Transportation options from Honolulu Airport to Waikiki
Kathryn ShawJune 27, 2024
Waikiki is one of the most popular areas for travellers in Hawaii. Only 14km away from Honolulu airport, it has become a popular holiday destination thanks to cheap flights from around the world. So, whether you want to relax at the world renowned Waikiki Beach, surf the crystal waters, or shop until you drop at the designer fashion stores on Kalakaua Avenue – Waikiki is the place to be.
To get from Honolulu airport to Waikiki, you have 4 different transportation options; you can either take a taxi, a private shuttle, a shared shuttle or a bus. Taking an Honolulu airport taxi is the quickest and most convenient option as the journey only takes 15 minutes. Your next option is to take a shared shuttle van, that takes a little bit more time than a taxi (excluding the waiting time at the airport) or, if you’re travelling on a budget, taking the bus could be a great option for you.
4 options to go from Honolulu Airport to city center
As there are numerous Honolulu airport shared shuttle providers, it can be stressful choosing the right one. Please note that most shuttles list their rates on the side of their vehicles.
Baggage that can be stored under a passenger's seat or on a passenger's lap will be admitted at no charge.
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How to get from Honolulu airport to Waikiki by taxi or private shuttle
The easiest and most convenient way to get from Honolulu airport to Waikiki is by taking a taxi or a private Honolulu airport shuttle. The journey only takes 15 minutes for the total cost of $40-45 USD (€33.50-37.50) if you take a metered taxi or $38 (€32) if you take a private shuttle.
Taxi and private shuttle fares from Honolulu airport to Waikiki
Taxi fares around the island are calculated using a taximeter, so based on the time and distance travelled to your destination; and unfortunately they can be quite high. For this reason, many travellers prefer taking private shuttle services or private Honolulu cab companies that charge at a fixed rate. To travel the 15 minute distance from Honolulu airport to Waikiki, your taxi fare will cost around $40-45 USD (€33.50-37.50). Private shuttle companies like Welcome Pickups offer fixed rates for the route, at $38 (€32).
Where do I get it from?
Taxis can be found just outside of the terminal baggage claim areas. Taxi dispatchers (with yellow shirts with black lettering wording “TAXI DISPATCHER”) are available to help at Honolulu airport. If you have booked a private shuttle service, your driver will be waiting for you, with a name sign, as you exit the arrivals door.
Convenience
When taking a taxi or private shuttle from HNL to Waikiki, not only will your personal belongings be safely stored away, but you will be treated with fast door-to-door service, taking you straight to your accommodation instead of worrying about finding your way in public transport. Although the 14km ride only takes 15 minutes to Waikiki, taxi prices in Honolulu are quite high. Furthermore, taxis use meters and Honolulu traffic is known to be one of the worst in the U.S. If you are thinking about using this option, it is recommended to book a private shuttle at a fixed price, as to not have to worry about the taximeter climbing up when stuck in traffic.
Useful Tips
Even though taxis use a taximeter to calculate their fares, you can always try and negotiate a set price before the taxi sets off.
Taxi prices are always the same, whether you are travelling during the day, at night or on weekends.
If you want the smoothest travel experience, it is recommended to book a private shuttle in advance.
How to get from Honolulu airport to Waikiki by shared shuttle van
Another direct but cheaper transport option from Honolulu airport to Waikiki is to take one of the many shared shuttle vans that operate at the airport. This is quite a popular option as they offer flat rates from HNL airport to the main Waikiki hotels. Taking a shared shuttle van is slower than taxi but faster than public buses. However, you will have to book your transfer in advance, and wait for the van to fill up before heading off to Waikiki.
How much is a shared shuttle ride from Honolulu airport to Waikiki?
There are many shared shuttle companies that operate to and from HNL airport, so prices may vary from one company to another. However, the overall cost for a one-way ticket to Waikiki in an airport shared shuttle is around $20 USD (€16.70).
In order to ensure a shuttle upon your arrival, it is highly recommended to book your trip in advance.
Cost
$20 USD (€16.70)
Trip Duration
15 Min.
You will need to book your shared shuttle beforehand.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money
Shared shuttles operate 24/7 when booked in advance.
