Thousands of University of Hawaiʻi students and employees have a faster, more sustainable way to get to campus with the opening of the new phase of Oʻahu’s Skyline rail system. The expanded line that now runs between Kapolei and Kalihi, connects more neighborhoods across the island, running daily from 4 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., including weekends and holidays.
For many UH Mānoa riders, the expanded Skyline and TheBus connection is a major convenience. Those heading to UH Mānoa can now ride Skyline to the new Āhua station, then transfer to TheBus’s newly unveiled U Line, a direct route to campus with no additional stops in between. The bus drops passengers near the East-West Center, while the A Line continues to serve riders traveling from Āhua to UH Mānoa’s Sinclair Circle every 10 minutes with limited stops.
UH Mānoa nursing student Christine Quiaoit said the new service has made a big difference in her routine.
“Personally I don’t like driving long distances. It’s been convenient for me so I don’t have to park at UH Mānoa and don’t have to fight traffic. I also like being eco-friendly to the planet.”
The average travel time between Skyline stations is just three to four minutes, giving riders a fast and reliable commute. Ridership has continued to grow since Honolulu’s first rail system launched in June 2023. City officials counted 61,968 rides taken since the second phase of Skyline opened on October 16. Stations such as Hālawa, Hōʻaeʻae/West Loch, and Pouhala/Waipahu remain among the busiest, with Hālawa alone seeing more than 38,000 HOLO card taps in a single month.
“Our goal is to make commuting to and from campus easier, faster, and affordable. By connecting Skyline directly with rapid TheBus routes like the new A Line and U Line, we’re giving our riders a seamless, sustainable travel option that helps reduce traffic congestion and supports a cleaner, more connected Oʻahu,” said Jon Nouchi, deputy director of City and County of Honolulu Department of Transportation Services. “With Skyline and TheBus working together, students can now conveniently travel between all UH campuses using one integrated transit system.”
Leeward Community College Chancellor Carlos Peñaloza is among the growing number of UH riders taking advantage of Skyline. He now regularly rides the rail between the Leeward CC and UH West Oʻahu campuses, where he was recently named interim chancellor.
“The Skyline expansion is a game-changer for our UH community. It’s a convenient, accessible, and environmentally responsible option that links UH campuses more closely than ever. Every ride is a step toward a more connected island,” said Peñaloza.
Discounted fare for students
Skyline fares follow the same structure as TheBus, and both systems require a HOLO card loaded with funds to board. Each first tap includes free transfers within 2.5 hours, making it easy to switch between Skyline and TheBus without paying another fare.
UH students also enjoy discounted fares through the U-Pass program, which allows them to ride Skyline and TheBus at a reduced rate. Depending on the campus, the U-Pass fee may already be covered by student activity fees or available for purchase with a valid UH ID card each semester.
