The Bus is the official transit service of Oahu. Buses run regularly through Honolulu and around the island, and the fare is $2.00. Visitors should consider getting a $20 Oahu Discovery Pass for four consecutive days of travel -- they're easily found at any of the ABC stores all around the island. Check out Fares for information about monthly passes and sales locations. With over 80 routes serving more than 4,000 stops, it is possible to get almost anywhere. Check out Routes and Timetables for more information.
Buses are a good way to get from the airport into the city if you don't want to pay for a cab or limo. Routes 19 and 20 take you from the airport to the Waikiki beach and resort area, and stops are about every block or so within that area.
Route 22 is known as the BeachBus, while Route 52 is the popular island circling route (though it tends to be a pain to ride with all the tourists trying to take advantage of this cheap alternative to a tour). The Bus is an effective way of getting around the different areas of Honolulu, but remember that the term "schedule" may be interpreted rather loosely sometimes. There are also many buses that leave from the Ala Moana Shopping Center to various areas of interest to tourists.
If planning on visiting for more than a couple of days, you should probably rent a car. Parking can be expensive and a hassle, but to get to the North Shore, Pearl Harbor, or many of the other major attractions you need to have an automobile. Visit Rental Agencies for an incomplete list of companies based in Honolulu, the location of the island’s main airport.
Good Reason For Taking A Taxi: Taxis are available immediately so you can go anywhere on the island on your schedule and not have to worry about bus or shuttle schedules.
Taxi drivers know where you're going. If they do not know, they will ask you. If you don't know, at the airport the taxi driver will ask one of his fellow drivers for the exact location that you want. With a dispatch taxi company, the driver will ask for instruction from his dispatcher to take you to your destination.
When you travel by bus, there's always the concern that you may have taken the wrong one, or that you may miss connections if you need to transfer from bus to bus in order to reach your destination. While you may transport your stuff in a taxi, shopping results in packages to carry. Sightseeing results in souvenirs and collectables. It may be hard to lug all that stuff onto a bus (and may be too much to allow you to board).
You don't have to worry about parking a taxi, paying high prices to park overnight or finding your taxi when you need transportation. Rented cars provide freedom from scheduled transportation, but, many visitors find that rented cars are more a burden than a convenience.
You'll learn things. Most of the taxi drivers are "ambassadors or aloha". The island born drivers are proud of their island and enjoy pointing out landmarks and places of interest as they take you to your destination. You might even consider a taxi or limo tour of the island's highlights, based on the things that interest you most.
By law, the charges for taxi are set by the City Counsel. They apply to any taxi or limousine with a dome light on its roof, but not to limousines that are contracted for specific purposes. All rates are established by law and may not be altered by taxi drivers. Most taxi companies will offer flat rates to various locations on the island, or will quote you a flat rate for a destination you determine. If you have special needs, please state them because there may be an extra charge. The rates quoted, DOES NOT include tips. Tips at 20% suggested, must be added to the final taxi fare. If the driver has done something extraordinary, such as help you locate something unusal or an out-or-the-way location, or help you with cumbersome bags or packages, ran an errand --- you might consider tipping more. When getting in a taxi, always ask for the approximate fare to your destination. When you consider the cost of a taxi, consider the divided cost if two or more if you are en route. You'll find the convenience outweighs the cost. Don't waste time waiting for public transportation. Get a taxi and get going.
There are also plenty of shuttle options: Shuttle bus to/fromWaikiki, Aloha Swap Meet, USS Arizona, Waikele Shopping Center, Hanauma Bay and various other attractions offer shuttle for a minimum price. The airport hotels will operate their own shuttle to/from the airport terminals. Hotels in Waikiki do not offer shuttles. Ko'Olina Resort do have a shuttle for a minimum price. You must call the resort. In addition, taxi cabs are plentiful, and reasonably priced- you might even find yourself taking a limo, since they are often the same price!
Finally, numerous trolleys run between Waikiki and Ala Moana shopping center, and to other locations. These trolleys are largely aimed at Japanese tourists, and some visitors may find them unnecessary.
