By Staff Reports
(HONOLULU) – The City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Transportation Services (DTS) is reminding the public about the upcoming grand opening of Skyline Segment 2 and a fare-free weekend to celebrate this major milestone.
Skyline Segment 2 expands the existing rail system by five additional miles and four new stations, extending passenger service from East Kapolei to Middle Street. With this expansion, Skyline will operate extended service hours, from 4:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. daily. See schedule here.
This new extension connects riders to major employment and activity centers on Oʻahu, including Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, the Māpunapuna and Lagoon Drive industrial areas, and the Kalihi Transit Center. Whether for work or play, Skyline now offers a faster, more reliable way to travel across town.
New Stations
- Makalapa Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam
- Lelepaua Daniel K. Inouye International Airport
- Āhua Lagoon Drive
- Kahauiki Kalihi Transit Center
Passenger service for Skyline Segment 2 begins Thursday, October 16, at 4:00 a.m.
Riders must use a loaded HOLO card with fare or a valid pass to board. An adult single ride costs $3.00, with free transfers available. Discounted fares apply. More fare information is available at www.honolulu.gov/dts/fares.
Fare-Free Weekend
To celebrate Skyline’s expansion, Skyline, TheBus, and TheHandi-Van will be free to ride on Saturday, October 18, and Sunday, October 19, from 4:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. each day. Riders must still tap their HOLO cards at station gates or when boarding TheBus—no fare will be deducted. Handi-Van rides will also be free.
Improved TheBus Connectivity
Coinciding with Skyline Segment 2, DTS will roll out new and modified TheBus routes to enhance connectivity between Skyline and key destinations such as Chinatown, Downtown Honolulu, Kakaʻako, Ala Moana, Waikīkī, and UH Mānoa.
New Rapid Lines
- A Line: Frequent, limited-stop service between Āhua (Lagoon Drive) Skyline Station and UH Mānoa. Replaces Route A, with 10-minute peak frequency.
- U Line: Expedited service between Āhua (Lagoon Drive) Skyline Station and UH Mānoa/Kaimukī via H-1 Freeway. Runs every 60 minutes, with additional peak-hour trips on weekdays.
- W Line: Limited-stop service between Daniel K. Inouye International Airport and Waikīkī. Replaces Route 20, with 10-minute peak frequency.
Modified Routes
- PH8: Now serves the Makalapa Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Station instead of Hālawa Aloha Stadium. Riders can transfer via Skyline to reach the Makalapa Gate. Military ID required for base access.
- Route 331: Replaces Route 303, connecting Skyline riders between Makalapa Station and key military facilities including Hickam AFB, PACAF Command, and AMC Terminal. Military ID required.
- Routes 40, 42, and 51: Will no longer stop on Nimitz Highway between Ohohia Street and Lagoon Drive. Instead, they will operate along Ualena and Ohohia Streets, providing direct access to the Āhua Skyline Station. Service hours and frequency remain unchanged.
Rider Etiquette and Safety
DTS anticipates high ridership throughout opening weekend and asks everyone to “ride with aloha.” Please allow riders to exit before boarding, offer seats to keiki and kupuna, and follow all posted safety guidelines.
Skyline delivers safe, fast, and reliable service above ground-level congestion—offering scenic views of Oʻahu’s south shore. As the first fully driverless, automated rail system in the United States, Skyline ensures trains arrive every 10 minutes. Skyline, always on time.
Learn More
Photos and Video (including drone footage) of Skyline Segment 2, are available here.
Plan Your Trip: www.thebus.org or call 808-848-5555, press 2 (available from 5:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.).
Skyline Info: www.honolulu.gov/skyline or call 808-848-5555.
Videos on How to Ride: https://www.youtube.com/@hnldts.
HOLO Card Information: www.holocard.net or call 808-768-4645.
Trip Planning App: Download free Transit App for TheBus and Skyline schedules and real-time arrivals