Honolulu’s public transit system just hit a major milestone: Segment 2 of the Skyline rail line officially opened to passengers on October 16, 2025, adding five miles of track and four new stations that connect key destinations across Oʻahu.

What’s New with Skyline Segment 2

• The new stretch runs from Aloha Stadium to the Middle Street Transit Center (Kalihi), introducing stations at Makalapa (Joint Base Pearl Harbor‑Hickam), Lelepaua (the Daniel K. Inouye Airport), Āhua (Lagoon Drive), and Kahauiki (Middle Street).

• Service for the new segment begins at 4:00 a.m. daily, with trains arriving every 10 minutes until about 8:30 p.m., then every 15 minutes until 10:30 p.m.

• To coincide with the launch, TheBus routes were reorganized to improve connectivity between rail stations and major hubs across Honolulu.

• As part of the opening festivities, the city rolled out a fare‑free weekend to encourage ridership and help people get accustomed to the new route.

Why This Expansion Matters

• The extension brings faster, more direct access to the airport, Pearl Harbor, industrial areas, and Kalihi—destinations many people travel to daily.

• Mayor Rick Blangiardi emphasized the promise of reducing commute times: “Thirty‑two minutes from Kapolei to the airport, and if you miss that train, there’ll be another one in 10 minutes.”

• With the expanded network, weekday ridership—now averaging around 4,500 passengers—has potential to grow substantially.

• This is a key stepping stone toward the rail’s full build‑out. Segment 3, which will take the line further into Downtown Honolulu and Kakaʻako, is slated for completion by 2031.

Challenges & Things to Watch

• While testing of the system was underway before October, final safety certification and operational integration took careful planning.

• The new stations are active work zones even post‑opening; riders are reminded not to approach exposed rails or restricted areas.

• The long-term success of the expansion depends on ridership growth, operational efficiency, and how well surrounding developments (housing, retail, transit connections) grow around station areas.

Sources: Star Advertiser | Hawaii News Now | Aloha State Daily