Oahu Vacationers Useful Links

You have options while visiting and below are some useful links for Oahu vacationers.

• Current Weather Conditions
• Honolulu International Airport
• Honolulu Bus Information
• Public Announcements & Events
• Shuttles & Tours
• Oahu Hiking Trails
• National Park Services

Phone Numbers

The area code for the state of Hawaii is (808).
Oahu Visitors Bureau: (808) 524-0722
Marriage License and Civil Unions: (808) 586-4545
Honolulu International Airport Visitor Information: (808) 836-6413
Camping Permits: (808) 523-4525 (county), (808) 587-0300 (state)

EMERGENCY INFORMATION

The City uses a multi-layered system to notify and alert residents and non-residents of disaster or emergencies. Ways the city will notify, alert, or warn you of disasters:

• Radio and television broadcasts
• Emergency Alert System (EAS) notification to radio/television/NOAA weather radio
• Outdoor siren warning system
• Responders using public address systems
• Nixle notification services
• HNL Info

Nixle keeps you up-to-date with relevant information from local public safety departments and schools.

TEXT 96815 TO 888777 TO OPT-IN TO RECEIVE NIXLE ALERTS FOR HONOLULU AND WAIKIKI

Emergency Shelter

• Waikiki Elementary, 3710 Leahi Avenue, Honolulu

Why do we say Waikiki awakens?  Well our occupancy is one indicator.  Other indicators are a return of street entertainers, beach sun bathers and ocean enthusiasts.  Additionally, business and hotels are illuminated, pedestrian and vehicle traffic increased, and luaus have reopened and are selling out fast. All support a strong rebound in Waikiki tourism that predominately focuses on domestic visitors with Hawaiian Airlines now offering direct flights from Ontario, Orlando, Long Beach, and Austin.

The average length of stay in February for all Hawaii visitors was 10.8 days according to the Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism. Most visitors opt to travel independently vice using a group tour or vacation package.  Interestingly, visitors who chose to telework from Hawaii tend to consider themselves on vacation.  With our beautiful summer weather and longs days, visitors have plenty of time for work, play and rest.

Contributing Factors

One contributing factor as Waikiki awakens is that Hawaii has the lowest rate of COVID-19 cases in the nation. Partially due to the fact that Hawaii has one of the highest vaccination rate in the United States. As of April 22, Hawaii was ranked seventh nationally. Almost half of the adult population in Honolulu participating in the vaccination program.

A second contributing factor is that some visitors need to break up the monotony of working from home with a change in environment.  This shift in visitor demographic has fueled the awakening with a different kind of visitor.  Discounted airfares and travel deals makes Hawaii a desired place to reside temporarily while teleworking.

Extended Stay Accommodations

Hawaii Dream Realty has several extended stay accommodations that are offered at a discount over our daily rental rates.  Extended stays are those stays that are a minimum of 30 days and typically include kitchens. Regardless all our rentals include broadband Internet.  Broadband Internet means our visitors have plenty of bandwidth for Zoom meetings and remote access to their work.

General travel safety and security tips are a key to an enjoyable travel experience. Due to heightened airline security measures and changing FAA policies and procedures, it is imperative you are as prepared as possible for your trip.

A significant increase in travel is expected over the summer at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL). Travelers are encouraged to plan ahead if they will be making trips through these airports, especially during the peak times between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

General Travel Safety Tips

Make the most of any vacation by taking note of the following travel tips. We recommend that you print a copy of this list as a reminder to make safety your top priority. Also keep a printed copy of your domestic or international travel insurance plan just in case.

• Check the status of your flight before heading the airport. At least two hours before your flight departs most airlines want you to check-in.
• Allow plenty of extra time at the airport (generally 2 hours prior to departure). Changing security procedures have increased the time needed to check in. Build in more time if traveling with young children, infants or people with disabilities.
• Check with your airline to see if curbside check-in is available.
• FAA guidelines are being updated often. Find the latest from the FAA at www.FAA.gov.
• Consider checking your luggage. Reducing the number of carry-on bags and personal items that need to be screened through the security checkpoint saves a lot of time for everyone. Also remember most airlines only allow travelers one carry-on item plus one personal item such as a purse, briefcase, laptop computer, or small book bag-style backpack. Other personal items allowed include coats, child safety seats, diaper bags, books or newspapers, small bags of food and assistance devices such as wheelchairs, walkers and oxygen. These carry-on allowances vary from carrier to carrier.  Before leaving home confirm what is allowed with your carrier .

