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For shuttle reservations, please visit gohaena.com

North Shore

Shuttle

The North Shore Shuttle serves as a prime example of effective tourism management, prioritizing quality of life for our community while recognizing tourism as our primary economic driver. We have all seen firsthand the negative impacts of unchecked much visitor traffic, but the shuttle offers a sustainable solution that balances accessibility with conservation. Rather than simply promoting more tourism, we use the shuttle as a tool to educate visitors about local culture and environment. This approach not only enhances the visitor experience but also mitigates the challenges associated with high tourist volumes, demonstrating that responsible tourism can coexist with community values.

Tourism Management

Over the past few years, the North Shore Shuttle has profoundly transformed transportation in and around Hā‘ena. In 2023 alone, the shuttle transported over 160,000 passengers, significantly reducing vehicle traffic by more than 63,000 cars. This reduction not only alleviated congestion along the Waipā to Hā‘ena route but also contributed to a safer, more serene environment for both residents and visitors. With daily ridership increasing from an average of 325 to over 440, the shuttle has become an essential component of the community's transportation network.

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We believe in promoting a better kind of tourism—one that respects the community and its resources, ensuring that both residents and visitors can enjoy the beauty of the North Shore harmoniously.

Key
Benefits

  • Decreased Traffic Congestion: Significantly reduces vehicle traffic along the Waipā to Hā‘ena route, enhancing travel efficiency.

  • Environmental Benefits: Eliminates nearly 200 vehicles daily—over 50,000 annually—resulting in a 20% reduction in traffic and a positive impact on local air quality.

  • Cultural Education: Introduced onboard recorded messaging to educate riders about the cultural significance of key areas along the route and the broader park system.

  • Economic Benefits: Provides employment for over 30 North Shore residents and supports multiple local nonprofits through grants and strategic partnerships, fostering community development and resilience.

  • Complimentary Service for Residents: Offers a free shuttle service for residents traveling between Hā‘ena and Hanalei, promoting greater community access and connectivity.

Hā‘ena State Park

While transporting thousands of visitors in and out of the park each week is a significant undertaking, we are equally grateful for the opportunity to enhance signage in and around Hā‘ena State Park and the Hui Makaʻainana o Makana. These improvements represent meaningful reinvestment in our community, ensuring that both residents and visitors can navigate the area with greater ease and understanding.

“It has always been the desire of Hui Maka’āinana o Makana and our community to protect Hā‘ena for generations to come. This is our ancestral home, and it is our kuleana to care for this sacred place." 

- Presley Wann

President of Hui Maka‘āinana O Makana

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Mahalo to Our

Partners

  • Hui Makaʻainana o Makana
  • Waipā Foundation
  • Department of State Parks
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