Oahu – Getting Around the Gathering Place
Many may think that a rental car is a great addition to a Hawaiian vacation. This can be true for those who are spending time on the islands of Kauai, Maui or the Big Island. However, the choice to rent a car on Oahu offers mixed results. Unlike the other islands, Oahu has a wonderful network of transportation options. At the airport, there are several modes of transportation available 24 hours a day just steps from the baggage claim carousels.
The Waikiki Shuttle is an option for those traveling on a budget. It departs every 20 minutes from several points along the ground level, the 50 passenger tour bus offers comfortable air-conditioned service to and from Waikiki. The Waikiki Shuttle operates from set pickup and drop-off points throughout Waikiki.
Another option for those traveling in numbers of five or less is VIP Trans. This airport shuttle offers great service, clean and comfortable vans and buses. In addition to door to door service to Waikiki, VIP Trans also offers shuttle service to the cruise ship pier at Aloha Tower and the Ko’olina Resort. This company has been in business for more than 10 years. Their staff is conscientious and efficient and their service is dependable.
For those who are traveling in groups of four or larger, taxicab come in several sizes and offer private service to any Waikiki hotel. Cab fares make this option perfect for four or five passengers. Taxicab dispatchers are readily available at the baggage claim doors to assist in obtaining transportation to all parts of the island.
The other option for getting around Oahu is a rental car. Rental cars are especially useful for those traveling with kids orneed transportation to places not easily accessible by shuttle or taxicab. However, the cost of parking a car, fuel prices need to be considered along with the price of the actual rental to get an accurate picture of what a rental car will really cost. With hotels charging almost a day’s rental to park and with Hawaii having some of the highest gas prices in the country, many opt to rent a car in Waikiki for just a day or two to get out of Waikiki and explore the island.
The least expensive and easiest way to get around the island is TheBUS. This public bus system is easy to use and inexpensive. One of the drawbacks is that luggage larger than a small carry-on is not allowed on the city bus. However, the service in the Waikiki area is very frequent. Buses pass through Waikiki at least every 7 to 9 minutes and offer direct service to the Ala Moana Shopping Center where transfers can be made to all parts of the island. Passes are available for unlimited rides for four consecutive days.
Furthermore, available are private companies that provide specialized service to island visitors. The Waikiki Trolley and the Aloha Bus now offer hop-on hop off service to most tourist areas on the island.
In addition to these transportation options, travel apps are becoming more and more popular. They are perfect for those who are shy about exploring the islands on their own. There are Hawaii travel apps for iPhone and Android that are extremely useful in finding nearby restaurants, shops and other points of interest that will definitely come in handy while exploring Oahu or any of the other Hawaiian Islands.
As far as Hawaii goes, Oahu has many more transportation options than the neighbor islands. Renting a car is still the only real way to get the most of a vacation Hawaii when visiting Kauai, Maui or the Big Island, but not driving is one of the things that makes Oahu extra enjoyable.
Lottie Tagupa is a native Hawaiian, born and raised on the island of Oahu. She has been writing about Hawaii for over 10 years and currently lives in Waimea on the Big Island
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