Getting around
Transportation in Hawaii
A rental car is essential on most islands, but not all of them. Here's the honest guide to flights, drives, buses, ferries, and rideshares.
Per island
What you actually need
Each island has a different transit reality. Match the transport to the trip — not the other way around.
| Island | Car needed? | Public transit | Taxis / rideshare | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oahu | Nice, not essential | TheBus — island-wide & reliable | Uber & Lyft work | Waikiki is walkable; TheBus reaches most beaches. |
| Maui | Essential | Maui Bus — limited | Limited & pricey | Road to Hana, Haleakalā, and beaches all require a car. |
| Big Island | Essential | Hele-On Bus — sparse | Very limited | The island is huge; distances between coasts are 2+ hours. |
| Kauai | Essential | The Kauai Bus — limited | Limited | Only one main road around; book the car early in peak season. |
| Molokai | Essential | Minimal | None reliable | Rent from the airport; few other options. |
| Lanai | Provided by resort, otherwise | None public | None | Most visitors rent 4x4 Jeeps through the rental agencies on island. |
Rental cars
Rent, but rent smart
- Book early: Kauai and Maui rentals sell out weeks ahead in winter and summer.
- Check the rate weekly: prices fluctuate — rebook if it drops.
- Compare total cost: insurance, taxes, and fees can double the advertised rate.
- Decline extras: prepaid fuel and toll devices are rarely worth it.
- Walk-around photo: photograph any damage at pickup, every time.
- Avoid downtown rentals: airport pickup is usually cheaper even with the airport fee.
Under-25 surcharge
Most agencies add a daily surcharge for drivers under 25. Some local agencies on Maui and the Big Island do not — call to check.
A convertible is fun but not essential — most trips are short drives.
Between islands
Inter-island flights & ferries
Flights are how most people hop islands. Only one ferry route operates, and only to one destination.
Inter-island flights
~$120–$250 per one-way on Southwest, Hawaiian, or Mokulele. 30–50 minutes in the air.
Maui → Lanai ferry
Expeditions ferry runs Lahaina → Mānele, ~$30 each way, ~45 minutes. The only operating route.
No Maui → Molokai ferry
The Molokai ferry was suspended years ago. You'll need a flight.
Boat transfers are common for excursions — inter-island travel by sea is rare.
Other options
Buses, shuttles, e-bikes & tours
- Oahu's TheBus: an honest alternative to renting — honest transit, clean, on time.
- Hotel & resort shuttles: common at Waikiki, Ko Olina, and Wailea — free for guests.
- E-bikes: great for Waikiki and Kihei; not for steep Hana highways.
- Group tours: the cheapest way to reach the Road to Hana lookout points if you don't have a car.
- Hop-on, hop-off: trolley services operate in Waikiki and parts of Maui.