Safety, bus and uber or lift

Question

My flight arrives late after 10 pm. Please help us with these questions:

1- what bus to go from airport to waikiki hotel(Ala Moana blvd)at this late hour and how about safety and price?

2-If bus not available, price on uber or lift?

3-Name of couple tropical fruits market and flea market nearby and address (available to take bus to go there).Thank you

Answer

Welcome to Hawaii! Here’s a detailed answer to your questions regarding transportation and local markets in Waikiki:

1. Bus from the airport to Waikiki (Ala Moana Blvd) after 10 PM:

The Honolulu public bus system (TheBus) is an affordable option for getting from the airport to Waikiki, but its service may be limited at night. The most common route from the airport to Waikiki is Route #20, which runs approximately every 30 minutes during the day, but services are much less frequent in the late evening hours. After 10 PM, public transit options become more limited, and there may not be a bus directly available at that time. Typically, the last buses leave the airport by around 10:30 PM.

Safety: The bus system is generally safe, but if you are traveling late at night and are unfamiliar with the area, a taxi, Uber, or Lyft might be a better option. If you do decide to take the bus, try to board quickly and stay alert. Waikiki is a busy area, so the bus stops will be in populated areas.

Price: The fare on TheBus is around $2.75 per person, with a one-way ride to Waikiki taking about 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic.

2. Uber or Lyft from the airport to Waikiki (Ala Moana Blvd):

If you find that the bus schedule doesn't work for your late arrival time, both Uber and Lyft are great alternatives. Prices for an Uber or Lyft from Honolulu International Airport (HNL) to Waikiki will vary depending on the time of day and demand, but you can expect prices to range between $30 and $45 for a standard ride. If you’re traveling with more luggage or need more space, options like UberXL or Lyft XL are available, though they may cost a bit more (typically $50–$60).

Safety: Both Uber and Lyft are considered safe, as they provide driver ratings and are monitored by the respective platforms. It's recommended to only get into cars that you’ve requested via the app, and ensure the driver’s information matches what’s shown in the app before getting in.

3. Tropical fruit markets and flea markets nearby (accessible by bus):

There are a couple of popular markets where you can get tropical fruits and local goods in Honolulu:

KCC Farmers Market (Kapiolani Community College Farmers Market) – This is one of the most popular farmers' markets in Honolulu, offering fresh local produce, tropical fruits, and handmade goods. It’s located at the Kapiolani Community College (KCC) on the southern edge of Diamond Head. It operates on Saturdays from 7:30 AM to 11 AM. You can take bus routes #4, #6, or #22 to get there.
Alii Market – A small but vibrant market with local Hawaiian fruits, souvenirs, and gifts. It’s located near the heart of Waikiki, within walking distance from most Waikiki hotels, but accessible via bus routes #2 and #13 from the airport.
Aloha Stadium Swap Meet – While this is more of a flea market than a tropical fruit market, it’s a great place to find inexpensive souvenirs, local food items, and Hawaiian-style gifts. It’s open on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 8 AM to 3 PM. You can take bus #42 or #8 to get there from Waikiki.

All these markets are easily accessible via public transportation, and if you’re staying in Waikiki, the bus system will be your most affordable option. For more comfort and direct access, Uber or Lyft are also good alternatives, though public buses will offer a more authentic and budget-friendly experience.

Enjoy your trip and feel free to reach out for any more questions!