Getting Around Oʻahu, Honolulu & Waikīkī

From bikes to buses and beyond, this local transportation guide is your go-to for navigating Oʻahu and exploring the island with ease.

Living on Oʻahu, we’ve explored the island every way imaginable — from quick beach runs and airport transfers to sightseeing with family and friends, we’ve figured out what works best.

We’ll show you the top ways to travel — whether you’re sticking to Waikīkī, exploring the city of Honolulu, or road-tripping around the island. However you roll, we’ve got you covered.

In this post, we share how to get around Oʻahu, Honolulu and Waikīkī.

Transportation Overview

One of the best things about visiting Oʻahu is how easy it is to get around — the island is compact, well-connected and simple to navigate. Just 44mi (71km) long and 30mi (48km) wide, Oʻahu is linked by three major freeways —the H-1, H-2 and H-3. You can drive from the South Shore to the North Shore in about an hour, or reach the West or East Side from Honolulu in 30 to 45 minutes.

Most of the island’s activity centers on the South Shore, home to Honolulu — Hawaiʻi’s capital and largest city. This area serves as the central hub for Oʻahu’s transportation, with most routes branching out from here. The island has the most developed transit system in the state, with TheBus offering islandwide coverage — though it’s best suited for those not in a rush.

For quicker or more flexible options, Oʻahu has plenty to offer. Taxis and rideshare services are convenient for airport transfers and short trips. Biki bikeshare stations are scattered throughout Honolulu for casual rides, while Go X scooters are ideal for zipping around town. You’ll also find Waikīkī Trolleys and a wide range of rental vehicles to suit every travel style.

If you’re staying in Waikīkī — Oʻahu’s main resort area — getting there and navigating the area is a breeze. This beachfront neighborhood within Honolulu is 30-minutes drive from the island’s airport, Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), which also serves as the state’s primary gateway. Waikīkī also sits 15-minutes drive from Downtown Honolulu, the city’s central business district.

Measuring just 3mi (5km) long and 1mi (1.5km) wide, Waikīkī’s flat terrain and straightforward street grid make it ideal for walking. Its pedestrian-friendly design means everything you need is just a short stroll away — from hotels to restaurants, shops and beaches. There’s little to no need to drive, which means you can skip the traffic and parking stress altogether.

If you’re staying in Ko Olina or Turtle Bay — Oʻahu’s other resort areas — keep in mind these destinations are geared more toward flop-and-drop travelers who prefer to relax and stay within the expansive resort grounds. If you plan to explore beyond the property and see more of the island, renting a car is your best bet for getting around with ease.

1. Getting To and From Honolulu Airport

Getting to and from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport is straightforward, with plenty of transport options for both arrivals and departures.

Airport Drive Times

Oʻahu is a compact island, so drive times from the airport are generally manageable — just allow extra time during peak traffic hours.

• Morning (6-8:30am): Heading into town (toward Honolulu/Waikīkī).

• Afternoon (3:30-6:30pm): Heading out of town (toward West Oʻahu or East Side).

Traffic on Oʻahu is heaviest on weekdays, especially on the H-1 Freeway and main routes like Nimitz Highway and Kalanianaʻole Highway.

Honolulu Airport to:	Approx. Drive Time:
Waikīkī	30 minutes
Ko Olina	45–60 minutes
Turtle Bay	1 hour 15–30 minutes
Kailua	35–45 minutes
North Shore (Haleʻiwa)	1 hour

Airport Shuttles

Shared airport shuttles use larger vehicles and offer a cheap ride to Waikīkī, but expect delays from many passengers and hotel stops.

• Fly Shuttle: HNL Airport to Waikīkī
• Fly Shuttle: Waikīkī to HNL Airport

Airport Transfers

Shared airport transfers are similar to shuttles but typically use smaller vehicles, often resulting in a quicker ride with fewer passengers and stops.

• IES: Shared Arrival Transfer
• IES: Shared Departure Transfer

Private airport transfers offer a non-stop ride for your travel party, usually in a SUV or van — they offer privacy, comfort and convenience.

