Double-Decker Sightseeing Buses Arrive in Waikiki

KITV: Despite the recent drop in Hawaii tourism, two companies are continuing to show confidence in the industry by investing more than $3 million in new tours.

With double-decker buses thriving in major international cities, Gray Line Hawaii and Polynesian Adventure Tours decided to roll out their own fleet of seven bright buses called the Aloha Bus for three tour routes. Each bus seats up to 61 passengers.

The idea is for visitors to enjoy Hawaii's mostly sunny, trade wind weather from the top floor while sightseeing and shopping.

"The first operates from Waikiki to Hilo Hattie. The second operates the Pearl Harbor express from Hilo Hattie down to Pearl Harbor and a night time shopping loop," Polynesian Adventure Tours President Colin Murphy said.

Passengers can opt to buy a 24-, 48- or 72-hour pass starting at $29. Translated tour narrations are available in English, Japanese, Korean, Chinese and Spanish.

The two companies expect the project to expand within the year. So far, the project has created 60 jobs, they said.