With the first phase of new transit-priority lanes on Kuhio Avenue completed in Nov. 2024, the city’s Department of Transportation Services and Honolulu Complete Streets announced Phase 2 will begin on May 5.

What You Need To Know

  • The second phase will cover the eastbound curbside lane of Kuhio Avenue from Kanekapolei Street to Kapahulu Avenue, incorporating red pavement markings and signage to prioritize city and private buses

  • Construction will last roughly four weeks, weather permitting, Monday through Friday

  • During construction, there will be lane closures along the project limits

The second phase will cover the eastbound curbside lane of Kuhio Avenue from Kanekapolei Street to Kapahulu Avenue, incorporating red pavement markings and signage to prioritize city and private buses, as well as large trucks and bicycles moving along the corridor.

Construction will last roughly four weeks, weather permitting, with the following work hours:

  • 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. During the day, existing pavement markings will be removed and new markings and signs will be installed.
  • 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Monday through Friday, except holidays. The red methyl methacrylate paint will be applied at night since it requires lower pavement temperatures to cure.

During construction, there will be lane closures along the project limits. Changes to bus stops will be relayed to transit riders.

The goal of transit-priority lanes on Kuhio Avenue in dense Waikiki is to facilitate more convenient transit access for local residents, employees and visitors, and to reduce delays due to traffic congestion for buses. According to DTS, currently 56% of people on Kuhio Avenue at rush hour are walking, biking or riding TheBus or private bus carriers; only 44% of people travel by private vehicle. More than 2.5 million TheBus rides are taken annually on 10 TheBus routes on Kuhio Avenue alone.

After Phase 1 was completed, data revealed over 97% vehicle compliance with the new lane restrictions, fewer bicyclists were riding on the sidewalk and an average reduction of 2% to 5% on TheBus travel times. Preliminary analysis showed the new transit lane did not have a significant impact on vehicle travel times through the corridor.

Although the lanes give priority to transit vehicles, bikes and large trucks may travel in the lanes. Vehicles turning right at driveways and side streets can also enter the lanes in advance of their turn. Passenger loading is restricted and freight loading with a permit is only allowed overnight between 10 p.m. and 7:30 a.m.

Visit the Honolulu Complete Streets website for more information on the Kuhio Avenue lane project.