Getting Around Hawaii
Transportation & Connectivity Guide
Getting Around the Islands: To Rent or Not to Rent?
Figuring out transportation and communication is key to a smooth trip. How you get around will depend heavily on which island you're visiting. While Oahu has a robust public transit system, the other islands are much more spread out.
🚗 Car Rentals
Essential for: Maui, Kauai, and Big Island. Optional on Oahu if staying in Honolulu-Waikiki area, but you'll want one to see the North Shore or windward coast.
- • Freedom to explore at your own pace
- • Access to remote beaches and hikes
- • Most convenient for families
- • Can be expensive, especially peak season
🚌 Public Transportation
Each island has bus systems. Oahu's TheBus is most extensive with comprehensive coverage and the new Skyline rail system.
- • Very affordable option
- • Environmentally friendly
- • Limited schedule and routes
- • Great for staying in resort areas
Car Rentals: Requirements & Tips
📋 Rental Requirements
- Age: Must be at least 21 years old (surcharge for under 25)
- License: Valid driver's license from home country
- International Driving Permit (IDP): Required ONLY if your license is not in English
- Credit Card: Major credit card in the name of the primary driver
- Insurance: Check if your travel insurance covers rental cars
💰 Cost-Saving Tips
- • Book early for better rates
- • Compare prices across multiple sites
- • Consider off-airport locations
- • Decline unnecessary insurance if covered
- • Fill up gas tank before returning
🚙 Vehicle Type Guide
- • Compact: Fine for cities and highways
- • SUV: Better for rough roads, more cargo
- • Convertible: Fun but limited storage
- • 4WD: Only if planning very rough terrain
Driving with Aloha: Island Driving Culture
Driving here is different. We have a more relaxed pace. Honking is considered extremely rude and is used only to prevent an accident. Let people merge into traffic—a quick "shaka" sign (a wave with thumb and pinky extended) is the local way of saying thanks. If you're driving slowly to enjoy the incredible scenery, be mindful of the cars behind you. Use the designated scenic pull-offs to let traffic pass. They're trying to get to work or pick up their kids, and your courtesy will be greatly appreciated.
🚦 Traffic & Parking Reality Check
Traffic in Hawaii, especially on Oahu, can be surprisingly heavy during rush hours. The morning rush typically runs from 6:30-9:00 AM, and the evening rush from 3:30-6:30 PM. Plan accordingly, especially if you have flights to catch or time-sensitive reservations.
Parking can be challenging in popular areas like Waikiki or downtown Honolulu. Many hotels charge daily parking fees, and street parking often has time limits. Some beaches and hiking trails have limited parking that fills up early, especially on weekends.
Public Transportation by Island
Each major island has its own public bus system, offering an affordable way to get around, especially if you're staying in resort areas and don't need to venture far off the beaten path.
🏝️ Oahu - TheBus & Skyline
TheBus is an extensive network covering the entire island. Route 20 runs from the airport (HNL) to Waikiki. Skyline is a new elevated rail system connecting West Oahu with Aloha Stadium (future phases will extend to the airport and downtown).
HOLO Card
Reloadable transit card with fare capping - never pay more than $7.50/day
Single Fare
$3.00 per boarding
Day Pass
$7.50 (automatic with HOLO card)
🌺 Maui - Maui Bus
Connects major towns including Kahului (airport), Kihei, Wailea, Lahaina, and Kaanapali. Also has routes to Upcountry and Haiku.
General Fare
$2.00 per boarding
Day Pass
Available for frequent riders
🌿 Kauai - The Kauaʻi Bus
Connects towns around the island, from Kekaha on the west side to Hanalei on the north shore. Two routes stop at Lihue Airport (LIH).
Single Trip
$2.00 mainline trip
Day Pass
$5.00 for unlimited rides
Rideshare & Taxis
Uber and Lyft are widely available on Oahu, especially in the urban core of Honolulu and Waikiki. On the neighbor islands, they are concentrated in the main resort areas but can be very limited or unavailable in more rural areas. Traditional taxis are also available at airports and major hotels.
📱 Rideshare Apps
- • Oahu: Excellent coverage in urban areas
- • Maui: Good in resort areas (Kihei/Wailea/Lahaina)
- • Kauai: Limited to main tourist areas
- • Big Island: Mainly Kona and Hilo areas
Pricing can surge during peak times, especially during events or bad weather.
🚕 Traditional Taxis
- • Available at airports and major hotels
- • Fixed rates for airport runs
- • Meter rates for other trips
- • Can arrange through hotel concierge
Many hotels provide shuttle services to popular destinations.
Staying Connected: Mobile Data Options for Travelers
As someone who runs a business from my phone, I can't be without data. For visitors, I always recommend getting an eSIM before you even get on the plane. It's one less thing to worry about when you land, and you can hit the ground running with navigation and communication.
📱 eSIM
Cost: Moderate
Convenience: Very High
Buy data package upfront. Can buy and install from home before travel. No physical card to swap. Digital download and activation.
Best for: Tech-savvy travelers who value convenience and want instant connectivity.
💳 Physical SIM
Cost: Cheapest
Convenience: Low
Find mobile carrier store upon arrival. Deal with registration and physically swap your SIM card. Often cheapest for longer stays.
Best for: Budget-conscious travelers staying a week or more.
🌐 International Roaming
Cost: Most Expensive
Convenience: Highest
Works automatically as soon as you land. Just enable "Data Roaming" in phone settings. Daily fees or per-MB charges can be very high.
Best for: Very short trips (1-2 days) or business travelers.
⚡ Power & Plugs
Hawaii uses the standard U.S. electrical system: 110/120 Volts at 60 Hz, with Type A and Type B plugs. If your devices are from a region with different standards (like Europe or Australia), you will need a plug adapter and possibly a voltage converter for devices that don't support dual voltage.
Ready to Navigate Hawaii?
Perfect! Now let's learn about the most important part - how to be a respectful visitor and embrace the true spirit of aloha.
Cultural Respect Guide →📚 Complete Guide
🚗 Quick Reference
Car Rental Age:
21+ (surcharge under 25)
IDP Required:
Only if license not in English
TheBus Oahu:
$3/ride, $7.50 day max
Uber/Lyft:
Best on Oahu, limited elsewhere
🏝️ By Island
Oahu:
Great public transit, car optional in Waikiki
Maui:
Car recommended for exploring
Kauai:
Car essential for most attractions
Big Island:
Car required due to large size
📱 Mobile Data
eSIM: Recommended
Physical SIM: Cheapest
Roaming: Most Expensive
Set up before arrival for best experience.
🤙 Driving Aloha
- Never honk unless preventing accident
- Let people merge with a shaka wave
- Use pull-offs if driving slowly
- Respect local commuters
