Adventure & Special Transportation
Pearl Harbor, Coral Crater & Family-Friendly Travel Solutions
Written by a Local Transportation Expert
Leilani AkoThe Adventure-Seeker's Shuttle Guide: Getting to Oahu's Top Attractions
Some of Oahu's best adventures are located outside the main transit corridors. For these, booking an activity that includes transportation is often the smartest, most convenient, and most stress-free option. Let me share the insider knowledge on how to get to the island's must-see destinations without the hassle.
Pro tip: When transportation is included with your adventure booking, you can focus on the experience rather than the logistics. Plus, many operators provide valuable local commentary during the journey, turning your ride into part of the adventure.
For Adrenaline: Coral Crater Adventure Park
For a day of heart-pumping thrills, nothing on Oahu beats Coral Crater Adventure Park. Tucked away in Kapolei, it's a playground of epic ziplines, rugged off-road ATV trails, and a towering Adventure Tower. While getting there independently can be a challenge, they've made it incredibly easy for visitors staying in Waikiki.
The Easiest Way There: Coral Crater's Waikiki Transportation Packages
This is, without a doubt, the best way to experience the park. You can book an adventure package that includes roundtrip transportation directly from your Waikiki hotel. You simply select your hotel during the online booking process, and your confirmation will provide the exact pickup location and time. It's door-to-door service.
Full Zipline Experience (6 Lines) + Transport
A 5-hour adventure that includes their full course of six ziplines and the roundtrip ride.
Quick Zip Adventure (3 Lines) + Transport
Perfect if you're short on time. This 4.5-hour package gets you three thrilling zips and back to Waikiki with time to hit the beach. Starts at $139.99.
Off-Road ATV Adventure + Transport
Get ready to get muddy! This 4-hour experience includes a guided ATV tour through the crater's rugged terrain and your ride from Waikiki, starting at $199.99.
Zipline & ATV Combo + Transport
Can't decide? Do both! This popular 4-hour package combines three ziplines with an ATV adventure, starting at $259.99.
Logistics: For a 10:00 am zipline tour, your pickup will typically be between 8:00 am and 9:00 am, and you'll be back in Waikiki by early afternoon.
For History: Remembering Pearl Harbor
A visit to the Pearl Harbor National Memorial is a profound and essential Oahu experience. However, navigating the site's security protocols, multiple historic locations, parking, and ticketing system can be complex and overwhelming for first-time visitors. For this reason, I always recommend booking a tour that includes roundtrip transportation. It allows you to focus on the history and significance of the site without worrying about the logistics.
USS Arizona Memorial & Pearl Harbor Visitor Center Tour
This is the most concise option, perfect for those with limited time. It's about 5 hours long and includes roundtrip transport and admission to the main sites for around $57.50.
USS Arizona & Battleship Missouri Tour
Often called the "bookends of the war" tour, this 6-7 hour experience covers the vessel where the war began for the U.S. and the vessel where it officially ended. A comprehensive and moving tour for about $139.
The Complete Pearl Harbor Experience
For the ultimate history buff, this all-day, 10.5-hour tour covers all the historic sites: the USS Arizona, Battleship Missouri, the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum, and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. Includes lunch and transportation for around $216.
Important: Dress respectfully for this solemn site (no swimwear), and be aware that bags of any kind (including purses and camera bags) are not permitted inside the memorial. You can only bring your wallet, phone, camera, and a clear water bottle. Lockers are available for rent at the entrance.
Beyond the Big Two: Shuttles to Other Island Favorites
Polynesian Cultural Center
Located on the North Shore, getting to the PCC is a journey in itself. The easiest way is to purchase shuttle service directly with your admission tickets when booking online or by phone through the PCC's reservation center.
Roberts Hawaii also offers PCC packages with roundtrip transportation from Waikiki for about $30 per person.Waikele Premium Outlets
For bargain hunters, the Roberts Hawaii Waikele Shopping Shuttle is a must. It's one of their most popular services, operating daily with convenient pickup times from multiple locations throughout Waikiki.
The bus departs for the return trip to Waikiki at 3:00 pm, giving you a full day of shopping.🎢 Adventure Shuttles
- Coral Crater: $139-259
- Pearl Harbor: $57-216
- PCC Shuttle: $30 add-on
- Waikele Outlets: Included
⏰ Typical Pickup Times
8:00-9:00 am for 10 am tours
6:30-7:30 am for 8 am entry
10:00 am for noon shows
📅 Tour Duration
- Quick Zip 4.5 hours
- Pearl Harbor Basic 5 hours
- Complete Pearl Harbor 10.5 hours
- PCC Experience 6-8 hours
Oahu Transportation for Every Traveler: Special Considerations & Local Secrets
This is where we go from a good guide to a great one. Answering the specific, nuanced questions that travelers have is what builds true trust and provides the most value.
