2 part Question about Honolulu

Question

First Question: My husband and I have been to Honolulu many times over the years. We usually hire a car and stay at Waikiki. We arrive from Australia at 11:40am on 7th Sept and depart for Seattle at 10:40am 9th Sept so have 2 nights there. Since we've driven around the Island many times over the years, this time just plan to stay in or near Waikiki and not get a car. We'll have 2 med suitcases plus carryon. What is the best way to get to and from airport without a car. Bus? Taxi?

2nd Question: We'll be back in Honolulu on our way home on 14th Oct arriving at 2:15pm and leaving for home the following day at noon. Again no car, is there a hotel somewhere near the airport or would it be just as quick to get transport into Waikiki for the one night.

Answer

Here’s a detailed breakdown of your two questions about transportation and accommodations in Honolulu without renting a car.

1. Getting to and from Honolulu Airport (HNL) without a car:

Since you’ll have two medium suitcases plus a carry-on and are staying in or near Waikiki, there are a few convenient options:

Taxi / Ride-share (Uber/Lyft): The quickest and most convenient way. A taxi or ride-share from the airport to Waikiki typically takes about 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic. Costs are roughly $35–$50 one way for a standard sedan. With luggage, this option is stress-free and direct.
Airport Shuttle: Many hotels in Waikiki offer shared airport shuttle service for a fixed price (around $20–$25 per person). Shuttles may take longer than a taxi because they drop off multiple guests, but they are economical.
Public Bus (TheBus): Route 19 goes from the airport to Waikiki. This is the most budget-friendly option (about $3 per person), but it requires managing luggage and could take up to an hour, plus walking from the bus stop to your hotel.

Given your luggage and limited time, a taxi or ride-share is generally the easiest and most convenient option.

2. Returning to Honolulu on 14th Oct for one night:

Options here depend on your preference for convenience versus staying near the airport:

Stay near the airport: There are several hotels close to HNL, such as the Courtyard by Marriott Honolulu Airport or Pagoda Hotel. These are very convenient if you have an early flight the next morning, but they are not in Waikiki, so you’d miss the city/beach atmosphere for that night.
Stay in Waikiki: You can take a taxi or ride-share from the airport to Waikiki (20–30 min). Many travelers prefer this option to enjoy dinner, evening walks on the beach, or a last night in the city. On the morning of your flight, you’d leave Waikiki by around 9:00–9:15 am to reach the airport by 10:40 am. With taxis or ride-shares, this is easily doable.

For a short stay with no car, Waikiki is a reasonable choice because it lets you enjoy the area and the beach one last time. Staying near the airport is more convenient for the flight but more isolated and less scenic.

Summary:

First trip: Taxi or ride-share from HNL to Waikiki is the easiest with your luggage.
Second trip: Either stay near the airport for convenience, or Waikiki for a final evening of beach/city experience. Taxi/ride-share will get you to the airport in time for your flight.

Given your short stays and no car, taxis or ride-shares provide the best combination of convenience, speed, and stress-free luggage handling.