Travel Safety Tips at the Airport

• Check www.tsa.gov for the most up to date information to get you through security quickly or down load the MyTSA App for airport security information.
• Keep your bags and personal belongings within reach at all times.
• Do not accept packages from strangers.
• Joking about terrorism, weapons, explosives, or other threats while going through the security checkpoint will likely lead to issues with the TSA personnel.

Checking-In and Security Checkpoint

• Adult passengers required a government-issued photo ID. If you do not have one of these available, bring two pieces of ID, one of which must be from a governmental authority.
• Remember, the security checkpoint only allows ticketed passengers to pass. Be prepared to show identification at the ticket counter and security checkpoint.
• Electronic items such as laptop computers and cell phones may be subject to additional screening. Be prepared to power on electronic items for screening personnel. Also, be prepared to remove your laptop from its travel case so it can be X-rayed separately.
• Those leaving Honolulu are also reminded that they may use any of the available TSA security checkpoints throughout the airport, regardless of their airline or gate. If one checkpoint has a long line, it may be better to go to the next one available.

International Security Tips

• Lost passport: Call local police and the consulate. Temporary passports are available. Pack a photocopy of your passport separately from the original and carry an additional passport picture to expedite the replacement process in the event of a lost or stolen passport.
• In the event of a riot or civil unrest, go to your hotel and call the consulate and your airline. Do not go to the airport without a confirmed ticket or assurance that it is safe.
• International law requires that the American consulate (U.S. Interests Section, if no consulate) be notified if you are arrested or detained. You are entitled to a timely visit by a consular officer. They will notify family, aid in money transfer, and ensure you receive fair treatment.

General Security Tips

Whether you are traveling domestically or abroad, don’t become a victim.

• Do not carry large quantities of cash.
• Do not carry jewelry, wallets, or purses—wear a non-visible money belt. Transfer money from your money belt to pockets in your hotel room or in a bathroom.
• Use your dress and appearance to blend in with the crowd. Take the time to research local dress codes, so as not to stand out.
• Once you have arrived, keep your airline tickets in a separate, secure location from your passport. Also, remember your credit card number is on your airline ticket!
• When traveling to a foreign country, always carry the required travel documents such as your passport, visa and tourist cards.
• Be aware of local scam artists.
• Always inform others of your plans (family, consulate/embassy).
• Keep your camera hidden until you are ready to use it. Use tote bags instead of camera bags. Do not hang your camera around your neck.
• Avoid viewing maps in wide-open spaces.
• Leave copies of all your information (credit cards, passport numbers, travelers checks, air tickets) with family or friends at home.
• Avoid walking alone at night.
• Do not take shortcuts. Stay on well-traveled streets.
• Withdraw money from ATMs only during daylight hours, preferably in banks or hotels.
• Never leave valuables in plain view in your car. Lock items in your trunk before reaching your destination.

Hawaii Welcomes Visitors

As the main hub of the Hawaiian Islands, it is no wonder Oahu is the most visited island. Hawaii serves up big city fun in a small island setting.  The Hawaii re-opening is just in time for the winter surf season. In other words, visitors can once again enjoy the best tropical venue the Unites States has to offer.

Winter Surf Session

Hawaii may be synonymous with surfing, but Oahu’s North Shore has earned special bragging rights as a hang 10 mecca. Whether guests head there to watch the waves or carve a few of their own, the destination offers unparalleled surfing thrills.  The North Shore is just a one-hour drive from the world famous Waikiki Beach.

The North Shore of Oahu comes to life in the fall and Oahu is opening its doors to tourism after seven months of lock down.  This seven mile miracle offers country living at its finest with tons of shops in historical Haleiwa town, outdoor activities, and beaches. Above all, in the wintertime, the North Shore is known for its picture perfect waves.

Hawaii Re-opening Test Program

Of course, the Hawaii re-opening still has concerns over COVID. Albeit the percentage of positive cases in Hawaii remains in the lower single digits. Similarly, Hawaii ranks in the lower percentile relative to the other states. Therefore to mitigate this concern, the Governor has implemented a testing program. The program allows visitors to arrive and test out of the 14-day mandatory quarantine period.  Travelers must taken a Food and Drug Administration-approved COVID-19 test from a CLIA lab.  The test result must be negative and within 72 hours of traveling to Hawaii in order to bypass a mandatory 14-day self-quarantine.

