Kapolei, on the western side of Oahu, is fast becoming the island’s hottest new tourist destination. For one, it’s home to world class beachfront resort properties (pictured above) such as Disney Aulani, Four Seasons Resort, and the Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club. It also boasts Wet n’ Wild and a wave of other great amenities, eateries, shopping destinations, and “things to do” that visitors will appreciate.
As the premier direct shuttle service from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport to anywhere on the island, we’re here to share our insight and answer everything you need to know about getting from HNL to this leeward gem.
Tips for Visitors Arriving at Honolulu Airport and Heading to Kapolei Oahu
Take a Direct No-Share Flat-Rate Shuttle
There are many transportation options from HNL to Kapolei, but as with anything, there ups and downs to most of them. Last month, we answered the frequently asked visitor inquiry about the best way to get from HNL to Disney Aulani and within we laid out the top six reasons why a direct, no-share, flat-rate shuttle is the only option. Those same reasons apply to this more broad geographic category:
- Driving a rental car from HNL to Kapolei can place in you a HI-93 W traffic nightmare.
- Shared resort shuttles take too long given that you’re waiting for all resort (Aulani, Four Seasons, and Ko Olina Beach Club) passengers to gather themselves from baggage claim and get dropped off with their respective luggage.
- Traditional taxis are too expensive.
- Ride-hailing service pickup zones (Uber/Lyft) are harder to get too and can be much more expensive.
- TheBus doesn’t go to the Kapolei resorts and comes with its own set of challenges.
- The other options above don’t come with the same amount of ALOHA (lei greetings included).
Book your direct, no-share shuttle from HNL to Kapolei for just a $60 flat rate
Book HNL to Aulani, Four Seasons, or Beach Club for just a $70 flat rate
What to Do if You’re Too Early for Accommodation Check-In
Your flight may have you arriving at HNL hours before your allotted accommodation check-in time, which is commonly 3 PM. Sure, you can leave your bags with the concierge while you hang out around the resort, but given that you’ll be doing plenty of that on your stay why not take advantage of that in-queue time to explore the leeward side?
Kapolei is home to one of the best snorkeling destinations on Oahu at Kahe Point Beach Park, and also launches some great swimming with dolphin excursions (in their natural environment) off of Malakole Harbor, located minutes from your resort (or perhaps your vacation rental). Imagine squeezing in one of those adventures before you’ve officially started your leeward stay?
If beach hangs are your thing, then you can kill time at the nearby White Plains Beach, which is also one of the top surf spots for those of all skill levels in the area. The heart of Kapolei is also just minutes from Ewa Beach, which is a great sandy and saltwater destination frequented by locals and visitors alike.
If you want to keep it close to your accommodations prior to check-in but still want to venture off of the direct property, you can head on over to Ko Olina Center on Olani Street which is within walking distance of the primary hotels. There you’ll find great spots to enjoy coffee (Island Vintage Coffee), grab breakfast (Eggs n’ Things), lunch (Just Tacos Mexican Grille and Cantina), and do some light shopping at stores such as Honolulu Surf Co., Pineapple Boutique, and Things Unique, the latter of which has some fantastic island-made arts, crafts, and authentic souvenirs.
If you have any further questions about transportation from Honolulu Airport to Kapolei, do not hesitate to contact Honolulu Airport Transfer toll-free 1-800-929-1219 or locally at 808-227-1111 at your convenience.
~ ALOHA ~