Work and Play: No Car? No Problem. Enterprise Has Got You Covered.

Many big cities have Zipcar and other car-sharing services — and now it’s finally Honolulu’s turn. Enterprise launched its Enterprise CarShare last month with seven locations throughout downtown Honolulu and Waikiki for those who don’t have a car.

“We brought CarShare to Hawaii to provide a cost-effective alternative to car ownership and a hassle-free supplement to public transit,” explains Chris Sbarbaro, Enterprise’s vice president of Hawaii sales and marketing, external affairs. “Additionally, as urbanization and growth in the area continues, car sharing plays an increasingly significant role in serving local transportation needs to help alleviate traffic congestion and parking challenges in Honolulu.

“Enterprise CarShare is a convenient, cost-effective alternative for those who don’t drive daily, those who don’t own or have to maintain a vehicle on their own, or for those who rely on mass transit during the week,” he adds.

Here’s how it works: Visit enterprisecarshare.com/honolulu to sign up for membership. Once you’re approved, a membership card will be mailed to you. From there, it seems simple enough. (Enterprise calls it the “reserve, unlock and go.”) Log in with your phone, tablet or computer to choose the car you want and how long you’ll need it for. Then, you go find your vehicle at its designated parking area.

Photo courtesy of Enterprise

And then? Magic: Just wave your membership card at the windshield, and the car unlocks. The keys are already inside waiting for you.

Return is the same. Bring the car back to its lot, wave your card and you’re off.

Fees also include fuel and liability protection.

“We see CarShare as a perfect complement and another option for our customers,” says Sbarbaro, explaining that Enterprise’s rental services have been serving Hawaii for more than years. “We are excited to expand our presence throughout the downtown Honolulu and Waikiki areas and offer the only public car-sharing service on the island of Oahu. ”

Current CarShare sites include: Marks Garage (S. Pauahi St.), Lanikea at Waikiki (421 Olohana St.), Island Colony (445 Seaside Ave.), DoubleTree by Hilton Alana (1956 Ala Moana Blvd.), 711 on Keeamoku St., Sanpei Building (1461 S. King St.) and at 902 Kekaulike St.

Enterprise plans to launch an eighth location in coming weeks.