For the Hawaii re-opening, an accepted pre-arrival test is required of all arriving passengers who want to bypass the quarantine. The testing includes children of all ages. However, travelers who do not receive the results of their pre-arrivals test in time must stay in quarantine until they get their results back. The program is expected to expand the locations where travelers can get tested. Initially testing is available through CVS Pharmacy and through Kaiser Permanente.

Hawaii Re-opening Promotion

Hawaii is also actively working to safely open hiking trails, parks, attractions, restaurants and retail.  To promote the re-opening, we are offering a discount available through bookings on WaikikiStay.com.  Use promo code SAVE10 and get our low price guarantee. We offer a great selection of Waikiki vacation rentals for all budgets and family sizes. Our rentals are all right in the heart of Waikiki and all within walking distance to the world famous Waikiki Beach. Our vacation rental properties are privately owned and vary by amenities, building, square feet, number of guests, improvements, and views.

Experience Hawaii’s Cuisine

To experience Hawaii’s cuisine is to experience Hawaii’s culture. People from different countries, cultures, and religions fill our world. However, one universal bridge ties us all together. The universal bridges is food.  Food fills bellies and imparts a feeling of nourishment upon us all.  Furthermore, food crosses language barriers and opens hearts.

Local Grinds

The cuisine of Hawaii is also referred to as local grinds. Our local grinds continue to evolve with influence from chefs from all over the world. Micro farms and aqua culture farmers deliver fresh and unique island foods daily. The island foods provide a true farm to table experience with a fusion blend to tantalize the taste buds. The selection of restaurants represents the cultural diversity found in Hawaii. Enjoy beautiful views, beach side locations, romantic and fun ambiances, lovely and elegant settings, creative and innovative menus, and great food from Hawaii’s restaurants that accommodate all price points.

Experience Hawaii’s cuisine is to experience Hawaii’s culture. Pictured are four rice bowls decorated with locally caught poke, farm fresh vegetables, and crispy wanton.

Taste some of Hawaii’s favorite ono delicious foods including Kailua pig wrapped in ti leaves cooked in an underground imu oven. Try some fresh cubed fish known as poke served in with variety of sauces and seasonings.  Yearning for some fast food Hawaii style then go for a bowl of Saimin. Saimin is an inexpensive broth with noodles similar to Japanese ramen.  Eat your Saimin with chopsticks and then pick up the bowl and drink the broth.  Subsequently, on the sweeter side, indulge in a malasadas deep-fried dough rolled in sugar best eaten warm.  Finally, dig into an authentic Hawaii shave ice desert, a flavorful tropical cocktail. In summary, to experience island cuisine is to experience Hawaii.

Where to Eat

Finally, if you are looking for restaurant suggestions, our  mobile app includes a selection of Waikiki restaurants. Each restaurant includes a link to the menus, locations and contact information.  We update our local restaurant lists as we discover fun atmospheres and ono dining worthy of your time.

The Aloha Spirit

Hawaii’s unique charm comes from the Aloha Spirit. Aloha means the spirit of love, and is commonly used as hello and goodbye. However, Aloha also means compassion, kindness and giving. But the Aloha Spirit encompasses more than Aloha as it embodies Hawaiian values:

• malama: to care for
• ‘ohana: family
• ho’okipa: hospitality
• ‘olu’olu: graciousness
• kokua: helpfulness
• lokahi: unity and harmony
• kupono: honesty and fairness

In summary, the Hawaiian value provide the foundation for a respected and treasured culture.

Hawaii is more than the physical beauty of the land, sea and sky.  Hawaii is a community with a long and fascinating history that continues to be felt in many ways. The people are happy and happy people are friendly people.

Discover Hawaii

Discover more about Hawaii by visiting the Bishop Museum or the Polynesian Culture Center.  Our Waikiki Bucket List offers more suggestions to help you discover Hawaii. The more you discover about Hawaii’s past, the more you understand modern-day Hawaii.

The past is still a vital part of the present in Hawaii.  Enrich your experience of the culture by experiencing the people and the spirit of aloha during your visit.  In doing so, you are helping to keep history alive.  Explore the traditions of the past that are still prevalent in the culture of Waikiki and Oahu’s small towns.

Kapuna bless Kuhio Village Towers through traditional chant and ceremony. The towers memorialize the Hawaiian Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole who was a prince of the Kingdom of Hawaii. A coalition of American and European businessmen overthrew the kingdom in 1893.

Chanting

The early Hawaiians had no written language but they developed chants. As a result, chants recorded the genealogy of chiefs. Chants also are used during blessings and are a highly evolved verbal communication. Chanters remain an important member of Hawaii’s society. They preserve history and legend.

