image: courtesy of Hale Koa Hotel
With the Honolulu Inter-island quarantine now lifted and mainland-international restrictions set to loosen, hotels in the Waikiki area are getting ready to accept visitors. One resort that has been preparing unlike any other is the Hale Koa Hotel. The 72 acre property is one of only four U.S. Armed Forces Recreation Centers in the world, which means it has had to follow a more stringent reopening plan than its resort community counterparts. But as of June 1st (2020) they’re back in business and ready to receive you and your party. How should you get to the iconic hotel? Below is everything you need to know.
Best Flat Rate Direct Shuttle to Hale Koa Hotel from Honolulu International Airport and What Else You Need to Know
Expanded Eligibility to Stay at the Hotel
Even before the global health crisis the Hale Koa Hotel was in the midst of big changes. These were positive changes mind you, with one being expanded eligibility to stay at the hotel. How many more people will now have the opportunity to enjoy this breathtaking property? An estimate 3 million more guests! This is thanks to the Purple Heart and Disabled Veterans Equal Access Act (passed in 2018) which extends a number of recreational privileges to veterans, certain family members, and their caregivers. Interest from eligible guests has peaked even further after the hotel recently completed a behemoth $100 million-plus renovation, which includes the 8,000 square foot (up from around 4,000 sq ft) swimming pool / waterpark. Once the dust (currently accepting 50% capacity) of 2020 settles the hotel will experience the greatest wave of visitors it has every seen. Of course, that can make getting here from HNL more challenging, which leads us to the next point.
Best Way to Get to Hale Koa Hotel from HNL
The hotel does not operate it’s own dedicated shuttle service. There are technically shared van services that you can arrange from the airport, but this is no longer a reasonable option, especially for military personnel. Given the demand for social distancing, you should not be traveling to this U.S. Armed Forces recreation center with anyone but those in your own direct party.
With shared shuttle services removed from the equation, you may have considered Uber or Lyft. This may be a great way to get around the island once you’ve already arrived, but ride-shares are not recommended for HNL arrivals. While security may not be as tight as it is for Schofield Barracks or Bellows Air Force Station, it’s somewhat frowned upon to pull up to the gate-check in a vehicle with a non-commercially permitted driver.
What about renting a car from HNL? This is also a great option for getting around the island after you’ve checked-in, but it’s not suggested as an option from the airport. Wait-times for car rentals from HNL have nearly doubled with the increased health and safety measures that have been instituted by the airport authority and individual rental agencies themselves. Wait to rent a vehicle until a day or two after you’ve checked-in.
All that remains at this point is the best and only real option to get from HNL to Hale Koa Hotel – a direct, flat-rate, no-share shuttle service. Honolulu Airport Transfer is a commercially-permitted HNL transportation service provider that has years of experience in driving military personnel and their respective parties from (and to) the airport. Our new and spacious (Toyota Sienna minivans) is sanitized after each and every pick-up/drop-off and we will get you to Hale Koa Hotel in the most efficient manner possible. For the most affordable flat rate around, we will meet you and your party right outside of HNL baggage claim, place fresh leis around your necks (if desired), load up your luggage, and usher you in clean and air-conditioned comfort to your chosen property.
Book your flat rate direct shuttle from HNL to Hale Koa Hotel – just $35
Remember to give us 24-hours notice and we’ll pick you and your party up from the airport and take you directly to the Hale Koa Hotel in Waikiki. Call us at 1.800.929.1219 or complete the form found here.
~ ALOHA ~