Planning a trip to the Waikiki area of Honolulu, Hawaii? You’re in the right place.
Getting from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport to Waikiki is usually quick and easy, with the drive taking about 25 to 30 minutes. That said, if you’re arriving during morning or evening rush hour, it can take a bit longer. After a long flight, the last thing we want to stress about is transportation, so we always plan this part ahead of time!
We personally book a private shuttle every trip, but there are plenty of options depending on your budget and travel style. Below, we’ll walk you through all the ways to get from the airport to Waikiki so your vacation starts smoothly.
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The shuttle we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE way to get from the airport in Honolulu to Waikiki is with this private shuttle! It includes a lei greeting, which is an amazing way to be welcomed to the island. Plus, you don’t spend forever dropping off other people – it’s your own private transport!
Overview of Transport Options
When it comes to getting from Honolulu Airport to Waikiki, you’ve got seven main options to choose from. Our top pick, and the one we book every time, is a private shuttle. It’s easily the most seamless option. Your driver is waiting for you at baggage claim, you skip the confusion of pickup zones, and if you add the lei greeting, you’re welcomed to Hawaii in the best possible way! We always find that this makes everything feel nice and easy after a long travel day.
But if you’re looking to cut down on costs, there are shared shuttles that transport multiple passengers to Waikiki hotels. You can also grab a rideshare with Uber or Lyft, hop in a taxi outside the terminal, or rent a car. There’s also the option to take public transport. Each option has different price points and levels of convenience, so we’ll break them all down for you below.
How to Get from Honolulu Airport to Waikiki
1. Private shuttle with lei greeting
We book this private shuttle with lei greeting every time we travel to Waikiki, and it’s our favorite way to start the trip! Having a dedicated driver waiting for you at the airport is so much easier than having to queue for a taxi or navigate public transport. I don’t know about you, but that’s the last thing I feel like after a long flight.
Plus, I just love being welcomed with a beautiful purple orchid lei. It’s a fun touch, and it gives you that “Hawaii” feeling right away!
On our last trip, our driver Mark tracked our flight and texted us as soon as we landed to let us know he was there and waiting. He met us right at baggage claim, holding a sign with our name on it, and greeted us by placing the flower lei around our necks. It really set the tone for the whole vacation.
Our luggage was delayed, but Mark waited patiently with no issues and helped us with our bags once they finally arrived. From there, he walked us straight out to the private shuttle and drove us directly to our hotel, Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, with no extra stops along the way. It was a stress-free start to our trip, and he even shared some great local restaurant and activity recommendations during the drive, which we ended up using later in the week.
Reserve your stress-free private shuttle and lei greeting here and get FREE cancellation!
What is a lei greeting?
So what is a lei greeting, I hear you ask? Well, a lei is a wreath that’s often made from flowers, leaves, or shells. They’re often used during celebrations, so getting one on arrival means you’re well and truly being welcomed to the island!
The leis you get at the airport will almost always be my favorite kind – the stunning purple orchids. Saying that, we’ve also sometimes had white carnations or white tuberoses mixed in as well – and let me tell you, they smell amazing.
Even if you don’t book a shuttle with a lei greeting included, you’ll be able to find them at grocery stores in Honolulu and Waikiki. We even saw them in the coolers at Target! Our hotel, Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, even offered lei-making classes, which I’d highly recommend joining if you end up staying there.
Alternatively, you can also get a lei if you attend a luau, which is a must on the island of Oahu! We got a beautiful shell lei when we went to the Mauka Warriors Luau on our most recent trip, and the whole experience was one of the highlights of our vacation.
And if you get a lei, don’t throw it away! Instead, it’s tradition to return them by either leaving the flowers on the ground or scattering them in the ocean – after removing the string, of course. It’s also very common to leave them on statues or trees. I always leave mine at the Duke statue, which has become a bit of a local custom here in Waikiki.
2. Private shuttle without lei greeting
I love the touch of the lei greeting on arrival, but it’s not mandatory. If you still want the ease of a private pickup but are looking for a slightly cheaper option, this private transfer is super well-rated and still saves you time waiting around at Honolulu Airport.
It includes 60 minutes of free waiting time at the airport after your flight lands, so you still don’t need to stress too much if you’re a bit delayed or your bags take a while to arrive.
Book this private shuttle here and don’t pay until just before you go!
3. Shared shuttle
A shared shuttle is cheaper than a private shuttle and easier than public transport, although you will have to wait around for other passengers. We’ve used Robert’s Hawaii in the past, and at $29 USD per person, it’s fairly cost-effective. However, it took so long to drop everyone off in Waikiki that it took almost an hour and a half before we arrived at our hotel, which is why we now always go for private shuttles instead. It doesn’t cost that much more, and we think it’s well worth it given how much time it saves us!
