Many tourists flock to Honolulu and Waikiki, HI, year after year, eager to explore the area's many delights. Although many tours operate throughout the region, exploring independently lets visitors do things just the way they like, from choosing exactly where they want to visit to how long they'll stay there and where they'll enjoy lunch. While it may be tempting to rent a car to hit the highlights, traffic can be problematic, especially around rush hour. Plus, the costs of renting a vehicle can quickly mount up. And, you need to consider parking!
Fortunately, many top attractions are easy to reach by public transport, providing travelers and locals plenty of freedom and convenience. Even better, using buses is affordable and eco-friendly. Plus, it offers a window into local life. Honolulu's award-winning public transit system, TheBus, connects destinations across O'ahu. Services are reliable and run frequently, and vehicles are ADA-compliant and air-conditioned. This article showcases some of the awesome adventures you can enjoy on board TheBus.
01 Visit the stunning Diamond Head State Monument
Located about six miles from downtown Honolulu, Diamond Head State Monument is among Hawaii's most famous landmarks. Some 300,000 years ago, a mighty eruption created the wide crater, which today boasts fabulous hiking trails and picturesque coastal vistas from the top. The base of the crater is accessible to everyone, while the steep hike to the summit includes steps, sloped walkways and switchbacks through landscapes once sacred to Native Hawaiians. Climbing the crater takes roughly two hours. At the peak, bunkers are legacies of the area's military past.
Catching TheBus here means you don't need to worry about parking or keeping up with a tour group's pace. Bus 2 connects Waikiki to the Diamond Head Monument stop right outside, from where it's just a short walk to the bottom of the crater. Arrive early to beat the crowds and heat, and don't forget a hat, sunscreen and plenty of drinking water.
02 Relax at Ala Moana Beach Park
Just south of central Honolulu, the bus journey to Ala Moana Beach Park takes about just ten minutes, with services throughout the day. Similarly, traveling from Waikiki takes around 15 minutes. Several bus routes drop close to the beach, with most stops within a five-to-ten-minute walk. Getting here couldn't be any easier!
The picture-perfect beach park features over half a mile of golden sands, lapped by calm waters that are terrific for swimming and paddleboarding. Beyond the reef, the wave breaks are ideal for surf lovers. At the same time, the beachside pathway attracts walkers, runners and cyclists. The green behind the gold, or the shaded grassy parkland, has plentiful picnic spots and places to grab refreshments. Other amenities include public washrooms and sporting facilities. Each year the beach park hosts the Memorial Day Lantern Floating Ceremony.
03 Explore the Royal ‘Iolani Palace
The Royal ‘Iolani Palace dates back to the 1880s when it was built by a Hawaiian king. The official royal residence for just over a decade, it was home to Hawaii's last ruling monarch. Today, visitors can peek into the past at the country's only royal residence, filled with period artifacts and ceremonial clothing. The elegant pale building sits on extensive grounds where former palaces once stood, and ancient rituals took place.
Several palace tours operate Tuesday through Saturday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., including self-guided audio tours and docent-led explorations. Specialty experiences include the fashion-focused Wednesday afternoon tour and the Thursday afternoon White Glove Tour, which takes a closer look at valuable cultural objects. Guests must wear modest clothing for all palace visits. The location in downtown Honolulu is accessible in around 30 minutes by bus from Waikiki, with a stop just steps from the entrance.
04 Discover the wildlife at the Honolulu Zoo
A fantastic family-friendly attraction, Honolulu Zoo houses more than 1,000 creatures, big and small. Elephants, rhinos, cheetahs, and giraffes share the zoo with diverse lizard species, as well as many types of birds. Of particular interest for many, it's also home to several native Hawaiian species, including nenes, the state bird.
The expansive zoo rests within a mile of Waikiki, making it really easy to get to by bus. Although you could also walk there, why not save your energy to explore the fascinating zoo?! Route E conveniently drops passengers near the zoo's entrance.
