You’re on the way to one of the most convenient hotels in Honolulu. Ala Moana Hotel is steps from sand and surf (Ala Moana Beach Park), the world’s largest open-air shopping mall, and is in close proximity to both Waikiki Beach and downtown Honolulu – providing access to all that the south shore of Oahu has to offer. Now that you’re comforted by the fact that you made a great accommodation choice, it’s time to choose your transportation from Honolulu Airport to the hotel. You’ve come to the right place.
How to Get from Honolulu International Airport to Ala Moana Hotel and What Else You Need to Consider Before Arrival
Best Way to Get from HNL to Ala Moana Hotel
To get from the airport to the hotel, you’ll either find yourself on the I-H-1 E through to Exit 23 (and then some) or the I-H-1 E to HI-92 E and on to Atkinson Dr where the hotel stands.
During prime time traffic along either route can be intensive, and after a multi-hour flight we don’t suggest using a car rental from the airport. Getting a vehicle after leaving baggage claim will also eat up valuable island time, and you won’t want to waste an hour or more getting that sorted out. Instead, save the car rental for after you’ve checked into Ala Moana Hotel. There is a Thrifty’s right around the corner, literally 5-minutes from your lobby. Or, if Thrifty’s isn’t your cup of tea, further east (10-15 minute walk) along Ala Moana BLVD you’ll find a car rental collective that includes Alamo, Enterprise, Hertz, Paradise, and National to name the key players. Long story short, by waiting until after you’ve checked into your hotel you will have many more options regarding vehicles, prices, and concessions, so don’t let the HNL car rental monopoly take advantage of your situation.
Given Ala Moana Hotel’s high traffic location, ride share services are readily available, but you need to get from HNL baggage claim to the designated pick-up spot which takes time, even when you know exactly how to get to the Uber/Lyft pickup zone. But the worst part about this option (next to creepy drivers, that is) is the potential cost when you have a party of two or more, and if you have a typical luggage load. When this is the case, you will require an UberXL which greatly inflates the pricing, negating all benefits of ride share services. View more on why you should avoid taking Uber/Lyft from HNL. Like with car rentals, you should save the service for after you’ve made it to your hotel (it makes sense then). What about taxis? Definitely not a wise option and next to TheBus, is the worst alternative.
Ala Moana Hotel does not offer it’s own shuttle service, but they do recommend using a Honolulu airport transfer:
screenshot: alamoanahotelhonolulu.com
The hotel is right, an (our) airport transfer is especially helpful, and then some. And when you factor in the fact that for up to a party of four (luggage included) the flat rate for this direct no-share upscale shuttle is just $30, you’ll find that it doesn’t get any better.
Book your direct flat-rate $30 shuttle from HNL to Ala Moana Hotel
What To Do When Arriving Early
You honestly couldn’t have picked a better hotel when it comes to arriving at HNL early. Typically we give visitors a few insightful tips to killing time after an early arrival, but in this case you’ve made it easy on yourself. Whether you booked with the hotel directly or via Airbnb/VRBO (as it’s a shared hotel/residential property) the front desk will be happy to hold your luggage and things before check-in time. From there, you’ve got some great options. Ala Moana Shopping Center is the world’s largest outdoor mall, and the Hawaiian Island chain’s biggest shopping complex, so you can toil away for hours getting some early gift and souvenir shopping done while grabbing a bite to eat in the expansive food court and numerous cafes within. The upper deck also has some great restaurants, including Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. and a slew of other eateries with pubs should you be in the need of spirits too. However, if the idea of being in a crowded mall after being in a crowded plane and airport doesn’t sound appealing, you’re a 5 minute walk from Ala Moana Beach Park and Magic Island Lagoon.
Have any additional questions? Contact us directly by calling toll-free to 1-800-929-1219, anytime.
~ ALOHA ~