GETTING AROUND WAIKIKI AND OAHU
Transportation to and from Waikiki and just about everywhere else on Oahu is very simple. Buses are plentiful. Trolleys run specifically for the convenience of visitors. Packaged tours provide your transportation to virtually all scheduled destinations. Rent-a-cars are available at dozens of locations. And you will find many destinations are within easy walking distance from your hotel.
The easiest way to get to where you want to go, however, may well be with a taxi. Taxis arrive almost immediately after being called, or will pick you up at the time you specify. You can name your destination and relax, not having to worry about whether you’re on the right bus or if the trolley you’ve taken will get you to the right place. You won’t have to transfer to another taxi as you may have to do via bus. Your driver – even if his English is limited – will answer your questions and, if you ask, will identify landmarks for you. Taxi drivers are “ambassadors of aloha.” They are proud of their island and enjoy pointing out landmarks and places of interest as they take you to your destination. You might even consider a taxi or Limo tour of the island’s highlights, based on the things that interest you most. Any taxi company will be
glad to give you a quote for that.
Honolulu is different from most of the world’s metropolitan areas. You cannot just go out and “hail a cab.” Traffic, parking and “stopping” regulations prohibit taxis from pulling over to pick up fares in many areas. (Hint: You almost always can find a taxi in front of the larger Waikiki hotels.) But it’s easy to call a taxi from wherever you are, and the taxi will come to you immediately. The concierge or doorman at your hotel will gladly call one for you, as will the desk clerk on duty at smaller hotels, the host or hostess at the restaurant where you dine, or the manager or a clerk at the retail establishment where you are shopping. (Those folks are pleased to accommodate you, and there is no charge for local calls so you are not inconveniencing them.)
Even if the address of a restaurant, shop or other destination is obscure, the driver will locate it easily and take you right to the door. You never have to worry about parking (an epic and expensive adventure in Waikiki), or where you left your car after you’ve found a spot and spent several hours away from it. The cost of taxis is reasonable, especially if you’re sharing the ride with others in your party. And, of course, the ride will be comfortable.
Shopping results in packages to carry. Sightseeing results in souvenirs and
paraphernalia. It may be hard to lug all that stuff onto a bus (and may be too much to allow you to board.)
Here are some approximate taxi fares, one way from most Waikiki hotels to some points of interest on the island: (Approximate rates shown do not include tips.)
DFS GALERIA $ 4
ALA MOANA CENTER $ 5
VICTORIA WARD
CENTERS $ 6
WAIKIKI AQUARIUM $ 7
DIAMOND HEAD CRATER $10
HANAUMA BAY $25
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN $11
ACADEMY OF ARTS $10
KAHALA MALL $32
MT. TANTALUS $18
PEARL HARBOR/
ARIZONA MEMORIAL $27
POLYNESIAN
CULTURAL CENTER $90
PUNCHBOWL
(NATIONAL CEMETERY
OF THE PACIFIC) $15
SEA LIFE PARK $34
# # #