NEW SHUTTLE CONNECTS VISITORS TO NORTH SHORE BUSINESSES STILL FEELING THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF MARCH STORMS
The North Shore Huaka'i is set to launch on June 29, 2026, providing daily shuttle service from Waikīkī and Ko Olina to the North Shore of O'ahu. This initiative aims to reconnect visitors and residents with local businesses impacted by the March 2026 kona low storms.
The service offers a full-day experience, approximately six hours long, which includes a one-hour stop at the historic Waialua Sugar Mill district and up to 2.5 hours in Haleʻiwa. Cultural practitioners will be onboard to share stories and insights about the North Shore communities, enhancing the visitors' understanding of the area. Each rider will receive a North Shore Passport that highlights participating businesses, including restaurants, retailers, galleries, and coffee shops, and is encouraged to support a local business during their visit.
The shuttle service will accommodate up to 40 passengers on the Waikīkī route, with pickups starting at 8:30 a.m. at Prince Waikīkī and continuing along Kalākaua Avenue. The departure for the North Shore is scheduled for 9:15 a.m. A second route will depart from Ko Olina at 8:20 a.m., accommodating 26 passengers, with both routes returning by 3:15 p.m. Advanced reservations are recommended.
Kūhiō Lewis, president and CEO of the Hawaiian Council, emphasized the importance of supporting local businesses and community vitality, stating that recovery involves revitalizing the economic landscape for North Shore families. Dr. Aaron J. Salā, president and CEO of the Hawaiʻi Visitors and Convention Bureau, added that the program is a strategic response to the recent storms, aiming to bolster resilience through the visitor industry.
The North Shore Huaka'i is a collaboration between the Hawaiian Council, the Hawaiʻi Visitors and Convention Bureau, E Noa Tours, and the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority. For more information on the shuttle service and to purchase tickets, individuals can visit northshorehuakai.com.