When traveling to Hawaii, you often worry about how to get from the airport to your hotel in Waikiki.
Until around 2023, the shuttle bus was more cost-effective for up to two people. However, as of 2024, in terms of affordability, for two people, the shuttle bus and Charlie's Taxi are nearly the same in cost. For three people or more, Charlie's Taxi's fixed-rate airport shuttle becomes more economical.
[Charley's Taxi] is a low-cost airport shuttle taxi that takes you from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (Honolulu Airport) in Honolulu, Hawaii to Waikiki, Aulani hotels, Kakaako, downtown, etc. for a fixed price.
After actually using Charlie's Taxi, I found it to be very convenient and easy to use, but there were a few points that I should be aware of.
This time, I would like to explain in detail the latest reservation method for Charlie's Taxi, how to use it after arriving at Honolulu Airport, and points to note.
[Charlie's Taxi] provides private transportation in a taxi vehicle, so there is no waiting time after arriving at the airport, making it a very convenient and comfortable means of transportation.
However, the tipping is not included in the fare, and as you need to call the taxi yourself upon arriving at the airport, it can be a slightly challenging means of transportation for first-time users.
Things to note about Charlie's Taxi
important point!
Price does not include tip
When you arrive at the Hawaii airport, you must call your own taxi.
During busy seasons, fixed-rate taxis are not available and are metered.
However, if you prepare by reading the special feature article on Charlie's Taxi that you are currently watching, you will definitely be able to overcome your worries about traveling to Hawaii.
Now, I would like to tell you in detail how to make a reservation, how to use it, and our actual experience, including photos and precautions.
The thing to keep in mind when using Hawaii's flat-rate airport shuttle service, Charlie's Taxi, is that, as I mentioned earlier, you must request a ride yourself by phone or online once you arrive at the airport.
Please note that even if you make a reservation for Charlie's Taxi online in advance from Japan, when you actually use it in Hawaii, you will have to make your own arrangements for a ride over the phone or online.
Even if you cannot use a cell phone locally in Hawaii, there are public telephones at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu, Hawaii, from which you can call toll-free (toll free / from Honolulu 0-844-531-1331 [Japanese You can call the Charlie's Taxi desk at ]).
However, I think it's quite a hurdle to make a call in an unfamiliar country. If you don't feel comfortable making a phone call, you can use the internet to request a ride from the Charlie's Taxi portal site.
However, if you want to dispatch a ride online, you will need to use the free WiFi at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport or have a smartphone that can be used outdoors in Hawaii (see below for recommended low-cost overseas SIMs).
In addition, on Halloween (October 31st), Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving), and New Year's Eve (from 3:00 PM on December 31st to 3:00 AM on January 1st), which are peak seasons, the fixed-rate airport shuttle service of Charlie's Taxi is unavailable. During these times, regular metered taxis will be in operation.
There are also some small details to keep in mind, such as an additional charge of $6.38 for each large piece of luggage, and an additional charge of $5 each time you board or disembark at multiple airport terminals.
[Charlie's Taxi] Points to note about airport transfer fixed price
Transfers from the airport to the hotel must be arranged by phone or online.
The flat rate system cannot be used during busy seasons (it will be a normal meter system)
Bicycles, golf bags, surfboards, or other items that weigh more than 80 pounds ( 35.29 Kg), exceed 4 feet ( 1.34 m) in length, or exceed 10 cubic feet ( 283 liters) in size: 1 There is an additional charge of $6.38 per item.
If you are dropping off at multiple terminals at the airport, there will be an additional fee of $5 for each additional drop-off location.
Now, I would like to explain the latest reservation method.
How to book Charlie's Taxi
Now that you know what to keep in mind when using Charlie's Taxi, let's actually try out the process from booking Charlie's Taxi from Japan to using it locally in Honolulu, Hawaii.
First, let's start with how to book a Hawaii airport transfer [Charlie's Taxi] in Japan.
The screen above is the top page of the official Charlie's Taxi website when accessed on a smartphone.
The page has a large red button with the text [Reserve Here]. However, please be aware that this button is for making reservations via phone. If you want to proceed with online reservations, scroll down the page until you reach the section labeled [Fixed-rate Airport Shuttle Fees].
