Here’s everything you need to know if you want to ride Skyline

Last Updated on Jul 12 2023 by Sama

Skyline is a light metro system in the City and County of Honolulu on the island of Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi. Skyline rail project introduces a new elevated rail system known as the Honolulu Rail Transit, which provide an alternative mode of transportation for residents and visitors alike. The rail system is designed to alleviate traffic congestion and improve transportation options on the island of Oahu. The rail line is expected to stretch from East Kapolei to Ala Moana Center, passing through major areas such as Pearl City, Aiea, and downtown Honolulu. The first phase of the long-awaited rail line spans nine stations, from Halawa to East Kapolei. It takes 22 minutes for a one-way ride of the system. The elevated tracks and stations of the rail system will likely become prominent features of the skyline, adding a modern infrastructure element to the cityscape.

if you’re planning to use Skyline for your commute, here’s what you need to know

1. How to get on Skyline

Riding the Skyline will be easy for everyone! Whether you’d been on a rail system before or not, Honolulu’s Skyline system will ensure a safe, quick, and easy way to get around. In order to ride, you’ll need to have a valid HOLO card with funds. No cash will be accepted to ride the rail. A one-way ride on the rail will cost passengers $3 — the same price for a single ticket as Hawaii’s bus system. Similar to riding The Bus with a HOLO card, riders will need to “tap” their cards on the HOLO card reader. These card readers will be located at the fare gates at the entrance of each station. HOLO card vending kiosks will also be located next to the fare gates. A single tap at the fare gate will allow riders to enter the station, to board the next available train. Riders will be charged based on their HOLO card type, and will be given a transfer, good for 2.5 after the first tap. These transfers can be used to board a bus, or another train without being charged, if used within the 2.5 hours.

2. How to purchase HOLO Card

1. At the kiosk, press the gray button labeled “1″ to get started. (As a word of caution, the kiosk screen is not touchscreen.)

2. To purchase a new card, press the button labeled “new card.” (The card without any funds costs $2)
3. To load the card, select either “stored value” or “day pass.” (Stored value: allows passengers to load their new HOLO card with funds between $2.75 to $50.)
4. Day pass: will cost passengers $7.50 – the same price as a day pass for TheBus.
5. Then, complete the purchase by paying with either card or cash. (If paying in cash, make sure to use exact change.)

3. The Skyline Experience

The cars arrive at 10-minute intervals and travel at a top speed of 55 mph. A trip from the Halawa Station to the end of the line in Kapolei takes about 22 minutes.

The ride is relatively smooth. The cars are roomy and lightly air-conditioned, with disability accessible seating and rack space for luggage.

4. Bus and Skyline Connectivity

Skyline will have connectivity to TheBus and other City modes of public transportation. Riders will be able to use their HOLO cards to board both TheBus and Skyline, keeping transfers and passes between both systems. A single ride on Skyline will be the same cost as a single ride on TheBus (pricing will be determined by Adult, Youth, Senior, etc.). Riders will still be able fare cap their HOLO cards on Skyline, meaning riders won’t spend more than a day pass. Fare capping will work in connectivity for both TheBus and Skyline. TheBus service and routes will be updated to provide access to the first nine rail stations on July 1, 2023.

Three new TheBus Transit Centers will be located at:

• Keone‘ae – UH West O‘ahu
• Hō‘ae‘ae – West Loch
• Hālawa – Aloha Stadium

All Skyline stations, excluding Honouliuli – Ho`opili Station, and Hālaulani – Leeward Community College Station, will have bus stops and connectivity.

In addition to TheBus service, there will be improved access stations for TheHandi-Van riders.

5. Park-and-ride facilities

Park-and-ride facilities are available at the Halawa Station, Keoneae Station at the University of Hawaii-West Oahu and Honouliuli Station at Hoopili.

6. All rail locations so far

For those looking to ride Skyline during its opening weekend, locations of stations and popular attractions are listed below:

1. Kualakai: at the corner of Keahumoa Parkway and Kualakai Parkway (20-minute walk from Ka Makana Alii)
2. Keoneae: at the corner of Hoomohala Ave and Kualakai Parkway (10-minute walk from UH West Oʻahu)
3. Honouliuli: near Hoopili Residential area
4. Hoaeae: At the corner of Farrington Hwy and Leoku St.
5. Pouhala: At the corner of Farrington Hwy and Hikimoe St.
6. Halaulani: In the parking lot of Leeward Community College campus
7. Waiawa: Across the corner of Kamehameha Hwy and Kuala St.
8. Kalauao: 980077 Kamehameha Highway (10-minute walk from Pearlridge Center)
9. Halawa: at the corner of Kamehameha Hwy and Salt Lake Blvd (5-minute walk from Aloha Stadium)