Getting Around Honolulu: Your Local Transportation Guide

When you’re not running around Honolulu during the marathon, you might need some tips on how to navigate the city from the start of your trip, race day and beyond. Most visitors arrive at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) — Honolulu’s main airport serving both international and domestic flights. Inter‑island travelers may also arrive via domestic flights or by ferry into Honolulu Harbor. From there, getting around the city is straightforward, with a range of options to suit your pace and budget.

Ride‑Shares & Taxis
Uber and Lyft operate throughout Honolulu, including dedicated pick‑up zones at HNL. Rides to Waikīkī typically cost $30–40 depending on traffic and time of day. Traditional taxi services are also widely available and easy to find outside baggage claim.

Pros: Door‑to‑door service, convenient for luggage or groups
Cons: Fares can rise during peak times and heavy traffic

TheBus
Honolulu’s public bus system, TheBus, offers extensive service throughout the city. Routes 20 and 303 connect HNL to Waikīkī and downtown, with buses running as frequently as every 15–20 minutes during peak times. A one‑way fare is $3, or you can use a reloadable HOLO card for convenience.

Pros: Very affordable, good coverage of Honolulu neighborhoods
Cons: Can be slower than cars during busy hours; limited late‑night service

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Airport Shuttles
Several shared‑ride shuttle companies operate between HNL and major hotels in Waikīkī and downtown including Robert’s Hawaii. You can reserve ahead for an affordable, reliable ride.

Pros: Budget‑friendly, convenient for solo travelers
Cons: Shared ride means longer travel times and fixed drop‑offs

Robert’s Hawaii Express Shuttle

Walking & Biki Bikeshare
Waikīkī and much of downtown Honolulu are walkable, with many attractions just steps away from hotels. For slightly longer trips, Biki, the city’s bikeshare program, offers over 130 docking stations. Bikes can be rented for short rides or by the hour, making it a flexible way to explore. If you are staying in Waikiki over the race weekend, we would recommend walking to the start line in the morning over other methods of transport.

Pros: Scenic, flexible, and inexpensive
Cons: Not ideal for long distances or in rainy weather

Honolulu is easy to navigate, and the best option depends on your plans. Walk and bike around Waikīkī, take TheBus for budget‑friendly trips, or opt for ride‑shares or shuttles when convenience is key. Whatever you choose, getting around the city is all part of the experience.