--- title: "15 Bus Stops Worth Getting Off for on Oahu" url: "https://replicatethemagic.com/travel/15-bus-stops-worth-getting-off-for-on-oahu/" lang: "en" type: "post" description: "No car, no problem. This curated list points you to 15 easy, high‑value stops on O‘ahu using TheBus and Skyline connections. Each entry explains why to hop off, which routes help most, and links to official pages so you can verify hours and rules. Pair this with your HOLO day cap, HEA live arrivals, and the new W Line Airport–Waikiki Zoom bus to cover a lot without rushing." last_modified: "2026-05-22T05:21:08+00:00" categories: [Travel] tags: [Best, Bus, Checklist, Guide, Magic, Oahu, Replicate, Stops, The] custom_fields: mvp_post_template: "global" mvp_featured_image: "show" mvp_post_gallery: "hide" post_views_count: 30 --- # 15 Bus Stops Worth Getting Off for on Oahu ## Key takeaways - These 15 stops combine easy transfers, big sights, and food finds without a car. - Use your **HOLO day cap** and check real time arrivals on **HEA** before you move to the next stop. - Airport to Waikiki now has the new **W Line** Zoom bus linking the **Lelepaua Airport Skyline Station** with Downtown, Ala Moana, and Waikiki. - Pair this list with our pillar guide, HOLO how to, and Airport to Waikiki comparison for the smoothest day. **Quick interlinks:** [Pillar: O‘ahu by Bus](https://replicatethemagic.com/travel-guides/oahu/oahu-by-bus-2025-guide-routes-times-holo-tips/) • [HOLO Card for Visitors](https://replicatethemagic.com/travel-guides/oahu/holo-card-for-visitors-where-to-buy-how-to-top-up/) • [Airport to Waikiki… bus vs rideshare](https://replicatethemagic.com/travel-guides/oahu/honolulu-airport-to-waikiki-bus-vs-rideshare/) > **Niko’s Note 🐾** Screenshot your route page before you go underground in malls or museums so you can keep moving even if service blips. --- ## How we picked these stops We focused on places that are simple to reach on **TheBus** using all‑day routes with frequent service, plus a few scenic one‑seat rides. Each listing includes a short “why,” the useful routes, and an official link so you can verify hours or any special rules. Use **HEA live arrivals** at **[hea.thebus.org](http://hea.thebus.org/)** and the system map **[PDF](https://www.thebus.org/SystemMap/SystemMap20240814.pdf)** to plan connections. For route pages and timetables, start at **[Routes and Timetables](https://www.thebus.org/route/routes.asp)**. --- ## The list ### 1) Ala Moana Center — Kona Street bus bays **Why get off:** Biggest transfer hub on the island with food courts, restrooms, and shade. Perfect reset point between town, Windward, and North Shore routes. **Useful routes:** Many, including 2, 8, 13, 42, 60, 67 and more. See the official **[System Map](https://www.thebus.org/SystemMap/SystemMap20240814.pdf)** and **[Routes and Timetables](https://www.thebus.org/route/routes.asp)**. **Tip:** Use Kona Street side for most intercity departures. ### 2) Kapi‘olani Park and Honolulu Zoo **Why get off:** Green space, shade, and quick access to the **Honolulu Zoo** and Waikiki shoreline. **Useful routes:** From Waikiki, board on Kalākaua, Monsarrat, or Kuhio. Visitor guide lists options on **[this page](https://www.thebus.org/Updates/VisitorGuide.asp)**. **Plan your visit:** **[Honolulu Zoo](https://honoluluzoo.org/)**. ### 3) Chinatown and Arts District — Hotel Street mall **Why get off:** Markets, lei stands, galleries, and