How to Reach Honolulu
GET IN
- By Plane: Hononulu International Airport – served by most American airlines and various Pacific ones. The Airport Waikiki Express ($9) is a quick trip to hotels in Waikiki, and leaves in every 30 minutes.
- City Buses also run between the airport and the city ($2.50), though you better have the exact change. Flights to Honolulu are usually expensive.
- By Ships: These travel very frequently between Honolulu Harbour and the USA Mainland, and are practically part of the attractions of Honolulu.
GET AROUND
- By Bus: The network is called “The Bus”, and it’s a neatly scheduled system. Adult charge is $2.50. You’ll get a free transfer ticket to another bus – valid for 2 hours, if you ask for it. You could also buy a monthly pass ($60), or a 4 day ($25) Discovery Pass. Buses are equipped with bike racks.
- By Taxi: You can hire a taxi to travel around the city.
- By Car: You can also hire a car.
Honolulu’s roads are aligned to its geography – they follow the natural contours of the land. You will definitely need a map if you’re driving around. Keep your GPS close too. It’s best to familiarise yourself with the following terminology:
- Mauka: Towards the mountain (roughly North on this island).
- Makai: Towards the sea (roughly South on this island).
- Ewa – West
- Diamond Head: Roughly East
- Downtown Honolulu is just called the Town.
Other things to know:
- Roads are narrow and cars drive close to each other.
- Speed limits are low (25 – 30 mph), but people actually drive much slower than that.
Though you can also get around on taxis and cars, use the bus or bicycles unless you’re going out of the city.