|
Getting Around on Oahu
Unlike some of the other areas in the Hawaiian
Islands, the island of Oahu offers the most transportation options. You can either rent a car to explore
at your own pace, take public transportation for convenience
and affordability, rent a moped or motorcycle, take the
Waikiki Trolley or get a taxi.
All the major car rental companies have
stations on Oahu. There is Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar,
Hertz and Thrifty. You can usually find their offices right
at the airport. Just remember to book your car in advance
as there are a lot of visitors looking for their own ride.
If you are planning to drive around Oahu, it is a good idea
to know that the streets can get pretty busy. With around
941,000 registered motor vehicles in 2000, it can get crowded
particularly during the rush hours.
Oahu also has a unique way of giving directions. To point
people in the right path, locals use “makai,” which means
toward to sea and “mauka,” meaning towards
the mountains.
Another way to explore Oahu is by taking advantage of its
bus system. Aptly named TheBus, the Oahu public bus
system has been named America’s
Best Transit System twice in the past. With 93 routes and around 4,200
bus stops all over Oahu, this fact is not surprising.
The fare
is pegged at $2.25, which includes one free transfer.
If you are planning to be on the move a lot, you can get
a visitor’s pass for $25, which allows four days
of unlimited travel. A monthly bus pass costs $50. You
can get a bus pass at any ABC store in Waikiki or at the
Ala Moana Shopping Center. To get information on routes,
rates and timetables, visit thebus.org.
Then there's also the Waikiki Trolley, a 34-seat,
open-air vehicle that travels through Waikiki and downtown
Honolulu. It stops at 12 of the most popular attractions,
such as the Aloha Tower, Chinatown and the King Kamehameha
Statue. The driver also provides useful commentary throughout
the trip, so taking the Trolley can be both educational and
entertaining.
Taxis are also a popular way of getting around on Oahu.
The island's
major taxi companies often times have multilingual drivers. There are
also different vehicles to choose from, which range from
limousines to cars equipped with wheelchair lifts. At
about $30 per trip from the airport to Waikiki, it is a reasonable
way to travel.
For those looking for a thrill, you can choose to explore
the island on two wheels. There are plenty
of rental companies that offer mopeds, motorcycles and
bicycles for rent. Remember to bring a valid license to
be able to enjoy your ride. You can contact Cruzin Hawaii
Motorcycles at (808)945-9595, Big Kahuna Motorcycle Rentals
at (808) 942-2736, or Coconut Cruisers at (808) 924-1644.
|
