Walking in Waikiki, Hawaii: Measuring Pedestrian Level of Service in an Urban Resort District

Abstract

This study examines pedestrian conditions in Waikiki, the most urbanized area in Honolulu, Hawaii. Focusing on one side of approximately a four-block stretch of Kalakaua Avenue, a series of 15-min pedestrian counts was conducted to establish overall sidewalk volumes and flows. Detailed maps were produced to characterize the physical environment and to identify potential factors associated with measurement of the pedestrian environment. Next, the pedestrian level of service (LOS) was estimated. A variety of factors affect the pedestrian environment. In addition to the width of the sidewalk, there are also movable and immovable objects, street furniture, plantings, and other activities that affect access and use of sidewalks. The intent of this study was to understand and measure better the impacts of sidewalk activities on LOS. To test and refine the approach, the impacts of street performers who occupied the sidewalks in the area were analyzed in terms of the effects on pedestrian flow and LOS. Street performers create the following kinds of impacts to the pedestrian environment: (a) increased delay, (b) direction changes and longer travel paths for pedestrians, (c) increased traffic conflicts as pedestrians step into moving motorized traffic to avoid congestion, (d) disruption of pedestrian platoons or preferred side of sidewalk for travel (generally, most pedestrians prefer to walk on the right side of the sidewalk), and (e) increased confusion associated with crowding and forced changes in direction. Policy considerations as well as directions for research are discussed in a concluding section.