Charter vehicles, taxi and Uber offer the freedom to travel at any time, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year if you are not traveling with a very large group.
The fares can be somewhat higher, but the greatest appeal is that they will take you to your destination without you having to watch the time.
Here is an efficient guide to using taxis and Uber in Hawaii for people who dislike sharing rides with others, want to avoid waiting time, or are nervous about driving themselves.
Use these tips to make the most of your Hawaii trip and enjoy it to the fullest!
Taxi & Uber Comparison
Both are very convenient means of transport, but there are concrete differences as outlined below.
| Item | Taxi | Uber |
| How to hail | Call by phone or hail on the street | Request via app |
| Payment | Cash or credit card | Credit card |
| Tip | Paid at drop-off | Paid via the app after drop-off |
| Fare | Metered or flat-rate | Upfront fare |
| Driver | Professional | Verified private drivers |
| Vehicle | Commercial vehicle | Private vehicle |
| Pros | Full insurance coverage; no child seat required | Very easy to request; about 30% cheaper than taxis |
| Cons | Higher fares; sometimes difficult to get a prompt dispatch | Surge pricing at peak times; children under 10 may not be allowed |
Fares for Taxis & Uber
Both have basic pricing systems, and many people assume Uber is always cheaper, but this actually depends on the timing of your use.
Below is a rough explanation of fare structures so you can use each service wisely and save money.
Taxi Fares
Taxi fares in Hawaii use a reliable metered system.
Exact fares vary by company, but the base fare is typically $3.10, with approximately 45¢ added for each additional one-eighth mile.
The most common use is for airport-Waikiki transfers, which often average about $50 for a taxi.
As a money-saving tip, many companies in Hawaii offer flat-rate plans for airport transfers and trips from Waikiki to major attractions, and these are generally cheaper than standard metered fares.
Using a flat-rate plan typically costs around $40 on average, and it has the advantage of allowing you to book in advance and travel according to your plan.
Also, taxis in Hawaii do not make unnecessary detours or engage in meter fraud, so you don’t need to worry about fares.
Uber Fares
With Uber, enter your destination in the app (your pickup location is automatically selected) and you can check a fare estimate before requesting a ride.
Even if the driver takes a longer route, your fare will not change.
Just tap to select the vehicle you want, taking into account vehicle size (seating capacity) and estimated arrival time.
A few taps complete the booking, so the operation is very simple.
For airport-Waikiki transfers, the average Uber fare is about $35, which is roughly 30% cheaper than a taxi.
However, fares fluctuate with distance and demand, so on rare occasions during peak times Uber can be more expensive than a taxi.
As a money-saving tip, install the Lyft app as well; if Uber is expensive due to surge pricing, Lyft can often be a cheaper alternative.
There are many instances where Uber is scarce and expensive while Lyft is inexpensive.
Notes When Using Taxis & Uber
When using taxis or Uber in Hawaii, be mindful of the following two points!
You may not be in trouble if you don’t know them, but it’s good to understand them as common courtesy.
You may need to pay additional tips
Be careful when hotels or restaurants arrange a taxi for you.
It is customary to tip the staff who arranged the ride about $2–$3.
Also, when a driver places large luggage like suitcases in the trunk, it is customary to tip $1–$2 per bag.
Generally, you will pay the tip when you get off, so it is fine to give a slightly larger amount at that time.
Children may be refused boarding
In Hawaii, children under 10 years old are required to use a child seat when riding in a car.
Taxis are commercial vehicles with strong passenger insurance coverage, so children can usually ride even without a child seat.
On the other hand, Uber vehicles are private cars and their insurance requires child seats, so drivers may refuse to accept children at their discretion.
Since Uber vehicles generally do not have child seats installed, families with young children may be better off using taxis from the start.
Taxi Companies in Hawaii
Here are several taxi companies operating in Hawaii.
The three companies below are all major firms you can use with confidence.
Charlie’s Taxi
They offer multiple flat-rate plans for airport and golf course transfers, which are often cheaper than regular taxi fares.
Their prices are among the most affordable of Hawaii taxi companies, and they have a consistently good reputation.
As commercial vehicles, they also provide strong insurance protection, making them a highly recommended service.
Hana Taxi
You can request rides via LINE, offering convenience while keeping fares low.
Many drivers speak Japanese, making this company especially popular with Japanese visitors.
They also offer flat-rate plans and, as commercial vehicles, provide the reassurance of solid insurance—overall a very good service.
The Cab
A typical American-style taxi company with no flat-rate plans.
However, they have a dedicated stand at Ala Moana Center and a large number of vehicles, making them easy to hail as street taxis.
If you want to grab a taxi, just look for vehicles marked “CAB”!