Uber Hawaii
Uber Hawaii

How To Save Time and Money Traveling From Honolulu Airport to Waikiki
I’m in Honolulu right now, and I just picked up a valuable money-saving tip the other day. If you’re going to Waikiki, Hawaii, and you’re not renting a car, then don’t get a shuttle into town (FYI: Speedi Shuttle is the most popular and might even have a monopoly)—especially if you’re traveling with more than one person (it costs $27.50 per person).

Even if you’re alone, the option I discovered is probably quicker, as the shuttle companies almost always make you wait. The other day I was told that the next available shuttle to Waikiki from the airport would be along in one hour—and we all know it would probably have been longer given the concept of time shuttle sales people have.

I then asked how much a taxi would be, was quoted $40-60 and went outside to the taxi line only to find it was super long and slow-moving. So, I decided to see if uberX was available. It wasn’t (hasn’t been approved yet), but Uber taxis were available and the closest one was just three minutes away. So, I requested it. I called the driver and she told me to take a left out of baggage claim, and that she would pick me up at Hawaiian Airlines’ drive-thru check-in (gotta love that service).

She was driving a regular taxi. I was told that Uber taxis go by the meter here, but you don’t exchange any money beyond what’s charged to your credit card on file (just like taking a regular Uber). My metered fare was $40.10 to The Royal Hawaiian Hotel, and when I received my emailed receipt I noticed that Uber had added a $1 booking fee and a 20% gratuity for the driver ($8.02). That was fine by me because I pretty much always tip taxi drivers 20% and the $1 fee was well worth not having to wait in a long line.

My total fare was $49.12. But it was really only $19.12 because I had a $30 credit for referring one of my friends/readers. You can get the same discount if you have never taken an Uber before. To get $30 off your first Uber ride (anywhere) use the code “uberJohnnyJet—and I’ll also get a $30 credit!

I’m a pretty big Uber fan and I love that you can use this service in so many cities around the world. So before you wait in a long line or pay a high fare for a taxi, make sure to check Uber!

Hawaii contest update
FYI:
There’s just one week left to enter for your chance to win 140,000 HawaiianMiles plus two-night stays at The Royal Hawaiian AND Moana Surfrider!

Related: How to Travel to Hawaii Cheaply with the New Hawaiian Airlines World Elite MasterCard

 

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12 Comments On "Travel Tip of the Day: How To Save Time and Money Traveling From Honolulu Airport to Waikiki"
  1. Gregg Wiggins|

    Depending on how much luggage you have, Routes 19 or 20 on “The Bus”, Honolulu’s transit system, will take you between Honolulu Airport and Waikiki Beach for $2.50. Which route you’d want depends on your hotel. Learn more at http://www.thebus.org.

  2. Anonymous|

    I take the Bus it is safe even at night and I always had pleasant drivers. For $2.50 you can not beat it. Route 19, comes by every 15-20 minutes.

    1. Johnny Jet|

      Great to know!

  3. RobRob|

    Good tip, but what I really noticed is that you’re at the Royal Hawaiian. Love that place!! Enjoy!

  4. CoolKidSchwan|

    Aloha. I’m a full time Hawaii resident. The best price for transportation to and from the airport to Waikiki (and vice versa) is with Charlie Taxi. $30.00 flat rate all day everyday. You can call ahead and they will be there to pick you up. Charlie’s has the nicest cabs and drivers on da island. (808) 233-3333

    1. Johnny Jet|

      Good to know! Thanks

      1. Anonymous|

        I was also big Uber fan of Uber before I found out, they charge you gratitude and it is not given to the driver. Ask your next driver. And ask Uber for the refund of your $8.20…. I use Charley’s Taxi for only $29 flat rate plus $6 tip = $35 to/from wakiki/airport. They always have cars around the airport and Wakiki. only takes 5-10 minutes to get one.

    2. Tou M. (Hawaii Kai)|

      Mahalo for your info re Charlie Taxi. I read your coment above and contacted Charlie to pick me up and take me to HNL this Friday.

  5. Ian Livingston|

    Another option from reader Bobby H.: “I used Oahu Airport Express. Waiting for me when I retrieved my baggage. $35 for 1-4 people, bags included. No waiting. Tipped $5.”

  6. emma bail|

    Really great to know all this information before i moving to Honolulu for a trip.Got so meany ideas and tips about how to save money and make a trip memorable in Honolulu as i am going to visit it for the first time.I would like to share one more cool platform to get all the detailed information about Honolulu travel also you can check it out itineraries created by so many travelers.

  7. connie|

    Great information, thanks. Anyone know about Kona and Hilo transportation?

  8. Steve Butler|

    Hawaii 23 cost $44 plus tip for five people including bags.

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