Airport shuttle

Now, let’s talk about airport shuttle information.

Airport shuttles should be booked online in advance.

In most cases, booking a round trip is more affordable than booking one-way.

Each passenger is allowed up to two suitcases.

Since the shuttle stops at each passenger’s hotel along the way, it usually takes longer to reach your destination compared to a taxi or Uber.

Although the direct drive from the airport to Waikiki takes around 25 minutes, it’s best to allow up to an hour, just to be safe.

Uber and Lyft

The rideshare pickup area at the airport is located on the 2nd floor (departure level), in the center median marked as “share ride.”

After arriving, take the elevator up to the 2nd floor and look for the blue signs.

Prices vary significantly depending on the time of day and traffic conditions, but here’s a general idea of the fare range.

Just to emphasize again: Children under 10 years old or under 4’9” are required by law to use a child seat.

Depending on the time of day, Uber can be much cheaper than a taxi, but during peak hours, it can also be much more expensive.

Taxis

Next, let’s talk about taxis.

At the airport, the taxi stand is located on the ground floor, just across the street from the arrival exit, in the center median.

For metered taxis, there is a staff member at the taxi stand. Simply tell them your destination, and they will assign you a taxi based on your group size and luggage. You cannot choose the taxi company.

With metered taxis, the fare depends on traffic conditions, so prices may vary.

In addition to metered taxis, companies like Charley’s Taxi and Hana Taxi offer flat-rate plans.

If you’ve booked a flat-rate taxi in advance, you’ll need to call the company after arriving at the airport. They will tell you where to meet your driver.

Rental cars

Now, let’s talk about rental cars.

空港で借りる

Just across the street from the airport, you’ll find the Consolidated Rent-A-Car facility (commonly called CONRAC).

This building houses 10 major rental car companies, where you can check in, make a reservation, and pick up or drop off your vehicle—all in one place.

Although it’s nearby, walking there with luggage can be a bit difficult.
In that case, head to the center median outside the terminal, where you’ll see a sign that says “RENTAL CARS.”
Shuttle buses run regularly between the terminal and CONRAC, making the trip much easier.

Rental a car in Waikiki

If you’re staying in Waikiki and only need a rental car for certain days, you have several options:

• Visit the rental car company directly
• Go to the hotel’s rental car desk or
• ask the concierge to help you make a reservation

• On the day of your reservation, you can go to the rental office yourself
• Some companies offer free shuttle service to and from your hotel
• Others may provide paid pickup and drop-off services for the vehicle at your hotel

the typical parking rates in Waikiki

Now, let’s take a look at the typical parking rates in Waikiki when renting a car—whether through a traditional rental company or Turo—and parking overnight.

Parking in Waikiki isn’t cheap, and you should expect to pay a moderate to high rate for overnight parking.

There are areas in Waikiki where you can park for free on the street, but these spots are usually occupied by locals, and it’s very difficult to find an open space.

If you stay even a few minutes past the posted time, your car may be towed, and theft is also a concern, especially overnight. So, for overnight parking, it’s highly recommended to use your hotel’s parking or a partnered parking facility.

Hilton Hawaiian Village

As of August 2025:

Hilton Hawaiian Village charges $69 per night for self-parking, and $89 for valet.

The Ritz-Carlton Waikiki

The Ritz-Carlton Waikiki offers valet only, at $60 per night.

🌴 Parking Outside Waikiki

Outside of Waikiki, parking is generally free.

The Honolulu Zoo

The Honolulu Zoo, located on the edge of Waikiki, does charge for parking.

On the west side of the zoo, there’s a paid lot with a machine for pre-payment.

Rates are $1.50 per hour, up to 4 hours max.

It’s not exclusive to zoo visitors, so you can use it while exploring the area.

 Waikiki Trolley

One popular way to travel from Waikiki is by using the Waikiki Trolley, especially the Pink Line.

If you or your family member have a JCB credit card issued in Japan, simply show it to the driver and you can ride the Pink Line for free.

If you don’t have a JCB card, you can still ride by paying $2 in cash per person.

The Pink Line is a sightseeing route that connects Waikiki and Ala Moana Center, making it convenient for shopping and exploring.

Other Waikiki Trolley Lines

For all other lines, you’ll need to purchase a ticket:

• Red Line – Downtown Honolulu, Izumo Taisha Shrine, and more
• Blue Line – Scenic route toward Diamond Head
• Green Line – Hanauma Bay and surrounding areas

Tickets can be purchased:

• Online via the Waikiki Trolley official website
• In person at the Waikiki Shopping Plaza, located in central Waikiki (1st floor)

Please note: Large luggage is not allowed on the trolley.

Besides the Waikiki Trolley, there are also trolleys operated by Japanese travel agencies. These are exclusively for their tour customers, so please make sure not to board the wrong one.

TheBus

TheBus – Hawaii’s Essential Public Transportation

When it comes to getting around Hawaii, TheBus is a must-know option.

If you’re heading from the airport to Waikiki, you’ll likely have a suitcase. Please note: TheBus does not allow luggage larger than what can fit on your lap

Fare Information

$3 per ride

Enter through the front door of the bus and pay upon boarding.

Exact change is required – no change is given.

If you plan to ride multiple times, we recommend getting a HOLO card, Hawaii’s transit smart card.

Where to Buy a HOLO Card

You can purchase a HOLO card at the following locations. There are discounted fares available for seniors and children, so be sure to request the type of card you need and ask to load your desired amount onto it.

• 7-Eleven
• ABC Stores
• Foodland
• Times Supermarkets, and more

Transfers & HOLO Card Benefits

• In the past, paper transfer tickets were handed out, but this system has been discontinued.
• If you pay with cash, each ride costs $3.00, even when transferring.
• With a HOLO card, you can transfer as many times as you like within 2.5 hours of your first ride at no extra cost.

n the future, Skyline is expected to reach Ala Moana Center, but realistically, the day you can ride the monorail from the airport to Ala Moana is still quite a way off.

Final Travel Tips for Oʻahu, Hawaii

So, that’s a general overview of transportation options and fares on Oʻahu, Hawaii.

Before we wrap up, here’s one important tip, especially for those staying on the ocean side of Waikiki:

Please make sure to check in advance whether a parade is scheduled on your departure day.

During parades, Kalākaua Avenue—which runs from Ala Moana to Waikiki or Kapiʻolani Park—is often closed to traffic. Until the parade ends, vehicles may not be able to exit the area.

If you’re using a shuttle or taxi, they may not be able to reach your hotel.

To avoid delays, consider:

• Leaving early
• Walking out to Kūhiō Avenue to meet your ride

And if you’re driving yourself, simply depart ahead of time to avoid road closures.

That’s All for Now!

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