Trying to figure out your plans for Oahu but aren’t completely sure what way you want to get to Waikiki? Here are some tips on getting from Honolulu Airport to Waikiki stress-free.
This guide on how to get from Honolulu Airport to Waikiki was written by Marcie Cheung (a Hawaii travel expert) and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Are you planning a trip to Waikiki and need help getting from the airport to your resort?
Waikiki is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Oahu for activities such as snorkeling, swimming, and other activities centered around nature. With so much to do in Waikiki, it’s important to have a plan for getting there.
Scroll through our comprehensive guide to all the different transportation options between Honolulu International Airport and your resort in Waikiki. You’re sure to find the perfect way for you and your group to travel!
You might wonder about my credentials – well, I’ve been to Hawaii 40+ times, ensuring an expertise that stands out.
Keep reading to learn about some of the ways you can travel hassle-free from the Honolulu Airport to Waikiki!
Find out my top Honolulu Airport tips HERE!
Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Oahu itinerary complete with daily schedules, fun activities, and travel hacks? Click the button below.
Getting From Honolulu Airport to Waikiki by Shuttle Service
While considering the best way to travel from airports to their resort or vacation rental, many choose shuttles for their convenience, especially if they’re traveling with a decent amount of luggage. If you’re looking to shuttle from HNL to Waikiki, you have many options!
Fly Shuttle is considered by many to be a premium shuttling service. They provide both one-way and round-trip, starting at a very reasonable price of $17.80 for a one-way ride to almost any resort or hotel in Waikiki.
They offer air-conditioned vehicles, assistance with any luggage, complimentary bottles of water, and service at any time of the day! Check the latest rates and availability.
SpeediShuttle is also an amazing, high-quality option that even offers you the opportunity to book a lei greeting! Starting at $16 per person for a one-way trip, they offer discounts for a round-trip and assistance with your luggage.
Jet-A-Limo is perfect if you’re looking for a private option for larger groups. Although it can be quite costly, charging from $50 to $150 for a one-way ride, it’s the perfect way to show up in style!
Go Waikiki Shuttle is an amazing shuttle for those who wish to shuttle privately that charges a flat rate of $150, increasing at $25 per person. They also offer traditional airport lei greetings at a reasonable rate of $13 per person.
Go Waikiki Shuttle is highly focused on providing you with a safe and personalized experience, so you can worry less about things like flight complications – thanks to the privatized nature of their shuttle, they’ll always make sure you get to your hotel safely!
Personalized Airport Shuttle Service
If you’re looking for a shuttle service that will completely alleviate the stress of planning and timing, consider booking a personalized private airport shuttle service focused on servicing only you! They provide a stress-free and amazing way to start your vacation.
One of the best personalized shuttle services is the Honolulu Airport Shuttle to Waikiki. You’ll be picked up in a luxurious limousine that can fit up to 7 people and 4 pieces of luggage, which makes it perfect for families!
Although the prices can be quite reasonably high, starting at $110 for a one-way trip, it’s absolutely worth it for you and your group to show up in style! Check the latest rates and availability.
Another option is VIP Shuttle, which offers not only a high-quality personalized service in an amazing luxury vehicle but also a meet and greet upon arrival as well as some of the most reasonable prices you’ll find!
VIP Shuttle greets you not at the pick-up zone but greets you at the baggage claim, where they’ll assist you with your luggage and navigate you through the rest of the airport! Check out the latest prices and more details, or book as a group to get a discount!
If you’re concerned about wasting too much money or are simply budget-minded, consider Aloha Waikiki Shuttle, which offers you a personalized and high-quality experience at only $10 per person, making it extremely affordable!
Finally, as someone who’s had good experience with Fly Shuttle, I’d highly recommend their private luxury car rides, beginning at $100 per person!
Getting from Honolulu Airport to Waikiki by RideShare
Ride-sharing is yet another commonly used traveling tool, though many are surprised that it’s so accessible in Hawaii.
The Honolulu International Airport has three rideshare pick-up zones. Pickup Location 1 is outside the lobby, near the Terminal 1 pickup garage. Pickup Location 2 is near Terminal 2 outside of Lobby 5. Pickup Location 3 is outside of Terminal 8 on Level 2.
Whether you’re using Uber or Lyft, be sure to thoroughly coordinate with your driver to make sure you meet at the same pick-up zone! After that, they will assist you with your luggage and get you stress-free to your hotel!
Getting From Honolulu Airport to Waikiki by Taxi
Calling a taxi is probably one of the most convenient and commonly used ways to get from Honolulu Airport to Waikiki, but it can become a hassle if you arrive during more busy hours of the day, as you may have to wait for your taxi.
