The first phase of a new transit-priority lane on Kuhio Avenue in Waikiki is set to begin after the City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Transportation Services and Honolulu Complete Streets awarded the installation contract.

What You Need To Know

  • Phase 1 of the project will involve the westbound lane of Kuhio Avenue from Kapahulu Avenue to Launiu Street

  • Expected to last about four weeks, weather permitting, construction will start the week of Nov. 4 with work hours from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Monday through Friday except holidays

  • There will be lane closures and bus stop modifications for bus riders along the project limits during construction

  • Although the bus lane gives priority to transit vehicles, bikes and large trucks, vehicles making a right turn into driveways and side streets will be able to enter the lane before their turn

Phase 1 of the project will involve the westbound lane of Kuhio Avenue from Kapahulu Avenue to Launiu Street. Signs and red markings on the new Ewa-bound bus lane will indicate priority given to city and private buses, large trucks and bicycles, according to the DTS.

The intent of the project is to reduce delays caused by traffic congestion for buses in Waikiki.

The bus-lane project on King Street reduced bus travel times by as much as 30%. It’s hoped the transit-priority lane on Kuhio Avenue will do the same by effectively using limited right-of-way space in dense Waikiki.

The DTS estimates 56% of people on Kuhio Avenue at rush hour are walking, biking or riding either a city bus or private bus carrier. Only 44% of all travel is made by car. In addition to providing a reliable and essential transportation option, bus lanes have been shown to increase foot traffic and sales at local businesses, say DTS.

The proposed improvements will increase safety for all road users, according to DTS, and facilitate more convenient transit access for residents, employees and visitors in the Waikiki area.

Expected to last about four weeks, weather permitting, construction will start the week of Nov. 4 with work hours from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Monday through Friday except holidays.

Daytime work will include the removal of existing pavement markings and the installation of signs and new markings. Nighttime work is required for the red methyl methacrylate paint since lower pavement temperatures allow it to cure.

There will be lane closures and bus stop modifications for bus riders along the project limits during construction. Motorists and other road users are asked to proceed through the area with caution.

Since 2021, the city has been conducting outreach to Waikiki constituents and surrounding neighborhoods and spoken to businesses, property owners and area tenants about the project.

Although the bus lane gives priority to transit vehicles, bikes and large trucks, vehicles making a right turn into driveways and side streets will be able to enter the lane before their turn. Passenger loading will be restricted and freight loading with a permit will still be allowed overnight, from 10 p.m. to 7:30 a.m.

More information on the Kuhio transit-priority lane project is available on the Honolulu Complete Streets webpage.