Planning a Hawaiian vacation can be a hefty ordeal when it comes to all the logistics. Once you decide on which island you’re going to visit (we’re biased, but think Oahu is obviously the best), you still have to find a place to stay, buy your tickets, and plan your itinerary.
With so much cost upfront, finding ways to save money on your trip is also important. One easy way to do that on this particular Hawaiian island is to utilize our incredible public transportation options instead of renting a car. Not only will this cut down on your carbon footprint while you’re visiting our beautiful home, but it will also give you a chance to live like a local.
This month, we’ve taken the guesswork out of trip planning and created the ultimate itinerary when you’re getting around Waikiki without a car. With this trip schedule, you’ll see tons of landmarks, visit top tourist spots, and enjoy the convenience of never having to worry about fighting traffic or finding parking. Check it out below, and get ready for the trip of a lifetime!
Car-Free in Waikiki
The Bus is Oahu’s award-winning public transportation system. With daily caps on charges and routes that cover the entire island, it’s easy to get around Waikiki without a car. Plus, when you book your stay with Marina Hawaii Vacations, our central location puts you within walking distance of several public bus stops, making it easy to hop on and off as you make your way around the island.
Day 1: Waikiki Wonders
Start your day with a short 15-minute bus ride to the Honolulu Zoo. Located less than 2 miles from our Ilikai Tower vacation rentals, it’s a popular spot, especially for those traveling with young children. Enjoy seeing the giraffes, African penguins, monkeys, and all sorts of other animals.
After the zoo, keep the animal adventures going with a 10-minute walk to the Waikiki Aquarium. See beautiful live coral reefs and gorgeous tropical fish, and learn all about the unique ecosystem of Oahu.
For lunch, you can stop by any of the wonderful restaurants along Kalakaua Avenue and try everything from delicious poke to Hawaiian plate lunches like loco moco.
After lunch, head to Waikiki Beach and enjoy strolling along the sand as you soak in the vibrant atmosphere. If you’ve packed a backpack with swimwear, you can change clothes in a nearby public restroom and spend some time swimming in the refreshing, clear blue water before ending your day with a beachfront dinner as you watch the sunset over the Pacific.
Day 2: Historical and Cultural Honolulu
Today, you’ll take the public bus to Pearl Harbor, where you can explore the USS Arizona Memorial and other historical sites in the area.
After your dose of history, The Bus will carry you back toward your vacation rental. Along the way, be sure to stop off at the Ala Moana Center for lunch and shopping. As the largest open-air shopping center in the world, you can spend hours here enjoying everything from hula shows and musical performances to craft workshops and more!
Just across the street, you can relax at Ala Moana Beach Park, an excellent spot for swimming, sunbathing, or people-watching after a morning of exploring.
Head back to your vacation rental for a refresh before catching the bus to Chinatown for dinner. This bright area has excellent nightlife options, exceptional restaurants, and monthly events that are free and fun for everyone.
Day 3: Adventures in Nature
Pack your water bottles and comfy shoes because today is all about outdoor adventures. To start, we’re headed to Diamond Head Crater, which you can access via the bus or the Waikiki Trolley.
The hike to the top is best early in the morning when you can beat the crowds and the mid-day sun. Be sure to have your camera ready for some of the most breathtaking views of Honolulu and the Oahu coastline.
Stop at the base of Diamond Head and have a picnic lunch at Kapiolani Park, Oahu’s second-oldest public park and one of the largest on the island. On any given day, you’re likely to find families enjoying this expansive green space.
After lunch, catch the Waikiki Trolley to the Halona Blowhole and Halona Beach Cove for swimming and snorkeling. The Trolley’s Blue Line offers one-day passes for $31.50 for adults and $21.00 for children. This line also features hop-on/hop-off functionality, with stops at many popular coastal sites along the way.
End the night with a meal in your Marina Hawaii Vacations condo as you relax on your lanai after a full day of fun in the sun.
Day 4: Landmarks and Shopping
One of the most famous sites in all of Oahu is the Iolani Palace, and If you’re getting around Waikiki without a car, you can reach it easily with a 30-minute ride on The Bus. Built in 1882, it’s the only official royal residence in the United States. Here, you can learn all about the rich history of Hawaii’s last monarch, our culture, and our proud heritage.
A 14-minute bus ride puts you in one of the area’s most up-and-coming neighborhoods, Kakaako. This easily walkable neighborhood is full of tasty restaurants and shopping, and you may even stumble upon a street festival if you’re lucky!
One of the most popular things to do in this area is to simply wander and explore. There are many murals by local artists, so it’s a great spot to snap some Insta-worthy pictures.
Once you’ve thoroughly visited all the interesting shops and art installations, head back to Waikiki for dinner at one of the restaurants near your vacation rental before calling it a day.
Day 5: Head North
Oahu’s North Shore is often a must-visit for folks, so while this will be a longer bus ride, it’s still very doable. However, if you don’t want to spend a couple of hours on a scenic route, you could opt for one of the other transportation options on the island.
I know we said this was about getting around Waikiki without a car, but sometimes, cars just make things easier. Instead of getting a car rental for an entire week, though, why not try Hui?! This convenient service lets you reserve a car, use it for as long as you need it, and then return it at one of their convenient drop-off locations. This is a great option for one-off longer treks during your vacation.
Regardless of what mode of transportation you take, here are our top things to do for a day on the North Shore.
Start with a visit to the Dole Plantation. Take the Pineapple Express train tour and learn all about local farming practices. Then, head to the gardens and finish the visit with a traipse through the world’s largest maze.
Once you wrap up at the plantation, head to the coastal town of Haleiwa for some ono grindz and spectacular ocean views. Enjoy lunch at Banzai Sushi Bar, then grab a sweet treat at Haleiwa Shave Ice before heading to Waimea Bay Beach Park to watch epic waves at the birthplace of big wave surfing.
After returning to Waikiki, check out a local restaurant for dinner or enjoy a simple meal at home while you reflect on your incredible week of adventures in Oahu.
Book Your Waikiki Vacation Directly Today
Whether you’re riding The Bus, hopping on the trolley, or catching quick rides in an Uber, Lyft, or with Hui, getting around Waikiki without a car is one of the best ways to see a lot of the island, save money, and add a layer of local experience to your stay. We hope this itinerary has given you lots of ideas for your trip.
As you continue to plan, remember another great way to save on your trip is to book directly with Marina Hawaii Vacations. Our properties at Ilikai Tower, Ilikai Marina, and Discovery Bay put you close to several bus stops and in the heart of Waikiki.
When you book with us, you can enjoy incredible views, immaculate rooms, and the best rates in the area. Browse our available Waikiki vacation rentals and reserve your stay today!