Exploring the Hawaiian Islands Via Alternative Transportation

While driving a gas-powered rental car remains an easy go-to option for checking out attractions and getting around the Hawaiian Islands, visiting clients will be pleasantly surprised to learn they can also seamlessly explore Hawai‘i utilizing alternative transportation. With ample options available — such as renting electric bicycles (or e-bikes) or electric vehicles (EV), hopping a trolley, or choosing to use rideshare services — leveraging alternative transportation offers your Hawai‘i-bound clients opportunities to access and explore all of the state’s diverse neighborhoods and walkable towns and downtowns without the need of a traditional rental car.

Kaua‘i
Clients visiting the “Garden Island” are encouraged to visit GetAroundKauai.com for suggestions and travel tips on exploring the island. With rental cars in high demand on Kaua‘i, encourage your clients to plan ahead and secure accommodations at resorts offering shuttles or onsite rentals. Alternative transportation and rideshares are great options for exploring places near the areas you’re staying, especially places with good walkability such as Po‘ipū and Kapa‘a.

O‘ahu
O‘ahu-bound clients can explore Waikīkī, Honolulu and other Oʻahu neighborhoods via Biki, the City and County of Honolulu’s bikeshare program. With a fleet of more than 1,300 rental bikes spread out over 130 solar-powered Biki stops on the island, Biki’s got plenty of two wheelers to take in O‘ahu scenery, sights, eateries, stores and more, or just discover the island’s great outdoors a bit more close-up. Clients looking for affordable and sustainable transport may want to check out Arcimoto, an EV company renting out (and selling) what it calls FUVs (Fun Utility Vehicles) through its sales center in Honolulu’s Kakaʻako neighborhood. Arcimoto’s FUVs are small-sized, all-electric and approved for road use. You can rent one for a half-day (four hours) or full-day (eight hours) at prices ranging from $200 to $400. Additionally, the Arcimoto FUV’s battery is fully chargeable via standard electric outlets — an EV-specific charger is not required — and can travel for just under 100 miles on a full charge.

Maui
On the “Valley Isle,” Turtle Tracks can provide your clients with 2018 Polaris Gems — neighborhood-cruising EVs accommodating up to six people — to navigate the Kīhei and Wailea resort areas. Gems are all-electric, battery-powered vehicles generating zero emissions. With no vehicle doors obstructing their views, clients will love taking in the sights and feeling the trade winds as they ride. Have clients looking to easily and safely explore Maui sights between the towns of Kahului and Pāʻia on two wheels visit to Maui Bicycling League’s North Shore Greenway, a car-free, family-friendly option for bicycling. If your clients are headed to West Maui, suggest they check out RideSmart Maui Electric Bike rentals and tours, which rents top-quality e-bike brands with the newest innovations, enabling clients effortless exploration of the area’s scenic coastline.

Island of Hawai‘i
The island of Hawai‘i’s Hele-On Bus has been a staple of public transportation on the island of Hawai‘i for decades and now your clients can ride for free! From airport service to accommodating your clients’ bicycles, luggage and more, Hele-On seamlessly accesses much of the island. For shopping or grabbing quick bites and brews at local eateries, have your clients on the west side of the island hop aboard the Kona Trolley on Ali‘i Drive. And for clients looking to lower their carbon footprint while on island, the free bike-riding service HIBIKE offers a great way to discover eastside Hilo and westside Kailua-Kona.