Charlie's Taxi reservation method 1: Airport transfer flat rate fee
Scroll down the page until you get to [Flat rate for airport transfers], then tap [Click here for details] to proceed to the next page.
Charlie's Taxi reservation method 2: Confirm the price
The following page is a price information page for Charlie's Taxi's flat rate airport transfer service.
As of Feb 2024, a one-way ticket to Waikiki costs $33 (excluding tax and tip/estimated tip is 20%, about $7).
These services in Hawaii are getting more expensive every year, so be sure to check this page for the latest prices.
Once you have confirmed the price, tap [Reservation here] to proceed to Charlie's Taxi official reservation form.
Charlie's Taxi reservation method 3: Date and time of use
From here you will be taken to the actual Charlie's Taxi reservation form, so enter the necessary information.
Please note that Charlie's Taxi reservations are for one-way trips, so if you want to book a round-trip transfer from the airport to the hotel or hotel to the airport, you will need to make separate reservations for the outbound and return trips.
Now, when you access Charlie's Taxi's reservation form, the first step is to enter the date and time of use and contact information. If you are making an advance reservation from Japan, select [After tomorrow] and enter the date and time you would like to use Charlie's Taxi (the date and time selection screen is pictured below).
By the way, the system allows you to make reservations up to several years in advance, but I think the best time to make reservations is about one month to one week before your trip to Hawaii.
There is also an option to choose [Now] in the time slot selection field, so you can apply directly from this page from the airport after arriving in Hawaii.
As for the phone number in your contact information, SMS (short messages) will be sent to the mobile phone registered after making the reservation and when the ride is dispatched, so enter a number that can receive SMS in Hawaii.
*If you use a major mobile phone company, you can receive SMS overseas, so there should be no problem.
When it comes to email, use an email address that you can receive on your smartphone in Hawaii. Then select the number of passengers and proceed to the next step.
The next item is [Usage start location (pick-up location)], in other words, select the location where you will board the taxi.
If you are going from the airport to a hotel/accommodation, select [Daniel K. Inouye International Airport] here.
Selection of hotels etc.
When applying for return transportation from your hotel to the airport, select [Place] as the starting location, and then enter the name of your hotel in English in the field provided.
In the photo above, [Aqua] was entered in the field. After entering the name, a list of hotel names with the name [Aqua] will be displayed in the pull-down menu, so select your desired hotel name from there.
If the desired location is not displayed here (e.g. private lodging), select [Use Google Maps to input destination] and enter the address you searched on Google Maps in the field that appears.
Charlie's Taxi reservation method 5: Destination
Once you have registered your starting location (pick-up location), the next step is to register your destination.
The input method for this item is the same as for the starting location (pick-up location), and if you are heading to a hotel, search for the hotel from [Place] and select it. Conversely, if you are returning to the airport, choose Daniel K. Inouye International Airport.
Charlie's Taxi reservation method 6: Reservation and quotation
Once you have entered the date and time of use, contact information, starting location, and destination, click [Reserve a Taxi] at the bottom of the page.
By the way, there is no confirmation screen for the reservation details, and the reservation is completed right away, so be sure to check the final details yourself to make sure the information you entered is correct before pressing the button.
Price estimate
By the way, you can check the price by tapping the green [Price Estimate] button, so if you are unsure about the details of your reservation, please tap to confirm. After confirming, press [OK] to return to the original screen.
When you tap [Reserve a taxi], the reservation confirmation screen will be displayed and the reservation will be completed.
The reservation number (7 digits/required when confirming the reservation) will be displayed on the reservation completion screen, so it is a good idea to save the reservation completion page as a screenshot on your smartphone.
Please note that details such as the reservation number will be sent to the registered mobile phone SMS and email address when the reservation is completed, so be sure to check them as well.
Cancellation of reservation
There is also a [Cancel] button at the bottom of the reservation completion page, so if you make a reservation by mistake, press [Cancel] to cancel your reservation.
