Getting Around the Hawaiian Islands
June 23rd, 2008 by Rocco
Getting around the Hawaiian Islands is always a concern for visitors. You are, after all, visiting a series of isolated islands in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. The majority of tourists rent a vehicle once arriving in Hawaii. This is definitely a great choice in transportation on the Hawaiian Islands, but Hawaii has many other transportation choices to offer.
Getting Around the Hawaiian Islands: Car Rental
Renting a vehicle while visiting the Hawaiian Islands gives you tremendous freedom to explore all that Hawaii has to offer. All of the major rental car companies service Hawaii. You can rent a car at the airport or at any major hotel on the islands. When you pick up your rental car, be sure to get a map of Hawaii as well. Getting around the islands can be tricky. Having your own map of Hawaii can help you plan your trips and reach your destination in a more timely manner. Just remember that traffic moves slowly in Hawaii, so leave your road rage and hand gestures behind and enjoy the beautiful scenery and warm weather during your drive.
Getting Around the Hawaiian Islands: Airfare
Air travel is the most popular way to get from island to island in Hawaii. Inter-island flights can become expensive, so if you plan to travel to several islands, look into booking a package of flights at a discounted price.
Helicopter rides on Hawaii are also very popular. A helicopter tour provides access to more remote areas of the Hawaiian Islands and is a terrific way to view the tropical beauty from the air.
Getting Around the Hawaiian Islands: Sea Vessels
As you would expect, Hawaiian cruises are very popular. The cruise lines schedule stops at popular Hawaiian destinations, but few offer much freedom to enjoy the islands themselves. However, if you love cruising and have visited Hawaii before, a Hawaiian cruise may be just perfect for you.
Hawaii now offers a ferryboat between the islands to transport visitors at a more leisurely pace. A typical ferry ride can last for three to four hours, so plan accordingly if you plan to use the ferry service.
Getting Around the Hawaiian Islands: Public Transportation
Hawaii has an excellent public transportation system. On the island of Oahu, The Bus is a very popular ride. The Bus is a fleet of 535 passenger buses that transports people all over the island at a low cost.
Taxi service is available on each of the Hawaiian Islands, and most large hotels offer a shuttle service to popular attractions and the beachfront. Shuttle services are often free or considerably cheaper than taking a taxi so be sure to check with your hotel to see what is available before calling a cab.
Trolley rides are also available in popular areas such as Waikiki. These open-air trolley cars provide laid-back transportation in keeping with the spirit of Hawaii.
No matter which form of transportation you choose to get around the Hawaiian Islands, be sure to pick up a map of Hawaii to help you plan your activities and better interact with the locals. And don’t forget, you can always view Hawaii the old fashioned way- on foot.