4. Rental Car
On some Hawaiian islands, such as Maui, renting a car is a must, but in Oahu, we never need one for the entire trip. We use Discover Cars when we want to explore the North Shore or the west side of the island, but we normally just do this for a day or two at a time to avoid the hotel parking fees, which can be up to $50 USD per day. And no, I’m not kidding – I wish!
There’s also not a lot of parking in Waikiki itself, so having a rental car for the entire time can prove to be more hassle than it’s worth. If you’re staying in Waikiki itself, the area is super walkable and you’ve also got buses, ride-hailing apps, and the Waikiki Trolley at your disposal, so a rental car isn’t necessary on days when you’re sticking to this area.
So rather than picking up a rental car from the airport, I would recommend renting a car for a day or two in Waikiki itself. This gives you the freedom to explore the island, but also helps to save on those astronomical parking fees.
5. Uber/Lyft
Uber and Lyft do operate from Honolulu airport, but you’ll have to go to one of the designated pickup zones to meet your ride. This map can show you where to go, but it’s definitely not as easy as just meeting your driver at arrivals!
It typically costs around $35 USD for an Uber ride from Honolulu Airport to Waikiki, but prices can surge at busy times of day. And remember that if you’re traveling in a group or have a lot of luggage, you might need an Uber XL, which will push your fare up to somewhere around $60 USD for a one-way trip.
6. Taxi
Taxis are available outside the baggage claim areas at all of the Honolulu Airport terminals. However, when we arrived late at night we noticed that there was only one taxi available, so we were very glad that we had booked a shuttle instead or we would have been facing a long wait!
Taxis typically cost between $40 and $50 USD from the airport to Waikiki, but if you’re traveling with more than two people, you might need more than one car to fit all of your luggage. Since we usually go with our family, this isn’t a very good option for us!
7. Bus
At only $3 USD per person, the bus is definitely the most budget-friendly way to get around Oahu, but we don’t recommend it for airport travel. Well, not if you’re traveling with a suitcase, anyway, because the bus doesn’t allow luggage! If you’re traveling light with just a regular backpack, go for it, but remember that no luggage is allowed in the aisles or on the seats. So, for most people arriving at Honolulu Airport, this isn’t really a doable option.
With that said, do keep the bus in mind for travel elsewhere on the island, though! We’ve taken the bus to the west side of the island, where we went to swim with wild dolphins on this tour. This was one of my all-time favorite Hawaii experiences, and using the bus meant that we didn’t need to rent a car to get there.
8. Skyline
The Skyline is Honolulu’s new rail system, but although there is an airport station, the line doesn’t go all the way to Waikiki yet. There are future plans for that in the works, and we’ll keep this blog updated accordingly, but as of right now, it can’t get you right to your hotel. Plus, it only operates from 4 am – 10:30 pm, so it’s not a viable option for late-night arrivals.
Another downside is that the Skyline airport station is a long walk from the terminals, and you’ll have to take your luggage across multiple bridges. It’s definitely not the easiest option for travel to and from the airport, but at just $3 USD per ride, it can still be an affordable way to explore the island. To see where it can take you, check the Skyline route map here.
What’s the Best Way to Get to Waikiki from the Airport?
For me, there’s a clear winner. This private shuttle with a lei greeting is definitely my favorite way to get from the airport in Honolulu to Waikiki! You just can’t beat the convenience of it, and being welcomed to the island with a beautiful lei really kicks off your vacation on a positive note.
Our driver, Mark, was so helpful and patient. He waited for us without any issues and drove us directly to our hotel, without any stops, so that we could just check in and head to bed after our late arrival. And we’re clearly not the only ones who love this service, since it has over 300 five-star reviews!
Easily book your private shuttle here!
Top Activities to do in Honolulu
Now that you know how you’re getting to your hotel, it’s time to plan the fun part! From snorkeling with sea turtles to soaring above the island in a helicopter, these are some of our favorite experiences on Oahu. Be sure to book early—these tours are popular and often fill up weeks in advance!
- Swim with sea turtles – Gliding through crystal-clear waters alongside green sea turtles and colorful tropical fish, this Turtle Canyon snorkeling tour is an unforgettable experience. The crew provides all the gear you need, and it’s close to Waikiki. Keep your eyes peeled for spinner dolphins and, in winter, even humpback whales!
