The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (HDOT) is reminding drivers to expect nearly 50,000 students returning to the roads statewide in mid-August. The department’s annual Beat the School Jam campaign is underway, with messages on local TV and radio encouraging motorists to consider carpooling as a way to ease congestion.
According to HDOT, ridesharing allows access to High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes, such as the Zipper Lane for west side commuters heading into downtown Honolulu. Using these lanes can save between 20 and 40 minutes compared to standard routes.
For those interested in starting a carpool, HDOT suggests speaking with coworkers or friends or using the department’s free ride-matching website HiRideshare at https://hirideshare.qryde.com/.
Families in Mililani Complex and Maui’s Kekaulike Complex are encouraged to look into carpooling options provided by the Hawai‘i State Department of Education (HIDOE), in partnership with GoKid. More information about this school carpool pilot program is available at https://hawaiipublicschools.org/2025-hidoe-partners-with-gokid-to-pilot-carpooling-option-for-school-families/.
Other recommendations from HDOT include planning ahead and considering public transportation. Oʻahu residents can use TheBus (https://www.thebus.org/) and Skyline rail service (https://www.honolulu.gov/dts/skyline/home/). Public transit options are also available on Maui (https://www.mauibus.org/), Hawaiʻi Island (https://www.heleonbus.org/), and Kauaʻi (https://thekauaibus.com/).
Cyclists can find resources through organizations like Hawaii Bicycling League (https://hbl.org/), Maui Bicycling League (https://www.mauibike.org/), PATH Hawaii Island (https://pathhawaii.org/), and Kauai Path (https://www.kauaipath.org/).
“Let’s all welcome the new school year safely and calmly. HDOT appreciates all the roadway users that contribute to safer roads by following the speed limit, limiting distractions and watching out for pedestrians, bicyclists and other vehicles. These safety measures are especially important as our keiki and young adults head to school,” according to HDOT.