historic architecture. **Useful routes:** Multiple lines serve Hotel Street. See **[TheBus Visitor Guide](https://www.thebus.org/Updates/VisitorGuide.asp)** for where to board in Waikiki and which lines run Downtown. **Nearby:** Aloha Tower and HPU at **[Aloha Tower Marketplace](https://hawaiipacific.edu/aloha-tower-marketplace.html)**. ### 4) ‘Iolani Palace and Capitol District **Why get off:** Hawaii’s royal palace, Kamehameha statue, State Capitol, and mission houses in one compact walk. **Useful routes:** 2, 2L, 13, 20, 42, E reach this district from Waikiki per **[Visitor Guide](https://www.thebus.org/Updates/VisitorGuide.asp)**. **Plan your visit:** **[‘Iolani Palace official directions](https://www.iolanipalace.org/visit/location-directions-parking/)**. ### 5) Honolulu Museum of Art (HoMA) **Why get off:** A world class collection, cool courtyards, and a great café. **Useful routes:** Route 2 along South Beretania and King. See **[Visitor Guide](https://www.thebus.org/Updates/VisitorGuide.asp)** and **[Moovit stop details](https://moovitapp.com/index/en/public_transit-Honolulu_Museum_of_Art-Honolulu_HI-site_18559916-1144)**. **Plan your visit:** **[HoMA hours and info](https://honolulumuseum.org/visit-homa-ntwf)**. ### 6) Bishop Museum — Kalihi **Why get off:** Deep dive into Hawai‘i science and culture exhibits. **Useful routes:** Route 2 from Waikiki per **[Visitor Guide](https://www.thebus.org/Updates/VisitorGuide.asp)**. **Plan your visit:** **[Bishop Museum](https://www.bishopmuseum.org/)**. ### 7) Pearl Harbor Visitor Center — Arizona Memorial **Why get off:** One of the most important places on O‘ahu. Visitor center, USS Arizona Memorial programs, and other historic sites. **Useful routes:** Route **20** and **42** serve the area, with 20 trips entering the Arizona Memorial lot except certain holidays per the **[Route 20 timetable PDF](https://www.thebus.org/Route/timetables/rt20.pdf)**. **Plan your visit:** **[NPS Pearl Harbor info](https://www.nps.gov/valr/planyourvisit/index.htm)** and **[Historic Sites overview](https://www.pearlharborhistoricsites.org/)**. ### 8) Lelepaua Airport Skyline Station — W Line Airport to Waikiki **Why get off:** Fast Zoom bus to Downtown, Ala Moana, and Waikiki with an easy transfer to **Skyline** for points west. **Useful routes:** **W Line Airport–Waikiki** replaces Route 20. See **[Routes and Timetables notice](https://www.thebus.org/route/routes.asp)** and **[HNL Airport “The Bus and Skyline” page](https://airports.hawaii.gov/hnl/the-bus-and-skyline/)** for span and headways. **Tip:** If you arrive late, Route **42** also serves the airport at night per the airport page above. ### 9) Koko Marina Center — Koko Head area **Why get off:** Snacks and restrooms before tackling **Koko Head Crater Stairs** or the coast walk. **Useful routes:** **23** and **1L** stop within a short walk. See **[Moovit Koko Head info](https://moovitapp.com/index/en/public_transit-Koko_Head_Crater_Trail-Honolulu_HI-site_18562655-1144)**. **Note:** Expect a 10 to 20 minute walk from the nearest stops to the trailhead. ### 10) Sea Life Park — Makapu‘u coastline **Why get off:** Coastal views toward Rabbit Island and a short walk or rideshare to the **Makapu‘u Lighthouse Trail** trailhead. **Useful routes:** **23 Waikiki–Sea Life Park** per **[Route 23 timetable and map](https://www.thebus.org/Route/Maps/rm22-23.pdf)**. **Plan your visit:** **[Sea Life Park tickets