If you really want to experience all that Oahu has to offer you should strongly consider renting a car, even if only for a few days so that you can drive to the outlying areas and explore on your own time. A car can be a necessity unless you plan on staying in the main areas like Waikiki and Honolulu or the beaches; a car is great and affordable. Areas are quite spread out with things located in each direction on the coastline. Driving on the island is relatively easy just be aware of the normal traffic during rush hour which can be busiest between 7 am – 9 am and from 3 pm – 7 pm. Pay attention to the speed limits in Oahu as they tend to be lower than the standards in the US and are strictly enforced.

Taking a taxi around Honolulu is a great way to travel but a taxi is an expensive option to get around the entire island. You cannot wave or hail a cab in Hawaii, the best option is to call ahead or have your hotel concierge arrange a taxi to come and pick you up. The fares are fixed and metered so you can expect to pay the same amount to any taxi company. You will find taxi stands at major shopping centers and in the central business district and at the airport.

The public bus system in Oahu is named TheBus, an award-winning, easy to use, affordable option to get around the island offering extensive routes. TheBus runs daily from 4 am – 10 pm about every 15 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes in the evening. A one-way adult ticket costs around $2.50 which include a limited time transfer that allows you to make two transfers with one ticket up to a certain time which is shown and printed on your ticket. Children (for ages 6-17) and senior citizens tickets cost around $1.25.

Renting or riding a bike in Honolulu and Waikiki is a great way to get a broader view of the miles of beaches and scenic coastline. Bike paths are plentiful and rentals are located all over the island.

The Waikiki Trolley is a fun, affordable way to see Waikiki and downtown Honolulu. The trolley travels to Oahu`s major tourist attractions, including restaurants and shops and the driver will point out places along the way. There are three routes and the trolleys are color coded. The Honolulu Sightseeing Line is green and offers stops at Diamond Head, Honolulu Zoo, Waikiki Aquarium, Kahala Mall, KCC Farmers Market (on Saturdays only).The Honolulu City Line is red and makes stops at historic destinations such as Iolani Palace, Aloha Tower, King Kamehameha Statue and Chinatown. The Ala Moana Shopping Shuttle line is pink and will take you to Duty-Free shops, Galleria Waikiki, Waikiki Beach walk and Ala Moana Center. Prices are around $25 for a one-day pass for all three routes with unlimited on and off boarding.

If you are in areas like downtown Honolulu, Waikiki and some of the beach areas you can walk to the different areas and close by attractions. In downtown, you will find many historic sites within a comfortable walking distance of each other such as the Aloha tower, Iolani Palace, the King Kamehameha statue and the state capital building. The streets are pedestrian friendly and the beach areas are perfect for a stroll, you will find restaurants, shops, tourist attractions and sightseeing that are great to explore on foot.