Honolulu Rail Debut: See Inside The First Half Of Skyline

Hundreds of residents converged on nine train stations from the fields east of Kapolei to Aloha Stadium on Friday to ride the new Skyline system, as modern rail transit service opened for the first time in the island’s history.

The milestone event followed a six-decade struggle to build a fixed rail line across Oahu’s dense southern shore, and it comes after numerous struggles and missteps in the effort to build a full rail route into the heart of Honolulu.

Still, scores of local dignitaries, VIPs, elected leaders and numerous figures associated with rail’s history in the past 15 years commemorated the achievement of opening at least half of the line to the general public.

“This is an extraordinary moment,” U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz told a group of several hundred gathered at Halawa stadium, several hours before the gates at that station opened to the public.

“This project faced multiple near-death experiences along the way,” he said. “It was challenging, it took a lot of grit, it took a lot of arguing, it took a lot of determination and skill and political risk.”

Skyline train rail commute mass transit free Keone’ae University of Hawaii West Oahu — People stood in a long line at the Keone’ae University of Hawaii West Oahu Station on Friday in Ewa Beach to ride Skyline during its public debut. Rides are free until Tuesday. (Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2023)

During the opening ceremonies for the Skyline rail system at the Halawa Station, Mayor Rick Blangiardi shared his thoughts on the project with dignitaries and guests at the event. (David Croxford/Civil Beat/2023)

Holo card Skyline train rail commute mass transit free Keone’ae University of Hawaii West Oahu — Riders will need a Holo card to take advantage of the free rides July 1-4. Then, fares will be $3 for adults, which includes 2.5 hours with unlimited transfers. (Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2023)

HART Executive Director Lori Kahikina shared the journey to Kapolei with former Honolulu City Councilman Joey Manahan. (David Croxford/Civil Beat/2023)

HART Board Chair Colleen Hanabusa and former Gov. John Waihee chatted during the first official public ride to make the journey from Halawa to Kapolei. (David Croxford/Civil Beat/2023)

There are no restrooms at the stations along HART’s rail line, but HART placed mobile restrooms outside the Halawa station for those in need Friday. (David Croxford/Civil Beat/2023)

Roxy Chow Skyline train rail commute mass transit free Keone’ae University of Hawaii West Oahu — Roxy Chow of Waianae threw a shaka to a Kapolei-bound Skyline train Friday. (Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2023)

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