Waikiki visitors just got a faster, cheaper way to reach their hotels from Honolulu’s airport, but only if they travel light. The new W Line launched this morning with fewer stops, extended hours past midnight, and a $3 fare, offering big savings over rideshare. The route cuts 15 to 20 minutes off the old bus connection and runs about every 15 minutes during the day, with late evening trips every 30 minutes. That is the win, and it is immediate.
The catch is baggage size, not price.
TheBus now explicitly allows one full-sized airline carry-on per person, up to 22 x 14 x 9 inches. Standard airline rollers fit. Typical checked suitcases do not.
Bags may not block aisles or occupy seats, and drivers can refuse boarding if an item exceeds limits or creates an obstruction. If you packed big, nothing changed today, and you should plan on a different airport transfer.
What changed today.
Before October 16, Route 20 made many stops, took roughly 50 to 60 minutes, and ended service near 11 p.m., which pushed many visitors to rideshare. Starting today, the W Line makes limited stops, completes the trip in about 40 minutes, and runs until approximately 1:30 a.m. from the airport, with the last trip from Waikiki around 12:30 a.m.
Who wins with the W Line.
Solo travelers and couples who pack light come out ahead because they can ride for a fraction of the cost and still arrive in a reasonable time. Late arrivals benefit from service running until about 1:30 a.m. from the airport, which is a real improvement over the old pattern that left a gap after midnight. Budget-conscious visitors save money while airport workers gain predictable schedules with clear frequency, and that combination should build steady ridership.
Who loses and why.
Families arriving with multiple checked bags or bulky strollers will find the size rule disqualifying, and the stroller rule requires folding and holding children while on board, which can be tough during busy times. Groups that need door-to-door service will stick with rideshare. So will visitors staying far from the limited stops.
The cost of ridesharing can vary depending on the time of day. We found a $30 Uber ride available today at 8:00 am, although $40 or more is average.
The Martinez family from Phoenix put it simply after reading the policy: “Three checked bags, two car seats, four people. TheBus was never an option for us, and we are glad we knew before we landed.”
Multiple Waikiki stops planned.
Confirm your exact hotel against the W Line’s route map before you arrive. Stops are at both ends of Waikiki and the central area, where most hotels are located.
- Ala Moana Blvd stops are opposite South Street, Ward Village, Ala Moana Center, and Kahanamoku Street.
- Kuhio Avenue is at Dukes Lane and Ohua Avenue.
- Kapahulu Avenue is at Cartwright Road, which is opposite the Honolulu Zoo.
How to ride the W Line.
The fare is $3 one way, or use a HOLO card for automatic caps with a $7.50 daily maximum. Service runs about every 15 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes late evening, with published first and last trips in both directions that cover early flights and late arrivals.
At Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, follow ground transportation signs to TheBus area on the second level roadway and look for W Line markers, then confirm the nearest stop in Waikiki relative to your hotel so you can plan the shortest walk.
Cost comparison for two people round trip.
W Line costs $12 total for two people on two rides each, and that holds whether your trip is tonight or next week. Rideshare typically varies round-trip depending on surge, while a metered taxi can be $40 or more without tip. We found private shuttles to Waikiki for $73 each way, and rental cars add daily rates plus parking, which can be $30 to $40 per night at Waikiki hotels. For carry-on travelers staying a week, the savings add up quickly and can easily pay for a dinner or two.
What could go wrong.
Enforcement consistency matters. The 22 x 14 x 9 luggage rule needs to be applied consistently across all shifts, or confusion will follow and trust will erode.
Peak-hour frequency must hold during the morning arrivals from roughly 6 to 9 a.m. and the late afternoon push from 3 to 7 p.m. when visitor volume peaks.
Bottom line.
If you travel to Waikiki with a full-sized airline carry-on, can walk a couple of blocks to a limited stop, and want to save on rideshare costs, this is the best airport connection Honolulu has offered so far. It is fast, inexpensive, predictable, and it runs late enough to cover many late-night arrivals without forcing an expensive ride.
If you bring checked luggage, travel with young children and gear, or need door-to-door service, the W Line changes nothing for you, and a rideshare, taxi, or hotel shuttle remains the better choice.
Honolulu did not deliver a train from the airport to Waikiki, but it did provide a faster bus with a strict size bag limit that works exceptionally well for one type of traveler. Know which type you are before your plane touches down at Honolulu airport.
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Not a good deal as not enough stops in Waikiki to offset the 20 min time savings. I always travel with carryon but would spend 20 min traveling inconveniently thru Waikiki dragging my luggage.
The new w bus is a great idea. Economical transportation for many people. Less stops faster routes. Sounds like a plan. Winner all around.
Can’t really find any downside, the slow bus is still an option. People bring too much stuff anyway this is a good push to pack lite!
This is a welcomed perk for light travelers, especially when not renting a car, which saves exorbitant parking fees , very small and narrow stalls, and not enough parking areas.
Unfortunately it’s the Only reasonably priced perk in Honolulu.
One 22inx14inx9in …
How about the shoulder bag hand bag or small back pack
Are they also permitted ?
re: New W Line
Your article left out a major disadvantage of the new W Line. It does NOT service the airport terminals. Rather, it terminates at the Lagoon Drive Skyline station, requiring riders to exit the bus, ride an escalator or elevator (lift) up to track level, and then swipe a HoLo card for entry to the rail platform area. So, if you pay a $3 cash fare when boarding the bus in Waikiki, you still need to buy a HoLo card at the station. Once Skyline rail service shuts down for the night, late night Route 42 buses – which normally bypass the airport – will make stops at the two airport terminal bus stops, similar to how Route 20 used to operate.
Hi Don, that’s not correct. The W line goes to the Airport. This is clear on the route map.
The reply is incorrect. The W line does not go to the terminal stations. It services the rail station and it is a hike to T1. Then anther hike to T2. That with the poor planning for a standard size suitcase means it’s worthless for most travelers.