Nicknamed as the Gathering Place, Oʻahu offers a variety of options for transportation. Visitors can choose to utilize a combination of public transportation, rideshare services, and scooter rental services to maintain a budget-friendly on spending. Or they can consider renting a car that gives them the most freedom and flexibility to allow them to embark on endless adventures when visiting Oʻahu. While the city part of Oʻahu, including Waikīkī and Honolulu, provides convenience in transportation, exploring the North Shore, secluded beaches and hidden stunning natural sightseeings may require more planning. This guide will equip Oʻahu visitors with all information they need to know about transportation and how to navigate Oʻahu.
Public transportation
Plan your trip by utilizing the public transportation on Oʻahu including bus, skyline, and handi-van to reach all beaches and the hula show in Waikīkī on your itinerary . The best way to conveniently use Honolulu’s public transit service is to acquire a HOLO card which allows visitors to ride TheBus service and the Skyline. Recently, Honolulu’s bus service, “TheBus,” has been recognized as an award-winning transit system by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) as “America’s Best Transit System”. Visit TheBus website home page to find the best route to all of your must-go destinations. Skyline is the latest addition to Oʻahu island’s transportation options, elevating riders above ground-level congestion to avoid traffic, roadway incidents, and road construction. Lastly, Handi-van is a part of Honolulu’s public transportation that is designed for people with disabilities who are unable to use Honolulu’s regular public bus service. Operated with the same days and hours as TheBus and available in areas located within three-fourths (3/4) of a mile of TheBus routes, TheHandi-van of Honolulu is certainly a worth-considering option for visitors that need physical assistance. TheHandi-Van fare is $2.25 per person per one-way passenger trip payable via TheHandi-Van HOLO Card, visitors can pay with cash or ticket. Advanced reservations can be made by (808) 456-5555 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., please note that reservations must be made 1 to 3 days before your trip.
Renting a Car
A reliable option for transportation on O‘ahu is to drive. Renting a car ensures that you get to the best lūʻau on O‘ahu and other desired destinations without worrying about a ride back to your hotel. Especially, visitors traveling in groups with their friends or with their family, renting a car is the optimal transportation. The price for renting a car on O‘ahu ranges from $30 per day to $60 per day depending on different models, brands of cars. Make the most of your adventure on O‘ahu when renting a car, providing reliability and freedom of time and places to explore.
Ride Share Services
Uber and Lyft operate and are available at most areas on O‘ahu, providing convenient transportation for visitors. However, it is important that visitors have a solid transportation plan for their trip when using Uber or Lyft as ride availability can be limited in certain areas such as more remote locations such as the North Shore, beaches on O‘ahu’s west coast, or scenic sights along the island’s eastern side. Keep in mind that during peak hours, high demand may lead to longer wait times and higher fares. If you and your party plan on exploring areas out of Honolulu, consider having alternative transportation options to ensure a trip back besides scheduling a return ride in advance.
Scooter Rentals
Feel the ocean breeze blend with a sense of freedom as you ride on a scooter when visiting O‘ahu. With the slow pace lifestyle, a scooter, needless to say, offers the most exciting yet relaxing way to get around. Full-day (8:30AM to 4:30PM) scooter rental typically ranges from $25 to $160 depending on the type of scooter, rental duration, and company, visitors can also rent a scooter by hour or by 4 hours. If you and your group decide to spend a day in Honolulu, renting scooters is highly recommended as it is easy to ride and park. Although finding where to rent a scooter in other cities O‘ahu is a bit difficult as most scooter rental services and moped dealer shops are located in Honolulu. However, when planning your day trip to explore Honolulu, don’t pass on renting a scooter and ride to lūʻau in Waikīkī.
FAQ
Do I need to rent a car on Oʻahu?
O’ahu, with an award-winning bus service, boasts an efficient public transport system, especially in Honolulu. However, if your itinerary includes many locations that are located in remote areas far away from cities, it is best to rent a car. Renting a car gives you flexibility to explore places like the North Shore, Lanikai Beach, and scenic hikes.
Can I bike around Oʻahu?
Explore Honolulu with the city’s bikeshare program called Biki, designed for short rides around the city. Riding bicycles to enjoy the coastal scenery is possible along paths on the coast, however, heavy traffic can make the ride less enjoyable.
What is the best way to get to the North Shore from Honolulu?
The North Shore is about a 1 to 1.5-hour drive from Honolulu. Visitors can drive themselves or take a bus to the North Shore which will take much longer. Alternatives include booking a shuttle or a tour to the North Shore that includes transportation.
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