• Private SUV Transfer to Waikīkī (up to 5 pax)
• Private SUV Transfer to Airport (up to 5 pax)

• Private Van Transfers (up to 5 pax)
• Private Van Transfers (up to 12 pax)
• Private Van Transfer (up to 14 pax)

Hotel Shuttles

Most Waikīkī hotels don’t offer their own airport shuttles, but concierge staff can typically help arrange return airport transportation if needed.

Taxis & Cabs

Taxis are a common way to get around Oʻahu. While they are readily available, they tend to be pricier than other forms of public transport.

At Honolulu Airport, step outside your terminal and cross to the median strip to find designated taxi ranks and dispatchers.

In Waikīkī, taxis aren’t easily flagged down. Instead, go to the nearest hotel and ask the concierge to call one — tip them $1.

Pre-booking a taxi ensures availability, especially outside Waikīkī where cabs are scarce. Companies like Charley’s Taxi offer flat rates.

Some taxi companies offer apps for easy booking and tracking. A 10–15% tip is customary. Not all accept cards — confirm before hopping in.

Rideshare Services

Rideshare is a convenient way to get around Oʻahu, connecting you with private drivers for airport transfers and travel throughout the island.

Honolulu Airport has three designated rideshare pick-up zones, making it easy to meet your driver shortly after landing and grabbing your luggage.

They’re ideal for getting around Honolulu’s urban core. Beyond a 45-minute radius, rideshares can be harder to find on demand.

Uber and Lyft are the main rideshare apps used on Oʻahu, each offering different pricing, availability and ride options for travelers.

For a locally-owned rideshare app, try Holoholo — fair rates, no surge pricing and drivers trained in Ho‘okipa (Hawaiian hospitality).

Skyline Rail

Honolulu launched the Skyline in 2023, a fully automated rail system with driverless trains — Hawaiʻi’s largest public works project ever.

Phase 1 is now running from East Kapolei to Aloha Stadium. Phase 2 opens in 2025, connecting to Pearl Harbor, the airport, and Downtown.

Downtown is a 15-minute drive from Waikīkī, so Skyline isn’t ideal for Waikīkī visitors just yet — but future phases aim to reach Ala Moana Center.

2. Getting Around Waikīkī Without a Car

You don’t need a car if you’re staying in Waikīkī — it’s easy to get around on foot, by bike, trolley, scooter, bus, taxi, rideshare and more.

Walking Around Waikīkī

Waikīkī spans a small area of 3mi (5km) by 1mi (1.5km) and has three thoroughfares that run parallel from Waikīkī Beach to the Ala Wai Canal.

Waikīkī’s main roads are Kalākaua Avenue (oceanside strip), Kūhiō Avenue (middle) and Ala Wai Boulevard (along the canal, mountain side).

Most places in Waikīkī are just a 5-15 minute walk, and it’s easy to navigate on foot — use the Duke Kahanamoku Statue as a central landmark.

Overnight parking in Waikīkī is expensive, so renting a car just for day trips is a smart, cost-effective way to explore the rest of the island.

Biki Bikeshare

Honolulu is a bike-friendly city with a growing network of bike lanes and shared-use paths, especially in Waikīkī, Ala Moana and Downtown.

Biki is Honolulu’s non-profit bikeshare system. It features more than 1,300 bikes and 130 stations stretching from Chinatown to Diamond Head.

Biki’s options include $5 for a single 30-minute ride, $20 for unlimited 30-minute rides over 24 hours, or $30 for 300 minutes valid for one year.

Perfect for short commutes, Biki provides a simple way to move around Honolulu — useful in dense neighborhoods like Waikīkī and Kakaʻako.

To ride, unlock a bike using the PBSC App or use a station kiosk, head to your destination, then return it to any nearby docking station.

Bike Rentals & E- Bikes

Hawaiian Style Rentals offers a variety of bicycles and e-bikes from two Waikīkī locations, providing helmets, locks and custom maps.

Choose from comfort, fitness, shopping and kids’ bicycles, all equipped with rear racks, water bottle holders and front pouches.

