Big Island Hawaii Car Rentals for Kona and Hilo
Drive Times and Directions
RV, VW Vans, Motorcycle and Moped rentals

With little public transportation, a network of long two-lane highways, and by virtue of its nature (it's really big), the Big Island requires the rental of a car or motorcycle if you plan to do any serious exploring. The two-lane highways along the Kona Coast, Hamakua Coast and through the Volcano area are narrow, packed with tour buses and trucks, and the traffic flows fast. You'll want to be behind either the wheel of a car or the handlebars of a motorcycle — or in a tour bus.

The Island of Hawaii is divided into six districts based on the ancient Hawaiian land divisions called ahupua’a, extending from the uplands to the sea: Kona (North and South Kona) Kohala (North and South Kahalo), Hamukau, Hilo, (North and South Hilo), Puna and Ka’a. As you drive around the island, you’ll see signs marking the boundaries of each district.

Big Island Hawaii Information Guide -   Accommodations  |   Beaches  |   Biking  |   Camping  |   Car Rentals  |   Diving  |   Dolphin & Whale  |   Fishing  |   Gardens  |   Helicopter Tours  |   Horseback Riding  |   Hotels  |  Inter-Island Flights  |  Kayaks  |  Land Tours  |   Lu'aus  |   Miscellaneous  |   National Parks  |   Real Estate  |   Restaurants  |   Snow Skiing  |   Stargazing  |   Vacation Rentals  |   Volcanoes  |   Waipio Valley  |   Webcams & Newspapers  |   Weddings

Big Island Drive Times and Directions

Driving From Kona Airport To Your Hotel

From Kona Airport to Kauilua-Kona Town: After exiting the airport, turn right at the traffic light on to Queen Ka’ahumanu Hwy (Hwy 19). Continue traveling south about 7 miles until the 6th traffic light at Palani Road. Turn Right at Palani Road , continuing toward the ocean on to Alii Driveto reach most of the Hotels and Condos.

From Kona Airport To Waikoloa and Kohala Coast: After exiting the airport, turn left at the traffic light on to Queen Ka’ahumanu Hwy (Hwy 19). After driving about 10 miles north, you will see the first of the resort sighns on the left side of the highway. The Waikolo/Kohala Coast resorts dot the coastline for the next 15 miles.

Driving From Hilo Airport To Your Hotel

Hilo Airport to Hilo: After exiting the airport, turn right at the traffic light on to highway 11(Kanoelehua Ave). Drive about one mile to the next traffic light, then continue straight on to Banyan Drive, where most of Hilo”s major Hotels are located.

Hilo Airport to Volcano: After exiting the airport, turn left at the traffic light on to Highway 11 (Kanoelehua Ave). Continue driving south about 26 miles to the volcano.

Seatbelts And Car Seats

State law requires all front seat passengers to wear seatbelts and all back seat passengers under the age of 17 to be buckled up by seatbelts. All children under the age of 4 must be secured in a child passenger restraint system approved by the Department of Transportation.

Driving Saddle Road

The Saddle Road will someday be a shortcut between Kona and Hilo. Rumor has it that the county will begin improvements on it in the next year or so. In the meantime, it is a winding and bumpy drive through some enchanting scenery, and a chance to see how truly vast and unpopulated the Big Island is. You will probably want to check your rental car contract before driving it, as some companies just say "no". It is really not too bad if you are used to winding and bumpy roads. Rarely does it snow, and the only real "hazards" are the Army's tanks and trucks which may want to share the narrow road with you. Should you decide to drive it, here are a few suggestions:

1. Check with your rental company to make sure that they do not restrict Saddle road use.
2. Have a minimum of half a tank of gas in the car. (no stations up there).
3. Take your time and watch for one lane bridges, sharp turns, army tanks, low flying helicopters and cattle on the road.
4. Stop and pull off if you get a line of cars behind you. (The locals can get impatient, and you won't enjoy the sightseeing half as much).
5. If you drive up the road to Mauna Kea's summit. Stop at the ranger station for at least 30 min. (If you drive directly to the top you can get severely dizzy, weak, or get headaches from the lack of oxygen.
6. Bring your own water and snacks...there is nothing up there!
7. Only 1 restroom between Waimea and Hilo. It is located at the Mauna Kea State Recreation Area, east of the Army Base.

Big Island Hawaii Information Guide -   Accommodations  |   Beaches  |   Biking  |   Camping  |   Car Rentals  |   Diving  |   Dolphin & Whale  |   Fishing  |   Gardens  |   Helicopter Tours  |   Horseback Riding  |   Hotels  |  Inter-Island Flights  |  Kayaks  |  Land Tours  |   Lu'aus  |   Miscellaneous  |   National Parks  |   Real Estate  |   Restaurants  |   Snow Skiing  |   Stargazing  |   Vacation Rentals  |   Volcanoes  |   Waipio Valley  |   Webcams & Newspapers  |   Weddings