Once you access the taxi reservation form page, press [Confirm Reservation] from the menu button on the top right, enter the reservation number and registered phone number, and the reservation will be displayed. You can also cancel from there.
Charlie's Taxi can be used locally without reservation.
By the way, even if you don't make a reservation in advance, you can call Charlie's Taxi directly after arriving at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu, Hawaii to use a fixed-price taxi.
The phone number for Charlie's Taxi from the airport is 0-844-531-1331, a hotline that also speaks Japanese. Please don't forget to pick up your luggage before calling.
Also, during busy seasons in Hawaii, there may not be enough taxis. Although you can use Charlie's Taxi without a reservation, if you have already decided to use Charlie's Taxi, we recommend making a reservation in advance.
How to use Charlie's Taxi
Now that your reservation is complete, it's time to leave for your trip to Hawaii! So, in the photo above, I am standing in front of the individual traveler exit at Daniel K. Inouye Airport in Honolulu, Hawaii, after picking up my luggage.
First, let's arrange a Charlie's Taxi ride by phone or online.
How to use Charlie's Taxi 1-1: How to make arrangements by phone
How to arrange a Charlie's Taxi over the phone at the airport.
You can easily find the public telephones at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport by walking to the left (in the direction marked Group Tours in the directions above) after exiting the airport's private exit. (Doesn't go out to the road).
When leaving the airport, it's a bit far if you exit from the Group Tours Exit, so I'd like to make sure you exit from the Individual Traveler Exit.
*Sometimes the individual exit is closed and you have to exit from the group exit, but in that case, you can go to the individual exit by exiting from the group exit and walking to the right along the building.
Once you find a public phone, pick up the phone and call the number on your emailed reservation confirmation. There is no need for coins or cards to make calls. If you pick up the receiver and press the correct number, the call will connect.
A word of caution here. Charlie's Taxi's Japanese-speaking toll-free phone number is listed on the official website as [1-844-531-1331], but this is the number for calling from overseas.Please note that if you call from the local airport, the number will be [0-844-531-1331] (change the country code 1 to 0 at the beginning).
Once the phone is connected, all you have to do is tell them your reservation number and name, and they will arrange a taxi for you. They will guide you to the taxi stand and taxi number, so just follow the instructions.
How to use Charlie's Taxi 1-2: How to make arrangements online
How to arrange a taxi from the airport using the internet.
To do this, access the [Charlie's Taxi portal site], enter the phone number, reservation number, and baggage claim number (enter 1 if arriving from Japan) that you registered at the time of reservation, and press the [Dispatch] button.
You will then receive an SMS on your phone with the taxi pick-up point and taxi number, so check it and follow the instructions.
How to use Charlie's Taxi 2: Taxi stand
Once the taxi has been dispatched, head to the designated taxi pickup point.
Charlie's Taxi has a total of four taxi stands (see the diagram above and table below), but the pick-up location differs depending on the arrival lobby of the airport.
If you are coming to Honolulu, Hawaii by flight from Japan, you will be parking on the 1st floor of the parking lot across the street from the international terminal building shown in number 1 in the table below. (Numbers 1 to 4 are for explanation purposes; there are no numbers at actual taxi stands.)
Charlie's Taxi/Taxi stand
Number
Platform
Target users
1
International Parking - Parking lot 1F
Travelers arriving on international flights (including travelers from Japan)
2
Interisland Terminal platform
Travelers from Hawaii Island (remote islands such as Hawaii Island and Maui)
3
Median strip platform
Travelers in baggage claim areas 16-19 (US domestic flights)
4
Other stops
Travelers in baggage claim areas 20-31 (US domestic flights)
How to use Charlie's Taxi 3: Head to the taxi stand
Now, once you have arranged your ride, head to the designated taxi stand (pick-up point). The meeting point for Charlie's Taxi for travelers from Japan is the parking lot located just beyond the private exit of Daniel K. Inouye International Airport and across the pedestrian crossing under the overpass. This is the building in the back that you can see in the photo.
*The pick-up location may vary depending on the timing, so be sure to check the directions for the taxi stand when dispatching.
Other Charlie's taxis can be seen in the parking lot.