Where do I get it from?
You may find the shared shuttle vans outside of the airport’s exit doors. They are easy to find, as they will have the different company’s name on their vehicles.
Convenience
Taking a shared shuttle from Honolulu airport to Waikiki is a very convenient option, as the prices are much lower than a taxi for about the same travel time. However, you must book your shuttle service in advance, and take into account that you will have to wait for the shuttle van to fill up before leaving the airport. Moreover, the shuttle stops at quite a few hotels in the Waikiki area, which can make your overall travel time much longer than planned.
Timetables
Honolulu Airport floor map
Useful Tips
Each passenger is entitled to bring 1 luggage and 1 carry-on bag. Surcharges will be applied for any extra luggage and the driver has the right to refuse service if the shared shuttle bus is overloaded.
Additional surcharges will apply for extra pieces of luggage, to be paid directly in cash (USD) to the driver.
Children aged 0-2 years old travel free of charge but must be accompanied by a paying adult.
How to get from Honolulu airport to Waikiki by bus
Another budget friendly transport option from Honolulu International Airport to Waikiki is to take the public airport bus, operated by TheBus company. You can either take the bus line n°19 or n° 20 from the airport to the main hotels in Waikiki and Waikiki beach. The approximate travel time is 1 hour 10 minutes.
How much is a bus ticket from Honolulu airport to Waikiki?
The cost of a one-way ticket for the bus n°19 or n°20 from Honolulu airport to Waikiki is $2.70 USD (€2.30).
You can purchase your tickets from the bus driver or at any small shop, such as 7-Eleven stores, Foodland Stores on Oahu, Satellite City Halls.
Cost
$2.70 USD (€2.30)
Trip Duration
1 H 10 Min.
There's a waiting time of up to 30 minutes for the bus.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money
The bus is available from 04:46 to 23:31 on weekdays and from 05:25 to 23:39 on weekends.
Where do I get it from?
The Honolulu airport bus stops are located on the second level roadway along the center median at the airport. Signs are placed throughout the airport to easily find your way to your bus.
Convenience
Taking a public bus as your way of transport from Honolulu airport to Waikiki is definitely your cheapest option. However, the bus stops over 30 times during the transfer, bringing up the travel time to 1 hour and 10 minutes. Moreover, once you have reached Waikiki, you will either have to walk to your final destination or take a taxi.
Timetables
Bus n°19 & n°20
Useful Tips
Make sure to be at the bus stop at least 10 minutes before your bus departs.
All passangers are allowed up to 1 piece of larger luggage, which is included in the price of your ticket. If you are travelling with more, you will have to pay extra per piece.
Small animals in a cage or carrier that can be placed under the seat or on the passenger’s lap without inconvenience to other passengers are allowed in the bus.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a taxi transfer from Honolulu airport to Waikiki?
Taking a taxi or private shuttle from the airport is definitely the fastest way to get to Waikiki, with a travel time of 15 minutes for the total cost of around $40 USD (€33.50).
How far is Honolulu airport from Waikiki?
Honolulu airport is only 14 Km away from Waikiki.
Is there a shuttle from Honolulu airport to Waikiki?
Yes, you can either take a private shuttle or a shared shuttle van from Honolulu airport to Waikiki. There are many different companies that operate from the airport, at competitive prices.
The easiest and most convenient way to get from Honolulu airport to Waikiki is by taking a taxi or a private Honolulu airport shuttle. The journey only takes 15 minutes for the total cost of $40-45 USD (€33.50-37.50) if you take a metered taxi or $38 (€32) if you take a private shuttle.
Taxi and private shuttle fares from Honolulu airport to Waikiki
Taxi fares around the island are calculated using a taximeter, so based on the time and distance travelled to your destination; and unfortunately they can be quite high. For this reason, many travellers prefer taking private shuttle services or private Honolulu cab companies that charge at a fixed rate. To travel the 15 minute distance from Honolulu airport to Waikiki, your taxi fare will cost around $40-45 USD (€33.50-37.50). Private shuttle companies like Welcome Pickups offer fixed rates for the route, at $38 (€32).