E-bike options include single and two-person models, featuring pedal-assist modes, LED lights and ranges up to 60mi (97km).

Private bike rentals allow flexible itineraries without docking stations, ideal for exploring Oʻahu’s scenic routes at your own pace.

• Hawaiian Style E-Bike Rental
• Hawaiian Style Bicycle Rental

Waikīkī Trolley

The Waikīkī Trolley is a hop-on, hop-off service with open-air trolleys and double-decker buses for easy island travel and sightseeing.

It operates four lines on Oʻahu’s South Shore, connecting Waikīkī with shopping districts, cultural sites, scenic coastlines and dining spots.

The easiest places to catch the trolley are the Waikiki Shopping Plaza or the Duke Kahanamoku Statue, or hop on at any stop along its route.

Tickets can be purchased online, at the Waikiki Shopping Plaza ticket booth, Waikīkī activity desks, or directly from drivers (cash only).

1-day passes start at $6 (Pink), $20-$34 (Green, Red, Blue), with multi-line and multi-day passes from $60-$80. Kids (ages 3-11) ride for less.

• Pink Line – Ala Moana Shopping Shuttle: Connects Waikīkī hotels with Ala Moana Center, Hawaiʻi’s largest open-air mall.

• Blue Line – Coastline & Local Grindz: Follows the southeast coast with stops at Halona Blowhole, Sea Life Park and more.

• Red Line – Heroes & Legends: Visits key landmarks like the King Kamehameha Statue, ʻIolani Palace, Chinatown and SALT.

• Green Line – Diamond Head: Covers Diamond Head Crater and Monsarrat Avenue, a favorite strip for local eateries.

Go X Scooters

Go X is Waikīkī’s 24/7 app-based scooter rental service, letting you grab and drop off electric rides at over 50 hubs across town.

Their “Cruisers” are comfortable, reaching 15mph (24kph) with a 30mi (48km) range — ideal for trips to Diamond Head, Kapahulu or Kahala.

Pricing includes $1 to unlock plus $0.88 per minute, $9.99 for a 35-minute ride, $49.99 for a full day, or $199.99 for a week.

To ride, download the Go X app, locate a nearby scooter, and rent for yourself — or unlock multiple scooters for your group using one phone.

Scoot Coupe Rentals

Scoot Coupes are two-person, three-wheel mopeds from Hawaiian Style Rentals in Waikīkī — they look like real-life Mario Karts.

These eye-catching, colorful vehicles are easy to drive, require a standard driver’s license and are open to passengers aged 7 and up.

Each rental includes a helmet, lock, gas and custom tour maps, with suggested routes like Waikīkī’s Gold Coast, Mānoa Valley and Kakaʻako.

With built-in bluetooth speakers, you can cruise Kalākaua Avenue or head off on a neighborhood ride with your favorite tunes playing.

• Hawaiian Style Scoot Coupe Rental

Uber, Lyft & Holoholo in Waikīkī

As mentioned in the Rideshare Services section above, Uber, Lyft and Holoholo are easy to use on Oʻahu, including in Waikīkī.

3. Public Transit, Shuttles & Bus Tours

TheBus

TheBus is Oʻahu’s public bus system and the cheapest way to get around, with one-way rides for just $2.75 or a full-day pass for $5.50.

You can pay exact cash when boarding (no change given) or tap on with a pre-paid HOLO card, available at 200 locations, like ABC Stores.

TheBus serves major spots like Waikīkī, Downtown Honolulu, Ala Moana, Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay, Kailua and even the North Shore.

It’s not ideal for circling the island or reaching the North Shore in a hurry. Buses make frequent stops, and wait times between buses can be long.

TheBus does serve the Honolulu Airport, but it’s not ideal for new arrivals. Baggage rules apply — bags must fit on your lap or under your feet.

To plan your ride, visit thebus.org or call +1 (808) 848-5555. For real-time arrival info, download the DaBus2 app — it uses GPS to track buses.

