Honolulu’s Skyline: Rail Expansion & Impact in Hawaii, US

Honolulu’s Skyline **rail** network expands! Segment two launches, connecting key hubs with four new stations, including the airport and military base, improving **railway** access.

Honolulu’s Skyline: Rail Expansion & Impact in Hawaii, US
October 20, 2025 10:54 am
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Introduction

Honolulu’s Skyline rail system in Hawaii launched public service on its segment two route on October 17, 2025, opening four new stations. The expansion includes stations at Makalapa Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Lelepaua Daniel K Inouye International Airport, Ahua Lagoon Drive, and Kahauiki Kalihi Transit Center. The opening was marked by an event at Kahauiki Middle Street Transit Center Station, with an inaugural train journey from Halawa Aloha Stadium Station.

Segment Two Launch

The segment two route of Honolulu’s Skyline rail system has begun public service, introducing four new stations. The expansion connects the Daniel K Inouye International Airport and Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, among other locations. The launch event took place at the Kahauiki Middle Street Transit Center Station.

Key Station Features

The Makalapa Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam station provides direct access to military bases and surrounding communities. The Lelepaua Daniel K Inouye International Airport station connects travelers and the airport’s workforce to the rail system and features a new express bus route to Waikiki. At Kahauiki Middle Street Transit Center station, commuters can transfer between Skyline trains and the city’s bus network using a single fare card system.

Project Impact and Future Plans

Honolulu mayor Rick Blangiardi highlighted the impact of the new segment, emphasizing its role in connecting key economic and transportation hubs. Skyline is the first fully autonomous urban light rail system in the US. Segment three is expected to be completed by 2031, adding six stations and further connecting Oʻahu’s west side with downtown Honolulu.

Project Timeline

In August 2024, a contract was awarded for the design and construction of the final segment of the Skyline rail transit project in Honolulu, Hawaii. In October same year, the execution of a contract and receipt of the notice to proceed for the Honolulu rail project in Hawaii, US, was announced.

Last June 2025, we published an article about Renfe’s Aranjuez maintenance hub. Click here to read – Future of Rail: Renfe’s Railway Technology Hub, Aranjuez: Essential Guide

Conclusion

The Skyline rail system’s segment two has begun service, adding four stations and expanding the network’s reach. The project aims to improve transport links across Oʻahu and includes plans for future expansion.

Honolulu’s Skyline

Skyline is the first fully autonomous urban light rail system in the US. The system’s segment two includes four new stations: Makalapa Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Lelepaua Daniel K Inouye International Airport, Ahua Lagoon Drive, and Kahauiki Kalihi Transit Center.

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