USA - Honolulu Public Transportation

USA

The cheapest and fastest way to get around Honolulu varies depending on who you talk to. While Honolulu  has no shortage of transport options available for either holiday makers or corporate travelers. Getting around Honolulu by car can be a real treat if you have some extra time as it has some of the best roads in United States. If you just prefer to sit back and enjoy the ride, you can just hop on one of the public transportation.

TheBus

TheBus Oahu

Certainly the busiest of the Hawaiian Islands, Oahu is also one of the most densely-populated. Driving can be a nightmare in fast-paced Honolulu and parking is notoriously difficult all over the island. If you're looking for an interesting way to discover all the beauty of the islands, bus service may be an ideal way to get around while vacationing in Hawaii.

Honolulu's efficient public transport network called TheBus is the best way to get around this city and the rest of Oahu. Recent efforts to improve the quality of the bus service are responsible for making it more convenient, affordable, and incredibly easy-to-use. There are 110 routes and more than 4,000 stops on its schedule, and fares are cheap at $2.50 (USD). Depending on the line, most buses run from 5:00 a.m. until midnight. TheBus runs virtually around the clock. A few popular trips even have express service to reduce travel time.  Its most popular route is between Waikiki and Ala Moana Centre, with buses coming and going every 15 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes after dark. From the airport, take routes 19 and 20 to get to Waikiki. Note, however, that luggage is not permitted. The Visitors Pass ($25)is the best transportation deal on Oahu, allowing you to travel anywhere on the island for a fixed fee for four days.  

The county also maintains a very informative website where users can learn about community events and road conditions, in addition to finding out more about routes and services. Visit the webpage at TheBus or call 808-848-5555 for more information.

Waikiki Trolley

Waikiki Trolley [Photo]

Another fun and affordable way to get around Waikiki and Honolulu is on the Waikiki Trolley. This charismatic open-top vehicle runs in a loop around downtown Honolulu and Waikiki stopping at 12 useful sites. The routes and destinations are not as extensive as TheBus but the trolley goes to most major visitor attractions and offer tickets for unlimited rides over a certain number of days as long as the pass has not expired. The Waikiki Trolley departs from various major hotels and has various sightseeing and shopping stops. You can get off at any stop and get on the next trolley when you want to move on. 

The Waikiki Trolley has four different lines with over 30 different stops and four different itineraries, including a great historic tour. Depending on what you want to do while on oahu, you just choose the line that is right for you. The red line offers the itinerary where you will learn about the history of Waikiki, Honolulu and Oahu. The blue line takes you along the east Oahu coastline and goes as far as Sea Life Park. You will pass miles of beautiful beaches, drive inside diamond head crater and see Hanauma Bay. The yellow line is the local shopping and dining line. This line takes you to popular shopping areas that locals shop at. The Pink Line is known as the Ala Moana Shopping Shuttle Line.

Car Rental

All the major car hire firms have offices in Honolulu and at the airport. Many of the major hotels on the islands can also arrange rental car reservations for guests and offer recommendations about services. Having your own car is the ideal way to explore Oahu, as some of the most beautiful places are located well outside of Honolulu. Certainly the busiest of the Hawaiian Islands, Oahu is also one of the most densely-populated. Driving, however, can be a nightmare in fast-paced Honolulu and parking is notoriously difficult all over the island. Parking fees are applied both to public as well as your hotel (not included).

Taxis

Taxis are another great way to travel when in a group and the cost can be shared. Taxis are plentiful, but not inexpensive. They are available island wide 24-hours a day. You can find taxi stands at hotels, most major shopping malls and at the airport. Note that using taxi stands and calling for pick-ups by phone or via hotel concierge is the norm in Hawaii rather than hailing a cab. Many of the drivers are multilingual.

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