Waikiki Trolley - Opinion?

[MNJewels]

Is the Waikiki Trolley worthwhile? Is it good to use to see some of the sites? Is the bus a better idea? Any feedback would be appreciated.

[KMYork]

I would love to know this as well. And, Does the trolly go to Diamond Head?

[hello]

Does this help? Go to "Blue line 05/06".

 

 

Waikiki Trolley routes cover almost all tourist attractions and stops at most major shopping malls on Oahu. If you have been to Waikiki, you have probably seen our classic trolleys driving past you on the street. However, the history of the Waikiki Trolley has been a mystery to many of our guests. Hop aboard with us to reveal the great history of Hawaii and the Waikiki Trolley!

 

The current Waikiki Trolley route covers as far west as Bishop Museum, and as far east as Sea Life Park, making it one of the most elaborate routes for Honolulu and its surrounding areas.

Choose from the following:

 

The Honolulu City Line - Red Line

 

History comes to life when you're on the Red Line! With a majority of its stops geared towards showing you Hawaii's rich historic past and expertly narrated by some of our best drivers, The Red Line offers you something different from the usual tourist spots of Waikiki. Go back to the time of kings and queens and through Hawaii's journey towards statehood and beyond.

With stops at the Honolulu Academy of Arts, Aloha Tower Marketplace and Chinatown, the Red Line also offers you a glimpse into Hawaii's cultural and artistic diversity.

01: Hilton Hawaiian Village - Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort and Spa is a popular stop for forth visitors and local residents alike.

02: DFS Galleria Waikiki - DFS Galleria Waikiki offers the best shopping in the heart of Waikiki. Discover the largest selection of island gifts and souvenirs with the best value in town.

03: Duke Kahanamoku Statue - Duke Kahanamoku, the ambassador of Hawaii's Aloha Spirit, is honored on the beach of Waikiki.

04: ResortQuest Waikiki Beach Hotel - The hotel is located on the most scenic end of Waikiki, directly across the street from the world famous Waikiki Beach (just 35 steps from the beach). Excellent swimming, snorkeling, surfing and beach lounging!

05: Hilton Waikiki Prince Kuhio Hotel - With a prime location just steps from Waikiki Beach in the heart of Waikiki, this hotel offers the kind of warm hospitality, inviting resort atmosphere and topnotch services sure to please business and leisure travelers alike.

06: Ohana Waikiki West - Discover the distinctive setting of OHANA Waikiki West - a well-placed Honolulu Oahu hotel, ideally located across the street from the International Market Place in the heart of Waikiki.

07: Hawaii Convention Center - The Hawaii Convention Center is Hawaii's flagship destination for conventions, exhibitions, meetings and expos both domestic and international.

08: Ross "Dress for Less" - Ross offers first-quality designer and brand name apparel, accessories and footwear for men, women and children at savings of 20% to 60% off department store prices.

09: Maui Divers' Jewelry Design Center - A complimentary tour will show you how Hawaii's precious coral are harvested and made into beautiful jewelry. Free refreshments are offered to all Waikiki Trolley passengers!

10: Honolulu Academy of Arts - As Hawaii's leading cultural institution, the Honolulu Academy of Arts is known worldwide for its prestigious collections of world art. Every first Sunday and Wednesday admission is free!

11: State Capitol / 'Iolani Palace - As Hawaii's leading cultural institution, the Honolulu Academy of Arts is known worldwide for its prestigious collections of world art. Every first Sunday and Wednesday admission is free!

12: Foster Botanical Garden - Foster Botanical Garden is a living museum of tropical plants, some rare and endangered, which have been collected throughout the world over a period of 140 years.

13: Bishop Museum - Explore the history and culture of the people of Hawaii. Discover how ancient Polynesians navigated the vast Pacific Ocean using the stars, tides and winds at the Planetarium.

14: KoAloha Ukulele Factory - Become a part of the KoAloha Ohana (family) with a visit to to KoAloha Ukulele Factory. Watch as skilled artisans craft a beautiful instrument. A one-of-a-kind experience you'll never forget!

16: Hilo Hattie - Discover Hawaii's largest selection of Hawaiian fashion, gifts, souvenirs, T-shirts and jewelry. Enjoy low manufacturer's direct prices on thousands of Hawaiian products. All major credit cards and personal checks accepted.

17: Oahu Market / Chinatown - Visit the many shops within Oahu Market selling fresh meats, vegetables and Chinese treats. Near the heart of Downtown Honolulu, Chinatown reflects a dynamic ethnic population and business community.

18: King Kamehameha Statue - This bronze statue is a replica of the original honoring Kamehameha the Great. The original statue now stands at his birthplace in Kapa'au on the island of Hawaii.

19: Aloha Tower Marketplace - Enjoy shopping and dinging near historic Aloha Tower overlooking Honolulu Harbor. For event information, please call (808)566-2333.

