image: courtesy of Sheraton Waikiki Resort
One of the top hotels/resorts on Oahu is the renowned Sheraton Waikiki. Known for an infinity pool that seemingly spills into the pacific ocean that fronts the establishment, guests are transported into a tropical oasis upon arrival. However, before that happens, you want to know what form of transportation should be taken from Honolulu Airport to make sure your vacation starts off right. Today, we will take a look at your options along with other things you need to consider before heading to this hotel from HNL.
2 Things You Need to Know About Getting from Honolulu International Airport to Sheraton Waikiki Resort
1. Your Transportation Options
Full disclosure, there is what is known as the SPG Resorts Shuttle (upon request) from HNL to the hotel. However, this shared shuttle services all four SPG Waikiki hotels, including the Royal Hawaiian, the Moana Surfrider, the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani Hotel, and your destination, the Sheraton Waikiki Resort. The keyword above, is “shared”. Yes, if using this option, you will have to gather at baggage claim with all other passengers that have pre-booked this shuttle service. Given that the four hotels are among the most popular in Waikiki, you can only imagine how crowded the shared shuttle will get, that is, once all other arriving guests find their bags, hit the bathroom, and board the vehicle. If this were a free service, such an experience might be bearable, but it’s not. It’s (at press) $16 USD per person. If you have a party of two, it’s $32, and proportionately greater (# x $16) with each person in your party. Once you hit the two person or more mark, it’s best to skip the whole shared shuttle concept. It’s simply not worth it, especially when our direct, no-share/flat rate shuttle is just $35 for an entire party of four!
Book Your Direct Flat Rate HNL Shuttle to Sheraton Waikiki – Just $35
What about the other options? The Sheraton Waikiki website itself informs guests that they’re looking at a $50 taxi ride from the airport, so that clearly makes no sense when compared to the $35 flat rate for a more comfortable experience. They also reference a car rental, but honestly that makes more sense for after you’ve arrived at the hotel and are ready for adventure in the days ahead. There is an Avis right there at the hotel. After arriving, you won’t want to deal with finding a rental from the airport, then hitting high-traffic I-H-1 E on your own, especially if you haven’t done the drive before. It’s also a bit confusing when you get into Waikiki. While the Sheraton Waikiki has a 2255 Kalakaua Ave address, you can’t pull right up like you would with the Moana Surfrider or other Kalakaua Avenue hotels. That’s because you have to time your Waikiki arrival (via McCully Street) just right, as you turn left onto Ala Moana Blvd/Kalakaua Ave, then use the 2nd from the right lane to turn right onto Royal Hawaiian Avenue (where it really is) before taking a slight right into the Sheraton. Yeah, it’s a little tricky for newcomers.
What about ride share? You’ll find that the Sheraton Waikiki property website doesn’t reference Uber/Lyft as an option, and for darn good reason.
Book Your Direct Flat Rate HNL Shuttle to Sheraton Waikiki – Just $35
2. What to Do if You Arrive Early
OK, so you’ve decided that a flat rate, direct shuttle is your best option for getting from Honolulu Airport to Sheraton Waikiki. Great. But now you’re wondering about what to do if you arrive at HNL early. After all you can’t check into the hotel until 3 PM, barring an early room vacancy. Should you kick around the airport longer than expected? No need.
Sheraton Waikiki has one of the most “early arrival friendly” lobbies in Waikiki. For one, the expansive property welcomes you to browse the numerous boutique shops and galleries. And if you arrive at the right time you can hop right into Ukulele Puapua which offers FREE ukulele lessons every day. Granted, they are at 4 PM and you’ll be checked in by 3 PM, but still it’s a great place to browse beforehand. You and your party can also hang out at on-site Kai Market, which is found along the interior edge of the aforementioned infinity pool, or grab a slice at Hapa’s Pizza, or enjoy some Kona coffee at Honolulu Coffee Co., the latest Sheraton Waikiki poolside cafe (formerly Peet’s). There are also pool tables available for guests to enjoy and enough resort sites to see to occupy everyone on your property.
So go ahead, and book your shuttle for soon after your expected flight arrival time and we’ll whisk you away to this wonderful Waikiki Beach property. Call toll-free 1-800-929-1219.