Explore Waikiki with the Trolley and HiBus Trolley: The Hawaii Girl Life Ultimate Guide to Scenic Island Rides

Now that we’ve discussed the main options for transportation here on Oahu, you might be wondering if there are specific types of transportation that are best if you plan to stay around the Waikiki area. Come with us as we discover the best way to explore Waikiki with the Waikiki Trolley and Hibiscus Line! We’ll cover the top stops, tips, and what makes these scenic ride options a must-do activity on Oahu.

First though, you may be pondering over the idea of Waikiki. More than likely, you’ve done a little research for your time on Oahu and found (or heard from others) that Waikiki is one of the most popular tourist destinations. Not just on Oahu but in Hawaii in general. Why? Waikiki is known for its long stretch of very calm, sandy beaches (perfect for learning to surf, lay back in a pineapple shaped water floatie, or if there are little ones in your family), vibrant nightlife, and iconic landmarks. Even if it’s just for a part of your time on Oahu, Waikiki is a must.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, one of the best ways to explore Waikiki and its surrounding areas is by hopping on the Waikiki Trolley  or the HiBus Trolley  which both offer relaxing and scenic rides through some of Oahu’s most famous attractions. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the Waikiki Trolley and the HiBus Trolley along with why they are a must-do experience during your stay in Honolulu.

What is the Waikiki Trolley?

The Waikiki Trolley is an open-air, trolley service that makes it easy to explore Waikiki’s most popular sites. The trolley offers several different routes, each designed to help visitors experience the best of Oahu without worrying about parking or traffic. 

The Sightseeing Routes:

• The Blue Line: The BLUE LINE covers the hottest spots in Waikiki to the eastern coast of Oahu. Great for exploration, food finding and breathtaking views.
• The Red Line: The RED LINE hits Honolulu’s treasured historic areas and cultural hotspots. A perfect tour for those who love history and learning.
• The Green Line: The GREEN LINE is the best way to get to Diamond Head Crater from Honolulu. One of the most popular trips on the island!
• The Pink Line: The Pink Line is your ticket to the best shopping spots in Waikiki. Ask around, Pink Line is one of the best value ways to get around the city!

You may be wondering…what about cost? And how long do these routes take?

For all 4 lines and 35 stops in total, just one ticket is needed. Or you could opt for a single line ticket if you wish to stick closer to  Waikiki. Prices range from $5.50 for a single day ticket (with hop on and hop off privileges) on the pink line, to $78.75 for a full week adult pass which has access to all 4 lines with hop on and hop off ability. There are even options available to bundle your blue line or multi-line ticket with a ticket to the nearby Waikiki Aquarium. With so many choices, there is a pass and line perfect for everyone!

What is the HiBus Trolley?

In comparison, the HiBus Trolley offers unlimited rides across five different HiBus lines, including Kahala, Diamond Head, Waikiki, Ala Moana, Kakaako, and the Downtown area. Since they run on a regular schedule throughout the day, the HiBus Trolley makes for an easy way to plan your day and explore at your own pace. Convenient pick-up and drop-off locations mean that getting to and from your hotel is a breeze, allowing you to concentrate on enjoying your time in paradise. 

I recommend checking the HiBus Trolley website to see a map of the routes to get a better idea of what they cover.

The Routes:

• Ala Moana Route
• Downtown Route
• Shopping Route
• Kahala Route
• Diamond Head Route        

The service intervals for each route varies with most between 25-70 minutes. The pricing also depends on how many days you’d like for pass for and if it is for an adult or a child. As an example, a HiBus Trolley all route, 1 day pass starts at $30 for an adult and goes to an all route, 7 day pass for $75 per adult. They even offer tickets for a 2024 New Year’s Eve Luxury Countdown Party and Buffet at the Halekulani Hotel (luxury and fine dining at its best) for $395 per adult on their website. Please note that as with all price information, all costs quoted are as of the time of this writing. 