Some of the most popular taxi companies in the area are Charley’s Taxi and JohnnyCab, both of which are relatively inexpensive and offer consistent and flat rates of transportation, which is especially perfect for large groups.
Generally, a taxi ride from the Honolulu International Airport to Waikiki takes roughly 15 minutes and will cost $30 to $50.
Getting From Honolulu Airport to Waikiki by Bus
While the prospect of bussing from Honolulu International Airport to Waikiki may seem overwhelming, it’s definitely perfect for smaller groups, and you’ll often be assisted with your luggage to prevent any huge inconveniences.
Staying on Oahu makes traveling from place to place on the bus very plausible, which is a sharp difference from islands such as Maui and Kauai. The huge number of bus stops scattered around the island guarantees that you’ll be able to get to your resort with no trouble!
One of the best ways to plan out bus routes without extra stress is by using the app TheBus, which gives you the fastest bus routes possible from the airport to Waikiki and a step-by-step guide on the process.
Be prepared to pay a small bus fee, although children under five travel for free, and luggage assistance is also free.
Getting From Honolulu Airport to Waikiki by Rental Car
The Honolulu International Airport has a huge number of on-site rental car options such as Enterprise, National, Budget, Hertz, Advantage, and Avis, making it easy and convenient to rent a car to drive to your hotel!
The best option for car rentals in Hawaii is definitely Discount Hawaii Car Rental, which is perfect for both budget-minded tourists and those hoping for a high-quality experience.
They have a huge number of high-quality brands such as Avid, Payless, Enterprise, and much more! Check out the latest prices and most details.
Renting a car in Hawaii would definitely be my first choice because it makes the rest of your trip so much easier, reducing the stress and logistics of planning your itinerary around bus or shuttle times.
This is an especially convenient option if you’re traveling to Waikiki with kids, as you won’t have to worry about them and the stress of taking a bus or shuttle simultaneously.
Renting a car is definitely one of the simplest ways to start your Waikiki vacation!
Where to Stay in Waikiki
Now that you know how to get from the Honolulu International Airport to your place of residency, you may be wondering what the best place to stay in Waikiki is. Here are some of the best options available!
HILTON HAWAIIAN VILLAGE
Hilton Hawaiian Village is one of the most high-quality, luxury resorts in the world! With beautiful views of the ocean shoreside, amazing mountains, and astounding amenities such as immense spa days, quality dining and restaurants, and beautiful pools! Check out the latest prices and more details.
RAMADA PLAZA BY WYNDHAM WAIKIKI
Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Waikiki is an amazing, budget-friendly option that anyone will enjoy! It’s one of the most convenient options on this list with easy access to a huge amount of attractions, the most notable of which is Kahanamoku Beach. Check out the latest prices and more details.
SHERATON WAIKIKI
Sheraton Waikiki is the perfect mix between a resort and a budget-friendly option, which amenities such as private beach access, outdoor pools, and beautiful views of nearby landscapes. Check out the latest prices and more details.
Choosing a resort that’s the best for you is the best way to have an amazing time at Waikiki! Whether you’re traveling with your family and looking forward to a good pool day or traveling with your partner and hoping for some romantic experiences, resorts are some of the best ways to have stress-free fun!
Downtown Honolulu to Waikiki FAQs
Waikiki is such a popular tourist location for a lot of reasons. Many consider it to be the perfect combination between a “tourist-y” town with resorts and man-made attractions with access to many beautiful natural landmarks. The most famous of these landmarks is Waikiki Beach, which is considered by many to be the best beach on Hawaii.
Waikiki has a huge variety of activities. The most popular of which is definitely visiting Waikiki Beach, touring the Diamond Head Crater, visiting the Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Aquarium, and going snorkeling!
Absolutely! I’d generally recommend renting a car for anyone planning on a trip to Hawaii simply because of how much convenience and ease it provides you! It’s definitely worth the money and saves you a lot of time. The only exception is if you aren’t planning on leaving Waikiki.
More Waikiki Travel Resources
Waikiki has an immense amount of amazing activities and traveling resources that’ll make your vacation unadulterated and pure fun! While you’re at Waikiki, be sure to check out the stunningly idyllic Waikiki Beach and have a beach day filled with fun water activities!
Also be sure to check out activities such as the Honolulu Zoo and the Waikiki Aquarium, both of which are easily accessible even if you aren’t renting a car. You can always use resources such as rideshares or the Waikiki Trolley.
Whether you’d like to have self-guided experiences or guided tours through the natural attractions that surround Waikiki, enjoy shopping experiences and man-made attractions, or even go island hopping to other islands, you’ll have an amazing time at Waikiki!