The Hawaiian Blessing is a traditional ceremony to bless new homes, canoes, businesses, babies, and food. The blessing calls upon great powers to assist in the safety, well being and success of the new creation. The blessing also cleans and clears the way of any conflict or negative experience that may have occurred in the past. The ceremony, performed by a spiritual leader, draws a community together to participate in honoring a new beginning.

Guest Rules

We want you to have a wonderful stay with us in paradise and ask that you follow a few basic Guest Rules in addition to complying with the building’s House Rules.

Guest Check-in

• All guests and guest’s visitors must register with a valid photo id (all adult occupants in the unit) at check-in with your host or in the Real Estate management office. For after-hour arrivals / check-ins, prior arrangements must be made in advance of your arrival.

• Do not let anyone up the elevator within a secured building.

Be Courteous and Respectful

• While on property to include lobbies, elevators, hallways, lanais and in room, please keep noise volumes to a minimum. Loud music or TV playback is generally not allowed.

• Intoxicated or illegal behavior is never permitted.

• Do not allow shower or bath tub water to puddle water on the bathroom floor or you could cause a leak to a neighboring unit of which you will be responsible for the damages and costs to remedy the situation.

• Never hang items over the lanai walls, or allow any items to drip, drain or fall from a lanai (balcony).

• Do NOT bring beach SAND into the rooms or the tub / shower because sand will clog the drains.  Use the beach showers to rise all sand to leave it at the beach.

• Report any leaks, damages, issues or concerns right away to your host or to the office for assistance. 

Room Supplies

• We provide a few complementary supplies such as bath soap, dish soap & sponge, trash liners, toilet paper and paper towels at check-in and recommend guests bring or purchase their own products such as shampoo, conditioner, lotion, make-up removers, sanitizers and wipes. Guest rooms with coffee stations include complimentary coffee and tea along with condiments and a Hawaiian sweet treat! However, supplies are not restocked with the intent of supplying your needs for the duration of your stay. Bring or purchase extra supplies for extended stays.

Air Conditioner Use

• If your unit has a window A/C unit, please do not running the A/C all day and all night. Turn off the A/C while you are out during the day. On the hottest days with abnormal humidity, window A/C units may be over-worked and produce more condensation than normal.  Please check if the container underneath the A/C if it fills up and spills water on the lanai. Empty A/C containers into the tub. Water dripping is unpleasant for others below, causes a trip hazard and could result in building violations and fines.

Rubbish

• For buildings with Trash chutes, they are generally located on each floor (Kuhio Village next to the elevator shaft in a closet marked REFUSE). Please tie all bags before using the trash chute and if you have items too large, please break down cardboard boxes flat before putting it in the large trash bins usually in the basement level.

• Do not flush anything down the toilet expect a SMALL amount of toilet tissue or you will cause a clog or flood.  NO FLUSHABLES, BABY WIPES, PAPER TOWELS, ETC. If you cause a clog, you will be responsible for the cost to remediate the situation.

Parking

• Parking is at your own risk whether be in a garage or on the street. Most public parking garages has a unmanned ticket station, be sure to re-pay and place your parking ticket on the front dashboard so that it is clearly visible / readable from the outside (unless otherwise posted). Any car parked with an expired ticket or without a ticket may be towed at your expense (usually over $200). Do NOT leave any valuables in the car unattended. We do not manage the parking lots. Parking management and tow company phone numbers are posted.

Guest Check-out

• Check-out time is no later than 11:00 AM.  If you fail to check out on time, you could be charged a fee. If you have a late flight on your check-out date, please check with us in advance to see if you can extend for a fee and we will schedule the cleaning for the following morning for those guests on the red eye flights.

• Upon check-out, please return keys as instructed. Unaccounted key sets incur a $150 charge per set.

Considered as part of our reservation agreement with you, the Guest Rules and the building’s House Rules promote guests’ safety and enjoyment.  Contact us if you have any questions about the Guest Rules.

For the island of Oahu, you will arrive at the Honolulu International Airport and have several options of transportation between the airport and Waikiki.  Taxi’s or ride share services will be the quickest and there are also shuttle services in addition to car rental companies.  Most guests do not use a car for the duration of their stay so we recommend only renting a car for the days you intend to tour the island. You could also chose a chartered tour and avoid driving all together. Let’s explore some of your options.

Cab/taxi

– First and most readily accessible are cab and taxi services. Average travel time from airport is approximately 30 minutes to the Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel. Fare is approximately $30-45 one-way. Pick-up on lower lever/baggage claim level. They are usually queued so waiting is minimal.

