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Getting Around on Oahu
The transport options on Oahu are plentiful and so
is the number of cars. In 2000, there were about 941,000 registered
motor vehicles on Oahu alone. With 1,547 miles of mostly two-lane
roads that's 608 cars for every mile. In other words, it can get
quite busy on the streets, especially during the morning and evening
rush hours.
Many visitors choose to rent a car. This is the most
independent way to get around. Oahu has all the major car rental
companies, such as Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Hertz, National,
Thrifty and others. You'll find service desks at the airport and all
over Waikiki and Honolulu downtown.
Another great and affordable way to get around is
with the island's buy system, creatively named TheBus. In the past
decade, the company was twice named "America's Best Transit System."
Currently, there are 93 routes and about 4,200 bus stops on Oahu.
The Oahu bus system covers most of the island and the fare is $2 per
ride, which includes one free transfer. You can also get visitor's
pass at any ABC store, which is $20 and allows for four days of
unlimited travel. The most popular route is 8, which goes from
Waikiki to the Ala Moana Shopping Center and back every 10 minutes
during the day. Routes 52 and 55 circle the entire island in about 4
hours.
Another fun option to get around is with the
open-air, narrated Waikiki Trolley. It leaves in Waikiki and stops
at popular attractions, including the Iolani Palace, the King
Kamehameha Statue, the Aloha Tower and Chinatown. One-day and
four-day passes are available.
There are several cab companies that offer
island-wide service and multilingual drivers. Most companies have a
variety of cars, from stretch limos, to vans and vehicles with
wheelchair lifts. They pretty much all have the same fares. From the
airport to Waikiki, expect to pay about $25 plus tip.
If you want to cruise around on a two-wheeler, there
are several moped, motorbike and bicycle rental companies in
Waikiki. To rent a motorcycle, you must have a valid license. |
