How to Get Around Oahu Without a Car
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But if you’re plotting out the details of your Hawaiian holiday—from the top accommodations to those dinner ressos you hope to score in advance—you may be wondering: How can I get around Oahu without a car?
Effortlessly—at least with this guide in hand. Let’s leap into how you can navigate Oahu without a car and the pleasures you’ll discover along the way.
Gorgeous beaches. Sublime sunsets. Stunning volcanic craters. Restaurants and hotels that redefine luxury, and a list of outdoor activities that could go on for miles. Is there anything Oahu doesn’t offer?
In a word: No, unless snowboarding is on your dream itinerary. Indeed, the island supplies one delight after another, making “The Gathering Place” the perfect spot for your next tropical vacation. But, you will need to know how to get around!
What is the best way to get around Oahu without a car?
Oahu clocks in at 597 square miles, rendering it the third largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago. It’s also the most popular (and populous) and boasts the 54th largest city in the States.
In other words? While exploring other islands in Hawaii typically requires a rental car, Oahu is flush with the services and amenities you’d expect to find in any cosmopolitan area.
How you choose to get around Oahu without a car may hinge on your vacation budget and how much of the island you’d like to see. That said, your leading options include:
Public transportation
Public transportation on Oahu is terrific—-and you don’t have to just take our word for it: Data indicates that Honolulu has the 9th best public transportation system of all major cities in the nation.
While public transport may not be as stellar across the entire island, it’s an optimal choice for catching the most coveted sights in the state capitol and beyond, whether you’re stepping away from the beach to meander through the ever-eclectic Chinatown or dedicating part of a day to touring ‘Iolani Palace.
Your choices more or less come down to:
TheBus
If the idea of riding a bus doesn’t exactly jive with your idea of a Hawaiian vacation, think again: TheBus (or “Da Bus,” as it’s commonly called) has been distinguished twice by the American Public Transportation Association as “America’s Best Transit System.” Plus, we love sustainability!
Besides, who could possibly argue with the chance to sit back, chill, and savor the island’s sights on an air conditioned ride—all at an economical price?
TheBus provides:
- Rides as low as $3.00, and that includes 2.5 hours of unlimited transfers
- A 7-day pass for as little as $30.00
- Free rides to children under the age of five
- Lifts from the Daniel K. Inouye airport (HNL) every 30 minutes
- Multiple stops across the island with areas that include:
- Kaimuki, a vibrant, artsy neighborhood in Honolulu known for its hip restaurants, novelty boutiques, and cool quotient
- Kaneohe, a mist-tipped neighborhood on the Windward Coast famed for its laid back vibe and the always-enchanting Byodo-In Temple
- Haleiwa, the quintessential surf town where you can watch the surfers at Pipeline before perusing the town’s art galleries, shops, and cafes
- ADA accessibility
A word of caution here, however: TheBus makes frequent stops and isn’t always on time. That, combined with Honolulu’s notorious traffic, may lengthen the time you spend on the road. But if you want to absorb what life is really like on Oahu, it’s an excellent alternative to renting a car.
Interested? Purchase a HOLO card and refill it as you go along, either online or at a participating retail store.
Waikiki Trolley and HiBus
Waikiki is the first choice for the vast majority of visitors to Oahu, and for a solid reason: The glittering enclave booms with luxe resorts, world-class restaurants, superb shopping, and an electrifying nightlife—to say nothing of its legendary stretch of white sand.
Add the Waikiki Trolley and HiBus to the district’s allure. The hop-on, hop-off trolley offers rides to and from 30 of the island’s hottest spots, including stops at:
- Kahala Mall
- Diamond Head
- Sea Life Park
- Halona Blowhole
Value is at the heart of the Waikiki Trolley: a full week’s pass for an adult starts at $78.75, which is substantially less than renting a car. You can easily fill an Oahu itinerary getting around by bus only.
What’s more, the Waikiki Trolley’s open-air, open-roof rides allow you to take in the island’s sweet, warm June days.
Purchase your Waikiki Trolley tickets here ►
Taxis and ridesharing
Uber, Lyft, and taxis are readily available on Oahu, making last-minute trips an absolute cinch. They’re also a particularly savvy choice after a late night out on the town—yes, even though Honolulu was recently rated as the Safest City to Visit in the World by the Hawaiian Tourism Authory.
