Airport Transportation

Last Updated: September 17, 2025.
If you notice outdated or incorrect information, please notify the ISS office.

As you prepare for your arrival in Hawai'i, please plan ahead for airport transportation. When scheduling shuttles or other pickup services, be sure to allow enough time for customs, immigration, and baggage claim. International arrivals in particular may experience longer processing times. We recommend allowing an additional 1–2 hours as a buffer before arranging your pickup.

Daniel K. Inouye International Airport

The University of Hawai'i at Mānoa (UH Mānoa) is located on the island of Oʻahu and serviced by the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (airport code HNL). The UH Mānoa campus or Waikiki is about a 20 minute drive from the airport during non-rush hour traffic. During rush hour (weekdays 4-6:30pm HST) it may take up to 45 -60 minutes. Many of the hotels on Oʻahu are located in Waikiki. 

Below are transportation options from HNL airport to UH Mānoa or Waikiki. These options range in cost and convenience, and some need to be booked in advance. The transportation costs are subject to change, please check the website or contact the company for updated cost and information. Do your research and select a transportation mode that best fits your needs, time and budget.

Transportation Options

Hotel Shuttles

Many hotels in Waikiki have free shuttle service to and from the HNL airport. Please check with the hotel or the hotel website for availability and schedule. 

Taxi Services

Taxis are the most direct route to your destination but may cost more than the other options.Taxi service is available on the center median fronting the terminal baggage claim areas. Find the taxi dispatchers (yellow shirts with black lettering: “TAXI DISPATCHERS”).  Or you can exit the arrival terminal onto the sidewalk and look for the overhead signs for taxis. Most taxis accept credit card payment but some taxis may not, so check or prepare cash beforehand. 

Rideshare

Ridesharing and ride-hailing are offered by companies such as Uber or Lyft. Sign up on their website or download their mobile application to schedule transportation from the airport. You should add a payment method during the mobile application set up so that you can pay electronically for your rides. The application allows you to request a ride, select vehicle type, receive real-time tracking and receive ride cost and pay electronically. You will need access to wi-fi or internet in order to place a rideshare request.

Safety tips: When using a rideshare service, check the license plate, car type/model, name of the driver, and driver’s picture as described on the app to ensure you are entering the right car. Both Uber and Lyft have an option to share your ride details with friends and family. If you are traveling with children under the age of 7, you may be required to use your own car seat when using a rideshare service.

Most international and mainland U.S. flights arrive at Terminal 2 at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL). Upon arrival, you can find the designated rideshare and taxi pickup areas clearly marked with signs outside the terminal. You may also consult the official airport map for the exact locations of these pickups. You can access the airport map here:

https://airports.hawaii.gov/hnl/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/02/HNL-Ride-App-Pickup-Zones-20220202.pdf

Airport Shuttle Options. Reservation is required 

TheBus

https://www.thebus.org/ 

  • Cash fare: $3 per ride (Have exact fare, TheBus does not give change)
  • Google maps or the DaBus app is helpful 
  • TheBus allows 1 medium size bag (22" x 14" x 9") per person
  • Not recommended if you have a large or many pieces of luggage  

Helpful Apps for Airport & Transit

To help you navigate Honolulu, consider downloading these useful apps for transportation:

  • Uber / Lyft: Essential for booking rideshare services from the airport or for getting around the island on demand.
  • DaBus2 App: Provides real-time tracking for TheBus, allowing you to see exactly where your bus is and when it will arrive at your stop.
  • Google Maps / Apple Maps: These apps offer comprehensive directions, including public transit and walking routes, making them invaluable for planning your trip.
  • SpeediShuttle App: Useful for booking a shared-ride airport shuttle service to your hotel or residence.

Payment Tips

Digital Payments: 

  • Most taxis, airport shuttles, and rideshare apps (Uber, Lyft) accept major credit/debit cards.
  • Rideshare apps also allow payment through Apple Pay, Google Pay, or PayPal.

Cash Payments: 

  • Some local taxis and all public buses (TheBus) require cash.
  • TheBus accepts exact change only and does not give change back.
  • You may also use a HOLO Card (Honolulu’s reloadable transit card) for TheBus. 

Currency Exchange: 

  • Foreign currency exchange is available at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) in Terminal 2 and the international arrivals area.
  • We recommend carrying some small U.S. dollar bills for convenience.

General Safety Tips

  1. Never leave your baggage unattended and never entrust your bags to a stranger.
  2. Never accept packets/bags from strangers.  
  3. Be attentive of airport signs, directions and maps. Listen carefully to announcements. 
  4. Be aware of solicitors who may offer a ride. If using a rideshare, double check to make sure the car information matches what appears on the app.
  5. In case of a problem, alert the information desk in the airport lobby or the airport security personnel. 

Disclaimer

The transportation options listed are for your convenience. ISS does not endorse any specific service and is not responsible for schedules, costs, or issues. Students are responsible for making their own arrangements, confirming schedules and fares, and ensuring that their chosen transportation option meets their personal needs. ISS is not liable for any costs, delays, or issues that may arise from the use of these services.