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Do you Need a Car in Honolulu? Here Are Things To Do Without One

So, you want to visit Honolulu without driving? Well, this is definitely possible and we will show it! In the following article, we will go over several activities accessible without renting a vehicle, and which transport you may use to reach some of the destinations included there.

Updated: 5/31/2026

Do you need a car to visit Oahu?

The short answer to that question is yes. Having a car will make your trip to Oahu much easier and better. Many of the great things in Hawaii are located on parts of the island that are not necessarily easily accessed without a car. Nonetheless, if you plan on staying only in the Honolulu area, you can definitely visit without a car. Honolulu has a pretty good transit system, and some areas like Waikiki are walkable.

How to get around Honolulu without a car?

The island of Oahu has a fairly effective transit system currently expanding. It includes TheBus (yes the name of the bus system is “The bus”) and the Skyline, a rail system currently in expansion. TheBus covers most of the island while the Skyline currently goes from Kualakai at the west to Kahauiki to the east. Both transit systems can be paid using a HOLO card. The HOLO card allows travelers to add money and passes to pay for their ride. 

TheBus in Honolulu

Fares for TheBus/Skyline

  • HOLO Card Fee (added to fare) - $2

  • Single Ride (2.5H) - $3

  • 3-Day Pass - $20

  • 7-Day Pass - $35

HOLO cards are required for the Skyline, they can be found at Skyline stations.

In addition to these two transit methods, the Waikiki Trolley operates vehicles through Honolulu, especially around Waikiki. The Waikiki trolleys operates 5 different routes passing near major attractions and area of Honolulu. You can check our designated article for more information on Waikiki Trolleys.

How to go from the airport to the city?

If you’re not from Hawaii, your trip will certainly begin from the airport — unless you’re coming via the sea. A first and fair question is thus; how to get from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport to Honolulu without a car? Well, there are several options. We will assume that you will be staying in the area of Waikiki.

Of course, you can either order an Uber or Taxi. But if you would like other options, know that the W line of TheBus goes from the airport to Waikiki in about 60min. This is usually the cheapest option with a single fare of $3.

Some private companies also offer services from Waikiki to Daniel K. Inouye Airport. But the most accessible option remains the bus.

First Activity: Diamond Head Crater

The crater of Leahi (name of the volcano in Hawaiian) is a national monument and the top is one of the best views of Honolulu. The entry to the area is located within the crater, accessible via a tunnel. The trail to the top is then pretty easy to find. The trailhead to the top of Diamond Head can be challenging as it involves constant steep hills. Once at the top, visitors can enjoy the view and get inside a Fire Control State built in 1911 before eventually getting back down the same way they came. A reservation is required for non-resident to enter.

If you take TheBus, you will need to exit at Diamond Head + Opp 18th Ave and then walk uphill until you reach the tunnel. Get through the tunnel and you will reach the entrance gate where you will be able to pay for your fare.

The Waikiki Trolley “Historic Honolulu Line” (red line), has a designated stop for the Iolani palace.

View from top of Diamond Head Crater

Overview

  • Admission - $5 for Non-residents

  • Reservation Required

  • Access via TheBus or Waikiki Trolley green line.

2. Waikiki

There are great chances that you will be staying in or around Waikiki during your trip. The vibrant neighborhood of Honolulu is the most touristic and there are a handful of great things to do there. Here are some of the things you might like:

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