Top Travel Apps to Make Your Waikiki Trip Easy, Fun, and Stress-Free
If you’re planning a trip to Waikiki, we highly recommend taking advantage of the myriad of Waikiki travel apps available.
They can ensure you enjoy the smoothest and most memorable experience possible with apps that will help you before, during, and after your trip. Some of the best can even save the day in nearly any situation you might encounter while in Waikiki.
Living and working here in the vibrant Honolulu neighborhood, involved in hospitality and enjoying the many activities and attractions, we’ve used and recommended these apps to visitors frequently.
Whether it’s your first time visiting Waikiki or your one hundredth, these travel apps will enhance your stay and make it more seamless.
Apps for Navigation & Transportation in Waikiki
Shaka Guide
If you’ll be driving and want to explore the island, download the Shaka Guide.
It offers GPS-based audio tours with engaging narration from local guides, highlighting both hidden gems and major landmarks.
Multiple driving tours are available, and they can be downloaded in advance for offline use—a huge bonus if you’re off the grid.
Uber and Lyft
Both Uber and Lyft are available in Waikiki and beyond.
These apps are ideal if you want to skip renting a car and the hassle of finding parking in the city.
Charley’s Taxi
Charley’s Taxi is a reliable alternative to ride-shares.
It’s especially useful for advance bookings or when avoiding surge pricing.
DaBus2
Use the DaBus2 app for iOS or Android to explore Oahu’s budget-friendly bus system.
It’s a great option for getting between Waikiki, the airport, and other popular stops.
Apps for Currency Exchange & Tipping in Waikiki
My Currency Converter Plus
My Currency Converter Plus helps visitors from outside the U.S. convert over 170 currencies easily.
It’s an essential tool for staying on budget when traveling internationally.
Tip N Split
Tip N Split makes tipping easy by calculating gratuities and splitting checks in seconds.
Ideal for group dinners or unfamiliar tipping customs in Hawaii.
Tip Calculator – Tipping Made Easy
Tip Calculator – Tipping Made Easy is an iOS app that allows quick customization of tip percentages and shared payments.
Apps for Budgeting & Expense Tracking in Waikiki
PocketGuard
PocketGuard is perfect for tracking daily and travel expenses.
Use its “In My Pocket” feature to monitor how much discretionary cash you have while on vacation.
Tripcoin
Tripcoin works offline and allows you to record your spending by category—ideal for on-the-go travelers who want transparency in how they spend.
From food to excursions, you can track it all effortlessly.
Apps for Learning the Language in Waikiki
Hawaiian Words Dictionary
Hawaiian Words Dictionary is a great tool for learning over 1,500 common Hawaiian words and phrases with audio pronunciations.
It’s a respectful and fun way to connect with local culture.
Learn Hawaiian Language, Words
Android users can try Learn Hawaiian Language, Words, which focuses on vocabulary through interactive learning.
Apps for Mobile Passport Control (MPC)
Mobile Passport Control (MPC) is a must if you’re arriving internationally at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport.
By completing customs forms digitally and submitting passport info via the app, you’ll skip long lines and save time upon arrival.
Make the Most of Your Waikiki Trip with the Right Apps
With the right travel apps, you’ll enjoy a more authentic, stress-free, and budget-conscious trip to Waikiki.
Whether you’re navigating the island, learning Hawaiian, or tracking expenses, these tools will help you travel smarter and enjoy more of paradise.
