Honolulu Airport to City Travel Options
Visiting Honolulu feels a little like stepping into a fictionalized version of a tropical island. You know it’s real… and yet, you can’t quite believe it. We’re talking pristine white shores lapped by gin-clear turquoise waters, rainforest-carpeted volcanic peaks, traditional local markets that brim with local handicrafts and Polynesian art, and a warm and welcoming ‘aloha’ culture that invites you to join in with hula performances, lei garland ceremonies and lively luau feasts. Sounds idyllic, right?
And there’s stacks more to do here in Oahu, from the vibrant nightlife of the Waikiki neighborhood to historical hotspots such as Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial. Hike the Diamond Head Crater or opt for the somewhat less strenuous experience of the lush Lyon Arboretum, where the eye-popping diversity of Hawaiian flora is writ large. Culture vulture, history maven, nature enthusiast or beach bum, you’re certain to find something that tickles your pickle while you’re in town.
But before all that, let’s take a look at the rather more prosaic matter of getting from Honolulu Airport to downtown…
Honolulu International Airport in Brief
Located around five miles from downtown, Honolulu International Airport – or Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, to give it its Sunday name – is the main transport hub in Hawaii, with some 20 million passengers passing through its three terminals annually.
After several airborne hours of, well, not much to look at, the vision of Hawaii’s volcanic islands rising leviathan-like out of the shimmering Pacific is like a mirage. Depending which side of the plane you’re sat on, you can look forward to a final descent that showcases delicious panoramas of Diamond Head and the gleaming Honolulu skyscrapers. You might also catch a glimpse of the West End of Oahu and Pearl Harbor.
So, without further ado, here’s a quick run-through of the options for traveling from Honolulu Airport into the city.
Honolulu Airport to Downtown by Public Transport
On-Airport Shuttle System
It’s likely you’ll make use of Honolulu Airport’s free shuttle system, which serves all three terminals, ferrying eager new arrivals between gates as well as to the rental car center. It’s called the Wiki Wiki Bus (literally ‘quick quick bus’) and (brace yourselves, trivia fans) was the inspiration for the first ever user-editable ‘wiki’ website, the WikiWikiWeb. The Wiki Wiki Bus operates between 6AM and 10PM daily.
Getting from Honolulu Airport to Downtown by Bus
Traveling light? The bus is your friend. It’s a bit like taking cabin baggage on a flight though, i.e. if your luggage doesn’t fit on your lap or under the seat in front of you, it ain’t coming on board. In which case, other transport options to downtown Honolulu are available (see below). Packed your bag Marie Kondo style? Welcome aboard!
Bus number 20 connects the airport to the heart of the capital in 30 minutes. Be sure to board the Eastbound Route bus for downtown, and for Waikiki Beach, around 50 minutes away. Alternatively, the Westbound service will take you in the direction of Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial.
Stops are located in front of the airport on the second floor of terminals 1 and 2, with services departing in both directions every 30 minutes or so. Buy your tickets direct from the driver. It’s $2.75 one-way for adults and $1.25 for kids aged 6-17 years old. Children 5 and under ride free with a paying adult.
Getting from Honolulu Airport to Downtown by Rail
If you’re reading this in 2031 (or later), you can probably also opt to take the Skyline light railway to downtown. The first section of this epic mass transit system opened in 2023, linking West Oahu to the Aloha Stadium, with airport links both east and west to follow.
Honolulu Airport to Downtown by Private Transfer
Getting from Honolulu Airport to Downtown by Cab
Cabs are readily available outside arrivals at all terminals. It’s only around five miles from the airport to Honolulu city, with prices ranging from $35 to downtown to $45 for Waikiki, excluding tips. Travel time is 20-30 minutes. Look out for the bright yellow shirts of the Taxi Dispatcher team who are there to assist and get you and your luggage safely loaded for the journey into town.
Getting from Honolulu Airport to Downtown by Shuttle
Private shuttles operated by Roberts Hawaii run out of Honolulu Airport and serve Oahu island resorts. Transfers run the gamut start from shared bus services right up to private town cars. Prices start from $26 one way to Waikiki.
Honolulu Airport to Downtown by Rental Vehicle
Oahu’s excellent public transport system means a rental car isn’t absolutely necessary. And hey, ride share services like Uber, Holoholo and Lyft provide a cheap and convenient way to get from A to B quickly whenever you need to anyway.
But sure, your own wheels can come in handy if you’re looking to strike out and explore the volcanic landscapes and lush beaches of this tropical paradise independently. You’ll find all the usual suspects – Alamo, Avis, Enterprise, Hertz, Sixt and more – at Honolulu Airport’s dedicated rental center, with shuttles to take you there available outside all terminals.