20: Ward Warehouse and Ward Centers - You'll find over 100 unique shops and popular restaurants at Victoria Ward Center including the Ward Farmers Market, the Ward Entertainment Center, Dave & Buster's high-tech amusement and Borders Books and Music.

21: Ala Moana Center - Ala Moana Center is Hawaii's largest shopping venue. With over 260 shops and restaurants, you'll find everything and more! Ala Moana Center is a shopper's paradise, in paradise.

22: Renaissance Ilikai & Hawaii Prince Hotels - This stop is centralized for your convenience, and is withint walking distance to nearby Renaissance Ilikai Hotel, Hilton Hawaiian Vilage's Kalia Tower, and the Hawaii Prince Hotel.

The first Red Line Trolley departs from the Hilton Hawaiian Village at 9:10AM.

The last Red Line Trolley arrives at Hilton Hawaiian Village at 6:06PM.

The Red Line trolleys stop at each stop every 45 minutes.

The entire route takes approximately 2.5 hours to complete.

1-day and 4-day passes are available, which allow the holder unlimited boarding and re-boarding privileges on the Red, Blue and Pink Lines.

4-day passes can only be used for four consecutive days.

 

 

The Ocean Coast Line - Blue Line

 

 

Enjoy Hawaii's pristine beauty and warm ocean breezes! This line will take you alone the coastline of East Oahu where you may even catch a glimpse of a whale or two!

This line takes you as far east as Sea Life Park, which is one of the most popular attractions east of Waikiki. And it doesn't stop there. The ride to Sea Life Park is as exciting as the park itself, with stunning scenic vistas of beginning from Waikiki and Diamond Head to Makapu'u, Halona, and of course, Hanauma Bay! This line also has convenient stops at select hotels in Waikiki to make your return or next exploration a breeze.

 

01: DFS Galleria Waikiki - DFS Galleria Waikiki offers the best shopping in the heart of Waikiki. Discover the largest selection of island gifts and souvenirs with the best value in town.

02: Duke Kahanamoku Statue - Duke Kahanamoku, the ambassador of Hawaii's Aloha Spirit, is honored on the beach of Waikiki.

03: Honolulu Zoo - The Honolulu Zoo is the largest zoo within a radius of 2,300 miles and unique in that it is the only zoo in the United States originating from a King's grant of royal lands to the people

04: Waikiki Aquarium - Sharks, seals, and sea dragons! Experience the wonders of the Pacific at the Waikiki Aquarium. Children ages 12 and under get in free with a paid adult admission.

05 & 16: Diamond Head Crater (Inside) - Hawaii's most recognizable landmark, Diamond Head is actually an extinct volcanic crater. The name originated from British sailors after they mistakenly took worthless calcite deposits for diamonds.

06 & 15: Diamond Head Lookout (Outside) - The entrance to Diamond Head Crater also has a spot with a spectacular view of southeastern Honolulu. On a clear day, you can see parts of the "gold coast" starting from Diamond Head all the way to Koko Marina.

07 & 14: Kahala Mall - Shop in cool, air-conditioned comfort at Kahala Mall! Visit over 90 stores and restaurants, or enjoy a movie in the mall's 8-plex theatres. Discover great gifts and something special just for you!

08 & 13: Hawaii Kai Towne Center - Nestled amidst the Koko Head mountains, anchored by COSTCO and Ross "Dress for Less". While here, enjoy the "Aussie-friendly" Outback Steakhouse with ocean views.

09: Hanauma Bay - Hanauma Bay was declared a protected marine life conservation area and underwater park in 1967. It is also the site of Elvis' "Blue Hawaii" and great for snorkeling!

10: Halona Lookout "Blow Hole" - Halona (or "the Peering Place" in Hawaiian) is a natural ocean geyser formed over time. Breakign surf is forced through an "L-shaped" lava tube, and under tremendous pressure, water explodes upward in a miniature geyser.

11: Makapu'u Lookout - One of the most beautiful locations on the Windward side of Oahu is the Makapu'u Light House. This area is a well-known migrating path for humpback whales journeying from Alaska to Hawaii.

12: Sea Life Park - Dedicated to marine life education and conservation, Sea Life Park is a leader in protecting and preserving endangered species. Participate in a variety of interactive programs and shows.

17: Radisson Waikiki Prince Kuhio Hotel - With a prime location just steps from Waikiki Beach in the heart of Waikiki, this hotel offers the kind of warm hospitality, inviting resort atmosphere and topnotch services sure to please business and leisure travelers alike.

18: Ohana Waikiki West - Discover the distinctive setting of OHANA Waikiki West - a well-placed Honolulu Oahu hotel, ideally located across the street from the International Market Place in the heart of Waikiki.

The first Blue Line Trolley departs from the DFS Galleria Waikiki at 9:00AM.

The last Blue Line Trolley arrives at Ohana Waikiki West Hotel at 6:15PM.

The Blue Line trolleys stop at each stop every 60 minutes.

The entire route takes approximately 3 hours to complete.

1-day and 4-day passes are available, which allow the holder unlimited boarding and re-boarding privileges on the Red, Blue and Pink Lines.

