TOP TIPS FOR GETTING AROUND
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The only real way to get around the islands to explore is by car. That doesn't mean you need a car for your entire trip, there are plenty of car rental places on each of the islands, even in some of the larger hotels so you can book by the day or a few days at a time.
Uber or a taxi is an option in some places but can get expensive if you use them all day and public transport doesn't cover everywhere you may want to go. |
OAHU / WAIKIKI
If you are staying in Waikiki you wont need a car for your entire stay, there is plenty to see and do in Waikiki and surrounds that are in walking distance or are easy to do by Uber or taxi and then you can hire a car if you want to go exploring the rest of the island.
If you are staying in other parts of Oahu like the Northshore or Ko'Olina, you will need a car unless you are planning on staying at the hotel for they entire stay. If you are staying outside of Waikiki for part of your trip, we recommend having a car for those days and use those days to explore that part of the island so that you don't need a car when you get to Waikiki. Our Itineraries page has more info of what to do when.
- Get a taxi or Uber from the airport to your hotel. Charley's Taxi's have a flat airport rate (currently USD$29 plus a tip if you book in advance) and they will come with a mini van so there is plenty of space for your luggage.
- Once in Waikiki you wont need a car to get around, everything you could possibly need in the area is in walking distance or an Uber away.
- The Waikiki Trolley is a great way to get around the Waikiki area. The pink line is only $5 a day per person and will take you to Ala Moana shopping center and then through a loop of Waikiki. The blue line takes you right up to the Sea Life Park past Diamond Head and the red line takes you into the heart of Honolulu and up to Punchbowl Crater (National Cemetery of the Pacific). Both the red and blue lines cost USD$25 for adults per day and USD$15 per child (kids under 3 are free). You will need to purchase tickets in advance, they don't sell them on the bus. All lines are hop on hop off which means you can stay as long as you like at each destination, just keep an eye on the schedule so you dont miss the bus.
- If you want to explore the North Shore or other parts of the island, we recommend grouping all of those activities across a couple of days and renting a car for that time only. While it is cheaper to rent a car across a few days, you may need to pay up to USD$45 a day for parking so its best to work out the best deal. We have found using a local car rental broker is often the best way to find a deal, our favourite is Discount Car Rental Hawaii
- We find that paying for parking for 2-3 nights is worth the convenience to be able to just get up and go and not have to stand in a rental line every morning. See our itinerary page for suggested 2 and 3 day itineraries across the island.
- FYI - Parking in Waikiki is super expensive and will not be included in most hotels. Some condo rentals do include parking but most will be for an additional fee. Make sure you check out the parking before you go so there aren't any nasty surprises.
If you are staying in other parts of Oahu like the Northshore or Ko'Olina, you will need a car unless you are planning on staying at the hotel for they entire stay. If you are staying outside of Waikiki for part of your trip, we recommend having a car for those days and use those days to explore that part of the island so that you don't need a car when you get to Waikiki. Our Itineraries page has more info of what to do when.
The road to Hana
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THE BIG ISLAND, MAUI & KAUAI
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