Getting Around Hawaii
Shuttle Services, Car Rental
How to Get Around Hawaii: Shuttles, Car Rentals & More
Once your Hawaii vacation rental from Chase ‘N Rainbows is booked, the next question is how you’ll actually get around. Getting around Hawaii changes from island to island. Whether you’re staying with us on Maui, O’ahu, Kaua’i or Hawai’i Island, you have several ways to reach your rental and explore once you arrive.
Hawaii Airport Shuttles and Private Transfers
If you want an easy ride from the airport to your rental in Hawaii, book a shuttle with SpeediShuttle. Select your island, arrival airport, and destination, then choose a shared or private ride. The shuttle company serves O’ahu, Maui, Kaua’i and Hawai’i Island, so you can arrange transportation no matter which island your accommodation is on. On Maui, SpeediShuttle covers both Kahului Airport and Kapalua Airport in West Maui.
A few things worth knowing:
- Reservations are recommended. The Kahului Airport baggage claim counter accepts walk-ups during staffed hours, but it closes before the last arrivals of the night, so book ahead if you land late.
- Shared rides cost less and make additional stops. Private transfers go straight to your door.
Rental Cars and Partner Discounts
A rental car gives you the flexibility to explore Hawaii at your own pace. We work with car partners across all four islands, with low rates from Alamo, Enterprise and National. Discounts and how they apply vary by company, so compare before you book. If you are planning to book a rental car, be sure to check whether your vacation rental offers dedicated/covered parking, requires a permit, or charges extra fees. Check your confirmed listing for more information.
Two tips that save guests money and frustration:
- Book early. Inventory on the neighbor islands is limited, and prices climb sharply during holidays and spring break.
- Read the contract. Some agreements restrict travel on unpaved roads and specific routes, which can void your coverage if something goes wrong.
What About Rideshares & Taxis?
You can get around by car without renting one. Uber and Lyft operate on all four main islands and are reliable in the resort areas and around the airports. Coverage can thin out as you go rural. If you’re heading somewhere remote, arrange your return trip in advance rather than counting on hailing one when you’re ready to leave.
Taxis queue at every major airport, and most resorts can call one for you. They’re a dependable fallback when apps are surging.
Getting Around Hawaii Without a Car
If you would rather skip driving and parking, public transit can handle part of your trip.
- Oʻahu: TheBus reaches nearly every corner of the island. Skyline, the rail system, stops at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, though the line ends at the Kalihi Transit Center and doesn’t reach downtown Honolulu or Waikīkī. A city bus route covers that stretch instead. Plan your route before you land, and note that a HOLO card is required for Skyline.
- Maui: The Maui Bus connects Kahului, Wailuku, Kīhei, Lāhainā and Kāʻanapali on fixed routes. Service is useful for a trip into town, less so for a full day of sightseeing.
- Kauaʻi: The Kauaʻi Bus runs between the main towns at a relaxed frequency. Check the schedule carefully before you rely on it.
- Hawaiʻi Island: Hele-On covers long distances between Kona, Waimea and Hilo, though departures are limited.
If you’re staying at one of our resort properties, ask whether a complimentary shuttle serves nearby shops and beaches.
Island Hopping
Island hopping means flying. Three carriers handle the routes.
- Hawaiian Airlines operates the most frequent service between the major airports.
- Southwest Airlines offers competitive rates with routes running through Honolulu rather than connecting the neighbor islands to each other. Confirm your island pair before you plan around it.
- Mokulele Airlines flies nine-seat Cessna Grand Caravans into smaller airfields the jets skip, including Kapalua, Hāna, Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi. Kapalua Airport is a short drive from Kāʻanapali, but it’s small-plane service only, connecting through Honolulu rather than direct from the mainland. Routes come and go, so check current service.
Planning Your Hawaii Vacation
Getting around Hawaii comes down to matching the transportation to the island and the itinerary. A shuttle handles the arrival, a rental car handles the exploring, and a short flight handles the island you didn’t plan on visiting until you got here. Our on-island team knows these routes by heart and would love to help you sort out the details before you go.