How to Get Around Waikiki Without a Rental Car (And Save $500)

The most expensive part of a Hawaii vacation isn’t the flight. It’s the rental car sitting in the hotel garage.

In 2026, overnight parking in Waikiki averages $45 to $60 per night. Add the rental fee ($80/day) and gas ($5/gallon), and that “convenient” car is costing you$150 a dayjust to sit there.

Here is the secret:You don’t need one.

Waikiki is incredibly walkable, and for the few times you need to leave the neighborhood, there is a diverse ecosystem of transport options that are cheaper, cleaner, and less stressful.

Here is your No-Car Survival Guide for Oahu.

1. For Sightseeing: XploreRide

If you rent a car just to “drive around and see the sights,” you are wasting money—and missing the view because you’re watching the road.

XploreRide replaces the need for a sightseeing rental. It takes you through the most historic and scenic parts of Honolulu in a climate-controlled environment. Instead of fighting traffic and looking for parking, you sit back and watch the history of the city come to life on the RideVision screens.

• The “No-Car” Perk: It departs centrally from DFS Waikiki, so you can walk to the depot from almost any hotel. It is also fully accessible for older travelers (see our Senior Guide).

Book Your Car-Free Sightseeing Tour

2. For Distance: Uber & Hui Car Share

For dinner in Kaka’ako or a trip to the airport, Uber and Lyft are plentiful. Wait times in Waikiki are usually under 5 minutes.

• The “Hui” Hack: If you do need a car for just 2 hours (e.g., a Costco run), use Hui Car Share. It’s like Zipcar. You unlock a Toyota parked at a nearby hotel using your phone, pay by the hour (~$12/hr), and drop it back. No overnight parking fees!
• Pro Tip: If you are going on a date night (check our Unique Date Ideas), take a premium Uber Black for the same price as valeting a rental car.

3. For Adventure: TheBus

Oahu has the best public transit system in the Pacific. TheBus can take you almost anywhere, including the North Shore and Pearl Harbor.

• Cost: $3.00 per ride (adult).
• Payment: You need a HOLO Card (buy one at any ABC Store). Important: You cannot pay with cash or credit card on the bus anymore; you must tap your HOLO card.
• Navigation: Use Google Maps and select the “Transit” icon. It tracks the buses in real-time perfectly.

4. For Shopping: Waikiki Trolley (Pink Line)

If you are going to Ala Moana Center, do not Uber. Take the Pink Line Trolley.

It is a double-decker open-air bus that runs a continuous loop between Waikiki hotels and the mall.

• Cost: $5.00 one way (pay cash to driver) OR Free if you show a JCB Credit Card (even if it’s not a US card).
• Frequency: Every 15 minutes. Look for the pink signs at bus stops.

5. For Short Hops: Biki Bikes

See those yellow bikes docked everywhere? That is Biki.

It is perfect for going from one end of Waikiki (e.g., the Zoo) to the other (e.g., Fort DeRussy) without walking in the heat.

• Cost: ~$4.50 for a 30-minute ride.
• How to Use: Download the Biki app, unlock a bike, and dock it at any station near your destination.
• Route: Ride along the Ala Wai Canal path for a breezy, traffic-free route.

 What Real Travelers Are Saying

See how others managed without a car.

“We debated renting a car but decided against it… XploreRide was a fantastic way to see the city without the stress of driving. Highly recommend!” — Verified Review via TripAdvisor

“Used TheBus to get to North Shore (Route 60). It took longer but saved us $150 in rental fees. The views were great.” — Budget Traveler via Reddit

“Hui Car Share was a lifesaver for our one day of heavy shopping. So easy to unlock with the phone.” — App Review via Hui Car Share

The “No-Car” Survival Kit

If you are walking and riding, you need to carry these essentials:

• ✅ Portable Charger: Your phone is your lifeline (Uber, Maps, Bus Pass). Using GPS drains the battery fast, so bring a power bank.
• ✅ Reusable Tote Bag: Since you don’t have a trunk to throw your shopping into, bring a foldable tote for souvenirs and snacks.
• ✅ HOLO Card: Buy this at 7-Eleven or ABC Stores on Day 1. It is your reloadable ticket to the whole island.
• ✅ Comfortable Walking Shoes: Without a car, you will easily hit 10,000 steps a day. Leave the high heels at home and wear supportive sandals or sneakers.
• ✅ HydroFlask: There are water refill stations at most malls and hotels. Stay hydrated!

Transport FAQ

1. How do I get from the Airport (HNL) to Waikiki?Do not try to take TheBus with luggage (it is strictly prohibited unless bags fit on your lap).
   • Uber/Lyft: ~$35 – $45. Pickup is on the 2nd level (Departures).
   • Shuttle: Robert’s Hawaii Express is ~$25/person. Good for solo travelers.
2. Can I take Uber to the North Shore?
   Yes, getting there is easy (~$80+). However, getting back can be harder as fewer drivers hang out in Haleiwa. We recommend scheduling your return ride in advance or taking TheBus back (Route 60).
3. Is XploreRide a hop-on-hop-off bus?
   No.XploreRide is a continuous 45-minute show. You stay on the bus the whole time to experience the full narrative story and visual effects. It is an experience, not a shuttle service.
4. Is it safe to walk in Waikiki at night?
   Yes, the main strips (Kalākaua and Kūhiō Ave) are very safe, well-lit, and busy until late. However, avoid unlit parks (like Kapiolani Park) after midnight.
5.  Does the Waikiki Trolley go to Pearl Harbor?
   Only the “Purple Line” Trolley goes to Pearl Harbor. The famous “Pink Line” (Shopping) does not. Be sure to check the map before you board!

Final Thoughts: Freedom from the Keys

Skipping the rental car isn’t a sacrifice; it’s a liberation. You save money, avoid the parking nightmare, and actually see more of the island.

See the city without the stress. Book your seat on the bus that drives itself.

Book Your XploreRide Tickets Here