The Kaua‘i Bus announces new payment methods

The Kauaʻi Bus announces a new way riders can pay fares.

Riders can now tap a Discover or Diners Club International contactless payment card, joining Visa and Mastercard, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay and prepaid Cash App Cards, all of which were already supported through The Kauaʻi Bus Open Payments system.

The addition gives Kauaʻi residents and visitors even more convenient ways to simply tap and ride, with no cash, passes or advance planning required.

It also continues the phased rollout of modern fare payment technology, which began in January 2025 with mobile ticketing, followed by account-based ticketing with the May 2025 launch of the Holomua smartcard and Open Payments in October 2025.

The addition of Discover and Diners Club International further demonstrates the agency’s commitment to giving riders greater choice and flexibility in how they pay their fares.

Open Payments also supports riders who might not have access to a traditional bank card, including unbanked and underbanked residents, through the use of prepaid Cash App debit cards. Riders who prefer to pay with cash can load funds onto their bus account at select retail locations or obtain a Holomua smartcard at The Kauaʻi Bus office.

Fare capping continues to apply regardless of which card or digital wallet a rider uses, helping ensure riders always receive the best available fare.

“We’re always looking for new ways to make riding The Kauaʻi Bus easier and more convenient for everyone, whether you’re commuting to work or exploring the island,” said Kauaʻi County Executive on Transportation Celia Mahikoa in a county release.

Contact The Kaua‘i Bus at 808-246-8110 or via email at thekauaibus@kauai.gov for additional information.