Taking Public Transit in Honolulu (hotel, shopping center, bus)

[f1000]

Staying at the Marriott Waikiki and have a day to explore.

By public transit, is it easy to take from where the hotel is, to the Chinatown. Is Chinatown next to, or part of, Downtown? Does this route also go near the main malls in the city?

thanks

[Jonny08]

It's fairly easy. Here's the bus site with the routes and timetables TheBus - Routes & Timetables

You can take bus route 19 and 20 to Ala Moana Center-the biggest shopping center in Hawaii, and to Chinatown, which is right next to downtown. Route 8 also goes to Ala Moana Center. There are also a lot of shopping areas in Waikiki within walking distance. There are other malls like Pearlridge and Kahala, but I wouldn't bother if I only had one day.

[PaliPatty]

The mobile app:

dabus, Official Web Site for The City and County of Honolulu

And the website:

TheBus

Plug in your starting point and destination point.

[ScottStielow]

Years ago. When i was in the Navy. I use to catch the #20 bus to Waikiki beach outside Pearl Harbor and the bus went through China Town on the way to Waikiki. On the way back to the base I Caught the #20 bus on Kuhio Street back through China Town. Verify at the hotel, they should be able to give you more bus options if you need it.
Enjoy your short stay in Waikiki.
Scott

[Dthraco]

Ala Moana mall is walking distance from the Mariott. It's a very nice outdoor style mall.

If I only had a day, and I wanted it to be a full one, I would:
Get up early, 6am, walk over to Diamond Head, and hike up it (3-4 mi from Mariott)
Go to the Zoo and eat lunch there.
Walk the Waikiki strip westbound and keep ongoing to Ala Moana Mall.
Eat Dinner at the mall and walk back to the Mariott. (to pass out)

[whtviper1]

Originally Posted by Dthraco

Ala Moana mall is walking distance from the Mariott.

That is a hike for most people and you'd likely be a sweaty mess.

[Dthraco]

Good point. People not used to the climate would definitely be schwetting a bit.

My recommendation is about 15 miles or so at the end of the day. But there are bus lines that go those directions too.

[honobob]

Friday & Saturday big celebrations in Chinatown. Saturdays events from 9am-11pm and expecting 15, 000 plus. Pro Bowl block party same Saturday nite. Decisions.