M
API Matrix

Transport for Honolulu, US API

Transportation / API Key Intermediate HTTP
Varies by plan (check documentation)
57 Score
Grade D
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Overview

The Honolulu TheBus API provides real-time information about bus arrivals, routes, and stops for Oahu public transit in Hawaii. You can look up the next bus arrival at any stop or retrieve route details using a simple HTTP request. An API key is required and can be requested from hea.thebus.org.

💡

Beginner Tip

Start by querying a known stop ID (e.g., stop 4487 near Ala Moana Center) to test your connection before building a full app. Stop IDs are printed on physical bus stop signs across Honolulu.

Available Data

match scores and results
team standings
player statistics
schedule and fixtures

Example Response

JSON Response 
{
  "route": "Line 1",
  "origin": "Station A",
  "destination": "Station B",
  "departure": "08:30",
  "arrival": "09:15",
  "status": "On Time",
  "delays_min": 0
}

Field Reference

Arrival An XML element representing a single upcoming bus arrival at the queried stop.
Route The route number of the arriving bus, such as 8 or 42.
Headsign The destination sign text displayed on the bus, indicating where the bus is headed.
ArrivalTime Estimated arrival time at the stop, typically in minutes from now or as a clock time.
StopTime The scheduled time the bus is due at this stop according to the timetable.

Implementation Example 

const url = "http://hea.thebus.org/";
// Replace headers or query params with the values required by this API.
const response = await fetch(url, {
  headers: {
  "X-API-Key": "YOUR_API_KEY"
  }
});
if (!response.ok) throw new Error(`Request failed: ${response.status}`);
const data = await response.json();
console.log(data);

What Can You Build?

Note: These code examples are AI-generated and unverified. Always refer to the official API documentation for accurate usage.

Common Errors & Troubleshooting

Empty XML response or "Invalid Key" message The API key is missing or has not been approved yet.
✓ Apply for a key at hea.thebus.org/api_info.asp and wait for approval before making requests.
No arrivals returned for a valid stop Service may not be running at that time, or the stop ID is incorrect.
✓ Verify the stop ID from an official Honolulu Transit stop sign or the DaBus app, and check that buses are scheduled at your requested time.
Connection refused or timeout The API uses plain HTTP (not HTTPS), which some environments may block.
✓ Ensure your environment allows outbound HTTP on port 80, or use a proxy that handles the plain HTTP connection.

Matrix Score Breakdown

🌐 Reachability 30/30
⚡ Speed 5/20
🔒 Security 0/15
🛠 Developer XP 12/20
✓ Reliability 10/15

Partially tested on Apr 5, 2026

Technical Specifications

Auth API Key
HTTPS NO
CORS UNKNOWN
Category Transportation
Difficulty Intermediate
Verified: 2026-04-04

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