Transportation Tips in Hawaii

Hawaii is often regarded as the world’s ultimate tropical paradise, and naturally, the cost of traveling here can be sky-high. This is especially true if you stay in Waikiki, where prices for everything—from hotels to dining—are notoriously steep. On the bright side, getting around is effortless, and shopping is a delight. Clothing, footwear, perfumes, and other items are, in my experience, noticeably cheaper than in New Zealand.

Transportation Tips in Hawaii

Getting around Oahu is fairly easy. You can take a taxi, hop on a local bus, or try the tourist trolley buses (these are open-air vehicles, which I personally love—the breeze is refreshing, and it’s perfect for enjoying the street views).

The most convenient option is to rent a car, giving you the freedom to explore your favorite spots around Hawaii over a few days. Alternatively, you can rent a motorbike or a jeep to enjoy the island’s breathtaking coastal roads.

For visiting attractions, you can also take local buses or the trolley service (designed for tourists).

Trolley: Ticket prices range from USD 2 to USD 25, depending on the line you choose. The Pink Line costs only USD 2 per ride, while other lines such as Red, Purple, and Blue vary. To save money, consider purchasing a 4-day all-line pass for USD 65, which covers most attractions on Oahu. Another budget-friendly choice is the local bus pass, which costs USD 45 for 7 days.

Trolley – Hawaii
Each trolley line has its own route, but some stops overlap so you can change lines. The front of each vehicle displays its line name (Pink Line, Blue Line, etc.) or a flag with the corresponding color on the side.
Local bus: Fares are very affordable—only USD 2.5 per ride. If you need to transfer to another bus, simply inform the driver and they will give you a transfer ticket, allowing one free transfer.

OAhu Hawaii Lead Lead

Best place to catch these buses: Waikiki Beach. This is the main bus hub, with plenty of tourists boarding here—an excellent opportunity to make new friends.

From Waikiki Beach to major spots in Hawaii:

Airport: Bus #19 or #20 – USD 2.5 (Note: These buses do not accept passengers with large luggage.)
Ala Moana Center (shopping mall): Bus #8, 19, 20, 23, 42, Pink Line, or Red Line.
Aquarium: Bus #19 or Green Line. It’s just one stop from the zoo, but you can also walk from Waikiki Beach in about 20 minutes.
Honolulu Zoo / Kapiolani Park: Bus #19, 22, 23, or Green Line. I walked here as well.
Hanauma Bay / Diamond Head: Bus #23 or Green Line. (Closed every Tuesday.)
Downtown Honolulu / Chinatown: Bus #2, 19, 20, 42, or Red Line. You can also visit Kawaiahao Church and Iolani Palace nearby.

Besides buses, many hotels provide bicycles for guests, which is a great way to explore nearby attractions at your own pace.

One quirky detail—there’s no honking or loud bell ringing like back home. On the trolley, the driver rings a small bell, much like the ones used by old-fashioned ice cream vendors. On local buses, if you want to get off, simply pull the thin cord running along the side of the bus, and the driver will stop at the next station. Each stop is announced clearly before arrival.

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