Public transportation between airport and Waikiki?

Question

I am trying to figure out what public transportation, if any, is available between the airport and Waikiki and how long it would take. We will be staying at the east end of Waikiki for 6 nights. We plan to take either a shuttle or taxi when we arrive and leave, due to our luggage, but we want to rent a car to go the North Shore one day while we are there. It is much less expensive to rent a car at the airport, but it may not be less expensive if we have to take a taxi to get there.

Also, does anyone know a car rental location that they would recommend in Waikiki? I know there is an Avis office at the Sheraton, but I am concerned about their reviews, and the office closes at 4:00pm, which means we would have to keep the car overnight and pay to park it, which is $75 at our hotel.

Answer

Getting between Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) and Waikiki via public transportation is possible but takes more time than a direct shuttle or taxi. The city’s bus system, called TheBus, provides service between the airport and Waikiki. The most commonly used route is Route 19 or Route 20, which runs frequently throughout the day.

Some key points about TheBus:

Route 19: Airport → Ala Moana Center → Waikiki. Buses run roughly every 15–30 minutes, and the trip can take 45–60 minutes depending on traffic.
Route 20: Airport → Downtown Honolulu → Waikiki, slightly slower than Route 19 but can be useful if you have stops in town.
Fare: $3 per person (exact change or use a pre-paid HOLO card).
Buses are equipped with luggage racks, but space may be limited during peak hours, and you’ll need to manage your own bags.

For convenience with luggage, many travelers prefer an airport shuttle, Uber/Lyft, or taxi. Shuttles usually cost around $15–$20 per person and drop you directly at your hotel. Taxis or ride-share services can range from $35–$50 depending on traffic and your Waikiki location.

Regarding car rentals in Waikiki:

Many major rental companies have Waikiki offices, including Avis, Budget, Hertz, Enterprise, and Alamo. These are generally smaller satellite offices with limited hours.
Avis at the Sheraton is a common choice, but as you mentioned, they close at 4:00 PM. If you need to pick up a car after that, you might need to go directly to the airport location, which is open longer and has 24/7 pickup.
Enterprise has several Waikiki locations and sometimes offers free hotel pickup for reservations, which can be convenient if your hotel charges high overnight parking fees.
Some travelers opt to rent from the airport directly, then keep the car parked at a paid hotel lot for a night; depending on your schedule, this can be cheaper than Waikiki offices with limited hours and higher per-day rates.

Summary suggestions:

If you want the most cost-effective option and don’t mind a little wait and bus navigation, TheBus is viable.
For convenience with luggage, use an airport shuttle or ride-share.
If renting a car for a day trip (like the North Shore), weigh the cost of airport rental plus parking vs. Waikiki satellite offices’ limited hours. Airport rentals often provide more flexibility for early or late pick-ups.