Prefer to support locally owned and operated businesses? Download the holoholo app: The Hawaii-based rideshare network offers affordable rides across the island.
Uber and Lyft you likely know. As for Oahu’s best taxi companies, consider:
- TheCab Hawaii, which supplies super-friendly, islandwide taxi services 24/7
- Charley’s Taxi, a much-loved taxi company that offers discounted, flat-rate fees from Waikiki to some of Oahu’s most enticing attractions
- Johnny’s Taxi, which has been providing rides to visitors and locals alike for more than 30 years
Taxi vs Ubers in Oahu
Within all of this, you may be asking: Are taxis superior to Ubers on Oahu?
Generally speaking, Ubers are a more economical option: For example, taking an Uber (or Lyft) from HNL to Waikiki is typically around $33 (before tipping), while most taxi companies list their one-way fare between $40 and $45. (This may seem steep to some, but bear in mind that the daily parking fee at most hotels runs anywhere from $15 to $49.)
Additionally, Uber allows you to scroll through prices and times; taxis, on the other hand, are usually either metered or, as in the case of HNL, set at a flat fee.
That said, while you can’t hail a taxi in Hawaii, taxi stands abound around the busier parts of the island.
In my experience, I’ve tried taking both Ubers and Taxis to and from the airport. Ubers come out cheaper every time. This bothers me a bit, but it is what it is.
All in all, Uber, Lyft, and holoholo may be a smarter choice—especially since you can usually score one within mere minutes.
Skyline
Skyline is Oahu’s newest light rail system, a train that presently has nine stations throughout the island, including Waipahu, Pearlridge, and the Aloha Stadium.
The fee is the same as TheBus—$3.00 per ride, with a $7.50 cap—and there’s something rather neat about riding the first train on the island since the 1940s.
But unless you’re planning on going to the Aloha Stadium for an event or its Swap Meet & Marketplace, know that Skyline primarily serves Oahu’s residential neighborhoods.
Walking
There’s one way to get around Oahu that often goes overlooked: Your own two feet!
Honolulu and Waikiki are officially deemed “walker’s paradises” with an overall walk score of 66. Many parts of the city boast well-preserved sidewalks, while the sheer act of walking tends to lead to awesome finds—whether that’s ambling past the stunning, Greek-columned U.S.
Post Office and Courthouse or happening upon a pop-up vendor selling one-of-a-kind island art.
For many who elect to stay in Waikiki, they have nearly everything they need at their fingertips—or, rather, a short stroll away, from coffee stores and restaurants to glossy waves and shops.
And when you do want to meander outside of Waikiki, a rideshare, the trolley, or TheBus stops are readily available.
What if you’re staying outside of Honolulu—say, at the North Shore’s Turtle Bay Resort? You’ll probably need a rideshare or shuttle service, or you can surrender to your remote locale, unplug, and relish the amenities found at the hotel (which, I might add, are abundant).
Tours
Tours and shuttle services are a great idea if you’re traveling in large groups or you’re angling to attend a guided tour in which your only task is to listen, observe, and enjoy the experience.
Oahu teems with tour companies and shuttle services:
- View all Oahu tours here ►
- I can also recommend Executive Chauffeurs Hawaii – Planning a destination wedding on Oahu? Weigh the perks of transporting your wedding party and guests via Executive Chauffeurs Hawaii, including plush, premium vehicles and swift, white glove service.
Best Area to Stay in Oahu Without a Car
Oahu brims with beautiful places you likely won’t want to miss out on seeing, from the awe-inspiring waves on the North Shore to the picture-perfect views on the Ka’iwa Ridge/Lanikai Pillbox Trail.
And yet, if you’re not keen on renting a car, it may be wisest to stay in Honolulu or Waikiki. In doing so, you’ll have trouble-free access to a wide range of amenities and activities.
Indulging in a waterfront massage, listening to live music, splashing in the surf, dining at an award-winning restaurant—all will be within reach if you stay on Oahu’s southeastern coast.
Let’s peer at a few of these in a bit more depth:
Things to Do in Oahu Without a Car
Luckily, there are dozens of wonderful things to do on Oahu without a car. A few of the most exciting include:
Waikiki Beach
Waikiki Beach was once a playground and sanctuary for Hawaiian royalty, and that theme carries on today.