Airport shuttle

– Next are shuttle services. Roberts Hawaii is a popular shuttle bus company here on Oahu. The rate is $16.00 USD/one way and $30.00 USD/round trip. Pay on board. Pick-up on lower lever baggage claim level. They run about every 15-30 minutes. Roberts Hawaii: (808) 523-7750 website: www.robertshawaii.com

City Bus

– Alternatively, you can use the city bus. Average travel time is approximately 1-1 ½ hours. Fares are $2.75 one-way. (Exact Cash) Carry-on items are limited and large luggage is not allowed. Pay on board. Pick-up on upper lever/ticketing level. Services run about every 15 minutes. Bus routes 19 & 20 will bring you directly into Waikiki to within a block of the office. Make sure when boarding to verify with the driver that the bus is headed to Waikiki. You will depart the bus upon arrival at Kuhio Ave and Liliuokalani Ave in Waikiki. The Bus: (808) 848-5555 www.thebus.org

Rental Car

– A fourth option is a rental car. However a rental car is not needed for a duration of your stay. We recommend renting a car from Waikiki for the dates you plan to tour the island.  Free street parking is hard to obtain however paid public parking garages are available throughout Waikiki.

Uber or Lyft

– Lastly, Rideshare services are available with a broad ranges of service fees ranging from $36 to $77.

The office address is 2463 Kuhio Avenue, Honolulu, Hawaii 96815. The rates quotes are as of July 2018 and may change without notice.

The biggest surprise about Oahu is how many beautiful beaches there are and how often many are utterly uncrowded if you want to explore outside of Waikiki.  Whether you are trying to discover magical, secluded beaches, or searching for beaches that are bustling with activity, you should consider the island’s geography.

Waikiki Beach

First is world famous Waikiki Beach which is a short stroll from our properties.  Waikiki Beach is less than one mile in length and is one of the most user friendly beaches in the world. A beach where just about anyone can take a surfing lesson and ride their first wave. Waikiki is the essence of carefree with more restaurants than most decent sized towns and limitless shopping. A sunset walk along Waikiki Beach is always a dreamy experience as the sounds of waves reaching the shore line along with music often spilling over from the various resorts that line the beach. Waikiki Beach is a special place and some visitors chose to stay within Waikiki for their entire stay.

As with all Oahu Beaches, as beautiful and enticing the ocean may appear but rip currents and rogue waves do occur. Only swim at beaches with life guards and do check with life guards before entering the water. They can advise you on any hazards such as rocky or reef areas. You will find many life guards at Waikiki Beach.  You will also find sea walls separating a near shore swimming area from the rest of the ocean. A sea wall is in place a Kuhio Beach in Waikiki so if you are apprehensive about entering the ocean or have young children, Kuhio Beach is the ideal beach for you under most conditions.

North Shore Beaches

Next is the iconic North Shore beaches which can be a wonderful playground in the summer with calm clear waters and beautiful vistas. However in the winter, proceed with caution, as large ocean waves pound the shorelines and are a spectacle to see and feel. Large ocean waves are a big danger. Remember all the water coming in must get back out so be extremely cautious even along the water’s edge.

Windward Beaches

Third is the windward or eastern side of the island that has the most underutilized beaches on the island however if the trade winds are blowing, the windward beaches can get windy. Keep in mind a light breeze might just be enough to keep you cool while enjoying the sunshine. However winds greater than 20 mph can make for an uncomfortable beach day.

Waianae Coast Beaches

Finally, Waianae or the western side of the island has lots of beaches that are sheltered from the trade winds with the Waianae Mountains blocking their path. The beaches tend to be more crowded with local families sometimes camping at the beaches especially on the weekends. But if you keep driving to the western most end of the island, you will discover Makaha and Kaena Point State Park offering a remote and natural coastline.

