Transportation around Oahu and getting around the island
The main entry hub to Oahu is Honolulu international Airport and services the rest of the outer islands. From the airport you can get around by car rental, shuttle service, taxi, Uber or Lyft, private transport and the public bus service which is extensive and inexpensive.
**During this timeframe of increased travel to the islands, it is important that you secure your booking reservation for car rental asap because of increase demand and limited availability. Although you can get around the island and see more things with a rental car, you might just need it for a day or two in order to explore areas outside of Waikiki and Honolulu city. Find out more about the car rental shortage and what to do to plan your vacation here for more details to mapping out what you want to do and
how to get around the island.
Transportation to and from Waikiki
You can easily arrange a pick up with shuttle, taxi, Uber/Lyft, The Bus from the airport and around the city you can also use the http://www.waikikitrolley.com. This covers most of the main attractions around Honolulu area.
Public transportation
The main bus service for the island is simply called “The Bus” and services all around the island for inexpensive transport. For information on the routes and time schedules and services check out their website here http://www.thebus.org.
You can actually go around the island for just $2.50 and this takes about 4 hours to get to the North Shore and back. But also easy for shorter rides to places like the Ala Moana Shopping Center and downtown area (Bus 8) or further to the eastern side of the island.
For no hassle driving, parking fees and enjoying the scenic rides without a rental car, The Bus is a good option for budget minded travel on Oahu.
Car rental
If you want to explore more areas around and outside Honolulu, you want it to opt for a car rental for one or two days depending on your interest and what you want to do. Car rentals are cheaper and easier to pick up directly at the airport and you can check with any consolidators to find the best price and availability. Definitely secure your rental as soon as possible due to rental shortages happening around all the islands. When you do rent make sure to also budget for higher gas prices, resort parking fees into your stay. Check this aggregate car rental site for Discount Hawaii Car Rental which offers you the best rates on the island through a variety of different car rental agencies.
Traffic is a major issue with visiting attractions on the island, so it is always better to plan visits to places outside of the commute hours or against traffic flow to travel with no hassle around the island.
Taxi Service
Taxis are popular and you can easily flag them down or find taxi stands around hotels, shopping and other typical venues for pick up spots. Rates seem to be similar between taxi and Uber/Lyft depending on the time frame and distance but traffic can make the rates go higher. Travel with Uber/Lyft does not charge for wait time between traffic areas with delays.
Uber/Lyft service
A popular option and accessible in the tourist areas around Honolulu it is easy to book on the app and secure waiting time for your pick up and price for your transport. Uber drivers are local and can also share some fun and cool things to do that are local or off the beaten path and it’s easy to talk story with local drivers and not have to deal with the hassle of money transactions for your transport.
Setting up a pickup and your travel destination is very easy when you have app for either company and all you have to do is book your travel directly on the sites.
Walking Waikiki or Honolulu
An easy option in the downtown areas and along Waikiki beach area and attractions is walkable and you can definitely see more things on the streets. If you get tired, you can easily opt for a taxi or Uber from any destinations.
Bike rental with Biki
There are short term bike rental check outs with Biki are available all around Waikiki on hourly or longer basis for you to explore many sites and exercise at the same time. Check out these spots to do your own bike tour here for more information and availability.
Waikiki Trolley
A good alternative to visiting the downtown area and most popular attractions around Honolulu is the Waikiki Trolley that you can use like a hop on hop off service. You can book one day or more to explore all the main attractions around the city with no hassle and set pick up points. Check out the details to booking the Trolley here for more information.
To sign up for the Waikiki Trolley Hop on Hop off tours, check out their website here for more details.
Book an Oahu Tour
Most Oahu tour operators will include pick up and drop off from your location for any activity or tour that you book not requiring separate transportation arrangements. It’s easy to book tours that you are interested in without the hassle or driving or directions to get to that tour site.
Here are a few samples of tour offerings you might want to consider that offer a complete service:
Arizona Memorial and USS Missouri Battleship tour
Grand Circle island tour of Oahu
Jurrasic Valley and Zipline tour
Polynesian Cultural Center and Luau
Check out these other posts on visiting Oahu
Best things to do in Honolulu now
Explore the North Shore of Oahu
Have you planned how to get around Oahu yet?
Please share your thoughts and other recommendations in the comments below with your tips and suggestions for additional transportation around the island.
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There seems to be no lack in methods to explore Oahu. I wonder if the bikes would suffice for most everyday journeys? Of course, one would want something a bit more motorized when exploring the further reaches of the island.
Bikes is a good way to explore downtown Honolulu and Waikiki area but areas outside need different transport means
Oh so glad The Bus is still doing ‘that island tour’ as I call it for such a good price. Great recap!
Getting around Oahu on The Bus is really good, cheap and covers so many cool places
Thanks for sharing the wide range of options for getting around Oahu. The Bus at just $2.50 for 4 hours of travel sounds like the best holiday deal ever!
It is a great deal and you can even travel around the island