and hours](https://www.sealifeparkhawaii.com/buy-tickets/day-tickets)**. ### 11) Kapi‘olani Community College — Diamond Head side **Why get off:** **KCC Farmers’ Market** on select mornings and access to the outside of **Diamond Head State Monument** area. **Useful routes:** **2** and **200** serve this side of the park per **[Visitor Guide](https://www.thebus.org/Updates/VisitorGuide.asp)**. **Tip:** The crater interior has limited access. Check **[Hawai‘i State Parks](https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/oahu/diamond-head-state-monument/)** for rules and hours. ### 12) Kailua Town — Gateway to Kailua Beach **Why get off:** Stock up in town, then take a short shuttle or walk to the beach. **Useful routes:** **67 Honolulu–Kailua–Waimānalo** per **[Route 67 timetable](https://www.thebus.org/route/Timetables/Rt67.pdf)**. Local shuttle **671 Kailua–Lanikai** per **[Route 671 page](https://www.thebus.org/Route/HTMLversion/Rt671_new.htm)**. **Beach stop reference:** **[Moovit Kailua Beach Park page](https://moovitapp.com/index/en/public_transit-Kailua_Beach_Park-Honolulu_HI-site_9239330-1144)**. ### 13) Byodo‑In Temple — Valley of the Temples **Why get off:** Serene gardens and a scale replica of Japan’s Byodo‑In. **Useful routes:** Route **65** from Windward Mall toward Kaneohe, then a 15 to 20 minute walk to the temple grounds per **[TheBus Visitor Guide](https://www.thebus.org/Updates/VisitorGuide.asp)** and the **[Route 65 PDF](https://www.thebus.org/Route/Timetables/Rt65.pdf)**. **Plan your visit:** **[Byodo‑In Temple](https://byodo-in.com/)**. ### 14) Hale‘iwa Town — Weed Circle **Why get off:** Food trucks, surf shops, and the gateway to North Shore beaches. **Useful routes:** **60 Honolulu–Kaneohe–Hale‘iwa** per **[Route 60 timetable](https://thebus.org/Route/TimeTables/Rt60.pdf)** and **[Moovit route view](https://moovitapp.com/index/en/public_transit-line-60-Honolulu_HI-1144-10747-3327351-1)**. **Live arrivals:** Check the **[HEA stop for Weed Circle area](https://hea.thebus.org/nextbus.asp?s=2561)**. ### 15) Waimea Bay Beach Park **Why get off:** One of O‘ahu’s iconic beaches with winter surf and summer swim days. **Useful routes:** **60** and **88A** stop nearby at Kamehameha Hwy and Waimea Valley Road per **[Moovit stop details](https://moovitapp.com/index/en/public_transit-Waimea_Bay_Beach_Park_Waimea_Bay_Hawaii-Honolulu_HI-site_66712913-1144)**. **Know before you go:** Facilities and crowding change with surf conditions. Use lifeguarded areas when posted. --- ## Bonus: Kualoa Regional Park for Kualoa Ranch If you are booked for a Kualoa Ranch tour, the most affordable public option is Route **60** along Kamehameha Highway. Get off at **Kualoa Regional Park** and walk across to the ranch entrance. **Official directions:** **[Kualoa Ranch “Contact and Directions”](https://www.kualoa.com/contact-and-direction)**. **Live arrivals near the park:** **[HEA stop 2457](https://hea.thebus.org/nextbus.asp?s=2457)**. **Route reference:** **[Route 60 PDF](https://www.thebus.org/route/Timetables/Rt60.pdf)** and **[Visitor Guide note](https://www.thebus.org/Updates/VisitorGuide.asp)**. > **Niko’s Note:** North Shore rides are long. Bring water, sun protection, and a snack. Use the day cap on HOLO to hop off without stressing the budget. --- ## Tools you will use during the day - **HEA real time arrivals:** **[hea.thebus.org](http://hea.thebus.org/)** - **Routes and