Where do I get it from?
Taxis can be found just outside of the terminal baggage claim areas. Taxi dispatchers (with yellow shirts with black lettering wording “TAXI DISPATCHER”) are available to help at Honolulu airport.
If you have booked a private shuttle service, your driver will be waiting for you, with a name sign, as you exit the arrivals door.
Convenience
When taking a taxi or private shuttle from HNL to Waikiki, not only will your personal belongings be safely stored away, but you will be treated with fast door-to-door service, taking you straight to your accommodation instead of worrying about finding your way in public transport. Although the 14km ride only takes 15 minutes to Waikiki, taxi prices in Honolulu are quite high. Furthermore, taxis use meters and Honolulu traffic is known to be one of the worst in the U.S. If you are thinking about using this option, it is recommended to book a private shuttle at a fixed price, as to not have to worry about the taximeter climbing up when stuck in traffic.
Useful Tips
Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi
Learn moreAnother direct but cheaper transport option from Honolulu airport to Waikiki is to take one of the many shared shuttle vans that operate at the airport. This is quite a popular option as they offer flat rates from HNL airport to the main Waikiki hotels. Taking a shared shuttle van is slower than taxi but faster than public buses. However, you will have to book your transfer in advance, and wait for the van to fill up before heading off to Waikiki.
How much is a shared shuttle ride from Honolulu airport to Waikiki?
There are many shared shuttle companies that operate to and from HNL airport, so prices may vary from one company to another. However, the overall cost for a one-way ticket to Waikiki in an airport shared shuttle is around $20 USD (€16.70).
In order to ensure a shuttle upon your arrival, it is highly recommended to book your trip in advance.
Shared shuttles operate 24/7 when booked in advance.
Where do I get it from?
You may find the shared shuttle vans outside of the airport’s exit doors. They are easy to find, as they will have the different company’s name on their vehicles.
Convenience
Taking a shared shuttle from Honolulu airport to Waikiki is a very convenient option, as the prices are much lower than a taxi for about the same travel time. However, you must book your shuttle service in advance, and take into account that you will have to wait for the shuttle van to fill up before leaving the airport. Moreover, the shuttle stops at quite a few hotels in the Waikiki area, which can make your overall travel time much longer than planned.
Timetables
Honolulu Airport floor map
Useful Tips
Another budget friendly transport option from Honolulu International Airport to Waikiki is to take the public airport bus, operated by TheBus company. You can either take the bus line n°19 or n° 20 from the airport to the main hotels in Waikiki and Waikiki beach. The approximate travel time is 1 hour 10 minutes.
How much is a bus ticket from Honolulu airport to Waikiki?
The cost of a one-way ticket for the bus n°19 or n°20 from Honolulu airport to Waikiki is $2.70 USD (€2.30).
You can purchase your tickets from the bus driver or at any small shop, such as 7-Eleven stores, Foodland Stores on Oahu, Satellite City Halls.
The bus is available from 04:46 to 23:31 on weekdays and from 05:25 to 23:39 on weekends.
Where do I get it from?
The Honolulu airport bus stops are located on the second level roadway along the center median at the airport. Signs are placed throughout the airport to easily find your way to your bus.
Convenience
Taking a public bus as your way of transport from Honolulu airport to Waikiki is definitely your cheapest option. However, the bus stops over 30 times during the transfer, bringing up the travel time to 1 hour and 10 minutes. Moreover, once you have reached Waikiki, you will either have to walk to your final destination or take a taxi.
Timetables
Bus n°19 & n°20
Useful Tips
Frequently asked questions
How much is a taxi transfer from Honolulu airport to Waikiki?
Taking a taxi or private shuttle from the airport is definitely the fastest way to get to Waikiki, with a travel time of 15 minutes for the total cost of around $40 USD (€33.50).
How far is Honolulu airport from Waikiki?
Honolulu airport is only 14 Km away from Waikiki.
Is there a shuttle from Honolulu airport to Waikiki?
Yes, you can either take a private shuttle or a shared shuttle van from Honolulu airport to Waikiki. There are many different companies that operate from the airport, at competitive prices.
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