The two-mile expanse of golden sand hums with energy, from longboarders carving crystalline waves to sunbathers soaking up the rays.
When you need a break from the heat, check out the lei-laden Duke Kahanamoku statue before cooling off with a yuzu creamsicle at ‘Alohilani Resort’s Double Fat Ice Cream.
Ala Moana Shopping Center
Spanning more than two million square feet, Ala Moana is the world’s largest open air mall—and, I’d argue, one of the prettiest.
Here, you’ll find more than 350 retailers (including Bloomingdale’s, Lululemon, and Hawaii’s own Mahina), dozens of eateries and salons, a daily hula show, and special performances. Tuck into your comfiest shoes before heading in—the center is huge.
Diamond Head Crater
Diamond Head (or Le’ahi) is one of the most iconic symbols of Hawaii; a 475-acre volcanic tuff cone that was created roughly 300,000 years ago. You can walk to Diamond Head from Waikiki in roughly 40 minutes or take TheBus, a shuttle, or a rideshare in less than ten.
Consider it well-worth your time: the hike includes former military bunkers, underground tunnels, and breathtaking views of the coastline.
“KCC” Farmers’ Market
Oahu features a number of first-rate farmers’ markets but few compare to the Kapi‘olani Community College’s Saturday extravaganza. The lively event features a boatland of fresh, exotic fruits—including mangosteen, lychees, and rambutan—ono eats (like fried mochi ube balls and street corn), and fragrant flowers. Best part yet: It’s only a short bus ride away from Waikiki.
Honolulu Museum of Art
The Honolulu Museum of Art is a feast for the eyes and senses. Situated in the heart of the state capitol, the museum showcases more than 50,000 pieces spanning more than 5,000 years, including one of the world’s most extensive collections of Asian and Polynesian art.
Koko Head
No trip to Oahu is complete without partaking in one of the island’s spectacular hikes. The Koko Head Crater Stairs hike falls into this camp; plus, it’s less than a half an hour away from Waikiki (or an hour and 20 minutes by bus).
Aim for a sunrise or sunset hike, when the 1,048 steps on the trek feel substantially more manageable—and the panoramic views are all the more marvelous.
FAQs:
Still have questions? Read on:
Do you need a car in Oahu as a tourist?
No, not necessarily, especially if you make Honolulu or Waikiki your “home base:”
The island has outstanding public transportation, as well as taxis, rideshares, and taxis, while the 1.5 square mile district of Waikiki (and parts of Honolulu proper) are extremely walkable.
Can you enjoy Oahu without a car?
Most definitely! In fact, for many, it’s far more freeing to explore Oahu without the added hassle and expense of renting a car (and dealing with the myriad parking fees around the island).
Can you get around Oahu with Uber?
For sure. Oahu has the highest concentration of Uber drivers in the Hawaiian Islands; ditto for Lyft.
That said, you may experience some trouble securing a rideshare on the North Shore and other more rural spots on the island. I’d recommend a circle island tour or rental car for those days.
Is a taxi cheaper than Uber in Honolulu?
Uber is usually less expensive than taxis in Honolulu, especially if you’re willing to wait a bit before booking a ride.
Keep in mind that Uber has “surge pricing;” which raises their prices during times of high demand. While Hawaii was the first government in the nation to put a cap on rideshare fares, taking TheBus during peak hours might be a more wallet-friendly option.
Is Uber expensive on Oahu?
Yes, Uber can be expensive on Oahu. Nearly everything is more expensive in Hawaii—consider it paradise tax—but you can find reasonable deals on Uber by planning your trip(s) in off-peak times and using UberPool.
What is a good transportation option for visitors on Oahu?
Visitors have a host of transportation options to choose from, including:
- TheBus
- Skyline
- Waikiki Trolley
- HiBus
- Uber or Lyft
- Taxis
- Bike shares
- Walking
Summary: Getting around Oahu without a car
Between its globally renowned surf breaks and dazzling art, dining, and shopping scene, Oahu has rightfully earned a reputation as one of the most amazing islands in the world.
Fortunately, it’s also, in essence, the only island in the Hawaiian chain that you can satisfyingly visit without a rental car. Take these tips along with you when you go—and expect to have an exceptional, even unforgettable adventure.
