TRANSPORTATION GETTING AROUND!

"Everything is closeby in Hawaii!"

Modes of Transportation on Oahu

Via bus, car, taxi, moped, or otherwise, getting around on Oahu is easy. Visitors often rent a car or use the reliable and award-winning public transportation (TheBus) to get from one point to another. Consider the possibilities.

Need directions? Kama`ainas, or local residents, usually use two terms for guidance:  mauka and makai. Mauka means "toward the mountains;" makai means "toward the ocean." A reference to the leeward side of the island signifies the western side, with windward Oahu being the eastern side.

TheBus  Many visitors find this mode of public transportation a reliable and efficient way of moving about, in Honolulu and on the outskirts. TheBus offers frequent service between Waikiki and downtown Honolulu. One free transfer per request is allowed to connecting buses. The cost is $1.00 per adult, with discounts for seniors and students. Please call TheBus Customer Services Information for specific route and time schedules at 848-5555 between 5:30 a.m. and 10 p.m. daily, including holidays.

Car Rental  Renting a car may be a good idea should you choose to travel at your own pace, especially to routes where bus travel is less frequent, like the outskirts of Honolulu. You can stop by one of the car rental companies at the Honolulu International Airport, taking care to shop around for the best bargain. Prices are competitive but variable with a wide variety of vehicles from the Metro to the Ferrari. Note that drivers in the islands drive leisurely and don't honk the horn (which is considered to be rude). Drive safely and take it easy.

Mopeds and Motorcycles Mopeds and Motorcycles are an alternative way to scoot around the island. Moped riders must be at least 15 years old, have a valid driver's license, and wear eye protection.Those interested in renting motorcycles can contact motorcycle dealerships directly.

Taxi  Taxis are great for short distances and can be easily flagged down on the main streets of Waikiki. You may be able to get a flat fee for taking a taxi for longer distances.

Waikiki Trolley   Those seeking a more unique way to travel may want to consider the old-fashioned motorized trolleys that roam through downtown. The trolley is ideal for visitors interested in touring the sights in town. For $15 per day ($5 for children), you can hop on and off trolleys or just sit back and hear the narrated tour along the two-hour route. Take in sites like the Iolani Palace, the statue of Kamehameha, or shopping centers like the Royal Hawaiian and Aloha Tower Marketplace. Tours begin every 15 minutes between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. from the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center on Royal Hawaiian Avenue in Waikiki. For more information, call 596-2199.

Airlines  Of course, Oahu's only one island in the chain. Taking in the exquisite beauty of the others is only a short plane ride away (we're talking an average of 30 minutes). For a moderate price, hop on a passenger jet or propeller plane on one of the inter-island air carriers. If you plan to do some serious island-hopping, think about paying a flat rate enabling you to take an unlimited number of inter-island flights.

Bicycles  You can traipse around on foot or use your feet to do some pedaling. Hard-core (or just more motivated) bikers can contact the Hawaii Bicycle League (735-5756), which sponsors biking tours, trips, and other events. The casual pedaler can stop at one of the many bicycle rental shops to get going. Take heartseveral transit buses have front-mounted bike racks which allow you to leave the motorways for the country.

Mobility for the Disabled  TheBus offers disabled riders special services, and some have wheelchair lifts. Call 848-5555 for more information.  The HandiVan offers curb-to-curb service for the disabled. Riders must first get a city pass. Call 848-4444 for an application. Then Call 832-0777 for a pick-up appointment. Reservations are taken for up to two weeks in advance.