Biki is a convenient shared bicycle rental service available throughout the Honolulu area.
There are about 130 stations across the city of Honolulu.
Because stations are easy to find within a short walk, it’s perfect when you want to move quickly.
No special procedures are required, it’s easier to use than a rental car, and more affordable than a taxi or Uber.
It’s an excellent way to visit nearby attractions while feeling the Hawaiian breeze!
Biki Pricing
First, Biki’s pricing plans are divided into three types.
You can sign up for each plan on the website or at the kiosk located at each station.
Note that cash is not accepted.
One-Way $5.00
This is a simple plan that allows a single ride within 30 minutes.
You can rent up to four bikes in one transaction.
If you exceed 30 minutes, an overage charge of US$5.25 per 30 minutes will be added.
The pricing is effectively the same, so just remember you’ll be charged every 30 minutes.
By the way, the same overage charges apply to the other plans listed below.
Multi-Stop $55.00
This plan is valid for one year and allows unlimited rides up to a total of 300 minutes.
This plan is limited to one person per transaction.
Because there is no time limit per single ride, medium- to long-distance travel is possible.
You can check your remaining available minutes online or in the app.
The Gateway $45.00
This plan makes 30-minute rides unlimited for 72 hours after purchasing the pass.
This plan is also limited to one person per transaction.
If a single ride exceeds 30 minutes, a $5 fee is charged immediately, and an additional $5 is added for each subsequent 30-minute period.
Because of the complexity above and considering typical use in the Honolulu area, I personally recommend the Multi-Stop plan.
How to Rent a Biki
Because the entire process is self-service, some people may find renting a bit challenging.
I’ll explain the rental steps in detail, so please use this as a reference.
Start at the Biki station kiosk
First, tap the screen on the kiosk at the Biki station.
Tap the flag icons to switch the language from English to other languages if needed.
Choose the number of bikes and the plan, which will take you to the payment screen.
Note that if you want to use two or more bikes, you can only select the One-Way plan.
Pay with a credit card
A common mistake at payment is leaving the credit card inserted in the reader.
In fact, the process will not proceed unless you pull the credit card out after inserting it.
Remember that you need to remove the card you inserted to move on to the next step.
A code is issued
Follow the prompts on the screen and you will be taken to a payment confirmation page.
Check the details and press confirm if everything is correct.
After payment is completed, a four-digit ride code will be issued.
Please note that this ride code is valid for only five minutes after issuance, so do not go anywhere—ride right away once the process is complete.
Enter the code at the station
Choose any bike from those parked at the station.
Before entering the code, check the following items:
- Is the saddle height appropriate?
- Is the saddle secure and not loose?
- Is the tire puncture-free?
- Are the chain and other parts working properly?
- Is the handlebar intact?
If everything is fine, enter the ride code into the kiosk attached to the left of the bike’s stand.
If the red light turns on, the entry failed, so try again.
If the green light turns on, the entry succeeded and you can remove the bike.
Return the Biki
When you reach your destination, return the Biki to a nearby station.
As long as there is an available dock at a station, you can return it to any station.
If there is no space, move to another nearby station and dock it there.
Checking the availability of your intended return station in the app beforehand helps avoid trouble.
When returning a Biki, make sure the bike is fully seated in the dock.
If it is not fully secured, the bike will remain rented and additional charges will continue to accrue, so be careful.
When the return is complete, the station’s light will glow green—confirm this before you leave.
Notes When Using Biki
Biki is a handy way to get around, but you must follow traffic rules when riding.
If you violate rules you may face fines, and you could also be involved in unexpected accidents.
Remember the basic rules to enjoy your trip to Hawaii safely.
Be careful where you ride
In downtown areas and on busy roads, there may be bike lanes.
In those cases you should use the bike lane, but in general dedicated lanes are often not available.
When there is no bike lane, remember to ride on the far right side of the roadway.
Riding a bicycle on the sidewalk is a traffic violation and may result in a fine.
Follow the same rules as cars
The basic rules for riding on the road are the same as for motor vehicles.
You must travel in the same direction as traffic and stop at red lights.
Be careful not to enter a one-way street from the wrong direction or ride against traffic.
By the way, when you get off the bike and walk while pushing it, you are treated as a pedestrian.
Always park at a Biki station
Bicycle theft is very common in Hawaii.
If you leave a bike unattended outside of a station, it may become an easy target for thieves.
If you lose a Biki, the fines can be very high, so be sure to pay attention to this point.
Even for a short time, always return the bike to a station.