05 Snorkel at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
Among the top snorkeling spots in Hawaii, Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve offers underwater enthusiasts the chance to glimpse angel fish, butterfly fish, parrot fish and more. The shallow reef is ideal for families, while the deeper waters on the outer reef attract more experienced snorkelers. Here, it may be possible to spot sea turtles, too.
The preserve opens daily between 6.45 a.m. and 3.30 p.m., and lifeguards are on duty during opening hours. However, because the area is protected, visitor numbers are capped, and people must have a reservation. Individuals can take their own snorkeling gear or rent on-site, and preserve admission fees apply. Bus line 1 is the closest to the preserve, stopping around a mile away at Koko Marina Mall.
06 Shop and dine at Ala Moana Center
The chic, open-air Ala Moana Center is a top-class destination for shopaholics and foodies. Browse and buy in diverse outlets, including Chanel, Prada, Burberry, Habitat, Old Navy, Rip Curl and Gap, and satisfy your appetite in eateries like Panda Express, Olive Garden, Shabuya and Chick-Fil-A. With over 350 stores and around 160 dining options, there's certainly something for all tastes!
Additionally, the center's art walk showcases the island's rich cultural diversity, and a daily hula show takes place at 5 p.m. at Centerstage. The mall also hosts a wide variety of special events and celebrations throughout the year. Opening hours are between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. daily, and with several bus routes dropping directly at the center, it's a piece of cake getting here.
07 Enjoy the lush Manoa Falls Hike
Hop on TheBus to reach the Insta-worthy Manoa Falls, located under an hour inland from both Waikiki and Honolulu. Several routes lead to the trailhead; one of the easiest ways is to catch line 5 from Honolulu to the Manoa Rd + Opp Kumuone St. stop. A bus also runs from the Ala Moana Shopping Center.
Hike the rainforest trail through towering bamboos, pausing to marvel at the banyan arch to reach the dazzling 150-foot-tall cascade. The moderate trail costs nothing to enjoy, and a round-journey hike takes between one and three hours. Take sunscreen, insect repellant, a lightweight rain jacket, drinking water and a waterproof daypack. Binoculars come in handy for a closer look at flora and fauna, and, of course, don't forget your camera!
08 Immerse yourself in history at Pearl Harbor National Memorial
Northwest of Honolulu, the historic Pearl Harbor National Memorial remembers those who died during the 1941 attack, a momentous event that led to the United States entering World War II. Learn more about the past at the informative visitor center and view exhibits scattered throughout the park. You can also board the USS Missouri and USS Bowfin for greater insights and discover airborne history at the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. Ferries connect with the USS Arizona.
There's no charge to visit most museums and memorials, although a nominal fee exists for those visiting the USS Arizona. Diverse tours cater to varying interests. Pearl Harbor lies along the bus route to the airport, and you can reach the site from the Ala Moana Center or one of the stops along Kuhio Avenue.
09 Explore art at the Honolulu Museum of Art
Several bus lines stop near the Honolulu Museum of Art, including the numbers 1, 1L, 2, 2L, and 4. Most stops are within a two- or three-minute walk, including those at S Beretania St + Ward Ave, Ward Ave + S Beretania St, and Pensacola St + S Beretania St. Lines start from places like Waikiki Beach, the Ala Moana Center and Kalihi Transit Center, with many stops along the route.
The museum features eye-catching works from global artists, including local Hawaiians. It opens Wednesday through Sunday, and admission costs $25 for adults. People under 18 go free. Entrance fees include tours (available at set times), including the Highlights Tour, Courtyards of HoMA and Tour and Talk. Special events regularly take place, and the museum offers art workshops for adults and kids.
