Oahu Public Transit Guide
TheBus, Trolley & Local Transportation - Exploring Like a Local
Written by a Local Transportation Expert
Leilani AkoExploring Like a Local: Mastering Oahu's Public & Sightseeing Transit
Once you're settled in, the real adventure begins. Getting around the island without a car isn't just possible. It's often more enjoyable and immersive. Here's how to navigate Oahu like you were born and raised here.
You haven't really seen Oahu until you've "talked story" with a local kupuna (elder) on her way to the market or watched the coastline unfold from the window of TheBus. It's more than just transportation. It's a moving slice of island life.
TheBus: Your Most Authentic & Affordable Ride
You haven't really seen Oahu until you've "talked story" with a local kupuna (elder) on her way to the market or watched the coastline unfold from the window of TheBus. It's more than just transportation. It's a moving slice of island life. And at just a few dollars a ride, it's the most budget-friendly way to explore.
The HOLO Card: Your Golden Ticket
Forget fumbling for exact change. The HOLO card is a reloadable transit card that makes riding TheBus and the new Skyline rail system incredibly easy.
How to Get It
You can buy an adult HOLO card for a one-time fee of $2 at thousands of locations, including most ABC Stores, 7-Eleven, and Foodland supermarkets.
How it Works (Fare Capping)
A single ride costs $3.00, which includes unlimited free transfers for the next 2.5 hours. The real magic is "fare capping." Your fares are capped at $7.50 per day. Once you've taken three rides in one day, every subsequent ride for the rest of that day is free!
Visitor Passes
If you plan on using TheBus frequently, consider a multi-day pass. A 3-day pass costs $20, and a 7-day pass is $35, offering excellent value for active explorers.
The monthly cap is $80, making it an incredible value for extended stays.
The Ultimate Scenic "Circle Island" Tour on TheBus
Want to see the entire island for the price of a daily bus pass? This is one of my favorite local secrets. While many companies sell pricey "Circle Island Tours," you can create your own breathtaking scenic drive on TheBus. It takes patience, but the views are unbeatable.
This DIY tour is possible by cleverly combining two main bus routes that travel in opposite directions around the island. Starting from the massive Ala Moana Center (a major transit hub), you can catch either Route 52 (Wahiawa-Circle Isle), which travels west through the center of the island and up to the North Shore, or Route 55 (Kaneohe-Circle Island), which travels east up the stunning windward coast to the North Shore.
Sample Itinerary:
- From Ala Moana Center, take Route 55 heading east. This is the most scenic leg, taking you along the turquoise waters of the windward coast. You'll pass sights like the majestic Koʻolau Mountains and Mokoliʻi Island (Chinaman's Hat).
- Ride it all the way to the North Shore. You can get off at famous spots like Sunset Beach or Waimea Bay to watch the surfers.
- From the North Shore (like Turtle Bay), you'll then catch Route 52 heading south. This route will take you back towards Honolulu through the agricultural heartland of Oahu, past the Dole Plantation, and through Wahiawa before returning to Ala Moana Center.
Top Tourist Routes from Waikiki
For more direct trips, here are some of the most useful bus routes starting from the Waikiki area:
- To Ala Moana Center: Routes 8, 13, 20, 42, E
- To Diamond Head: Routes 2, 2L, 23
- To Pearl Harbor: Routes 20, 42
- To Hanauma Bay: Take Route 23 from Kahala Mall (you can get to Kahala Mall on Route 2 or 2L)
💳 HOLO Card Pricing
- Single Ride: $3.00
- Daily Cap: $7.50
- 3-Day Pass: $20
- 7-Day Pass: $35
- Monthly Cap: $80
- Card Fee: $2 (one-time)
🏪 Where to Buy HOLO Cards
- ABC Stores
- 7-Eleven Stores
- Foodland Supermarkets
- Transit Centers
- Online (thebus.org)
🚌 Popular Routes
Windward Coast scenic
Circle Island via center
To Pearl Harbor
To Hanauma Bay
The Waikiki Trolley: Hop-On, Hop-Off Fun with a View
If TheBus is for function, the Waikiki Trolley is for fun. These charming, open-air trolleys are specifically designed for sightseeing, offering narrated tours and easy hop-on, hop-off access to Oahu's most popular attractions. It's a fantastic, stress-free way to explore, especially with family.
Four Color-Coded Lines for Every Interest
The trolley operates on four distinct color-coded lines, each designed to showcase different aspects of Oahu's beauty and culture:
Blue Line (Coastal/Ocean Route)
This is the line for breathtaking seascapes. It travels along the southeastern coastline to spots like the Halona Blowhole and Sea Life Park.
Red Line (Historic/City Arts Route)
Your ticket to Hawaiian history. This line stops at Iolani Palace (the only official royal palace in the U.S.), the iconic King Kamehameha I Statue, and the Honolulu Museum of Art.
Green Line (Scenic/Diamond Head Route)
This is your express shuttle to adventure. It takes you directly to the Diamond Head Crater trailhead for the famous hike and also stops at the popular KCC Farmer's Market on Saturdays.
Pink Line (Shopping Route)
A shopper's dream, this line runs a continuous loop between Waikiki and the Ala Moana Center, Hawaii's largest open-air shopping mall.
Trolley Pass Options
Oahu's New Skyline Rail: The Future of Island Transit
Oahu is embracing the future with its new elevated rail system, Skyline. It's important for visitors to have the right expectations: as of now, Skyline's route runs from East Kapolei to the Aloha Stadium area. While it's a game-changer for local commuters, it does not yet connect to the primary tourist hubs of Waikiki or the airport.
You can use the same HOLO card for transfers between Skyline and TheBus, but for most vacation itineraries, it won't be a primary mode of transport just yet. However, it's worth experiencing as a glimpse into Oahu's transportation future and offers unique elevated views of the island.
Current Skyline Route
East Kapolei ↔ Aloha Stadium
21 stations covering approximately 20 miles
Connects to TheBus routes for continued travel
Local Knowledge & Transportation Hacks
Traffic Times to Avoid
Oahu has real rush hour traffic. If you're driving, try to avoid heading into Honolulu between 6:00 am and 8:00 am and heading out of town between 3:00 pm and 5:30 pm on weekdays.
The Art of Aloha: Tipping Your Driver
Tipping is a customary way to show appreciation for good service. For shuttle, taxi, or rideshare drivers, a tip of 10-15% of the fare is standard and appreciated.
Rent a Car for a Day
Don't want to commit to a full-week rental? Use an app like Turo or ask your hotel concierge to arrange a one-day rental. Perfect for specific adventures like a North Shore drive.
Solo Wahine (Woman) Safety Tips
When riding at night, choose a seat near the front by the driver. Avoid wearing headphones in both ears, and trust your gut if something feels off.
Ready to master Oahu's transportation network? Now that you understand the public transit options, explore how to get to specific adventure destinations and learn about special considerations for families and travelers with unique needs.