In the Pink

With a “ding ding,” the Waikiki Trolley’s Pink Line announces its comings and goings as distinctively as its counterpart in San Francisco. Festooned with pink flags, the shuttle provides a fun and carefree way for clients to explore Waikiki.

From the main depot at DFS Galleria Waikiki, the Pink Line rolls down Kalakaua Avenue to Waikiki Beach and the ResortQuest Waikiki Beach Hotel, followed by pauses at the Prince Kuhio and Ohana West hotels on Kuhio Avenue. The Kalakaua Plaza stop proves popular with shoppers thanks to its proximity to Niketown, Banana Republic, Tiffany and Chanel.

After passing the construction site of the future Trump Tower Waikiki, the driver pulls over at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, then Aqua Palms, across from the Ilikai Hotel. Following the busy drop-offs and pick-ups at Ala Moana Center and Ward Center, it heads back to the heart of Waikiki. Throughout the ride, the 35-seat trolley’s open-air design provides natural air-conditioning courtesy of Hawaii’s comfortable tradewinds.

Considering the high cost of overnight hotel parking, using the trolley for Waikiki transportation makes better sense than renting a car. But don’t recommend the trolley to impatient clients. A one-way ride on the Pink Line lasts 40-50 minutes from start to finish, depending on traffic. For visitors with time, however, it’s a good way to experience the highlights of Waikiki while leaving the driving to someone else.