Un-Written Rules You Should Know

• Drive with Aloha. Let cars go in front of you, go slow and give pedestrians the right away.
• If cars are stopped in front of you for no reason, do NOT switch lanes to continue, assume there is a pedestrian.
• Our most busy crosswalks have a new pattern that allows all pedestrians to cross at once to include diagonally so DO NOT assume you can turn on a red traffic light and watch for confused pedestrians trying to cross at the wrong time.
• DO NOT HONK your car horn unless it is an absolute emergency; it is considered rude to honk at someone.
• Do not leave valuables in an un-attended car anywhere and do NOT flaunt your spending money.
• Be smart where you park or you could face an unexpected tow bill ($250) if you do not obey the signs.
• Most people you meet are friendly and kind however beware if you come across an unstable person who may have a mental illness, go the other way. Often they are just yelling at nobody. Trust your gut instinct.
• Hawaii has a homeless problem, several choose not to live in shelters but choose to live on the streets instead, and for the most part they do not want to harm you although they could ask for money or food.
• Waikiki Ambassadors’ are part of the welcome center and patrol Waikiki on foot and bike to help our visitors with directions or information. Know that they wear neon yellow / green labeled shirts and are there for you.
• Do not turn your back on the ocean. Do not go to the edge of cliffs or the ocean. Use caution at all times and be aware the beauty of our island can sometimes catch you off guard. Take caution to posted signs and check with a life guard for any current conditions you should be aware of at our public beaches.
• Take what you bring and leave all that you don’t bring when hiking, beaching, or exploring the islands. You would be surprised just how many people “mail” items back. Respect the land, water & air as we do.
• Ask lifeguard or check posted signs on the beach for jellyfish warnings, high surf, strong currents or rip currents.
• Do not go surfing, snorkeling or hiking alone. Always let someone know where you are going if you will be alone.

GROCERIES

Safeway – Located outside of Waikiki on Kapahulu Ave. The #13 bus drops off and picks up right in front.Foodland Farms – Located outside of Waikiki at The Ala Moana Mall at 1450 Ala Moana Blvd. The #13 or #19 bus drops off and picks up right in front.

Whole Foods – Located outside of Waikiki at The Kahala Mall at 4211 Wai’alae Ave. The #22 or #23 bus drops off and picks up right in front.

Farmers Markets – From fresh cut tropical island fruits and vegetables to pastries and pupus (appetizers), there is something for everyone.  Locations and times have changed since Covid-19 shutdown.

KID FRIENDLY

Honolulu Zoo – Yes there is a Zoo here and it is so close…just at the end of Waikiki as you’re going toward Diamond Head. Open daily.

Waikiki Aquarium – Located along the beach past the zoo in the direction of Diamond Head; Open daily and night tours offered too.

WAIKIKI FREEBIES

Fireworks – Every Friday after sunset usually between 7:30 – 7:45pm compliments of the Hilton Hawaiian Village.

Hula Show – Authentic Hawaiian Music and hula shows by Hawaii’s finest halau hula (dance troops) and Hawaiian Performers. Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, weather permitting, 6:30 to 7:30 pm (6:00 to 7:00 pm November thru December) at the hula mound on the beach at Kalakaua and Uluniu.

Lei Making – At the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center along Kalakaua Avenue,  Monday-Saturday 1:00 to 2:00 pm.

‘Ukulele Lessons – At the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center along Kalakaua Avenue, Tuesday thru Friday 10:00 to -11:00 am.

Hula Lessons – At the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center along Kalakaua Ave. Tuesday 11:00 am to 12:00 pm, Thursday 4:00 – 5:00 pm.

The Bus & Popular Routes

The island of Oahu is easily accessible via The Bus, operated by the City and County of Honolulu. Most routes are serviced every 15-30 minutes and cover the whole island. Bus stops are located in front of the property, and you can circle the island right from the same block. Hanauma Bay for snorkeling, Sunset Beach on the North Shore and Pearl Harbor are all within reach! All fares are $2.75 each way (as of June 2020). Discounts such as Senior and Child may be available. 1-day passes are $5.50 and if you are staying a month or so, it’s best to buy a monthly pass for $70.00 at most ABC Stores in Waikiki. Both pass options allow for unlimited travel over the given time period. However know that The Bus does not allow luggage on the bus so you should plan to get other transportation to or from the airport. Download The Bus app for easiest use to plan ahead.

OTHER THINGS TO KNOW AND REMINDERS

If you are planning to return home with gifts or to take something back to remember your stay then you might prefer the prices at the “Swap Meet” at the Aloha Stadium on Saturday or Sunday. You can also try Walmart near the Ala Moana Shopping Center; they usually have a good selection of souvenirs, mac nuts, etc. If you plan to take home Pineapples or other fruits & veggies, make sure they will clear the airport screening by asking the vender – some pineapple boxes are marked, some are NOT.

If you have a return ticket for a shuttle service to the airport, it’s usually a good idea to arrange your pick-up time 48-hours in advance. Always plan to leave Waikiki three (3) hours before departure if you are checking bags with your airline. Remember, all checked luggage must clear agriculture screening prior to checking in with your airline.

Please enjoy your stay safely!

Your Waikiki Bucket List