10 Experience the vibrant Chinatown District
Dating back to the early 1900s and covering more than 35 acres, Honolulu's Chinatown provides historical and cultural insights. One of the city's oldest areas and still home to a large Chinese community, the area is especially lively around the lunar new year. It boasts several attractive temples and shrines, including the Kuan Yin Temple and Shinto Izumo Taishakyo Mission of Hawaii. Eateries abound, from more formal sit-down restaurants to casual hole-in-the-wall joints. Sample dim sum, noodle dishes and much more, and rest a while in one of the district's cool bars. Pick up goods in the bustling Asian market, shop for leis at street stalls, peruse hip art galleries and catch a performance at the Hawaiian Theater Center.
From Waikiki, bus routes 2, 13, 19, 20 and 42 connect with Chinatown, with bus stops including King Street, Bethel Street, Hotel Street and Beretania Street.
11 Visit the Waikiki Aquarium
Open each day, Waikiki Aquarium gives you a closer look at an array of underwater life in numerous galleries. The 28,400-liter Edge of the Reef exhibit houses coral, urchins, sea cucumber and fish typical of the Hawaiian coastline. Gaze at sharks at Hunters on the Reef, marvel at jellyfish at the Ocean Drifters display and watch Octopus at Jet Set. The giant clams are especially popular, and you'll also see abundant aquatic plant life.
The aquarium often hosts special events, such as coastal cleanups, educational workshops and art classes. Admission costs $12 for adults and $5 for children and seniors. Kids under three are free. The closest bus stop is number 159 at Kalakaua Ave + Waikiki Aquarium, with frequent services connecting with central Honolulu and Waikiki.
12 Wander the Beautiful Kapiolani Park
Kapiolani Park lies close to Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Aquarium. It's accessible by lines 8, 20 and 42, and the closest stop to the park's bandstand is stop 88, Monsarrat Ave + Kapiolani Park.
Among the largest parks on the island, it's a prime place for picnicking, jogging, basking in the sunshine and playing sports. Outdoor concerts regularly take place here, too.
13 Marvel at the views from Tantalus Lookout
Tantalus Lookout offers incredible sweeping views across Honolulu, taking in Diamond Head and Pearl Harbor. It's especially popular at sunset, but make sure you don't miss the last bus back!
Routes 5, 102 and 123 pass close to the lookout, though you'll have a short half-mile in-and-out uphill hike to reach the panoramic spot. You can combine a visit with nearby cultural and historical attractions, such as the Bishop Museum and the Queen Emma Summer Palace.
14 Find serenity at the Koko Crater Botanical Garden
Koko Crater Botanical Garden lies around 13 miles east of Waikiki, near the island's easternmost point. A rich assortment of rare plants and succulents surround a stunning, legend-surrounded crater. Several walking paths wind through the peaceful botanical garden's arid terrain, passing striking, thorny cacti, sweet-smelling plumeria, flowering aloe and other dry-loving flora.
Late April is the best time to visit to see a wide array of flowers in bloom, and you should aim to visit early in the day to beat the heat. Wear comfy shoes and take drinking water. TheBus line 82 connects with Honolulu, taking around 40 minutes. From Waikiki, hop on line 23 from Kapahulu Ave + Kalakaua Ave to Hawaii Kai Dr + Ahukini St.
15 Unwind at the peaceful Magic Island
The man-made Magic Island is a more relaxing alternative to the bustling Waikiki Beach, located near Ala Moana Beach Park. Paddle in the shallow lagoon, unwind on the sands, lose yourself in the pages of a good book and admire the views. A paved ocean-side walking trail loops for half a mile around the peninsula. Pack a picnic for an al fresco lunch, or head here in the late afternoon to watch the sun go down. The area also offers fishing, surfing, bodyboarding, and lifeguard patrol during the day.
TheBus services operate every 15 minutes, dropping and collecting visitors just a short stroll from the peninsula.
Hop on TheBus and explore fascinating cultural, historical and natural attractions, enjoy diverse leisure and entertainment options and enhance your fun-filled vacation with ease.
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