Getting Around the Big Island
Hele-On-The Big Island Bus System
The Hele-On is the Big Island public transportation system that has both north and south routes from Kona to Hilo dropping at various locations in between. This is an economical way to get many places on the Island. The Hele On system has increased its route times over the past year, however, it still is good to plan in advance especially if you are looking to get there and back on the bus.
The Big Island bus system is linked to Google Maps.
All public buses on the Big Island are free.
If you need more info on timetables contact call (808) 961-8744, Monday through Friday between 7:45 am and 4:30 pm (excluding County observed holidays) or transit dispatch (808) 731-3239, daily between 7:45 am and 5:30 pm.
Getting Around Kona
Hele-On Bus
There is an Intra Kona Hele On Route (204) that circles the city and also carries on as far south as Captain Cook.
Kona Trolley (Hele On Route 201)
The Kona Trolley, is an open air trolley that travels round-trip from Kona Commons to Keauhou Shopping Center via Ali’i Drive. It stops directly in front of the hostel. It makes numerous stops along Ali'i Drive and reaches destinations such as Coconut Grove (many restaurants), Kailua Pier, Target, Kona Brewing Company, and Kona Commons. You really can get anywhere you want to go in Kona on the trolley! The Kona Trolley runs seven days a week from 7 am to 9 pm. Click for schedule. Or check out Google Maps.
Kona to Hilo
Route 1-Kona to Hilo (not Sunday or holidays): Leaves Target at 4:40 pm, arrives Mo’oheau Bus Terminal Hilo at 7:35 pm
Route 1-Hilo to Kona (not Sunday or holidays): Leaves Mo’oheau Bus Terminal Hilo at 9:14 am, arrives at Target Kona at 11:50 am
Route 2-Kona to Hilo via Saddle Road (7 days a week): Leaves Target at 5:30 am, 12:00 pm, 5:00 pm, 7:45 pm
Route 2-Hilo to Kona via Saddle Road (7 days a week): Leaves Mo’oheau Terminal Hilo at 4:17 am, 5:17 am, 1:15 pm, 4:45 pm
Car Rentals
Kona International Airport Car Rental
All of the major car rental companies have offices at the Kona International Airport and it is often cheapest to get a car at this location. It is possible to get to the airport on the bus to pick up a car.
Kona Town Car Rental
Dollar Rental Car & Enterprise Rent-A-Car: These two companies do have offices in town. Dollar Rental Car is located in the King Kam Marriott Hotel and Enterprise is in Old Industrial.
Turo: Turo facilitates renting cars from private individuals.
Scooter Rental
Scooters are a convenient way to get around Kona. However, it is not advised to take a scooter out of town as they do not move fast enough to get out of the way of other traffic.
Big Island Moped: They will deliver a moped to the hostel. They also have weekly specials!