When you get behind the wheel on O'ahu, you'll want to keep in mind:

• All occupants of a car must wear seat belts (regardless of age), and children weighing less than 50 pounds must be in a child safety or booster seat.

• Right on red is legal unless otherwise marked.

• Honolulu and Waikiki have many one-way streets; pay close attention to road signs.

• Parking space in the downtown area is scarce, particularly during the day. However, one of the least expensive parking garages is in the Harbor Court building, on Bethel Street across Nimitz Highway from Aloha Tower Marketplace.

• If you stop and ask for directions, you might hear words you're not familiar with. A quick guide:
   - "makai" means toward the ocean
   - "mauka" means toward the mountains
   - "Diamond Head" means (you guessed it) toward Diamond Head
   - "ewa" (pronounced "eva") means moving away from Diamond Head

• Rush-hour traffic (6 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.) is particularly heavy on the H1 Freeway and Nimitz Highway, going into or out of downtown and Waikiki. Also expect heavy weekend traffic on the North Shore when the surf's up during the winter months.

• Some of O'ahu's freeways and two-lane highways are narrow, winding and scenic (such as the H3 Freeway). Don't get behind the wheel if you're likely to take your eyes off the road for some sightseeing. In fact, if you pull over on H3 you could be ticketed.

• Most Hawai'i drivers don't use their horn unless it's an emergency, and if you're patient, most are apt to let you cut in front of them in a line of cars. If someone lets you in, wave or give 'em a shaka!

Average Vehicle Rental Rates

Cars
A week-long car rental will cost between $175 and $250 (it pays to shop around), and a one-day rental (9 a.m. to 9 a.m.) averages $35.

Motorcycles
Japanese-model motorcycles and Harley Davidsons are available for rent on O'ahu. A full-day rental will cost $75 to $200 depending on where and what you rent. Most stores charge extra for overnight (24-hour) rentals, and some will rent in smaller increments (such as four hours) or for a full week.

Mopeds
A full-day rental costs $24 to $30. Overnight (24 hours) is approximately $30, and a week will cost about $130.

Bicycles
A full-day rental will cost between $15 and $30. Partial-day, 24-hour and weekly rentals are also available.

Limousines, Shuttles and Taxis
The average taxi, limo or shuttle ride between the airport and Waikiki will cost between $15 and $30, depending on how many people are in your party and how much baggage you have. Some companies charge up to $3.50 per bag in addition to their regular fares, and limousine shuttle companies will sometimes require a two-hour minimum hire.