Daniel K. Inouye International Airport to Waikīkī: Transfer Options

Daniel K. Inouye International Airport is the airport serving Honolulu, and TheBus’s W Line connects it with Waikīkī. Skyline also serves the airport, but it does not run directly to Waikīkī; airport passengers using rail need to transfer to the W Line.

For the W Line, look for the airport stop on the ground floor between the HNL Skyline Rail Station and Terminal 1. Signs marked “City Bus” outside baggage claim point toward it.

For a car, taxi or rideshare, follow the airport’s signs and terminal-specific pickup directions rather than heading to the bus stop. Pickup arrangements can vary by service, so confirm the location that applies to the ride before leaving the terminal.

Taxis and chauffeured limousines are available at the passenger terminals on the baggage-claim, or ground, level. For a ride-app trip, use the assigned pickup area for the terminal: the airport map shows locations at Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.

At Terminal 1, the ride-app pickup is outside Baggage Claim 6. At Terminal 2, pickups are at the median between Baggage Claims 19 and 20, and at the median across from Baggage Claim 31. The map identifies these locations as Ground Level 1.

For a lift-equipped taxi, notify a dispatcher. AMPCO Express can provide lift-equipped vehicles, and advance arrangements can be made by calling 808-831-2023.

TheBus’s W Line offers frequent, limited-stop service between Daniel K. Inouye International Airport and Waikīkī. Its operating hours run from 4:15 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. the following day. Service runs every 10 minutes during peak periods, every 15 minutes off-peak and every 30 minutes after 7:00 p.m.

Each passenger may bring one standard medium suitcase and one smaller carry-on, or a carry-on-sized backpack without a metal frame, at no extra charge. Passengers carry and stow their own luggage.

It must fit under or in front of a seat, between the passenger’s feet, or on a lap; it cannot block an aisle, take an extra seat, or interfere with other passengers’ comfort or safety.

Roberts Hawaii Express Shuttle provides on-demand, door-to-door service to locations on Oʻahu. Its shuttles use portable ramps for wheelchair access, and advance notice is not required.

TheBus customer-information representatives are available daily from 5:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Hawaiʻi Standard Time at 808-848-5555, option 2. Check the official site before you go for current transit and airport pickup details.

Choose a transfer with luggage and pickup preferences in mind: the W Line has specific space and stowing rules, while a taxi, ride-app vehicle or door-to-door shuttle can pick up at the airport. Bus passengers should follow the “City Bus” signs outside baggage claim and make sure bags fit within the permitted space.

For a ride-app trip, check the terminal’s assigned pickup point before walking to the curb. For an accessible taxi, contact the dispatcher or make an advance arrangement with AMPCO Express.

For onward time in Waikīkī, Ala Moana Beach Park is one local destination to keep in mind.

If you plan to drive, Hawaiʻi’s visitor information site directs motorists to Go Akamai for real-time Oʻahu traffic conditions. Planned state-road construction and maintenance closures are published weekly.

Honolulu Zoo is another Waikīkī landmark; the Honolulu Zoo visit guide covers a visit from the neighborhood.