- Experience a traditional Hawaiian luau – The Mauka Warriors Luau offers an authentic evening of Hawaiian hospitality and entertainment. This tour includes a warm welcome with a lei, a traditional feast, and captivating Polynesian performances, including hula and the best fire dancing we’ve ever seen. Don’t miss the activities before the show, like headband weaving and custom Polynesian tattoos!
- Explore Pearl Harbor and historic sites – This comprehensive tour offers a thoughtful visit to the USS Arizona Memorial and Pearl Harbor, diving deep into WWII history. You’ll also explore Honolulu’s iconic landmarks, like Iolani Palace, with convenient hotel pickup.
- Discover Oahu’s highlights – See Oahu’s most iconic sights, from scenic lookouts to the North Shore’s surf beaches on this Circle Island tour. It also stops at the famous Dole Pineapple Plantation and the charming town of Haleiwa for a taste of the island’s rich culture.
- Soar above Oahu – For an unforgettable thrill, this doors-off helicopter tour lets you soar above Oahu’s stunning landscapes. Fly over Pearl Harbor, Waikiki, and lush valleys with the wind in your hair and nothing but sky between you and the island’s breathtaking views.
Related Read: If you want to turn these activities into a seamless trip, our five-day Waikiki itinerary lays out the perfect way to explore the island.
Where to Stay in Waikiki
Now that you know how you’re leaving the airport, it’s time to find a great place to stay. Waikiki is super popular, so choosing a hotel from the hundreds of choices can feel overwhelming. Luckily, we have standout picks for all budgets – including our favorite beachfront hotel where we stayed for our last trip!
All the hotels below are in Central Waikiki for that classic Hawaiian vacation vibe and put you close to the beach and the best restaurants and shopping. Our biggest tip is to book early – Waikiki is popular for a reason, and you don’t want to miss out on your top choice!
The Royal Hawaiian – $$$
If you’ve ever dreamed of staying in that famous pink hotel on Waikiki Beach, this is the one. The Royal Hawaiian is an icon, a Luxury Collection resort with its own stretch of sand and that “old Hawaii” glamour. Rooms are bright and tropical, with garden or ocean views, and the hotel’s location on Waikiki Beach makes it easy to enjoy Diamond Head views and live entertainment.
With a full-service spa, two gorgeous outdoor pools, and cultural activities, it’s a proper treat-yourself stay. Luxury like this doesn’t come cheap, but it’s definitely money well spent! Rooms here start from around $500 USD per night. Check staying here off your bucket list by booking here!
OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beach Resort – $$ (Where we stayed!)
The OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beach Resort is our favorite pick in Waikiki — we loved every minute of our stay! Located directly on Waikiki Beach, it’s steps from the sand and is home to the legendary Duke’s restaurant. We loved listening to the ocean from our balcony and watching the water turn golden at sunset. Plus, it was so easy for beach days since we went from our room to having our feet in the sand in two minutes!
Rooms come with air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, fridges, and coffee makers, so you’re set up for relaxed beach days and easy mornings. We also love the little extras like free water bottles and a beach bag, and daily cultural activities (think lei-making and ukulele lessons). It’s a brilliant all-rounder in Waikiki with rooms starting around $350 USD per night. See if there’s a room available for your trip here!
Hotel Renew – $
Hotel Renew is a budget-friendly gem just one block from Waikiki Beach. This modern boutique hotel is known for its calming vibe and thoughtful touches, like beach towels and gear for guests to borrow. The bright, clean rooms are simple but comfortable, with plush beds and a 50-inch flat-screen TV for cozy nights in. Some rooms even have a partial ocean view or a balcony—perfect for sipping a morning coffee before hitting the sand.
Rates at Hotel Renew typically start at around $150–$250 USD per night, making it a great option for budget travelers who still want comfort and a prime Waikiki location. Check availability and book Hotel Renew online in advance!
Related Read: Still need more options? Our list of the best Waikiki hotels is a great overview with our top picks and pros and cons of the different areas you can stay in.
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Thanks for reading!
The best way to start your Hawaiian vacation is by figuring out how you’re getting from the airport in Honolulu to your hotel – before your plane lands! We highly recommend a private shuttle (and a lei greeting!) so you can get into vacation mode right away. Having a dedicated driver waiting for us and taking us right to our hotel means we relax as soon as we arrive – that’s what a vacation is all about right!
If you’re in the midst of planning a getaway, we’d love to help! Our Hawaii blogs cover everything from the best luaus and tours to step-by-step itineraries based on our experiences, so you won’t miss out on any of the magic of the Hawaiian islands (or make any of the same mistakes we have!). Aloha!
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