Popular Ride Share in Honolulu/Waikiki --- Lyft or Uber ?

Question

So, when traveling I have often found that the ubers I use tend to be the same price or cheaper than the amount they charge in the SF Bay Area. Are there a lot of ride share options in Hawaii or is public buses used more often than rideshare? Are the prices for ride share on Honolulu/Waikiki pricey (like $20+ bucks for a ride) or more affordable?

Also, what do people prefer to use when traveling from the Airport? I will have a large suitcase so I am not sure if I would feel comfortable traveling with it on a city bus. Wondering if there are Airport shuttles like before COVID or if most people take a cab, taxi, or a ride share option?

Answer

When it comes to getting around in Honolulu and Waikiki, both rideshare services (Lyft and Uber) and public transportation are popular options, but there are some key differences in terms of convenience, cost, and availability.

Rideshare Options (Lyft & Uber): Lyft and Uber are both widely available in Honolulu, and they tend to be comparable in terms of pricing. As you've mentioned, the rideshare prices in the SF Bay Area can often be higher, but in Honolulu, fares are typically more affordable. The cost of a rideshare within Honolulu or Waikiki is generally not too expensive, and a short ride (within the city) will usually be around $10 to $20, depending on the distance. However, if you're heading further out or during peak demand times, prices can spike (e.g., during events or rush hour). In general, rideshare services are more affordable than taxis, but slightly higher than using public transportation. Most tourists tend to use Uber or Lyft, as they are very convenient and easy to book via the app.

Public Transportation (Bus System): The Honolulu public bus system, known as TheBus, is very reliable and an affordable option for getting around. A one-way fare on TheBus is only $2.75, and there are routes that cover popular tourist destinations, including Waikiki, the airport, and other parts of the island. While it’s very economical, public buses can get crowded, especially during peak tourist times. Since you mentioned having a large suitcase, public buses might not be the most convenient for you, as they can be uncomfortable when traveling with large luggage, especially during busy hours.

Traveling from the Airport: When traveling from the airport, most tourists opt for either a ride share or a taxi due to convenience. There are airport shuttles available, but many of these were disrupted or suspended due to COVID, and the availability may still be limited depending on the time of year or the current situation. Taxis are available at the airport and can be a good option if you're traveling with luggage, but they can be more expensive compared to rideshare services. A ride from the airport to Waikiki typically costs between $30 to $40 in a taxi, while rideshare services (Uber/Lyft) are usually a bit cheaper, ranging from $25 to $35 for the same trip. For those with large luggage, a rideshare option might feel more comfortable and personalized than taking public transportation.

Summary of Options:

Rideshare (Lyft and Uber): Popular and affordable for short trips within Waikiki and Honolulu. Expect fares around $10 to $20 for short distances, but prices can spike during peak hours or high demand.
Public Bus (TheBus): Very affordable at $2.75 per ride, but less convenient if you’re traveling with a large suitcase. Not ideal for tourists with heavy luggage.
Taxi: More expensive than rideshare but available for airport transfers and general transportation. A ride from the airport to Waikiki can cost $30 to $40.
Airport Shuttles: Limited availability, with many services suspended or reduced due to COVID-19. It’s worth checking in advance if this is a preferred option for you.

In conclusion, if you have a large suitcase, I would recommend using a rideshare option (Uber or Lyft) from the airport to your hotel. It’s more comfortable and convenient than taking a city bus. For getting around Waikiki and Honolulu, rideshares are the most popular option for tourists, though TheBus is a budget-friendly alternative if you’re comfortable with it.