Bus Route No. 42

$3 gets you from HNL to Waikiki on one seat

Bus Route No. 42 runs from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport to Waikiki and Downtown for $3, with a typical run taking 60–80 minutes. It feels like a slow city tour: lots of stops, traffic lights, and neighborhood views, especially as you pass Ala Moana and into Waikiki. Service from the airport is limited at night, with buses coming only after about 10:30 p.m., so this is a niche option, not an all-day workhorse.

The 42 stops on the far side of the road outside Terminals 1 and 2, not at the main commercial pickup lanes, so build in 5–10 extra minutes to cross the street and find the correct stop. Riders on r/Honolulu say first-timers with rolling bags often get turned around because both directions of Route 42 can stop in roughly the same area. Double-check the headsign for “Waikiki” or “Makiki” and confirm with the driver before tapping your fare.

Expect 60 minutes in light traffic and closer to 80 minutes or more in late afternoon or evening, especially near Ala Moana Center and the Kalakaua corridor. Locals on Reddit describe rush-hour rides as “glacial” thanks to frequent red lights and nearly every stop getting used. If your time is tight or you land at 4–6 p.m., a taxi or rideshare at $35–$45 might be worth the premium over the $3 bus fare.

Buses on Route 42 do not have luggage racks, so your suitcase lives on your lap or between your legs; drivers may refuse oversized bags that block the aisle under TheBus rules. Regulars recommend boarding at the airport stop as early as you can so you get a seat before the bus hits the denser stops closer to town. A local on r/Honolulu also notes that if you’re staying near Ala Moana or western Waikiki, Route 20 from HNL can be a bit more direct at some times of day.

Step-by-step: HNL to Waikiki on Bus Route 42

• 1. After exiting baggage claim in Terminal 1, 2, or 3, walk toward the main roadway and cross to the mauka (mountain) side where city buses stop.
• 2. Look for the stop signed for Route 42 heading toward Waikiki/Downtown; avoid boarding the bus in the opposite direction by checking the digital sign and asking the driver “Waikiki?”
• 3. Have $3 in exact cash or an activated HOLO card ready; tap or pay as you board through the front door around the airport stop.
• 4. Grab a seat near the middle of the bus, keep bags off the aisle, and expect a 60–80 minute ride passing Downtown Honolulu, Ala Moana Center, and then into Waikiki.
• 5. Use a maps app or thebus.org trip planner to track stops and ring the bell 1 stop before your hotel; many visitors get off near Kuhio Avenue or Kalakaua Avenue for central Waikiki hotels.

One last tip: if your flight lands before 10:30 p.m., check real-time schedules; if there’s a long gap before the next 42, it may be faster to grab Route 20 or a shared shuttle instead of waiting curbside.