TheBus
Getting Around Oahu: A Guide to TheBus
Exploring Oahu doesn’t have to mean renting a car. TheBus, Oahu’s public transportation system, is an affordable and convenient way to get around the island. With an extensive network connecting Waikīkī, Honolulu, the North Shore, Windward Oʻahu and many other popular destinations, it’s a great option for travelers who want to explore Oahu on a budget.
While TheBus can take a little longer than driving, its extensive network means you can reach many of Oahu’s best-known beaches, attractions and shopping areas without having to worry about parking.
Fares & Payment
HOLO Card
For visitors using TheBus regularly, a HOLO Card is a convenient way to pay. Simply tap your card when boarding the bus. HOLO Cards can be loaded with funds and used for transit on TheBus and Skyline.
The current adult fares, effective July 1, 2026, include:
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$3.00: 2-hour unlimited pass with HOLO
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$7.50: 24-hour unlimited pass with HOLO
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$3.25: Adult cash fare per boarding
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HOLO is particularly useful if you plan to take several bus trips during your stay, as you don’t need to carry exact cash for every journey.
Paying with Cash
Cash is still accepted on TheBus. The current adult cash fare is $3.25 per boarding.
If you are paying with cash, have the exact amount ready, as bus operators do not provide change. Cash fares also do not include the unlimited 2-hour or 24-hour benefits available through HOLO.
Getting Around Waikīkī
If you’re staying in Waikīkī, TheBus is one of the easiest ways to explore the surrounding area and travel into Honolulu.
Many Waikīkī routes operate along Kuhio Avenue, while additional services run along Kalakaua Avenue, Monsarrat Avenue and the Saratoga/Kalia/Ala Moana Boulevard area.
Popular routes from Waikīkī include Routes 2, 8, 13, 20, 42 and E, although routes and stops can change, so it’s always best to check the current schedule before you leave.
TheBus can also take you to popular destinations including Diamond Head, Honolulu Zoo, Ala Moana Center, Downtown Honolulu and Pearl Harbor, while longer journeys to places such as the North Shore generally involve a transfer.
Real-Time Bus Tracking
Planning your journey is easy with HEA (Honolulu Estimated Arrival), TheBus’s real-time arrival information. You can use it to check upcoming bus arrivals and find information for stops around Oahu.
The official TheBus website also provides current routes, timetables, trip-planning information and rider alerts.
Tip: Bus routes and stops can occasionally change due to roadworks, events or service adjustments. Before heading out, check the latest route information and real-time arrival times. A few minutes of planning can make getting around Oahu by bus much easier—and leave you more time to enjoy the island!
Information to get you going
Waikiki to Ala Moana Center
Ala Moana Center is one of the easiest places to reach from Waikīkī by bus and is a great starting point if you're looking to shop, dine or connect to other bus routes around Oʻahu.
Which bus should I take?
From Waikiki, you can use several services depending on your location and destination. Current TheBus information lists Route 8 as well as Routes 20, 42 and E serving the Waikīki/Ala Moana area. The W Line also serves Waikiki and Ala Moana Center.
For many visitors, Route 8 is a particularly convenient option for getting between Waikīki and Ala Moana Center.
Where do I board?
Many Waikiki buses stop along Kuhio Avenue. Routes serving the area can vary depending on the direction you're travelling, so check the destination displayed on the front of the bus before boarding.
Returning to Waikiki
When leaving Ala Moana Center, check the destination shown on the bus and make sure it is heading toward Waikiki Beach & Hotels.
Tip: Don't rely on the route number alone. Bus routes and destinations can change, so check the current TheBus information or real-time arrival information before you travel.
Routes 22 & 23
Hanauma Bay / Sea Life Park
Bus to Board:
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23 Hawaii Kai-Sea Life Park
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22 Hawaii Kai-Hanauma-Bay Sea Life Park (Bus cancelled on Tuesdays)
From Kalia Road, Saratoga Road, or Kuhio Avenue heading in the Diamond Head direction, you may board the 23 Hawaii Kai-Sea Life Park bus. You may also board 22 Hawaii Kai Hanauma Bay - Sea Life Park (Bus service on this route is cancelled on Tuesdays) on Kuhio Avenue heading in the Diamond Head direction. Both buses will take you to the park entrance.
Bus to Waikiki:
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23 Waikiki-Ala Moana
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22 Waikiki Beach Hotels (Bus cancelled on Tuesdays)
Board either the 23 Waikiki-Ala Moana or 22 Waikiki Beach and Hotels (Route 22 cancelled on Tuesdays). Buses operate about 30 minutes apart.
Approximate travel time is 1 hour.
Waikiki to Pearl Harbor
Pearl Harbor is one of Oʻahu's most popular attractions, but getting there by bus generally requires a longer journey.
Current TheBus information lists Route 20 as a service between Waikīkī and the airport/Pearl Harbor area, while Route 42 also provides service toward Pearl Harbor and beyond.
Allow plenty of time for the journey, especially if you have a timed Pearl Harbor reservation.
Important: TheBus has specific luggage restrictions on certain services, so check the current rules before travelling with large bags.
Routes 2 & 13 -
Iolani Palace & Chinatown
On Kuhio Avenue heading away from Diamond Head, board the 2 School Street-Middle Street, 13 Liliha-Puunui Avenue, Ride to Hotel and Alakea streets and walk to the palace grounds.
To return, walk toward the ocean to King Street at Punchbowl Street and take the 2 Waikiki-Kapiolani Park, 13 Waikiki-Campbell Avenue or Route B - CityExpress! Waikiki. You may also take the 19, 20 or 42 Waikiki Beach and Hotels. Buses run about 10 minutes apart.
Waikiki to Diamond Head
Diamond Head is one of Oʻahu's most famous landmarks and is located just a short distance from Waikiki.
Which bus should I take?
Routes 2 and 2L provide service between Waikiki and the Diamond Head/Kapiʻolani Community College area.
The current TheBus visitor guide also lists Route 200 for Diamond Head.
Good to know
The bus will not take you directly to the summit of Diamond Head. You'll need to walk the remaining distance to the crater entrance.
If you're visiting Diamond Head for the hiking trail, allow extra time for the walk from the bus stop and remember that the hike itself takes considerably longer than the bus journey.
Waikiki to North Shore
You can reach the North Shore by public transportation, but this is a much longer trip than travelling to nearby Waikiki and Honolulu attractions.
From Waikiki, Routes 42 and E can take you toward Ala Moana Center, where you can transfer to a North Shore service such as Route 60.
The current TheBus visitor guide recommends this type of connection for destinations including Haleʻiwa, Waimea Valley and the North Shore beaches.
Allow plenty of time
If you're planning a full North Shore day trip by bus, allow plenty of travel time. Oʻahu is a larger island than it can sometimes appear on a map, and a journey from Waikīkī to the North Shore can take several hours depending on connections and traffic.
For a North Shore day trip, check the return journey before setting off so you know when the last suitable buses are available.