive up to the North Shore, visit Diamond Head, hike Manoa Falls, or just escape the tourist strip for a meal — you’ll want a car. And once you have one, you need somewhere to put it.
Our pick: Ilikai 1707
Our Ilikai 1707 condo is a cozy 17th-floor one-bedroom on the cooler, quieter side of Waikiki — and the rate includes one secured parking spot in the building garage. That saves you $45 per night compared to renting one separately, which adds up to $225 on a 5-night stay or $315 on a week.
The condo itself sleeps 4 (king memory-foam bed plus a double pull-out sofa), has a full kitchen with all the cooking basics, and opens onto a 120 sq ft lanai with mountain views. The Ilikai also has a large pool, and Duke Kahanamoku Beach is a 3-minute walk away. Friday nights, the Hilton Hawaiian Village fireworks light up right next door at 7:45 PM.
Tips for renting a car on Oahu
- Book your rental car as early as possible — Oahu inventory is limited.
- Consider economy or compact — Waikiki streets and garages are tight.
- Use parking at our condo as your base, and walk to most Waikiki spots.
- Plan one or two driving days (North Shore, Lanikai, Pearl Harbor) and walk the rest.
Book direct and save more
When you book Ilikai 1707 direct through QTStay, you skip Airbnb’s guest service fees, get a free welcome gift, and can save an extra 3% by paying with Zelle, Venmo, or PayPal. Combined with the included parking, you’re looking at significant savings versus a comparable Waikiki rental.