HOW TO GET AROUND HONOLULU

While the city itself is only around 170 km2, if you’re on a cruise to Honolulu or just there for a single day, you need to be as efficient as possible with your time. That means finding the quickest and best value way to get around the island. Here are your options:

If you’re sticking around in Honolulu for a while, then hiring a car is probably the best way to get around and see as much of the island as possible. If you want to get straight out and drive, there are car hire facilities at Honolulu airport as well as near the city’s harbour. Or, if you’d prefer, you can get a taxi into town or to your hotel and use one of the many car hire companies in nearby Waikiki.

The small size and enjoyable climate of Honolulu means walking is definitely an option that can be a fantastic way to see the city and surrounding beaches. With all the bustle of a US capital city, there are plenty of shops, restaurants, and bars around to stop off in along the way.

If you have specific sites in mind, take your pick from a range of self-guided tours, or check out your cruise or tour operators for any organised trips during your stay.

If walking doesn’t appeal, then why not hire a bicycle on your trip? You can hire one from shops all around the city for a half or full day for very reasonable rates. Then, when you’re done, simply drop it off.

They say the best way to get to know a city is to use public transport. So, what options are there in Hawaii’s biggest city?

There are bus routes all over the island of Oahu, which makes it convenient for tourists to get around Honolulu. Fares are a set price and are valid for a couple of hours, allowing you to change buses using the same ticket. You’ll need to have exact change for your driver, so stock up before you head out for the day. If you’d prefer, you can buy daily and weekly passes at reasonable rates, too.

Designed specifically for tourists, the Waikiki trolley will easily get you around all the city’s sights. Feel free to hop on and off at any of its major destinations if you buy a daily pass, which includes unlimited boarding on any of its five lines around the city.

If you have limited time and want the convenience of a door-to-door service, then there are plenty of taxis available in the city. While it’s generally not common to hail down taxis, your hotel or tour operators should be able to help you organise a taxi with local phone numbers. Uber and Lyft now also operate in the city so, if you already have the apps, you’re all set. Find out more about our Hawaii cruise options here today.