Oahu Local Transportation

By Bus. Oahu’s public transit system, TheBus (☎808-848-5555; www.thebus.org) offers service across the island. Many people have expressed frustration that TheBus schedule is meaningless; indeed, the bus times we provide may not hold up, since buses are often stuck in traffic. Service is generally friendly, and if you are not sure of your bus route or stop, drivers are willing to help you find your way. Buses have the same number going in both directions, but the title of the bus changes. All buses are wheelchair-accessible and have A/C.

Fares: One-way fare $2; seniors, disabled, and ages 6-12 $1; under 6 free. Free transfers are good for 2hr. and available upon request from bus driver. The Oahu Discovery Passport, available at select ABC Stores, is good for 4 consecutive days of unlimited travel ($20). Monthly passes available at 7-Eleven stores, Satellite City Halls, Times Supermarkets, Star Market Stores, and select ABC stores $40, youth $20, seniors and disabled $5. Monthly passes are valid only for the calendar month. All passes are available at TheBus Pass Office, 811 Middle St.
Routes: Let’s Go: Hawaii lists TheBus stops near sights whenever applicable. Listed below are a few convenient routes from downtown. Consult a bus schedule or www.thebus.org for more information. Check for another list of Waikiki-based buses.
- Route A, the CityExpress , goes from Kalihi and Waipahu in the west, then down King and Beretania St. to University Ave. and Manoa.
- Route B, the other CityExpress , runs from the Kalihi Transit Ctr. to Waikiki.
- Route C, the Country Express, runs from Makaha to Ala Moana Ctr.
- #1 runs from the Kalihi Transit Ctr. through Kalihi and downtown Honolulu on N. King St. It then switches to S. King St. through Ala Moana, Manoa, Kaimuki, and the Kahala Mall.
- #6 runs from above Punchbowl National Memorial Cemetery, past the memorial, down Queen Emma St., bisecting downtown. Then it heads left on King St., through Ala Moana and Moiliili to the University of Hawaii and Manoa Heights.
- #9 runs above Kaimuki, through Ala Moana, downtown, and Kalihi, all the way to the airport.
- #11 starts at the Alapai Transit Ctr., near the Civic Center, and runs through downtown onto H1. It runs to the airport and then heads north on Salt Lake Blvd. through Foster Village and Aiea, ending at the Pearlridge Shopping Center.
- #52 starts at the Ala Moana Center and heads through downtown, near the Civic Center, onto H1, around Pearl Harbor, and eventually through Waipio and Wahiawa to the North Shore.
- #55, 56 run from Ala Moana Shopping Center, up Alakea St. in downtown to Nuuanu Ave. where they meet Rte. 63 and continue to Kaneohe (#55) and Kailua (#56).
Information Lines: Call TheBus Information Service (☎808-848-5555) with your location, time of departure, and destination points, and they will find the best route. TheBus also publishes the TheBus System Map, available for free in very limited quantities at the Satellite City Hall in Ala Moana Ctr. and at TheBus Pass Office. TheBus website also has the System Map and an online search feature that will display individual routes.

Thebus: Plus Or Bust?
TheBus is thought to be one of the great success stories of American public transportation: it has the lowest cost per passenger mile of any system and it is widely used in one of the most expensive cities in the country. That said, the system’s erratic schedules and lack of a comprehensive map are enough to driver any visitor nuts. Here are some tips for staying sane:
1. When riding TheBus, be sure to take a transfer from the driver even if you are planning on taking the bus later that day. Although transfers are only valid for two hours, drivers often do not enforce this rule.
2. Either look online or call TheBus route and schedule line for information. If the line’s busy, don’t fret. The friendly bus drivers are often your best bet for information. They can help you navigate the lack of signage and confusion between express and non-express buses.
3. Try to get yourself TheBus system map from Satellite City Hall. They are limited in number and often run out immediately after they are put out. Keep your eye out for any floating around the bus—finding one is like striking Hawaiian gold.
4. If you need a monthly pass, buy one at the beginning of the month for more bang for your buck. The passes are restricted to the calandar month.

By Car. While many locals choose to get around by bicycle or moped, Honolulu is first and foremost a driving city, despite traffic congestion and limited parking. The major national car rental chains have branches by the airport and in Waikiki; most require a credit card. Honolulu’s tourism capital, Waikiki, holds a number of excellent smaller car and moped rental companies. Rental costs fluctuate by season and availability; be sure to call far in advance to reserve a vehicle. Check company websites for online deals and promotions. See Essentials for more information on traveling by car in Hawaii.

Enterprise Rent-a-Car, 677 Ala Moana Blvd. #101 (☎808-836-2213; www.enterprise.com), at the airport and in Waikiki. Cars from $30 per day, $210 per week. Unlimited mileage. 21+. Under-25 surcharge $10 per day. Liability $10 per day, CDW $17 per day. Check online for special rates. Open daily 6am-10pm. AmEx/D/MC/V.
Budget, 2424 Kalakaua Ave. (☎808-836-1700 or 800-527-7000; www.budget.com), at the airport and at the Hyatt Regency in Waikiki. Compacts from $34 per day, $210 per week. Unlimited mileage. Liability $14 per day, CDW $25 per day. 21+. Under-25 surcharge $75 per day. Open daily 4:30am-1am. Ask about special rates. AmEx/D/MC/V.
Dollar (☎808-831-2331 or 800-800-4000; www.dollar.com), at the airport and 3 other locations, including one at 2002 Kalakaua Ave., in Waikiki. Cars $30 per day, $210 per week, depending on season. Unlimited mileage. Liability $13 per day, CDW $18 per day. 21+. Under-25 surcharge $25 per day. $20 charge to return car to Waikiki branch. Open daily 4:30am-midnight. AmEx/D/MC/V.
Hertz (☎808-831-3500; www.hertz.com), at the airport and several locations in Waikiki, including the Waikiki Marriot at 2552 Kalakaua Ave. Cars from around $39 per day. Unlimited mileage. Liability $23 per day, CDW $25 per day. 21+. Under-25 surcharge $30 per day. Ask about returning car to another location during reservation; a fee may apply. Pickup and return service. Open 24hr. AmEx/D/MC/V.
National Car Rental (☎808-973-7200 or 800-227-7368; www.nationalcar.com), at the airport and at 1778 Ala Moana Blvd. Cars from around $40 per day, $175 per week. Unlimited mileage. Full coverage $22 per day. 21+. Under-25 surcharge $25 per day. Returns can be made at the other Honolulu locations (must specify at reservation). Open daily 5:30am-midnight. AmEx/D/MC/V.