Best Ways to Travel Around Oahu, Hawaii

The world is filled with many places just waiting for you to visit. Some countries are home to clean beaches, while others boast mountainous views you would undoubtedly love to witness. But if you desire to experience the best of both worlds, Oahu, Hawaii, could be the perfect place for you.

Hawaii comprises of eight major islands, and among these islands, Oahu receives the most guests yearly, with about a million or more tourists. The love Oahu receives is utterly justifiable with everything this island has to offer – exquisite sights, spectacular beaches, bustling nightlife, and delicious cuisine. All these make it unsurprising why Oahu was hailed as the Gathering Place. 

But since this island welcomes the most number of tourists, you must expect an in-flock of people within the island. That said, you must be prepared, especially when it comes to your transportation. 

Going around Oahu does not have to be complicated. There are several ways one can travel around the island. If you want to know these ways, continue reading because this blog is for you.

How To Go To Oahu?

Sometime ago tourists had a choice whether they wanted to visit Oahu via plane or ferry if they were already in Hawaii at a neighboring island. But in March 2009, ferry operations were suspended after the Hawaii Supreme Court ruled that the state failed to complete required environmental reviews. 

But there is nothing to worry about because there are still planes and inter-flights that can bring tourists to the island. You can proceed from the airport to Waikiki which is about a 15 minute drive once you get through departures. Once you have reached the district, you can find multiple ways to go around the island of Oahu. 

Traveling around Oahu

Now that you have reached Waikiki, knowing your options to go around the island should be your next priority. Although the island is only 44 miles long and 30 miles wide, the island offers so many tourist attractions, and these areas might feel like worlds apart. In addition, transportation is not always straightforward. Fortunately, you will have plenty of transportation options.

Booking a tour

If you are looking for a convenient way to go around the island, booking a tour with a tour operator in Oahu is the best option. Tour agencies, such as Go Tours Hawaii, offer various excursion packages that showcase the beauty of the island.  

For a serene Oahu sightseeing adventure, you can check the Hidden Gems Oahu Tour offered by Go Tours Hawaii. For this tour, you will be taken on a full day circle island tour to visit beautiful locations around the island with a local guide. Highlights include the Waimea Botanical Garden or the Hidden Gems of Oahu option with Byodo-In Temple. On the other hand, if you seek an adventurous trip, Go Tours Hawaii has a Oahu North Shore tour exclusive access to the Dole Pineapple Farm.

Either way, seeking help from tour agencies is the easiest and most convenient way for you to go around Oahu. If you want to know about these tours, you can check Go Tours Hawaii’s website at www.gotourshawaii.com.

Renting a car

While the island is not as big as the Big Island and Maui, there is still a lot to explore, and renting a car is another efficient way to go around the island. This is perfect for those who want to have control over their time while they are in Oahu. 

You can easily pick up a rental car in two central locations – the Honolulu airport and Waikiki. You can find national and local rental vehicles from these areas. But before renting one, do your research first since each rental car company has different conditions and payment terms. Additionally, try to make a reservation as soon as you book your flight to the island. You have to remember that many tourists flock to Oahu. Thus, it is safer to book beforehand.

Apart from reserving a car ahead of time and knowing the car rental companies’ terms, you must also check whether or not your accommodation has parking fees that you must pay. Overnight parking for vehicles can be around $40 a night which adds up especially if you visit for a week.

Hotel Shuttle

Some accommodations in Oahu offer shuttle services to various stops around Waikiki. So if you are staying around the city, you might want to check if your hotel offers this. But be reminded that oftentimes, these shuttle services are not complementary. This means they have fees that usually cost as much as cabs or Uber. You may ask the hotel concierge or front desk employees about this. In addition, you also have to know about their schedule as it can take time to arrive at your destination since you have to go with other passengers. Thus on your way to your hotel from the airport you may stop at 7 other hotels before you get there.

Riding a bus

Riding a bus can be a nightmare, but not for Oahu. This is one of the best ways to get around the island. Oahu has the best bus system of all the islands in Hawaii. Oahu buses are affordable and offer 93 routes and 4,200 stops around the island, making them convenient for tourists.

Furthermore, the buses on the island run every 15-30 minutes. This means you do not necessarily have to wait long and make a very detailed schedule just to ensure you would not be late for your trip schedules. Discounted one-day passes are also available.

Waikiki Trolley

If you are going to stay in Waikiki, you may want to try the Waikiki trolley to go around the district. These trolleys can go around plenty of stops along Waikiki Beach. You can buy a pass to get on and off the trolley as you wish quickly. 

Using the Waikiki trolley is perfect for quick trips. The trolley’s double-decker hop-on and hop-off system have five lines that stop by the Ala Moana Center, Diamond Head State Monument, and other tourist attractions. 

But you have to remember that because the trolley is only exclusive to Waikiki, the travel destinations you have will, of course, be limited. 

Have fun in Hawaii with Go Tours Hawaii

Looking for the most suitable transportation for your Hawaiian vacation does not have to be stressful. And this is what this blog is for. If you want more tips on how you can ensure a stress and hassle-free trip to Oahu, try checking out Go Tours Hawaii.

We are a local Hawaii tour operator specializing in Oahu Tours. Let us take you on an unforgettable Oahu vacation you will remember for a lifetime. For more information about us, what we do, and the list of our tours, you can visit our website at www.gotourshawaii.com.