It’s hard to forget the name of the bus system in Hawaii because it’s simply known as “the bus.” No fancy metro names, just saying it like it is. Nearly a quarter of a million people ride the Hawaii bus system each day which has over 500 buses and 100 routes.
The public transit system on Oahu is great. You can get around the whole island while riding the bus which would only cost you $2.25! How’s that for a sweet deal.
It’s also incredibly simple to figure out which routes to take. Simply jump on their website at thebus.org and on the front page enter your destination and departing addresses along with when you’d like to leave or arrive. Using google maps it’ll plot which routes you should take and how long it will take for you to get there.
A Couple Pointers for the Hawaii Bus System
It’s frowned upon to take the front seats of the bus since they are reserved for elderly. Although you’re probably thinking, duh Ryan, realize that the Hawaiian culture places more respect on the elderly and their collective wisdom than back on the mainland. The first time I rode the bus I took a front seat and was wondering why I was getting a dirty look from the other passengers, hopefully you’ll avoid that mistake!
Bus drivers are typically friendly enough to answer your questions, but please make their jobs easier by having your money ready and by not blocking any doors while you ask questions before jumping on the bus.
Realize that you’re on Hawaiian time, so don’t be surprised if the bus in Hawaii is a little late. I expect the bus to run at least a few minutes late, but still show up to the stop on time, just in case.
When you get on the bus you’ll be allowed one transfer, which is good for a few hours. Depending on who the bus driver is sometimes you can get away with using it more than a few hours later, but it still has to be on the same day. When you get on the bus some drivers will automatically give you a transfer slip, but if they don’t simply say “I’d like a transfer please” and they’ll give one to you straight away. Your transfer will work on any other bus while it’s still in it’s allowed time limit.