In Hawaiian, holoholo means to go for a ride, a walk, or a sail. When you’re staying at a central hub like the Waikiki Resort Hotel, you can holoholo in style without the high cost of a rental car.
Thanks to Oahu’s HOLO Card, the island’s smart transit payment system, exploring Waikiki and the island has never been easier. Forget about hunting for parking or paying record-high gas prices—here is everything a visitor or a kamaʻāina (local resident) needs to know about navigating Oahu.
| QUICK GUIDE TO HOLO CARD HAWAII |
| The HOLO card is a mandatory, tap-and-go payment system for Oahu’s TheBus and Skyline rail. It costs $2 to buy, $3 per ride, and features automatic fare capping so you never overpay for daily or weekly travel. |
HOLO Card 101: What Is It?
The HOLO Card is a plastic or digital smart card used to pay for all public transit on Oahu. It replaces paper transfers and cash fumbles with a simple "tap-and-go" system. Whether you are heading to the North Shore for surf or the Bishop Museum for history, this card is your golden ticket to the island.
How Much is the Hawaii HOLO Card? (2026 Fares)
How much is the HOLO card? The pricing is structured to reward frequent riders through "fare capping."
- Initial Card Cost: $2.00 (for the physical card).
- Single Adult Fare: $3.00 (includes 2.5 hours of unlimited transfers).
- HOLO Card 1-Day Pass (Daily Cap): You will never pay more than $7.50 per day. Once you hit this amount, your subsequent rides that day are free.
- HOLO Card 7-Day Pass: While there isn't a specific "7-day" physical card, the system automatically caps your spending at $30.00 per week (Monday–Sunday).
- Monthly Cap: $80.00.
How Do I Get a HOLO Card in Hawaii?
Getting your hands on a card is easy, especially when staying in Waikiki.
Where to buy a HOLO card near Waikiki Resort Hotel:
- ABC Stores: Most locations carry them, including Store #66 (2586 Kalakaua Ave) and Store #70 (160 Liliuokalani Ave)—both are just a 2-minute walk from our lobby.
- Select Retailers: Foodland, Times Supermarkets, and 7-Eleven.
- Online: Visit HOLOcard.net to order one or manage your account.
- Satellite City Halls: Ideal for seniors or youth needing a reduced-fare photo ID card.
How to Use and Reload Your HOLO Card
Using the system is intuitive. Simply tap your card on the purple reader located at the entrance of the bus or the station gates for the rail.
- HOLO Card Reload: You can add funds at any participating retail location (like ABC Stores) or via a HOLO card reload online.
- HOLO Card Check Balance Online: By registering your card at HOLOcard.net, you can protect your balance if the card is lost and check your balance online at any time.
- HOLO Card App: Currently, there is no standalone app, but the HOLO website is mobile-optimized, allowing you to load funds instantly from your phone while waiting at the bus stop. For questions regarding your HOLO Card account, contact the HOLO Card Helpline at (808) 768-HOLO (4656).
Where Can I Go with a HOLO Card?
The HOLO card is now integrated across all major transit systems on Oahu:
- TheBus: With 100+ routes, you can reach destinations like Hanuama Bay, Pearl Harbor, and Ala Moana Center.
- Skyline (The Rail): Oahu’s new elevated rail system is live! Use your HOLO card to bypass H-1 traffic when traveling between East Kapolei and Aloha Stadium.
- TheHandi-Van: Fully integrated for those with specific mobility needs.
READ MORE: Your Guide to a Car-Free Waikiki Vacation
Frequently Asked Questions
Does HOLO card balance expire?
No, your HOLO card balance does not expire. However, if a card is inactive for more than 10 years, the card itself may be deactivated. If you register your card, your funds are protected even if the physical card is lost.
Can you add a HOLO Card onto your Phone?
As of 2026, you can add your HOLO Card to digital wallets on smartphones. This allows for seamless tapping using NFC technology, though many riders still prefer keeping the physical card as a souvenir or backup.
Stay in the Heart of the Action
The Waikiki Resort Hotel is your perfect gateway to all of the sights and sounds on Oahu's 100+ public transit routes. Located just steps from major bus lines, you can save on rental cars and spend more on experiences.
Enhance your stay with our exclusive offers:
- Advanced Promotion: Plan ahead and save up to 30% on your room rate when you book at least 45 days in advance.
- Family Savings Special: Traveling with the 'ohana? Kids and teens 17 and under stay free!
- Breakfast for Two: Start your holoholo adventures fueled up with our signature hot breakfast at ʻIlima Café.
- Kamaʻāina Limited Special: Hawaii residents enjoy exclusive rates, waived self-parking ($45+ value), and 50% off amenity fees.
Book your island escape today and discover the convenience of Waikiki transit. View All Special Offers & Book Direct