Timetables index:** **[thebus.org/route/routes.asp](https://www.thebus.org/route/routes.asp)** - **System map PDF:** **[SystemMap20240814.pdf](https://www.thebus.org/SystemMap/SystemMap20240814.pdf)** - **Airport W Line info and late night 42:** **[HNL Airport page](https://airports.hawaii.gov/hnl/the-bus-and-skyline/)** --- ## Interlinks to keep readers moving - Hub: [O‘ahu Hub](https://replicatethemagic.com/travel-guides/oahu/) - Pillar: [O‘ahu by Bus 2025 Guide… routes, times, HOLO tips](https://replicatethemagic.com/travel-guides/oahu/oahu-by-bus-2025-guide-routes-times-holo-tips/) - Related: [HOLO Card for Visitors… where to buy, how to top up](https://replicatethemagic.com/travel-guides/oahu/holo-card-for-visitors-where-to-buy-how-to-top-up/) - Related: [Honolulu Airport to Waikiki… bus vs rideshare](https://replicatethemagic.com/travel-guides/oahu/honolulu-airport-to-waikiki-bus-vs-rideshare/) - Related: [North Shore by Bus… realistic day plan](https://replicatethemagic.com/travel-guides/oahu/north-shore-by-bus-realistic-day-plan/) --- ## FAQ **Do I need reservations for Pearl Harbor?** Yes. USS Arizona Memorial programs are free but require a timed reservation through **[recreation.gov linked via NPS](https://www.nps.gov/valr/uss-arizona-memorial-programs.htm)**. **Is there a direct bus to Diamond Head crater interior?** No. Use stops around Kapi‘olani Park or KCC and walk. Check **[Hawai‘i State Parks](https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/oahu/diamond-head-state-monument/)** for current access instructions. **What is the current Waikiki to Airport bus?** The **W Line Airport–Waikiki** Zoom bus replaced Route 20 in October 2025. See the official **[Routes and Timetables notice](https://www.thebus.org/route/routes.asp)** and the airport’s **[The Bus and Skyline page](https://airports.hawaii.gov/hnl/the-bus-and-skyline/)**. **Can I reach Kailua Beach without a car?** Yes. Take **67** to Kailua Town, then transfer to **671** for Lanikai and the beach area per the **[671 route page](https://www.thebus.org/Route/HTMLversion/Rt671_new.htm)** and **[Moovit beach page](https://moovitapp.com/index/en/public_transit-Kailua_Beach_Park-Honolulu_HI-site_9239330-1144)**. --- ## Sources and official references - TheBus **[Routes and Timetables index](https://www.thebus.org/route/routes.asp)** and **[System Map PDF](https://www.thebus.org/SystemMap/SystemMap20240814.pdf)** - HNL Airport **[The Bus and Skyline](https://airports.hawaii.gov/hnl/the-bus-and-skyline/)** - TheBus route PDFs: **[20 Waikiki–Aloha Stadium](https://www.thebus.org/Route/timetables/rt20.pdf)**, **[23 East O‘ahu](https://www.thebus.org/Route/Maps/rm22-23.pdf)**, **[60 Honolulu–Kaneohe–Hale‘iwa](https://thebus.org/Route/TimeTables/Rt60.pdf)**, **[65 Waimanalo–Kaneohe](https://www.thebus.org/Route/Timetables/Rt65.pdf)**, **[67 Honolulu–Kailua–Waimānalo](https://www.thebus.org/route/Timetables/Rt67.pdf)**, **[671 Kailua–Lanikai](https://www.thebus.org/Route/HTMLversion/Rt671_new.htm)** - Visitor attractions: **[‘Iolani Palace](https://www.iolanipalace.org/visit/location-directions-parking/)**, **[Honolulu Museum of Art](https://honolulumuseum.org/visit-homa-ntwf)**, **[Bishop Museum](https://www.bishopmuseum.org/)**, **[Sea Life Park](https://www.sealifeparkhawaii.com/)**, **[NPS Pearl Harbor](https://www.nps.gov/valr/planyourvisit/index.htm)** - Live arrivals: **[HEA website](http://hea.thebus.org/)**