Submitted by Justin, who says:

Hi, I’m a big fan of this blog! I’ve been working on a fantasy diagram for the Honolulu rapid transit system, Skyline, and wanted to submit it for you to review. As of this year, the system has one line that runs from East Kapolei (Kualakaʻi Station) to Kalihi (Kahauiki Station), with plans to extend it into downtown Honolulu. The current maps are fine, but obviously mapping it is pretty simple when there’s only thirteen stations. This map imagines a scenario where the system is greatly expanded into multiple branches on either end, and also the Superferry connecting the islands is revived. It’s not very realistic in the short-term, but I think a lot of this is likely to be built eventually. I would be curious to hear what you think!

Transit Maps says:

I think what I like most about Justin’s diagram is that I can definitely see the official one evolving in this direction if it ever has to show more than the current single line. The use of 30-degree angles works well, especially the way the western end of the blue Ocean Line frames the shape of Pearl Harbor neatly, and the color palette is suitably bright and tropical. I do wonder what feats of engineering would have to be done to get the Mountain Line across to the other side of the island, but I bet it would be a spectacular ride!

Generally, the bilingual station names are handled well, although the three labels set at an angle right in the middle of the diagram—the only ones!—are perhaps a bit unfortunate. Getting rid of them isn’t an easy problem to solve, but it could be worth exploring as they really do stand out at the moment.

Our final word: 30-degree angles have been deployed to great effect on this simple, clean and attractive diagram, with some angled labels being about the only real issue I can see. Nice work, Justin!