Private Shuttles

Private shuttles offer easy roundtrip transfers from Waikīkī to major attractions like Waikele Premium Outlets — no car needed.

They’re a hassle-free option for travelers who prefer to pre-book transport and skip the stress of directions, parking, or figuring out the bus.

• Waikele Premium Outlets Shuttle
• Diamond Head Shuttle
• Hanauma Bay Shuttle
• Pearl Harbor Shuttle

Tour Bus Operators.

Oʻahu offers excellent sightseeing tours, with transportation options ranging from large coaches to smaller vans and minibuses.

Large-Group Tours

Islandwide tours in full-size, air-conditioned coaches are great for seeing the best of Oʻahu without the hassle of planning or driving.

With narration, scheduled attraction stops and roundtrip Waikīkī pickup, these tours offer a relaxed way to explore with little walking required.

• Grand Circle Island & Haleiwa Tour: This 9-hour tour covers Oʻahu’s most iconic landmarks, for up to 50 passengers.

Small-Group Tours

Smaller tour companies offer islandwide exploration in comfortable vans or minibuses, creating a more personal and flexible experience.

They’re ideal for travelers who enjoy meaningful interaction with their guide and a easier logistics made possible by limiting the group size.

• Hidden Gems of Oahu Circle Island Tour: This 9-hour tour visits Oʻahu’s lesser-known spots, for up to 24 passengers.

Private Tours

Private tours provide a dedicated vehicle and guide for your group, giving you the freedom to customize your day and set the pace.

Plan your own itinerary — whether it’s hiking Diamond Head, exploring the North Shore or doing a full-circle island adventure.

• Mahina Hawaiʻi Full Day Adventure: This 8-hour tour is tailored to your interests and exclusively for your travel party.

4. Motorcycles, Mopeds & Scooters

Explore Oʻahu on two wheels with a range of rental options — from easygoing mopeds to high-powered motorcycles and agile scooters.

Motorcycles

Cruise Oʻahu’s scenic highways on a high-powered motorcycle from Chase Hawaiʻi Rentals, featuring top brands like Kawasaki and Honda.

Mopeds

Renting a moped is one of the best ways to explore Oʻahu, offering easy maneuverability and flexibility to travel independently.

Cruise past top spots like Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay, Sandy Beach and Kailua, feeling the refreshing island breeze as you ride.

The Standard Basket moped is low, stable and great for beginners. Rentals include custom tour maps and staff will teach first-time riders.

Drivers must be 18 with a valid driver’s license and credit card, with no motorcycle license needed for standard moped rentals.

• Hawaiian Style Moped Rental

Scooters

Scooters are a cool way to explore Oʻahu, and Hawaiian Style Rentals offers options for solo riders and couples alike.

Lightweight, fuel-efficient and easy to handle, scooters are ideal for visiting Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor, Hanauma Bay and Kailua.

The premium Hooligan 170cc scooter is freeway-legal, fits up to two people and rentals include helmets, locks, gas and custom tour maps.

Scooters make parking in Waikīkī easy and open up amazing rides along H-3, Pali Highway, Tantalus Lookout and Oʻahu’s coastlines.

• Hawaiian Style Scooter Rental

5. Rental Cars & Car Sharing

Having your own car gives you the independence to explore Oʻahu with spontaneity — just allow extra time during peak traffic hours.

• Morning (6-8:30am): Heading into town (toward Honolulu/Waikīkī).

• Afternoon (3:30-6:30pm): Heading out of town (toward West Oʻahu or East Side).

Island Drive Times

Waikīkī to:	Approx. Drive Time:
Diamond Head Crater	5–10 minutes
Downtown Honolulu	15 minutes
Hanauma Bay	25–30 minutes
Pearl Harbor	30 minutes
Makapuʻu Lookout	30–40 minutes
Kailua	35–45 minutes
Kualoa Ranch	45–60 minutes
Dole Plantation	45–60 minutes
Ko Olina	1 hour
North Shore (Haleʻiwa)	1 hour
Waimea Bay	1 hour 15 minutes
Polynesian Cultural Center	1 hour 15 minutes

Rental Cars (Airport & Waikīkī)

Car Hire at Honolulu Airport

Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) features a Consolidated Rent-A-Car (CONRAC) facility, offering ten major car rental companies.