4-day passes can only be used for four consecutive days.

 

The Ala Moana Shopping Shuttle Line - Pink Line

 

Running every 8 minutes, the Ala Moana Shopping Shuttle Line is perfect for all you shopaholics!

Not only does the Ala Moana Shopping Shuttle Line transport you to Hawaii's largest open air mall but brings you to various shopping centers and desired shopping spots. Whether you are shopping for luxury goods, surfing gear, athletic wear, Hawaiian treats or organic food, the Pink Line can bring you there.

 

01: DFS Galleria Waikiki - DFS Galleria Waikiki offers the best shopping in the heart of Waikiki. Discover the largest selection of island gifts and souvenirs with the best value in town.

02: Duke Kahanamoku Statue - Duke Kahanamoku, the ambassador of Hawaii's Aloha Spirit, is honored on the beach of Waikiki.

03: ResortQuest Waikiki Beach Hotel - The hotel is located on the most scenic end of Waikiki, directly across the street from the world famous Waikiki Beach (just 35 steps from the beach). Excellent swimming, snorkeling, surfing and beach lounging!

04: Radisson Waikiki Prince Kuhio Hotel - With a prime location just steps from Waikiki Beach in the heart of Waikiki, this hotel offers the kind of warm hospitality, inviting resort atmosphere and topnotch services sure to please business and leisure travelers alike.

05: Ohana Waikiki West - Discover the distinctive setting of OHANA Waikiki West - a well-placed Honolulu Oahu hotel, ideally located across the street from the International Market Place in the heart of Waikiki.

06: King Kalakaua Plaza - King Kalakaua Plaza is home to exclusive establishments, featuring NikeTown's advanced sports gear and Banana Republic's mix of clothing and accessories.

07 & 13: Hilton Hawaiian Village - Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort and Spa is a popular stop for forth visitors and local residents alike.

08: Palms at Waikiki - This hotel is a newly renovated property located at the entrance to Waikiki on the island of Oahu. Hotel amenities include a pool, BBQ, activity desk, travel desk, exercise facility and central laundry facilities.

09 & 11: Ala Moana Center - Ala Moana Center is Hawaii's largest shopping venue. With over 260 shops and restaurants, you'll find everything and more! Ala Moana Center is a shopper's paradise, in paradise.

10: Ward Warehouse and Ward Centers - You'll find over 100 unique shops and popular restaurants at Victoria Ward Center including the Ward Farmers Market, the Ward Entertainment Center, Dave & Buster's high-tech amusement and Borders Books and Music.

12: Renaissance Ilikai & Hawaii Prince Hotels - This stop is centralized for your convenience, and is withint walking distance to nearby Renaissance Ilikai Hotel, Hilton Hawaiian Vilage's Kalia Tower, and the Hawaii Prince Hotel.

The first Pink Line Trolley departs from the DFS Galleria Waikiki at 9:30AM.

The last Pink Line Trolley arrives at Hilton Hawaiian Village at 8:04PM.

The Pink Line trolleys stop at each stop every 9 minutes (8-10 minutes, depending on traffic).

The entire route takes approximately 1 hour to complete.

1-day and 4-day passes are available, which allow the holder unlimited boarding and re-boarding privileges on the Red, Blue and Pink Lines.

4-day passes can only be used for four consecutive days

[Nancyquilts]

Thanks for the info. The only trolleys I saw earlier this week were reserved for Japanese only. And they were everywhere! Nancy

[MNJewels]

I saw that info on the trolley web site - I was looking for opinions rather than info.

[cruzn single]

Personally, I think that the trolley is very expensive, and you can get most places by using the City Bus aka The Bus. Fare for adults is $2.00, or for seniors is just $1.00 with a Medicare card. Buses are CLEAN, and would go most places you would want to go.

[AussieKathy]

I have always used The Bus and found it to be very good. I usually get a 4 day pass for $20.00. That way you can get on and off as much as you like. It's $2 per trip otherwise. Just plan your days where you will get the most out of the 4 day pass. The Bus goes all over the island. Can be a bit slow for longer trips but it's a cheaper alternative to hiring a car.

[Umbarger]

I think the trolly is way too expensive. It was over $100 for a few day pass. I would much rather take The Bus.

[dougweaver]

With so many nice sites to see all over Oahu we decided to rent a car for the 5 days we are there. Spending to much time on a bus doesn't sound like a nice way to do a vacation IMO. dpw

[sunsetme]

the trolley is overpriced. you can easily take buses. the problem with car rentals is the parking fees.

[dougweaver]

Fortunately we are staying at Hale Koa and parking is only $6 per day. dpw

[cruiseman40]

I've done both the bus and trolley. Rented a car mostly though.

[aussiedisneyfan]

I don't know if it is only the pink trolley but certain hotels have free rides. We stayed at Sheraton PK and it was free.

[cruiseman40]

hello: wish you had that before I went to Hawaii last week. It would have helped a little. What a detailed itenirary and a great job!