When you enter the parking lot building, there are several waiting spaces for taxis, and you can already see other Charlie's Taxis.
There are quite a lot of Japanese people using Charlie's Taxi, so don't worry.
How to use Charlie's Taxi 3: The taxi has arrived!
After waiting for about 5 minutes, the taxi assigned to us arrived. The taxi model was a Toyota Sienna. Indeed, being an American taxi, it was spacious enough to comfortably accommodate four passengers and fit approximately four more suitcases.
Check taxi number
When the driver got out of the taxi, he took my name, confirmed I was the correct passenger, and helped me load my luggage.
We also checked the number on the lamp on the roof of the taxi to see if it was the number specified.
How to use Charlie's Taxi 4: GO to the hotel!
Then, take a taxi and head to your destination, the hotel!
The destination hotel is registered at the time of reservation, so the driver confirms the destination first and is ready to go. They will take you comfortably to your hotel.
Furthermore, while the taxi meter accumulates charges during the journey, the actual amount billed for a one-way trip between Waikiki and the airport is a fixed rate of $33 plus tax and tip, providing peace of mind (as of February 2024).
How to use Charlie's Taxi 5: Pay the fare
After driving for a while, we arrived at our destination hotel. At the time of this interview, we were staying at the Sheraton Waikiki, a hotel that is very popular among Japanese people.
Charley's Taxi charges a fixed fee, but payment is made after arriving at the hotel.
You can pay by cash or credit card. Most international credit cards can be used, including VISA, MASTER, JCB, AMEX, and DISCOVER. Unfortunately, it didn't have a Diners logo, so it doesn't seem to be usable.
To pay with a credit card, first insert the card into the card terminal, select the tip amount (the terminal automatically calculates the tip, so you can choose from the suggestions), and then enter the PIN code. Enter the information and press the green [○] button to complete the payment.
The customary tip for taxis used to be around "10% to 15% of the fare." However, possibly influenced by the higher cost of living in Hawaii or the unfamiliarity with tipping norms among tourists, the trend has shifted towards selecting a tip of 18% or more.
We decided to pay 20% on this occasion, and for the one-way fare from the airport to the hotel, it amounted to approximately $46, including $33 for the fare, $1.97 for tax, and an initial charge of $4 (Flag Fall Charge).
How to use Charlie's Taxi 6: How about a return taxi?
Now, using Charlie's Taxi from the airport to the hotel is complete. Thank you for your hard work!
By the way, the way to book a return taxi (from the hotel to the airport) is the same as the way to book from the airport to the hotel.
The usage process for the airport departure was a bit involved, requiring you to call Charlie's Taxi upon arrival or use their online booking service. However, the return journey (Hotel to Airport) was more convenient. If you had pre-scheduled the return trip with a specified date and time, the vehicle dispatch would automatically occur at the scheduled time, and you would receive notifications via email or SMS. All you needed to do was wait at the hotel's entrance or another specified location by the time you selected.
In the unlikely event that the taxi doesn't arrive by the scheduled time, you can directly call Charlie's Taxi to address the situation. Additionally, as some hotels might have unclear meeting points, it would be advisable to contact the Japanese desk you initially called for assistance in such situations.
Anyway, Charlie's Taxi is very reassuring because there is a telephone counter that speaks Japanese.
[Charlie's Taxi] is very comfortable for airport transportation in Hawaii!
Charlie's Taxi, Hawaii's fixed-price airport shuttle, may be a little confusing the first time you use it, as you have to make arrangements over the phone when you arrive at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport.
However, once we tried using Charlie's Taxi, we realized that it was very comfortable and convenient as it was not a shared shuttle bus, but a private shuttle between the airport and the hotel at our own convenience. That's what I thought when I tried using it.
Other Hawaii/Honolulu airport transfers cost around $22 per person (including tip) if they use a shared shuttle bus, so it's about the same price for two people. If you have 3 or more people, Charlie's Taxi becomes more economical.
Considering this private and comfortable transfer, I think Charlie's Taxi is well worth the trip, even for two people.
Also, for families of four, Charlie's Taxi is clearly cheaper than a shared shuttle, so I highly recommend it.
