Vicki from VIP Car Rental (Now Honolulu Discount Cars)
There’s local, and then there’s Vicki local. If you’ve ever rented a car from VIP Car Rental — now rebranded as Honolulu Discount Cars — there’s a good chance you’ve met Vicki. And if you’ve met Vicki, you already know: this is someone who leads with aloha, loyalty, and genuine care for every single customer who walks through her door.
I first met Vicki under less-than-glamorous circumstances. I needed a bathroom. She had one. She said yes — no questions, no attitude, no nonsense. Just kindness. That alone puts her miles ahead of most businesses on the island. But it turns out, that moment is just a tiny window into who she is.
"I was taught by the best"
Vicki’s been in the car rental game for over 30 years. She got her start at VIP, learning everything from a manager named Mr. Nagi — who, today, is not just her boss but her best friend. After a break from the industry, she got the call a couple years ago to come back and help rebuild after COVID wiped out three of their rental lots.
And like many small local businesses, they’re still bouncing back — slowly but surely.
“We’re competing with all the big dogs, but guess what? God is good. We’re still pushing forward.”
These days, the team has rebranded to Honolulu Discount Cars, upgraded their offerings, and rebuilt with heart. According to Vicki, business is up 40% — but there’s still work to be done.
Local Knows Best
When I asked what visitors tend to miss out on when they come to Oʻahu, Vicki didn’t even hesitate:
“Get out of the city. This is not the island. Take a convertible — do your own exploring. Don’t just follow someone else’s tour schedule.”
She’s all about the real island — not just the brochures, but the spots you only hear about if you know someone who knows someone. And Vicki is that someone.
Every customer who rents from her gets more than just keys and paperwork — they get Vicki’s List: a curated guide to her favorite places on the island, complete with personal recommendations and insider tips. She even makes it a point to personally visit every place she recommends.
“I know their experience is gonna be great — because I know mine was.”
The Aloha Difference
Maybe that’s the secret sauce — Vicki cares. She walks customers through the rental, hands them a map, gives them her itinerary, and treats them like guests, not transactions. She’s old-school in the best way — human-first, heart-led.
And in a world where a lot of people are just trying to get through the day, Vicki is out here making people feel welcome — whether they’re picking up a cherry red Camaro or just need to use the bathroom.
Mahalo nui loa, Vicki, for being a reminder of what local business is really about. If you’re ever looking to explore the island on your own terms, hit up Honolulu Discount Cars. Ask for the bumblebee — or just tell them Vicki sent you.
Stay tuned for next week’s Featured Local, and in the meantime — support local, skip the big dogs, and get out of the city.
