Big Island Transportation

Hawaii Rental Car

Big Island transportation for most travelers usually means picking up a rental car upon arrival. But if they run out of cars before you get to the counter, or you simply decide not to rent one, you have a number of choices.

Airport Shuttles

There are two airports on the Big Island, Kona International Airport (KOA) on the west coast, and Hilo International Airport (ITO) on the east side of the island. Currently there is no shuttle service or public transportation available from the Hilo airport. From the Hilo airport you must rent a car or hire a taxi.

From the Kona airport, many hotels along the Kohala coast provide complimentary shuttle service. If yours is not one of them there are other shuttle options available from the Kona airport for your Hawaii transportation.

Big Island Transportation Airport Lei Greeting

Private Car Service - Our top recommendation! Leave the driving to us and save on the cost and hassle of renting a car with this affordable door to door service in your own private luxury car. Your driver will pick you up at Kona International Airport (KOA) and transport you to your hotel in Hualalai, Kona, Keauhou or Waikoloa. Choose between a Mercedes-Benz sedan, Mercedes-Benz SUV or a stretch limousine for your transportation.

Speedi Shuttle (877-242-5777) provides airport shuttle service to most hotels along the west coast including Kona, Waikoloa Village, Kohala resorts, Puako, Holualoa and Keauhou. There is a service desk in the Kona International Airport terminal. Another Big Island shuttle option is Roberts Hawaii (808-954-8640).

More Big Island Transportation Options

Hawaii Island Bus Service

The Hawaii County Mass Transit Agency provides public Hawaii transportation around the Big Island on the Hele-On Bus. They offer the only public transportation to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, with service Monday-Friday from Hilo.

Bus fare is $2.00 per ride or you can purchase a sheet of 10 tickets for $15.00. A monthly pass is $60. Discounts of close to 50% are offered for students and senior citizens. Hele-On runs on a limited schedule around the island so be sure to check their website.

Keauhou Kona Trolley

The Kona Trolley, also known as the Keauhou Honu Express Shuttle or Hele-On Route 201, is an open air trolley that travels round-trip between the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort and Kailua-Kona, the Kailua Pier, Kona International Marketplace, and Macy's, making numerous stops along Ali'i Drive. This is a nice way to see the town and avoid driving, especially if you are staying in Kailua-Kona. The Kona Trolley runs daily from 9 am to 9 pm. Fare is $2.00/person per transfer.

Kona Commons Shopping Center provides a free transfer when spending $25 or more.

Kona Taxi

Cab fare on the Big Island can get prohibitively expensive if you have to travel very far. But if you're stuck at the airport with no car and no shuttle, this may be your best bet. There is plenty of competition so call around. In and around Kailua-Kona, we use Mel's Taxi. Mel's generally gets the best customer reviews for a Kona taxi.

Big Island Motorcycle Rentals

If you prefer two-wheeled transportation, there are a couple of options for motorcycle rentals on the Big Island.

Whatever method of Big Island transportation you choose, getting there is half the fun. There is so much to see and do. Whether you are traveling solo or rubbing elbows with a Hawaii tour group, enjoy the ride!