So, have a convenient and comfortable trip to Hawaii with Hawaii's cheap airport shuttle taxi [Charlie's Taxi]! See you soon♪
![[The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur] Guest Benefits for Club Level Stays](/datas/contents/img/MARRIOTT-HOTEL-060-01-CLUB-WING/thum.webp)
Marriott Bonvoy
[The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur] Guest Benefits for Club Level Stays
Summary of benefits available to club level guests at The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur. It comes with various benefits such as 24-hour butler service and lounge access, so please refer to it when making a reservation at The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur.
![[JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur] In-room dining menu](/datas/contents/img/MARRIOTT-HOTEL-059-99-IRD/thum.webp)
Marriott Bonvoy
[JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur] In-room dining menu
We have compiled a list of menus and prices for in-room dining that you can enjoy in your room at JW Marriott Hotel Kuala Lumpur. Use this as a reference when planning your reservation at JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur.
![[Malaysia Travel] The foolproof guide to transportation in Malaysia](/datas/contents/img/MALAYSIA-001-TRANSFER/thum.webp)
Malaysia Travel
[Malaysia Travel] The foolproof guide to transportation in Malaysia
A Malaysian transportation guide to help you avoid making mistakes when traveling to Malaysia. There are several public transportation systems in Malaysia, but travelers should be aware that using them can often be inconvenient or time-consuming.
![[Hotel Stripes Kuala Lumpur] In-room dining](/datas/contents/img/MARRIOTT-HOTEL-058-00-IN-ROOM-DINING/thum.webp)
Marriott Bonvoy
[Hotel Stripes Kuala Lumpur] In-room dining
Menu and price list for in-room dining at Hotel Stripes Kuala Lumpur. Use this info as a reference when planning your stay.
![[Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur] In-room dining menu & price list](/datas/contents/img/MARRIOTT-HOTEL-057-00-IRD/thum.webp)
Marriott Bonvoy
[Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur] In-room dining menu & price list
Menu and price list for in-room dining (room service) that you can enjoy in your room at Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur.
Travel Tools
GRAB guide, ride-hailing app in Southeast Asia
Grab is a standard ride-hailing app in Southeast Asia that can be used in Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, Cambodia, and Myanmar. A detailed guide on how to register and use Grab, which is essential when traveling in Southeast Asia. Before going to Southeast Asia, set up Grab on your smartphone from home town and bring it with you.
Sale
Uber Taxi Discount Coupon for Apr. 2024
Latest Apr. 2024 ! Sharing how to use Uber Taxi's first-time limited promotion code (coupon code) for 1,000 yen off during Apr. 2024. Available for accounts that have never used an Uber taxi. Just take advantage of the opportunity to use.
Ahamo
Advantages and disadvantages of ahamo
A must-see for those who are wondering whether to switch to Docomo's cheap plan [ahamo]. As someone who has been using ahamo for about 3 years, I would like to share with you the advantages and disadvantages of ahamo. Just use them as a reference when subscribing ahamo.
![[Travel to Malaysia] Don't forget to register your MDAC !](/datas/contents/img/MALAYSIA-002-DIGITAL-ARRIVAL-CARD/thum.webp)
Malaysia Travel
[Travel to Malaysia] Don't forget to register your MDAC !
From January 2024, it will be mandatory to pre-register for a Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) when entering Malaysia, so if you are planning to travel to Malaysia, be sure to register before your departure.
Kyoto Travel
Kyoto Tourism Nijo Castle Cherry Blossom Festival 2024 Light-up Guide
A guide to the 2024 Cherry Blossom Festival, which is held for a limited time every year during the cherry blossom season at Nijo Castle in Kyoto, a World Heritage Site. Light-up is also held during the period. Detailed explanation of the Cherry Blossom Festival 2024 period, castle entrance fees, parking information, directions, cherry blossom blooming status, etc.
Credit Card
Advantages and disadvantages of Mitsubishi UFJ Platinum Card
Advantages and disadvantages of credit card [Mitsubishi UFJ Card Platinum American Express Card]. I've been holding the Mitsubishi UFJ Card Platinum American Express® Card (MUFG Platinum Card) for over 7 years, and while compiling information on the card's benefits such as Priority Pass and Concierge Desk, I checked to see if it was really a recommended credit card.
