Public Transport or Uber for a large group

Question

We are a group of 13 - thinking of renting 2 Vans for the week we are there - or are there large Uber cars available? Thank you

Answer

For a group of 13 visiting Oahu, you have several transportation options, but practicality, convenience, and cost will vary depending on your plans.

Option 1: Renting Vans

Renting two large vans is often the most convenient solution for a large group. This gives you:

Flexibility to travel anywhere on the island on your own schedule.
Ability to store luggage, beach gear, or shopping bags without worrying about limited space.
Lower per-person cost if you are traveling frequently or taking multiple trips in one day.

When renting, make sure the vans are large enough (typically 12-15 passenger vans) and that all drivers are comfortable with island roads, which can be narrow and winding in some areas.

Option 2: Uber or Other Rideshare Services

Uber does have options for larger groups:

UberXL: Seats up to 6 passengers, so you would need 2-3 vehicles to accommodate 13 people.
Uber SUV or Uber Premier SUV: Sometimes available with seating for 6, depending on vehicle supply.

Consider that rideshare availability can fluctuate, especially in more remote parts of the island or during peak tourist season. Coordinating pickups for a large group can be complicated, and fares can add up quickly for repeated trips.

Option 3: Public Transportation

Thebus, Oahu’s public transit system, is very economical, but not ideal for a group of 13:

It requires splitting the group across multiple buses if traveling together.
Schedules and routes may not align with tourist destinations, especially in remote areas or for early morning/late evening activities.
Convenient only for budget travelers or occasional use, not for full-week group excursions.

Recommendation:

For a group your size, renting two large vans is generally the easiest, most flexible, and cost-effective option. UberXL could work for occasional trips but will be less convenient for daily island travel and requires coordination for 13 people. Public transport is mostly impractical for a group this size unless used only sparingly.