how to get around oahu: your complete transportation guide
Car rentals, buses, scooters & scenic drives — here’s how to explore Hawaii’s most vibrant island
Oʻahu is the beating heart of Hawaii — home to Honolulu, Waikiki Beach, iconic hikes like Diamond Head, and the surf haven of the North Shore. But while the island is only about 44 miles wide, getting around takes some planning if you want to see more than just the hotel pool.
Whether you’re exploring tropical valleys, chasing waterfalls, or tracking down the best garlic shrimp on the North Shore, here’s your guide to getting around Oʻahu — including the pros, cons, and tips for each option.
1. Renting a Car
Best for: Full island exploration, day trips, flexibility, hidden beaches
Renting a car gives you the most freedom to explore Oʻahu at your own pace. It’s especially ideal if you want to visit places like the North Shore, Lanikai Beach, Byodo-In Temple, or drive the full Kamehameha Highway coastal loop.
Pros:
- Freedom to stop wherever you like
- Easy access to scenic drives, hikes, and beaches
- Great for families or groups
Cons:
- Parking in Waikiki can be expensive ($25–$50/day)
- Traffic in Honolulu/Waikiki can be slow during rush hours
- You’ll need to book early — cars sell out in high season
📝 Tip: Consider renting from Honolulu Airport for better availability and pricing, or use Turo (a car-sharing app) if traditional rentals are booked.
2. TheBus (Public Transportation)
Best for: Budget travelers, solo adventurers, relaxed itineraries
Oʻahu’s public transit system, TheBus, is reliable, clean, and surprisingly extensive. You can reach most tourist destinations including Waikiki, Pearl Harbor, Hanauma Bay, and even the North Shore (though longer routes can take 2+ hours).
Pros:
- Super affordable: $3 one-way fare or $7.50 daily cap with a HOLO card
- No need to worry about parking or gas
- Environmentally friendly
Cons:
- Slower than driving
- Limited service to remote beaches/hiking trails
- Some routes require transfers
📝 Tip: Get a HOLO card at ABC Stores or online for contactless payment and free transfers. Plan routes using Google Maps or the DaBus2 app.
3. Uber & Lyft
Best for: Short hops, airport transfers, no-car convenience
Both Uber and Lyft operate widely on Oʻahu, especially around Honolulu and Waikiki. They’re a great option if you’re not renting a car but still want a quick ride to a restaurant, hotel, or hike like Diamond Head.
Pros:
- Convenient and easy to use via app
- No need to worry about parking or directions
- Ideal for airport transfers
Cons:
- Surge pricing during peak times
- Harder to get rides in remote areas like the North Shore
- Costs add up quickly with multiple trips
📝 Tip: Consider rideshare for early-morning hikes or airport drop-offs when buses aren’t running yet.
4. Biki Bikes (Bike Share)
Best for: Short-distance travel in Waikiki, Honolulu, Ala Moana
Biki is Oʻahu’s bike share system, with 130+ stations across urban Honolulu. It’s perfect for a scenic beach ride, cruising through Kaka‘ako art district, or hopping between shops and cafés.
Pros:
- Fun, eco-friendly, and budget-friendly
- Great for getting around Waikiki and Ala Moana
- No car or parking needed
Cons:
- Not suitable for longer trips or steep terrain
- Limited to metro Honolulu area
- Helmets not provided
📝 Tip: Download the Biki app or use a kiosk to check availability. The “Free Spirit Plan” is great for flexible rides.
5. Scooters & Mopeds
Best for: Adventurous couples, quick beach runs, Waikiki exploring
Scooter and moped rentals are popular in Waikiki and offer a fun way to zip around without a car. They’re great for quick rides to Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay, or other local beaches.
Pros:
- Easy to park
- Great gas mileage
- Fun and breezy way to see the coast
Cons:
- Not ideal for long distances or highways
- Weather dependent
- Must be comfortable riding in traffic
📝 Tip: Some rental companies require a motorcycle license for faster scooters (over 50cc). Be sure to wear a helmet!
6. Tours & Shuttles
Best for: Guided experiences, stress-free sightseeing
If you’d rather not drive, consider booking a circle island tour, hiking shuttle, or Pearl Harbor shuttle. These are great for learning from local guides and hitting multiple highlights without needing a car.
Pros:
- No planning or navigating required
- Often includes lunch, entry fees, and guides
- Great for solo travelers or small groups
Cons:
- Less flexibility
- Can be more expensive than DIY trips
- May feel rushed at some stops
📝 Tip: Look for small-group or custom tours for a more personal experience. Many depart directly from Waikiki hotels.
Getting From Honolulu Airport to Waikiki
- Uber/Lyft: ~$30–$45 depending on time
- Taxi: ~$40–$50 flat rate
- Shuttle Services: ~$20/person, many available at baggage claim
- TheBus: Route 20 or 303, budget-friendly but not ideal with large luggage
📝 Tip: Pre-book a shuttle if you’re arriving late or during busy periods.
Best Combinations Based on Travel Style
| Travel Style | Recommended Option(s) |
|---|---|
| Full Island Explorer | Rental Car + Guided Tours |
| Budget Traveler | TheBus + Biki Bike |
| Beach Bum in Waikiki | Walking + Biki Bike + Uber |
| No-Car, All Comfort | Shuttles + Tours + Uber/Lyft |
| Solo or Digital Nomad | TheBus + Rideshare for longer trips |
Final Thoughts
Getting around Oʻahu isn’t one-size-fits-all — and that’s the beauty of it. Whether you rent a car to chase waterfalls, hop on TheBus for a scenic ride to Pearl Harbor, or cruise the Waikiki strip on a Biki bike, you’ll find plenty of ways to explore the island’s diverse landscapes and rich culture.
Just bring your sense of adventure (and maybe a good pair of sandals), and Oʻahu will take care of the rest.
What’s your favorite way to explore Oʻahu?
Drop your tips in the comments or tag me on Instagram @abiteabroad with your island travels!
