Oahu Public Transportation From Waikiki Beachside Hostel
Your Easy Guide To TheBus From Waikiki Beachside Hostel
Exploring Oahu is easy from Waikiki Beachside Hostel at 2556 Lemon Rd. The island’s bus system, called TheBus, connects Waikiki to the airport, Ala Moana Center, downtown, the Windward Coast, and the North Shore.
Pay with a reloadable HOLO card and your fares will cap for the day and for the month. Your closest pickup is on Kuhio Ave at Paoakalani Ave, a short walk from the lobby. From there you can reach the airport, hike spots, beaches, and even loop the island in one day.
How TheBus Works
- Islandwide coverage with simple transfers at major hubs like Ala Moana Center
- Tap a HOLO card when you board for day and month caps
- Cash is accepted, but HOLO gives you free transfers within the time limit
- Air conditioning, bike racks, and wheelchair access on most buses
Closest Pickup From The Hostel
- Stop name: Kuhio Ave and Paoakalani Ave
- Stop IDs: 154 eastbound, 20 westbound
- Walk time: About 1 to 3 minutes from 2556 Lemon Rd
- Routes you will see: 2, 2L, 8, 13, 20, 42, and E in the westbound direction
This corner is your main gateway. Use it for quick rides to Ala Moana Center, downtown, UH Manoa, Kapiolani Park, the airport, and transfer points that reach the rest of the island.
Fares And Passes
Use a HOLO card for the best value. Prices for adults are listed below.
- Single trip: $3.00 with 2.5 hours of transfers
- Daily cap: $7.50 with HOLO
- 3 day pass: $20.00
- 7 day pass: $35.00
- Monthly cap: $80.00
Tip: Load your HOLO card before you ride. The system will stop charging once you hit the daily or monthly cap.
Quick Pickup Schedule Snapshot
Service can change, so always check live times before you head out. Here is what you can expect at Kuhio Ave and Paoakalani.
- Route 2 Waikiki to Kahala: Starts before sunrise and runs past midnight. Very frequent during the day.
- Route 20 Airport to Ala Moana to Waikiki: Early morning to late night. Your direct low cost link to HNL and Ala Moana Center.
- Other lines: 8, 13, 42, and E add extra options to reach shopping, beaches, and transfer hubs.
Circle The Island By Bus
You can tour much of Oahu in one day using a simple loop. Bring water, snacks, and start early.
- Hostel to Ala Moana Center
Walk to Kuhio Ave and Paoakalani. Take Route 2 or Route 20 to Ala Moana Center. - Windward Coast To North Shore
From Ala Moana Center, board Route 55 toward Kaneohe and Haleiwa. This ride climbs the Pali, follows the Windward shoreline, passes Laie and Kahuku, then reaches the North Shore. - Back To Town
From Haleiwa, board Route 52 to return to Ala Moana Center. Transfer to Route 2 or Route 20 back to Waikiki.
Allow about 3.5 to 5 hours of ride time for the full loop, not counting beach stops or food breaks. Evening frequencies are lighter, so plan to be headed back before dark.
Airport By Bus
Take Route 20 from Kuhio Ave and Paoakalani to the Airport Upper Level. It is the easiest budget ride to and from HNL. Follow the baggage rules on board. Only bring items that fit on your lap or under your seat. Keep aisles clear.
Tips For A Smooth Ride
- Pick up a HOLO card and reload at convenience stores
- Check live arrivals for your stop before you walk out
- Be at the stop a few minutes early and signal the driver
- Offer seats to kūpuna and parents with keiki
- Pack light for comfort and safety
Bus Quality Rating
4 out of 5 from the hostel perspective
- Reliability in Waikiki and town: Strong
- Comfort: Air conditioning and clear signage
- Coverage: Reaches beaches, hikes, airport, and the North Shore
- Late night waits: Longer outside the core, plan ahead
