Riding the Bus on Oʻahu

This article was originally published on December 24, 2009, and was updated March 4, 2026.

TheBus is Oʻahu's primary public transit system and covers almost the entire island for $3 per ride. It's the most affordable way to get around, especially for visitors staying in Waikīkī who want to explore the island without renting a car or paying for hotel parking.

It may not be the quickest way to travel, but it beats negotiating unfamiliar roads in a rental car especially if you’d like to kick back and enjoy the scenery as the island unfolds around you. Buses are equipped with bike racks and have handicapped access. Luggage must fit on your lap or under your seat.

Bus Fares & Routes

Make sure to have exact change for TheBus, drivers do not make change.

• Adults pay $3 per ride (one way only, no transfers).

• One child age 5 and under may accompany a fare-paying rider for free if they do not occupy a seat.

• Youth, ages 6-17 or up to 19 with proof of high school enrollment, with a Youth HOLO card (see below) pay $1.50 per ride with 2.5 hours of unlimited transfers. You must have a Youth HOLO card to receive this discount.

• Seniors 65 and older with a Senior HOLO card pay #1.25 per ride with 2.5 hours of unlimited transfers. You must have a Senior HOLO card to receive this discount.

HOLO card

HOLO cards are prepaid cards that can be used on The Bus or Skyline — Oʻahu's rail system. Note: Skyline has yet to be completed and currently has a limited number of stops.

A benefit of the HOLO card is the 2.5 hour transfer period. During this period, riders are not charged for rides.

For youth and seniors to receive discounts on rides they must obtain a HOLO card first.

Where to apply

• Any Satellite City Hall (except Ala Moana Center)

• TheBus Pass Office (Kalihi)

Where to load or reload your card

• Online

• Call (808) 768-4656

• Any HOLO retail location: Most ABC Stores and 7-Eleven

• Satellite City Halls

• TheBus Pass Office (Kalihi Transit Center)

• Select supermarkets: Foodland, Times Supermarket and Palama Supermarket

Visitors Passes

Visitors passes are good for one, three or seven consecutive days of unlimited bus rides. For these, you must purchase a HOLO card (see below) and tap it against the reader when boarding the bus.

Note: There is a $2 fee to purchase a Holo Card.

1-Day Pass

A 1-day pass costs $7.50 and will give you unlimited rides for 24 hours after your first tap.

3-Day Pass

A 3-day pass costs $20 and will give you unlimited rides for 72 hours after your first tap.

7-Day Pass

A 7-day pass costs $35 and will give you unlimited rides for a full week after your first tap.

Where to purchase

Purchase an Adult HOLO card with a pass at these locations:

• HOLO vending machine at any Skyline Station

• HOLO vending machine at any ABC Store in Waikīkī

Where to reload your card

To keep using your card after the pass expires, reload your card online or at one of these locations:

• HOLO vending machine at any Skyline Station

• HOLO vending machine at any ABC Store in Waikīkī

• Foodland

• 7-eleven

• TheBus Pass Office (Kalihi Transit Center)

• Find more locations here

Top routes for visitors

Getting around town is easy. Use Google Maps or Apple Maps to map your destination, click the transit icon and follow the instructions. These apps will tell you where to catch TheBus, which bus to board and where to get off. If you are looking to travel a greater distance, you'll want to plan further in advance. Here are three of the top routes from Waikīkī.

Waikīkī to Kailua

Take Routes 2, 13 or E to Ala Moana Center. Transfer to Route 67. Get off at Kailua Road and Hamakua Drive for Kailua Town or Wanaao Road and Awakea Road for Kailua Beach Park — this requires a .6 miles (about 14 minutes) walk to the beach. Plan for 1.25 hours each way.

Waikīkī to North Shore

Take Route 2, 13 or E to S. Beretania Street and Punchbowl Street. Transfer to Route 52 Westbound to Wahiawa-Haleiwa. For Haleiwa Beach Park, exit the bus at Kamehameha Highway and Haleiwa Beach Park. Plan for two to three hours each way.

Waikīkī to Pearl Harbor

Take Route W Westbound to Hnl Airport, exit bus at Lagoon Drive and Ualena Street. Transfer to Route 40, 42 or 51 and exit at Kamehameha Highway and Kalaloa Street. Pearl Harbor Visitor's Center is a .2 mile (about 6 minute) walk from there. Plan for 1.5 hours each way.

Practical tips

• Large bulky items like surfboards are not allowed on board.

• Luggage must fit on your lap or under your seat — large suitcases are not permitted.

• Use Google Maps or Apple Maps to find bus routes, pickup times and where to exit.

• Download TheBus2 app to save bus stops and check real-time arrival times — with its GPS tracker you can see where your bus is and how long it will take to arrive.

• Purchase a HOLO card ahead of time or board with exact change, as the driver cannot make change.

• Bring a light sweater. TheBus is air-conditioned and can get chilly.

TheBus vs. rideshare vs. rental car

• TheBus is best if you are on a budget and staying in Waikīkī, particularly if you plan to stay mostly in town or have time for day trips across the island.

• Rideshare is more expensive than TheBus but more convenient and faster for getting around town if you are staying in Waikīkī.

• Rental car makes the most sense if you are staying in Ko ʻOlina or on the North Shore, which are more remote areas with fewer transportation options.
  

Kalihi Transit Bus Pass Office (Customer Service)

Address: 611 Middle St, Honolulu, HI 96819

Phone: (808) 848-5555 (Press 5)

Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Closed on weekends and city holidays