Now you may be wondering why the HiBus Trolley? One of the perks is that you can easily purchase a pass online and start using it right away – no need to print it out or pick it up from a physical location – simply show your pass on your smartphone and you’re good to go. Gotta love convenience (and minimal papers to keep track of). Another is that you’ll get to experience the beauty of Hawaii at your own pace and in your own time. The HiBus Trolleys run on a regular schedule, with stops at all the major tourist attractions, shopping centers, and hotels, so you can plan your day around them and never have to wait long for your ride. 

There are a few basic restrictions (such as not eating or drinking on the trolley, no large luggage or surfboards, no sitting in wet clothes, and children must be accompanied by an adult) which can be found in better detail on their site.

Why Choose the Waikiki Trolley and HiBus Trolley?

Taking the Waikiki Trolley or the HiBus Trolley is one of the best ways to explore Waikiki Beach and beyond. The convenience, affordability, and scenic nature of the ride make it a perfect choice for tourists. You’ll get to enjoy the vibrant tropical landscapes, breathtaking views, and access to must-see Oahu attractions without the stress of navigating a new to you area (complete with our awful one-way streets which can be so confusing) or factoring in our higher than usual gas prices.

A few more reasons to consider:

1. Convenient Way to Get Around Waikiki
   With limited parking in popular areas, the Waikiki Trolley is the ideal solution for getting around. It’s an affordable, stress-free way to travel through Waikiki without worrying about parking fees or traffic.

2. Scenic Views of Oahu’s Natural Beauty
   Both the Waikiki Trolley and the HiBus Trolley offers incredible views of Waikiki’s beaches, lush parks, and stunning vistas like Diamond Head. The Waikiki Trolley’s Blue Line in particular travels along some of my favorite spots, like coastal Waikiki, Halona Cove and Blowhole, and the gorgeous sea views out to Sea Life Park. It truly is a relaxing way to enjoy the island’s natural beauty from the comfort of a trolley.

3. Cultural and Historical Insights
   Onboard commentary provides valuable insights into Oahu’s history, culture, and landmarks. Whether you’re learning about Waikiki Beach or the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, the trolley is a fun and educational way to explore the island. You’ll always get so much benefit from a guided tour, especially one conducted by a friendly local.

4. Family-Friendly and Fun
   The Waikiki Trolley is family-friendly and perfect for visitors of all ages. Its hop-on-hop-off feature allows you to explore at your own pace, making it easy to visit multiple attractions in one day. Kids also love the open air atmosphere and fun factor of riding on a trolley. My own children and their best friends loved getting a day pass to get their fill of fun trolley rides looking at the beautiful scenery and waving to people along the way! Don’t be surprised if you see some local Hawaii keiki (children) having a complete blast the next time you hop on a trolley!

Tips for Riding the Waikiki Trolley and the HiBus Trolley

To make the most of your Waikiki Trolley experience, here are a few helpful tips:

• Purchase a Multi-Day Pass: If you plan to explore multiple stops, consider purchasing a multi-day pass. It’s often more affordable than buying individual day passes.

• Check the Schedule: The Waikiki Trolley and HiBus Trolley runs frequently, but it’s always a good idea to check the schedule in advance, especially if you’re visiting during peak hours.

• Stay Hydrated: Oahu can get hot, so bring water with you to stay refreshed during your trolley ride. Coconut water can also be a great source of hydration with several types of waters available at affordable prices at the many ABC stores scattered all throughout Waikiki.

• Respect the Ride: Be courteous to other passengers and enjoy the ride quietly, especially when passing through scenic areas.

Final Thoughts

The Waikiki Trolley and HiBus Trolley are essential experiences for anyone visiting Oahu. Whether you want to relax on the beach, shop at Ala Moana Center, gaze at the stunning scenery along the southeast coast of the island, or learn about the history and culture of Waikiki, the trolleys offer a convenient, fun, and scenic way to explore the island. By hopping on, you’ll discover the best of Waikiki while enjoying the island’s natural beauty from the comfort of a charming trolley.

So, next time you’re in Honolulu, make sure to hop aboard the Waikiki Trolley or HiBus Trolley and embark on a scenic adventure!

Sunshine and aloha!

Hawaii Girl Life 🌺☀️