How to Get Around Hawaii - From Island Hopping Tours to Road Trips

You’ve booked your flight, found a cosy island accommodation; the next thing you need is to learn how to get around Hawaii! 

Here’s the good news: there’s plenty of exciting ways to travel in Hawaii! From a hopping 40-minute flight to the Big Island to rocking road trips on the jeep or moped, here’s the rundown on Hawaii transportation: 

Hawaii has three international airports: Honolulu in Oahu and Kona and Hilo on the Big Island. No matter where you’ve flown infrom, there are heaps  of ways to go from the airport to your hotel. 

Once you arrive, you can easily take the shuttle to your destination. It’s the cheapest option, with fares ranging from $50 to $86 for four people. Some hotels even operate their own shuttle service, so check with your hotel before you fly. 

On the other hand, if you’re a solo traveller, ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft always exist. There are designated pick-up spots in the airports where you can wait for your ride. 

Ready to travel in Hawaii? There are heaps of ways to get around, but renting a car is the easiest option to  discover any of the Hawaiian islands at your own pace. Go off the beaten track, make as many stops as you want and discover hidden gems beyond popular tourist attractions. 

On most islands, you can rent a car before you go on Klook!  Whether from the airport or the beach, Klook makes travelling a breeze with its affordable car rental services. Choose your ride—from a sedan to a jeep, book, pay at pick up, and get explorin’! 

Taxis are another option for those who’d like to travel in Hawaii comfortably. On the island, taxis  are not only safe but also a reliable mode of transportation that’ll get you around.. An added bonus to taking the cab is that you’ll also learn more about Hawaiian culture, hole-in-the wall restaurants, and new places to visit with your driver’s knowledge. 

Though, the only trade off: it can be quite expensive since cabs run on mileage and rates vary per island. Typically, the metre can start at $5 and goes up per additional mile, so it’s best for travelling short distances, like from your hotel to the beach. 

Get into the spirit of Aloha by travelling in Hawaii like a local! Buses are a popular mode of transportation among Hawaii natives, and they often run on the bigger islands of the state, such as Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island. 

When you visit Waikiki Beach or any other fantastic destinations in Oahu, simply look for TheBus, which has plenty of routes going to tourist destinations from Honolulu and back. You can purchase a HOLO card to enjoy 1 day ($10)  and up to 30 days ($115) of unlimited bus travel.

If you happen to be in Maui, there’s theMaui Bus as its counterpart. This bus goes through popular tourist attractions, from Wailuku County to Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. One-way fare starts at $3, while a monthly pass costs $65. (Note: Children under the age of 5 are free!)

Outside of Maui and Oahu, public buses are catered more towards resident commuters, so routes tend to bypass the tourist sites and lead to main towns, which are still up for your exploring!

Name a more stylish way to travel in Hawaii than on a moped! Mopeds are the way to go when it comes to feeling the sea breeze and zooming along coastal roads! Drive down scenic routes and drink in the sight of the island’s most picturesque volcanoes. Once you’ve taken your fill, just hop back on the bike and drive to the next site! 

#KlookTip: Keep in mind that the minimum age for renting a moped is 16 years old and with a valid driver’s licence. State laws also require that mopeds are only to be ridden by one person and prohibit their use on sidewalks and freeways. 

If you want to relax but also want to make the most out of your trip, the Waikiki Trolley is a great option. This double-decker ride lets you sit back, relax, and take you along for a fun ride to Oahu’s most visited destinations. 

Easily discover the wonders of Honolulu, Diamond Head Crater, ‘Iolani Palace, and Waikiki at your own pace. Select between 1, 4, and 7-day Waikiki Trolley Pass, choose your route, and hop on and off whenever you’d like! 

As for those who want to travel between islands, taking the plane is the fastest and most popular way. You can book your flight with any of these interisland airlines: Hawaiian Airlines and Mokulele Airlines. 

Still, if you prefer the long route, ferrying across Hawaii is another way to go. The Lana’i Ferry will take you on an enchanting boat ride from Maui to Lanai and back. Climb aboard the Expedition to enjoy Moloka’i and Kaho’olawe’s crystal blue waters. If you’re lucky, you’ll even encounter dolphins and whales along the way.  

See some of the most out-of-the-way places in Hawaii with a thrilling helicopter ride. By joining the two-hour helicopter tour of the Big Island, you’ll get spoiled with unparalleled views of the entire island. From hundreds of metres above the sea, you can admire Black Sand Beach’s stunning charcoal sands, hover over Kilauea Volcano, and spot secret waterfalls and valleys.t. 

Hawaii isn’t only known for its beaches but also for an exciting array of jungles, hiking trails, and ranches that are perfect for adventurous cyclists. By booking the Kualoa Ranch Mountain Biking Adventure, you’ll wander off the beaten path and discover the island’s wildest areas, where cars and big vehicles can’t reach. 

With over 4,000 acres of terrain to explore, you’ll have a blast navigating through the ranch’s rough landscape with coastal views and lookout points far from the crowd!

Or ride the jeep! For those not keen on cycling on bumpy roads, the jeep expedition is another thrilling ride you can try in Hawaii. At Kualoa Ranch, you’ll ride aboard a six-wheeler army vehicle and traverse across lush mountain valleys and rice paddies, where dinosaurs used to roam. Sounds a lot like Jurassic Park? You bet, ‘cos along the way, you’ll meet some of the ancient reptiles (fake, of course) and visit the filming location of Steven Spielberg’s blockbuster. 

Can’t wait to set off to Hawaii? Check out our guide on the best things to do: