In what seems like picture-perfect paradise, there are still problems everywhere no matter how pristine and flawless a destination may seem.
In Honolulu, traffic can be a real headache. It’s certainly a city where you don’t want to test out TikTok’s “airport theory”.
As such, today marks a historic day for a 14-year project that’s now open at Hawaii’s most popular airport.
Locals and travelers alike can now reach (and depart) Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) by train for the first time ever to avoid the hassle of often congested roadways.
As seasoned travelers here at Travel Off Path, there’s nothing we love more than being able to hop off a plane and hit the town runnin’.
But, feedback has been a mixed bag about Honolulu’s latest addition, especially since the train will not stop at the city’s most sought-after beach.
Honolulu Welcomes 4 New Train Stations, Including The Airport
Before anyone loses their aloha on me, yes, you could travel by train in Honolulu before today…
…just not to the airport.
Today marks the opening of the second leg of Honolulu’s Skyline transit system, meaning 4 new stations are now available, including HNL.
Those 4 new stops are:
- Makalapa / Pearl Harbor–Hickam Station
- Lelepaua Station (the airport)
- Āhua / Lagoon Drive Station
- Kahauiki / Kalihi Transit Center Station
As you’ve noticed, Hawaii isn’t shy with their syllables. The good news is that crew workers will be around to assist if you’re confused about where to go.
If only they were this helpful in Iceland with their Middle-earth directions…
“Yeah, just take the bus to Hallgrímskirkja”…Okay, buddy….
While some locals are trying to wrap their heads around the new launch (and if it was worth the long wait), what’s most impressive and well thought out is the buildout of Lelepaua Station, which is built into the airport complex itself, so you truly can hop off the plane and hit the ground runnin’ Travel Off Path style!
The New Train Skips Waikiki
Look, we love a good Chinatown when we see one, but nobody is flying across the ocean to slurp delicious spicy noodles and sip green tea.
Travelers are visiting Hawaii for a variety of reasons, but it all boils down to nature in one form or another, and there’s arguably no better place in the city than world-famous Waikiki Beach.
Local experts at the Beat of Hawaii bring up a valid point — if such a gargantuan task to connect the airport by rail is going to take well over a decade, why not fine-tune the details to take travelers where they really want to go?
Besides the airport’s own station, the only other notable stop is Kahauiki / Kalihi Transit Center Station, a popular bus transfer hub.
Did they miss the mark? Ultimately, time will tell.
Though there’s one aspect that hits the nail on the head, and one that all tourists will appreciate, given the state’s notorious high prices.
$3 Rail Beats Headache-Inducing Traffic & Double-Digit Uber Fares
Sorry, Hawaiians. It’s selfishly nice to know I’m not alone as a Californian paying nearly $5 per gallon for gas.
Honolulu currently averages $4.14 per gallon, so you know what that means — expensive Ubers.
Despite criticizing the lack of beach access, The Beat of Hawaii also mentioned one perk, and that’s savings.
By their own estimation, taxis and rideshares can cost up to $50 from the airport to Waikiki in heavy traffic.
The next best option would be a shared shuttle for about half the price.
Now, travelers have the choice to pay for a $3 single ride or $7.50 unlimited day pass on the same HOLO Card used for Honolulu’s public busses.
The problem is the closest stopping point is Middle Street, which is approximately 5 miles short of Waikiki where the most beautiful shorelines and prized luxury hotels such as The Royal Hawaiian and Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort are located.
Chances are you don’t want to lug your bags that far, so you will likely need to order an Uber anyway or rent a car (typically very expensive)
Test Out The New Train For Free
If you’re in Honolulu October 19-20, you can test out this milestone free of charge to see if its worth the hype, or if the long-anticipated project is set to fall on its face.
There’s certainly an argument for both sides, and the simple fact this new train allows you to avoid traffic is definitely a plus any way you slice it.
The city is offering a couple of free days in order for tourists (and even locals) to learn how to properly transfer between rail and bus from the new stations.
The only catch is you do still need to obtain a HOLO Card.
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