Transportation Tips, Information & Services - Best Of Hawaii


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		General Info Transportation Tips by Island: Oahu, Maui, Hawaii, Kauai Transportation Services: Rental Cars Exotic Cars Limos Motorcycles Mopeds Bus Info Taxi Service Courtesy Transportation

Getting Around on Oahu
The first thing to remember about Oahu is that you will arrive in the city of Honolulu and home to the only freeways in Hawaii. The pace can be fast and furious and sometimes traffic jams and parking problems "do happen".
On Oahu you have many transportation options. The obvious first is Rental Car. If you are planning to circumnavigate the Island, this is the best choice that will leave you with the most flexible sightseeing and fun seeking options. However, if you are planning to limit your stay to the Waikiki & Honolulu area, and/or you are willing to creatively use other available means of transportation, then you probably will not need to rent a car.
If that is the case, we feel the following plan is a good one; First, arrange to have the hotel's courtesy van pick you up at the airport if this is an option and if not, then take a cab. Although the one way taxi fare is comparable to a one day economy car rental, this will save you time, navigation, parking, and you may be a little tired after your flight. Once you get to your Waikiki hotel, you'll find you can walk, bus, or cab it to most anywhere cheaply - with a minimum of fuss.
Next, if you decide to do some independent sightseeing, then you can rent a car through the hotel or one of the Waikiki car rental agencies. This will allow you to have the car for only the days you'll need it - and therefore avoid paying car rental fees while you are "parked" on the beach and the car is parked in the garage.
Another fun alternative is to ride both the Waikiki and Aloha Tower Place trolleys. The Waikiki Trolley arranges city tours with a drop off and pick-up option at each point of interest and a day pass is quite resonable. The Aloha Tower Trolley charges $1 each way and is a safe way to return home after a few "cleansing ales" or "power shopping" at Aloha Tower Marketplace .
As we mentioned before, The Bus is a viable option on Oahu - and particuarly in Waikiki & Honolulu area. The schedules are regular and they do allow transfers that will get you close to almost anywhere you want to go. In addition, almost all activities will pick you up and bring you back, so this is another way of avoiding the need for a car in the Honolulu / Waikiki area. Oh...be sure to ask the company if they offer courtesy transportation when you book your activity or tour.

Getting Around on Maui
Rental Cars are by far your best option on Maui. The visitor attractions are spread out all over the Island and there is no reliable bus service. Taxi's are good for only short hops and can be extremely expensive to use for sightseeing. Then again, if money is no object, you can always rent a Limo. For the average traveler however, a rental car is the way to go. Make sure you reserve your car early, no matter what time of the year you plan to visit. You never know when the island will be "full" because of a convention, a Hawaiian holiday or a big local event.
Mopeds can be fun for a day trek provided you are traveling only short distances on the dry (leeward/western) side and you use caution when negotiating traffic. They are best for local trips around Kihei or perhaps between Kalapana and Lahaina. They are not recommended, however for the road to Hana, traveling upcountry, or transiting from North to South such as Kihei to Lahaina - rain, wind, and traffic can wear you out on a moped.
Motocycles can be fun on Maui provided if you are an experienced "biker" and the weather is dry. Be aware that places on Maui can be extremely windy (best windsurfing in the world) and traffic is also a safety consideration.

Getting Around on The Big Island
When considering transportation on the Big Island remember the Island is BIG! Over 4000 sq miles and twice as large as all of the other Hawaiian Islands combined. It can take 6 to 8 hours to drive around it non stop, and if you stop to sightsee you are in for a long day. An even more important consideration is that the visitor attractions are quite spread out. For instance the volcano is 2 hours from Kona in one direction as Hilo is 2 hours away in the other direction. This open space and the attractions along the way contribute much to the Big Island's charm. You'll never feel crowded when visiting the Big Island of Hawaii.
Unquestionably, the only real way to see the Big Island is by either rental car or with an organized tour company. Unless you are planning to stay near your hotel or condo for the duration of your stay, you WILL need a car to truly experience the Big Island of Hawaii. Make sure you reserve your car well in advance.
As always, there ARE exceptions to the rule. If you are staying in the Kailua-Kona area, you may get around by courtesy trans, taxi, or even moped, provided your "range" centers along Alii Drive, the road that connects Kailua-Kona with Keauhou Bay. If you are staying in the Kohala / Waikaloa Resort area, you can make use of courtesy vans provided by the hotels and activities companies.
Just keep in mind that if you have your heart set on exploring the Volcano, Akaka Falls, Waipio Valley, Hawi, South Point, just to name a few... you'll be much happier with a rental car - unless you prefer to participate in an organized "circle island tour".

Getting Around on Kauai
A rental car is the best option for the island of Kauai. Remember, it's called the "Garden Isle" and there is usually enough precipitation during the normal visit to remind you why the vegetation is so lush, green, and abundant. You'll want to explore this green-wonderland and the best way is by rental car. Make sure you reserve your car early!
Bus service does not exist and taxi service can be expensive for sightseeing. Mopeds or bikes can be a practical alternative for day excursions around the areas of Koloa and Poipu, where the weather tends to be dryer and the terrain relatively flat. Taxi cabs are possible and they are readily available at the airport. Otherwise, we don't feel that taxis are a good choice for transportation on the Garden Isle.

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