Honolulu Congratulations, you’ve arrived at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. A warm wave of Hawaiian air washes over you, and you are ready to start exploring.
That is until you walk towards the rental car counters and are faced with both the prices and the queues and question whether you really need that rental car for your whole trip.
The answer: likely not. Honolulu has the most tourist-friendly public transit in the country, and it’s just made a major upgrade with the introduction of the new Skyline rail line. Getting to know the Honolulu Hawaii transportation system for tourists doesn’t have to be difficult. TheBus and the new Skyline rail are now integrated into one smooth ride alongside the HOLO card, a system connecting the airport, Waikiki and attractions throughout the island.
Let me break down everything you need to know to travel around Oahu car free, and save you thousands.
The Three Pillars of Honolulu Transit
The Honolulu transit system has three main components, and they work together.
The Bus
Honolulu public transportation would come to a standstill without TheBus. Serving Honolulu for years, TheBus is the island’s lifeline of transportation. TheBus runs from every edge of Honolulu, to every corner of Oahu and everything in between, even the most distant and famous, to anywhere near you on Oahu!
Skyline Rail
Skyline is Honolulu’s newly automated above ground rail transit line. The first phase was opened in 2023, and second phase, which extends Skyline 5 miles to four more stations, began in October 2025.
What’s that means for visitors?
One of the new stations will be Daniel K.
Inouye International Airport Station.
HOLO Card
The HOLO card: cash free transit paying system The HOLO card can be used on all TheBus and Skyline routes. It’s your rechargeable cash card that makes riding transit easier and more economical.
Getting from the Airport to Waikiki
This is the first question every visitor asks. You have two good options.
The W Line Bus
The brand new W Line TheBus route takes riders to and from the airport, Downtown Honolulu, Ala Moana, and Waikiki every 10 minutes, making it the most economical to get to Waikiki.
You can hop on the bus stop on the ground level opposite the lei stands on Ala Onaona Street (directly across from the Skyline station). For the low fare of $3 via cash or the HOLO card (transfer is included!), it’s easy and affordable.
Skyline Rail + Bus
Take the Skyline from the Lelepaua Daniel K. Inouye International Airport Station on the mauka side of Terminal 2. It links directly to the Terminal 2 Parking Garage by pedestrian bridge.
Take the Skyline to the Middle Street Transit Center or other stations, and transfer to a bus that will take you to Waikiki.
Rider Tip: The W Line may be more direct and simpler if you are visiting for the first time.
Rideshare alternative: Uber and Lyft are available, but cost about $30 to $40 for the 25 minute ride.
The HOLO Card
If you are going to use the transit system at all, get a HOLO card.
What It Is
The HOLO card is a reusable, reloadable transit card that works on both TheBus and Skyline. It makes payment simple and unlocks the best fares.
How to Get One
- Skyline Stations
- ABC Stores (there are dozens across Waikiki)
- 7-Eleven
- TheBus Pass Office
- Online at Holocard.net
Why It Is Worth It
Fare capping When you’re riding, each fare paid on a HOLO card contributes to a day pass. The day you spend the amount of a day pass, $7.50, the rest of your fares are free for the day! For longer stays, a month pass is available for $80.
Smooth transfers Each single fare of $3 includes 2.5 hours of unlimited transfers between TheBus and Skyline.
No cash issues TheBus doesn’t give back change on cash transactions. On a HOLO card, you just swipe and go.
The HOLO card is $2.
The Bus Routes Tourists Actually Need
You do not need to memorize the entire bus system. Here are the key routes you will actually use.
W Line
Get to and from the airport for the least cost possible on the new W Line! The new W Line service operates every 10 minutes from 4:30 AM to 10:30 PM. This service links you from the airport to downtown, Ala Moana, and Waikiki! Keep in mind, once Skyline ceases service at 10:30 PM, the Route 42 will pick up the W Line for the remainder of the day.
Route 60
Bus From Waikiki To North Shore This route travels from Waikiki all the way to the North Shore, through Kailua and stops to sites of interest like the Polynesian Cultural Center and Waimea Valley.
Route 52
Another option for reaching the North Shore, passing through Haleiwa town.
