Getting Around O’ahu
1. Rental Cars
Virtually every major national rental car company is represented in Honolulu. Local companies are less expensive but may be less reliable.
2. Trolleys
The cute open-air trolleys you’ll spot rolling around Honolulu have been carrying visitors since the mid-1980s. Today, the Waikīkī Trolley covers attractions with something for everyone, from the city’s historical sites to shopping centers all over the island. The three main routes cover the historic sites (red line), scenic attractions (green line), and shopping destinations (pink line). Other trolleys include one specially for visitors interested in duty-free shopping, and a guided tour of Waikele. It is also possible to charter a trolley.
Trolleys • 591 2561 • www.waikikitrolley.com
3. TheBus
You can get just about anywhere on O’ahu by TheBus. You can purchase one-way tickets or a visitor’s pass. The pass lets you ride all you want on any four consecutive days and is sold at all ABC Stores in Waikīkī and the one at Ala Moana Shopping Center. Convenience stores in Honolulu stock the bus map, which also has a handy guide to Honolulu attractions.TheBus • 848 5555 • www.thebus.org
4. Shuttles and Taxis
For short, in-town trips you can always get a taxi in front of any major hotel, and restaurants are happy to call a taxi for you after your meal. Many hotels also provide shuttle service – usually to shopping destinations, sometimes to sights.
5. Motorcycles and Mopeds
Not for the faint of heart, motorcycles are a fun way to tour the island; mopeds do well on city streets. Be aware: motorcycle rentals are much more expensive than a car or even a van.
6. Rules of the Road
Seat belts for everyone and approved car seats for children under three are mandatory. Pedestrians always have the right of way. Right turns are permitted – unless otherwise noted – after a full stop at a stop sign or red light.
7. Refueling
It’s a good idea to keep your car’s gas tank at least half full as distances between gas stations may be long.
8. Local Etiquette on the Road
Like any big city, Honolulu has its traffic challenges, especially when work-day commuters come in and go out of town. Outside the metropolis, local people are rarely in a hurry, so allow plenty of time for any driving trip. Residents will never sound their car horns except in a case of imminent danger; thus you should check your rear-view mirror often to see if someone wants to pass you.
9. Guided Tours
By land, by sea, by air, even under the sea – every variety of guided tour is available on O’ahu (for further details see Treks & Specialist Tours). There are even tours that specialize in shopping! You can do some advance research on the internet (try www.top-10-hawaii.com as a starting point). You’ll also be inundated with information about tours at the airport.
10. Beach Access
All Hawaiian beaches are public. The problem, sometimes, is not being able to get to them without trespassing. Look out for public beach access signs, which are prominently displayed, and follow the paths.
