Exploring The Big Island: Transportation Tips And Tricks

The best way to get around Hawaii's Big Island is by car. The island is simply too large to navigate without one. You can pick up a rental car at either Kona International Airport (KOA) or Hilo International Airport (ITO). If you don't want to rent a car, there are other transportation options available, such as taxis, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft, public buses, bicycles, and scooters. However, keep in mind that the public bus system may not be very convenient for tourists and that taxis and ride-sharing services can be expensive.

Renting a car

You can pick up a rental car at either Kona International Airport (KOA) or Hilo International Airport (ITO). It is recommended to book your rental car before you arrive, and to plan ahead if you are travelling during peak periods, such as holidays and the Ironman Triathlon, as cars can run out.

If you are under 21, you won't be able to rent a car, and those aged 21-25 will have to pay a young driver fee. If you are renting a car, it is worth splurging on a four-wheel drive, as this will be useful on the island's rougher roads. However, be aware that some rental agencies will ask you to avoid certain roads, such as Saddle Road, which connects Kona and Hilo. Additionally, some places are difficult or impossible to reach with a rental car, such as the summit of Mauna Kea and the Green Sand Beach.

You can expect to pay more for gas on the Big Island, and street parking can be difficult to find in Kailua-Kona and Hilo. You will also need to consider where you will park your car overnight, as not all hotels or vacation rentals have complimentary parking.

Using public transport

Public transport is available on the Big Island, although it is not considered the most efficient way to get around. The Hele-On Bus service is the island's public bus system, with buses running between Kona and Hilo from Monday to Saturday. The bus costs $2 per person, with an additional fee for large luggage. The service is designed to accommodate workers, with most departures in the early morning and late afternoon. As such, the Hele-On Bus is not ideal for tourists, as routes and timings are limited.

However, if you are on a budget or have plenty of time, the Hele-On Bus can still get you to most places on the island. The bus service is also wheelchair accessible, and there is a bicycle rack available for a fee.

For those who prefer to use public transport, it is recommended to plan your travel in advance. There are several apps available, such as Hawaii Bus Plus and Mooveit, which can help you plan your trip and find the closest bus routes and arrival times.

Additionally, there are shuttle services available at Kona Airport, which is useful as there is no shuttle or public transportation available at Hilo Airport. SpeediShuttle and Roberts Hawaii are two large, local shuttle companies that serve multiple airports on the islands.

Some larger resorts on the west side of the Big Island also provide shuttle services to nearby shopping centres, golf courses, or beaches for a small fee.

Taking a taxi or rideshare

If you're looking for a convenient way to get around Hawaii's Big Island without the hassle of renting a car, taking a taxi or rideshare is an option. While taxis are available, they tend to be expensive and not easily flagged down on the street. In Kona, where most of the island's taxis are concentrated, it's recommended to plan ahead and make a reservation for a taxi instead of trying to hail one.

Ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft have been available on the Big Island since 2017 and offer an alternative to traditional taxis. These services can be accessed through their respective smartphone apps, and they service both international airports on the island: Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA) and Hilo International Airport (ITO).

In Hilo, there is the option of using the Hele-On Shared Ride Taxi Program, which offers rides for as little as $2 per ride within the Hilo urbanized areas and up to a nine-mile radius. This program is designed for those who have mobility devices and can be used by tourists, but it may not be the most practical option for those wanting to explore outside of Hilo. To use this service, taxi coupons must be ordered ahead of time by mail, along with a copy of your ID.

While taxis and ridesharing can be more costly than other transportation methods, they offer a convenient way to get around the Big Island, especially if you're based in Kona or Hilo and don't want the commitment of renting a car.

Getting around by bicycle

Bicycles are available for rent on the Big Island, and cycling is a great way to explore the island. The Big Island is quite small, measuring only 95 miles across at its widest point, and there are plenty of bicycle routes to choose from.

The cost of renting a bicycle varies depending on the type of bike and the rental period. Basic bikes can be rented for as little as $25 per day, while more advanced bikes, such as carbon fibre models, can cost $100 or more. Weekly rentals are also available at a discounted rate. Some companies that offer bicycle rentals include Kona Beach & Sports, Bike Works, and Big Island Bike Tours.

There are many scenic bicycle routes on the Big Island, such as the Kohala Mountain Road, which offers excellent views of the coastline, and the Queen K Highway, which is part of the Ironman triathlon course. The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is also a popular destination for cyclists, with a variety of landscapes, including volcanic craters, rainforests, and lava fields.

It's important to keep in mind that the weather on the Big Island can be a factor when planning a bicycle trip. The afternoon temperatures can be uncomfortable during the summer months, so it's best to ride in the morning. Additionally, strong trade winds can add difficulty to your ride.

When cycling on the Big Island, it's recommended to wear head protection and stay away from roads frequently used by cars.

Flying between islands

Island hopping via plane is a convenient way to see numerous islands during your trip, especially since travelling to the different islands by car is not possible. However, TSA lines can be long and slow, and in many cases, can make clearing security longer than the actual flying time. The flying time between islands is between 20 to 50 minutes.

When planning your trip, it is good to be flexible with your travel dates. Island hopping during the months of April, May, September and October generally offers periods of low demand and you may be able to find some good airfare deals. Flights between the islands are also cheaper if you fly on weekdays.

If you are flying from the UK into Oahu, you can fly with a single change in one of the major US gateway cities such as LAX, DFW, ATL, ORD, SEA and SFO. Similarly, when leaving, you may have to overnight at one of those gateways depending on the schedule. Inter-island flights not connected to your international ticket can be booked separately through Hawaiian Airlines and South West Airlines.

It is recommended that you spend at least 4-5 days on each island, except perhaps Oahu. Anything less will result in a lot of frustration and a waste of time, as it takes half a day to travel between islands, including checking in and out of your accommodation and picking up and dropping off a rental car.

Frequently asked questions