Routes 1, 2, and 13
These routes connect Waikiki to downtown Honolulu, Chinatown, and the Honolulu Museum of Art.
Route 42
This route takes you to the Arizona Memorial, USS Bowfin, and USS Missouri.
Route 2
This bus takes you to the Bishop Museum.
Pro tip: Use Google Maps or the DaBus2 app to find your route. Simply type in your starting point and destination, and your route and fare will appear.
Skyline Rail
Skyline is Honolulu’s new elevated rail system, and it is growing fast.
Where It Goes Right Now
The Skyline transit line now connects East Kapolei with Middle Street, traveling all the way to Kalihi Transit Center with its 13 stations, such as: Lelepaua (Daniel K. Inouye International Airport) the transit line now extends to Lelepaua Airport; Hlawa (Aloha Stadium) which is the location of the much-loved Swap Meet; and Pearlridge which is one of the area’s biggest shopping centers
What Is Coming
Currently being constructed Segment 3 of the rail will bring service towards Iwilei, Chinatown, downtown Honolulu, and the Civic Center at Kakaako. The entire line is projected to be completed in 2031.
How to Ride
You cannot use cash on Skyline. You will need a HOLO card. Tap your card at the fare gate before boarding.
Other Ways to Get Around
Waikiki Trolley
The Waikiki Trolley is a hop-on, hop-off trolley with about 35 stops around Honolulu and Waikiki. It runs four lines:
- Blue Line: Coastal views
- Red Line: Historic landmarks
- Green Line: Scenic route
- Pink Line: Shopping and dining
A day pass starts at $64. It is more expensive than TheBus, but it is a fun, tourist-friendly way to see the sights.
Biki Bikes
Biki is Honolulu’s bikeshare program, with over 130 docking stations. Plans start at just $5. It is an excellent way to explore Waikiki and downtown Honolulu on a nice day.
Rideshares (Uber/Lyft)
Useful for late-night trips or when you are in a hurry, but they are the most expensive option.
Walking
Waikiki and much of downtown Honolulu are highly walkable. Many attractions are just steps away from hotels.
Is It Worth Skipping the Rental Car?
For many visitors, absolutely. Here’s why.
1. It’s cheaper: Parking and renting a car in Hawaii can really add up, especially in Waikiki and Honolulu where garages are tight and pricey. TheBus max out at $7.50 per day, a bargain.
2. Beat the traffic: Depending on when you visit, traffic can get frustrating. TheBus and the Skyline light rail help you chill instead of battling rush hour.
3. Get around the entire island: TheBus travels to virtually all the popular villages on Oahu, like Kailua, Kapolei and the North Shore.
4. When a car comes in handy: If you intend to spend several days exploring the windward coast or North Shore, a car will likely come in handy. For groups of more than four, and those looking to experience the rural areas, a car can also be an asset. However for most visits focusing in Waikiki and Honolulu, it’s unnecessary.
Top Tips for Using Honolulu Transit
- Get a HOLO card upon arrival. You can find these at ABC Stores which are abundant.
- Use the W Line for the most economical route from the airport straight to Waikiki.
- Download the DaBus2 app on your smart phone. It has real time maps that can guide you.
- Contact TheBus if you require assistance 808-848-5555 and they’re open between 5:30 Am and 10 Pm.
- Don’t get caught without your HOLO card TheBus won’t accept credit cards but they do accept exact fare.
- Note Skyline operating hours which conclude at 10:30 PM. For this, Route 42 can get you around.
- Google maps should offer you transit info for TheBus and Skyline.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the cheapest way to get from the airport to Waikiki?
The W Line bus costs $3. It runs every 10 minutes and is the cheapest option.
Can I use cash on Skyline?
No. Skyline requires a HOLO card. You cannot pay with cash.
Where do I buy a HOLO card?
ABC Stores, 7-Eleven, Skyline stations, TheBus Pass Office, or online at holocard.net.
Does TheBus go to the North Shore?
Yes. Routes 52 and 60 go to the North Shore, passing Haleiwa and Sunset Beach.
How much does a day pass cost?
With fare capping, you pay a maximum of $7.50 per day. Once you reach that amount, you ride for free.