Key Takeaways
- HOLO is the reloadable smart card used on TheBus and Skyline. Tap on to ride. There is daily and monthly fare capping so you never pay more than a pass.
- TheBus is O‘ahu’s island‑wide bus network operated for the City and County of Honolulu.
- Skyline is Honolulu’s rail line. It uses the same HOLO card and honors free transfers within the transfer window.
- OTS stands for O‘ahu Transit Services, Inc., the company that operates TheBus and TheHandi‑Van under contract to the City.
- DTS is the City’s Department of Transportation Services, which plans and oversees public transit, including TheBus, Skyline, and TheHandi‑Van.
- ABC Stores sell a preloaded Adult Day Pass card only. You cannot add value at ABC. For reloading, use HOLO retail partners, rail station machines, or the official site.
Save this tip Use HOLO for both bus and rail. Tapping within the transfer window gives you a free connection and counts toward your fare cap.
A to Z Glossary
| Term | Meaning | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| ABC Stores | Convenience stores you see across Waikīkī and O‘ahu. They sell a preloaded Adult Day Pass HOLO. No reloads or new cards beyond the day pass. | Useful for a same‑day visitor card if you do not need to add value later. |
| Alapa‘i Transit Center (ATC) | Main bus hub next to downtown Honolulu with many routes and a customer service counter. | A central place to transfer across lines and ask questions in person. |
| Capping (Fare Capping) | Automatic ceiling on what you pay in a day or month when using HOLO. Once you hit the cap, further taps are free for that period. | Makes it safe to start with pay‑as‑you‑go since you will not overpay beyond a pass. |
| CountryExpress or Express | Route patterns that make fewer stops and use highways to cover longer distances faster. Names and exact letters vary by schedule updates. | Faster between far‑apart areas. May skip local stops, so check stop list. |
| DTS | Department of Transportation Services for the City and County of Honolulu. Plans and oversees TheBus, Skyline, and TheHandi‑Van. | The agency behind service changes, fares, and policies. |
| Handi‑Van, TheHandi‑Van | Paratransit service for riders who qualify under ADA. Uses reservations and door‑to‑door service. | Separate eligibility and booking, but it is part of the same transit family. |
| Headway | How often a bus or train comes, measured in minutes. Example: every 10 minutes. | Frequent headways mean less waiting and easier transfers. |
| HOLO Card | Contactless smart card for fares on TheBus and Skyline. You can register, reload online or at retail, and use it for capping and transfers. | The one card you need to ride bus and rail across O‘ahu. |
| Inbound / Outbound | Direction naming on timetables. Inbound usually points toward town or a terminus, outbound away from it. | Helps you pick the correct platform or side of the street. |
| Kalihi Transit Center | Operations and maintenance base with platforms for multiple routes, near Dillingham Blvd. | Another strong transfer point on the bus network. |
| Limited‑Stop | Service that only stops at select major stops rather than every stop on the corridor. | Faster travel on busy corridors, but you must be at a listed stop. |
| Monthly Cap | The HOLO total that triggers a free rest of month. Amount varies by rider type. | After you hit the cap, additional rides are no extra cost that month. |
| OTS | O‘ahu Transit Services, Inc. The company that operates TheBus and TheHandi‑Van under contract to the City. | You may see OTS on signs, forms, or websites tied to bus operations. |
| Rail‑bus Transfer | A free connection between Skyline and TheBus when you tap HOLO within the transfer window. | Lets you string a train ride and a bus ride together without extra cost. |
| Register (HOLO) | Putting your card in your name online. Protects value if lost and lets you manage reloads. | Worth doing for visitors on longer stays or anyone reloading value. |
| Route Numbering | Numeric and lettered route IDs shown on the bus headsign and the map. Letters sometimes indicate a variant or an express pattern. | Use the exact route and variant to match the stops you need. |
| Segment 2 (Skyline) | The current rail operating segment serving the west side into the airport area, with an extension toward town as construction advances. | Tells you which stations are open today versus planned. |
| Short‑Turn | A bus that operates only part of a full route during peak demand. | Make sure your bus goes to your stop. Short‑turns may not continue the whole way. |
| Skyline | Honolulu’s rail line. Uses HOLO, level boarding, and island‑style open platforms. | Pairs with TheBus for faster cross‑island trips. |
| Stop ID | A unique number at each bus stop used in apps and on the web. | Enter the Stop ID to see next arrivals faster. |
| Transfer Window | The period after a tap where you can make free connections on HOLO. | Plan your connections to stay within this window and save time and money. |
| Transit Center | A bus and in some cases rail hub with multiple bays, seating, and real‑time information. Examples include Alapa‘i, Kalihi, Waipahu, Kapolei. | Best places to switch routes, get help, or take a break between buses. |
| Waipahu Transit Center | Major west‑side bus hub with routes feeding Skyline. | A key gateway for bus‑to‑rail trips. |
How fares and transfers work in under a minute
- Tap HOLO on the validator when you board. That first tap starts your transfer window.
- Keep tapping for each ride within the window. Your transfers are free while the window is active.
- HOLO automatically caps your spending at the day and month limits for your rider type.
- You can reload value at rail station machines, at participating retailers, or on the official HOLO site.
- ABC Stores carry a convenient Adult Day Pass card. It is not reloadable. If you plan more days, start with a standard HOLO so you can add value.
Quick how‑to: choosing the right tool
- Going far across the island quickly
Pick an Express or Limited‑Stop bus, or pair Skyline plus TheBus for the fastest combo. - Staying within Waikīkī or town
Use local routes with frequent headways and short walks between stops. - Early morning or late evening
Check bus timetables and the Skyline service hours, then plan one transfer less than you think you need.
FAQ
Do TheBus and Skyline share the same fares Yes. They both use HOLO and your taps count toward the same daily and monthly caps.
Is there a paper transfer No. HOLO manages transfers automatically inside the transfer window.
What happens if I lose my HOLO card If you register your card, you can transfer the balance to a replacement. Unregistered cards cannot be recovered.
Can I reload at ABC Stores No. ABC carries a preloaded Adult Day Pass only. For reloads, use other HOLO retailers, rail station machines, or the official site.
Is the rail still expanding Yes. Skyline is opening in segments. Always check the current rider guide for open stations and hours.
Sources
- TheBus System Map and HOLO overview, retail list, and fare capping details
https://www.thebus.org/ride-thebus/timetables-routes-maps/ - HOLO Card official site, visitor info and reload options
https://holocard.net/visitors/ - Skyline service updates and rider guides
https://www.honolulu.gov/dts/skyline/ - TheHandi‑Van rider information
https://www.honolulu.gov/dts/thehandivan/