Traveling with Keiki (Children): The Ultimate Family Guide
Traveling with little ones brings a unique set of challenges, and transportation safety is paramount. The rules around car seats in Hawaii can be particularly confusing for visitors, as they differ from what many are used to on the mainland.
Hawaii's child passenger restraint law requires children under the age of 4 to be in a car seat. However, the law provides an exemption for operators of commercial and mass transit vehicles. In practice, this means that on large vehicles like TheBus or a big Roberts Hawaii tour bus, a car seat is not legally required (though you can always use your own if you pay for the seat). However, in a standard taxi, a private shuttle van, or a rideshare vehicle, the law applies, and your child must be in an appropriate safety seat.
Car Seat Availability by Provider
Provides Car Seats
- Go Waikiki Shuttle - No extra charge
- GO808Express - $10 per seat, $5 per booster
- HelloCab Hawaii - $5 per seat
- Honolulu Airport Transfer - $15 per seat
Bring Your Own
- Roberts Hawaii - Commercial vehicle exemption
- VIP Trans - Must bring own and pay for seat
- SpeediShuttle - Passengers must bring own
Accessible Oahu: A Guide for Travelers with Disabilities
Oahu is committed to being an accessible destination for all visitors. Here's a consolidated guide to accessible transportation options.
TheBus & Waikiki Trolley
Both services are fully ADA compliant. The entire fleet of TheBus is equipped with features like lifts or ramps, a "kneeling" function to lower the first step, priority seating areas, and automatic stop announcement systems.
TheHandi-Van
This is a crucial public transit service for individuals with disabilities who are unable to use TheBus. It offers origin-to-destination, shared-ride service. Visitors can obtain temporary eligibility for up to 21 days by calling 808-538-0033 (Monday-Friday, 8 am-4 pm HST) prior to your trip.
Private Shuttle Accessibility
Roberts Hawaii requires at least 48 hours' notice to schedule an appropriate vehicle. Fly Shuttle & Tours requires 60 days' advance reservation for ADA-compliant vehicles. Always inform operators of your needs at booking time.
Tour Company Options
Polynesian Adventure Tours & E Noa Tours also offer accessible vehicles and request that you inform them of your needs at the time of booking.
Hauling Your Gear: A Surfer's & Golfer's Guide
Bringing your favorite board or clubs? Getting them from the airport to your hotel requires a little planning. Here's how some of the major shuttle providers handle oversized gear.
Gear-Friendly Options
- Roberts Hawaii - Surfboards up to 6 feet for $40. Golf bags count as one standard bag.
- VIP Trans - Surfboards for $12. Golf bags for $6.
- NS Oahu Shuttle - Includes surfboards and golf bags at no extra charge.
Restrictions
- Go Tours Hawaii - Does not allow surfboards or golf bags.
- Hele Hele Shuttle - Does not allow surfboards or golf bags.
Tips for the Solo Wahine (Woman) Traveler
Oahu is a wonderfully welcoming and generally safe place for solo female travelers. I've explored this island on my own countless times. As with any destination, exercising common sense and situational awareness is key.
On TheBus
If you're riding at night or the bus is not crowded, choose a seat near the front, closer to the driver. This is a common practice for many local women.
Stay Alert
Avoid wearing headphones in both ears, especially when waiting at a bus stop or walking at night. Being able to hear your surroundings is your best safety tool.
Trust Your Gut
The spirit of Aloha is real, but so is your intuition. If someone or a situation makes you feel uncomfortable, don't hesitate to move seats, get off at the next well-lit stop, or walk into a nearby store.
Late-Night Travel
For late-night returns to your hotel, especially after a fun evening in Waikiki or Chinatown, using a rideshare or taxi is generally a safer and faster option than waiting for a bus.
Your Oahu Adventure Awaits
Now you have the keys to the island. With this guide, transportation is no longer a logistical headache but part of your Oahu adventure. You know the secrets to navigating HNL like a pro, the hack for a scenic tour on TheBus, and the best ways to get to the island's top adventures.
For the ultimate in convenience, especially for families or those with lots of gear, a pre-booked private shuttle is worth every penny. For the budget-conscious and the truly adventurous, mastering TheBus with your HOLO card is a rewarding experience. For guaranteed thrills without the hassle, book a transportation package directly with Coral Crater Adventure Park. And to pay your respects to history, let a dedicated tour bus handle the journey to Pearl Harbor.
Go explore, be adventurous, be respectful, and share your Aloha. I'll see you on the trail.
A hui hou!
-Leilani