![[Taiwan Night Market] I definitely want to go! 7 recommended night markets in Taipei that can be accessed by MRT [Taiwan Tourism]](/data/contents/thum/TAIWAN-005-TAIPEI-NIGHT-MARKETS.webp)
Article
[Taiwan Night Market] I definitely want to go! 7 recommended night markets in Taipei that can be accessed by MRT [Taiwan Tourism]
7 recommended Taipei night markets that you definitely want to visit. From Taipei's biggest and most famous night market, to gourmet night markets, to night markets with a local feel, we have carefully selected the most attractive and recommended night markets in Taiwan that are easily accessible to tourists using the MRT (subway).
Article
マリオット ボンヴォイ アメックスで旅費を劇的に節約！高級ホテルに無料宿泊＆マイルで飛行機代も無料！
シェラトンやマリオット、リッツ・カールトンに無料宿泊したり、部屋のアップグレードがあったり、無料でレイトチェックアウトできたり…。世界中を旅するモリオとミヅキの旅行をアップグレードさせた「 マリオットアメックス プレミアムカード 」の魅力とメリット、デメリットを交え詳しく紹介していきたい。
![[Taiwan Travel] Things to note when using UBER in Taiwan!](/datas/contents/img/TAIWAN-010-UBER/thum.webp)
Taiwan Travel
[Taiwan Travel] Things to note when using UBER in Taiwan!
In Taiwan, taxis often only speak Chinese, and you can only pay in cash, but if you call a taxi with UBER, you can select your destination and pay through the UBER app, which is very convenient. However, you need to be careful when using UBER, as if you are not careful, you may be hit with an unexpectedly high bill.
![Directly from a travel blogger How to make travel cosmetics super compact [Refill]](/data/contents/thum/MIZUKI-BEAUTY-001.webp)
Beauty
Directly from a travel blogger How to make travel cosmetics super compact [Refill]
Cosmetics can be bulky when you go on a trip. Are you worried about how to carry the cosmetics you use every day? A travel blogger will teach you how to make your cosmetics surprisingly compact and small! Now you no longer have to worry about carrying around your cosmetics. Please use this as a reference.
Macau Travel
10 recommended sightseeing spots guide in Macau
10 recommended sightseeing spots you definitely want to visit when traveling to Macau. Macau is famous for its casinos, but it actually developed uniquely as a Portuguese colony in the 19th century, and its cultural aspect, which is a fusion of Europe and Asia, is also very attractive. Here are 10 recommended sightseeing spots in Macau that you should definitely check out when you travel to Macau.
Measuretrip
Travelogue
旅行好きな夫婦モリオとミヅキがマイルやポイント、格安航空券を駆使しつつ、格安で世界を旅する顔が見える旅行記ブログ。搭乗した飛行機やクルーズ船の中の様子、ホテルのレビュー、美味しいレストラン、お得に旅行できる裏技、旅先での便利な情報、かかった費用など様々な情報をお届け！夫婦喧嘩あり、ホロッと涙することもあり、中年夫婦の等身大旅行記ブログ。
iPnone
【古い機種でもOK】iPhoneで綺麗な星空を撮る方法・天の川や流星群も【iPhone 星空撮影】
iPhoneを使った綺麗な星空の撮り方と、iPhone星空撮影に使用するおすすめアプリ、必要機材などを紹介。最新機種でなくても取れる方法です。このiPhoneの星空撮影方法を使えば肉眼でも見るのがやっとな天の川や星雲、そして運が良ければ流星群の流れ星も撮影可能なので、iPhoneで綺麗な星空撮影をしたいときはチャレンジしてみよう。
Rakuten MOBILE
How to use Rakuten Mobile overseas
How to use Rakuten Mobile overseas. Rakuten Mobile offers free data communication up to 2GB even when used overseas. Additionally, if you use Rakuten Link, a dedicated Rakuten mobile app, you can make calls from overseas to Japan free of charge and avoid high charges.