Find Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless, Sixt and Thrifty brands inside the rental center, just outside Terminal 2.

Passengers arriving at Terminal 2, Baggage Claims 19-31, can walk directly to CONRAC. Other terminals offer a free shuttle service.

Shuttle pick-up points are Terminal 1 between Baggage Claims 8-9, Terminal 2 across from Claim 18 and outside the Terminal 3 building.

Shuttles operate daily from 4:00am to midnight. Rental company hours may differ, so confirm details with your provider for after-hours returns.

Car Hire in Waikīkī

No matter where you stay in Waikīkī, you’ll find a car rental company within walking distance — ideal for short-term or last-minute rentals.

We’ve noticed frequent lines at the car rental desk at International Market Place. For quicker pickup, try these alternatives:

• Sixt at ʻAlohilani Resort
• Budget at The Twin Fin
• Enterprise at Hyatt Centric Waikīkī Beach
• Hertz at Hyatt Regency Waikīkī Beach
• Thrifty at ʻIlikai Hotel

Parking in Waikīkī

Parking in Waikīkī can be pricey, with hotel and parking lot rates typically ranging from $30 to $60 per vehicle, per overnight.

To save money, many visitors rent cars for just a day or two to explore the island, rather than keeping a vehicle for their entire stay.

For short-term parking, Royal Hawaiian Center and International Market Place offer hourly rates with validation for shopping or dining.

Additional hourly parking is available at the Honolulu Zoo, Fort DeRussy and various private lots and residential buildings throughout Waikīkī.

Car Sharing

Turo Car Rental Marketplace

Turo lets you rent cars directly from local owners — it’s like Airbnb but for vehicles — with a wide range available across Oʻahu.

Hui Car Share

Hui is a roundtrip car-sharing service with 15 stations in Waikīkī. Book by the hour or day, with fuel, insurance and parking included.

Electric Vehicle Rentals

Scenic drives and short distances make Oʻahu perfect for electric vehicles — a stylish, eco-friendly way to explore the island.

Teslas

Tesla rentals by Envoy Hawaiʻi offer luxury, sustainability and easy, on-demand booking through the Envoy Mobility app.

Smart Car Rentals

808 Smart Car Rentals have compact Smart Cars and Mini Coopers, great for maneuvering through Honolulu traffic and snagging parking.

They also rent minivans and SUVs, giving groups flexible options, all from central Waikīkī locations on Seaside Avenue and Niu Street.

6. Specialty Vehicle Rentals

Jeeps

Jeep Wranglers, a popular rental choice on Oʻahu, are built for beach adventures, trail explorations and open-air freedom.

Convertible Rentals & Tours

Renting a convertible is a classic way to circle Oʻahu, offering top-down drives with epic coastal scenery where you can feel the ocean breeze.

Prefer to relax? Book a private convertible tour and let a local driver show you beaches, surf towns and hidden gems across Oʻahu.

Moke Rides

Rent a Moke in Waikīkī — a cute, open-air electric vehicle perfect for cruising beach parks and local roads at a relaxed 25mph (40kph).

Polaris Slingshot Rentals

Drive a Polaris Slingshot on Oʻahu — a three-wheeled, open-air autocycle combining motorcycle thrills with car-like handling.

Harley-Davidson Rentals

Chase Hawaiʻi Rentals offers 20+ Harley-Davidsons (2023–2025 models) with custom pipes, helmets, unlimited mileage and ride tips.

Luxury Car Rentals

Glide across Oʻahu in style with Blue Diamond Vacations, offering a fleet of premium rentals like the Ford Bronco, Bronco Sport and Corvette.

Limousines

Limousines offer private, chauffeur-driven transport for weddings, groups and VIP events — perfect for airport pickups, nights out and celebrations.

In summary, however you choose to get around Oʻahu — by bus, trolley, car, or bike — the journey itself can be part of the island adventure.