Key Takeaways
- Pack small and keep aisles clear. TheBus and Skyline have specific luggage limits and storage rules. Review them before riding.
- Food and open drinks are not allowed. Use tightly closed containers only.
- Double check direction. Many visitor detours happen by boarding the correct route on the wrong side of the street.
- Strollers must be folded when the coach is busy. Priority seating is for riders who need it.
- Use headphones for audio and keep phone volumes low.
Niko’s Note 🐾 Screenshot your route and last return times while on Wi‑Fi… and keep your HOLO Card in a tiny zip pouch so you always tap first time.
Pitfall 1… Bringing too much luggage on board
What happens Big bags block aisles or take extra seats, which is not allowed. All bags must be able to be placed under the feet or on the lap without protruding into the aisle. No bag may be larger than 22″x14″x9″. Do not block aisles or use extra seats. Read the City’s Skyline baggage rules and TheBus Baggage Rules for details.
Learn more: Skyline rules, baggage section · TheBus Rules and Baggage
Photo callout: Suitcase between feet on Skyline… aisle clear… seat available to others.
Pitfall 2… Expecting to eat or drink on board
What happens A quick snack or open coffee seems harmless until a stop and spill.
Fix Eating and drinking are prohibited unless your drink is in a tightly closed container. That is City ordinance and applies to TheBus and Skyline.
Learn more: TheBus Rules… Food and Drink is Prohibited · Skyline rules… Open food and drink are prohibited
Photo callout: Closed bottle in side pocket vs open cup… which one is OK.
Pitfall 3… Not folding the stroller or managing beach gear
What happens A stroller or sandy gear takes space and slows boarding.
Fix Collapsible strollers must be folded and children removed when the coach is full. Sandy items must be cleaned. TheBus lists accepted beach gear and sizes… like soft boogie boards without fins up to 48 inches when clean.
Learn more: TheBus Rules… list of accepted items and sizes
Photo callout: Folded stroller in front area… child seated next to adult.
Pitfall 4… Boarding with bikes or boards the wrong way
What happens Bikes inside buses or loose boards create conflicts and safety hazards.
Fix Use the front bike rack. Regular bikes and many e‑bikes with sealed batteries are allowed if they fit the rack. Foldable bikes can ride inside only if they fit on your lap or under a seat without affecting others.
Learn more: How to Use the Bike Rack (PDF) · State overview: Bikes on Buses… Bike O‘ahu
Photo callout: Step by step sequence using the rack.
Pitfall 5… Missing the stop or boarding the wrong direction
What happens You ride 20 extra minutes because you boarded the right route going the opposite way.
Fix Check the destination sign and the stop location on your map. If the route looks like a U‑turn, cross the street and catch the other side. Use our glossary for stop naming conventions so labels make sense.
Learn more: O‘ahu Transit Glossary · System tools: TheBus Routes and Timetables
Photo callout: Two stops across a boulevard with arrows showing the correct side.
Pitfall 6… Not honoring courtesy seating and ADA spaces
What happens You sit up front with luggage and a rider who needs the space has nowhere to go.
Fix The front seats are courtesy seating for older adults and riders with disabilities. Move back and keep mobility areas clear.
Learn more: TheBus Rules… honor courtesy seating · Skyline Accessibility Guide
Pitfall 7… Loud audio, speakerphone calls, or blocking aisles
What happens The ride becomes stressful for everyone around you.
Fix Use headphones, keep phone on vibrate, stand behind the safety line, and move to the rear when standing.
Learn more: TheBus Rules… audio devices and safety tips · Skyline rider tips
Pitfall 8… Arguing with operators or forcing doors
What happens Tempers flare or someone tries to hold doors, which is unsafe.
Fix Follow operator instructions. Do not interfere with the operator. It is against the law to block or threaten transit staff.
Learn more: TheBus Rules… interference with the operator · Skyline safety page
Quick Etiquette Checklist
- Be at the curb and signal clearly as your bus approaches.
- Board at the front, exit at the rear when possible.
- Keep sand and water off seats. Shake out towels before boarding.
- Offer your seat to someone who needs it.
- Keep aisles and doorways clear.
- Use headphones and speak quietly.
- Tap with HOLO as soon as you board or enter rail faregates.
Niko’s Note 🐾 If you are lost… ask the operator before you pay. They often steer you to the right stop or transfer.
Keep Planning
- Pillar: O‘ahu by Bus 2025 Guide
- Airport transfers: Honolulu Airport to Waikiki… Bus vs Rideshare
- Get a HOLO Card: HOLO Card for Visitors… Where to Buy, How to Top Up
- Glossary: O‘ahu Transit Glossary… HOLO, OTS, Routes
FAQ
Can I bring food on board if it is sealed Yes if it is tightly closed to prevent spills. Eating on board is not allowed.
Can I bring a surfboard Soft boogie boards up to 48 inches without fins are listed as allowed when clean. Full length surfboards are not allowed. Verify details in the baggage rules.
Can my child stay seated in a stroller Strollers should be folded, with children removed when the bus is full or when the driver requests it.
Can I bring my bike inside the bus Regular bikes go on the front rack. Foldable bikes may ride inside only if they fit on your lap or under a seat without affecting others.
Why did the driver pass my stop You must be visible and step up to the curb to be picked up. At night, wear light colors and stand near the pole.
Sources
- TheBus… Rules, Regulations and Rider Tips with baggage list, food and drink, courtesy seating, and safety: thebus.org/howtoride/RulesReg.asp
- Skyline… Rules, Regulations and Rider Tips with luggage rules that also apply to TheBus: honolulu.gov/dts/skyline/rules-regulations-and-rider-tips
- TheBus… How to Use the Bike Rack (PDF): thebus.org/howtoride/How%20to%20Use%20the%20Bike%20Rack.pdf
- TheBus… Routes and Timetables and system tools: thebus.org/route/routes.asp
