If you want to take advantage of the many free attractions in Hawaii, then renting a car is definitely a good option. But there are other transportation options as well, such as ridesharing services like Uber or Lyft.
Having your own car gives you more flexibility with your itinerary, which can be helpful for those who like to try new things during their trip. And, since gas prices are much higher on the islands than Mainland, it can be a good idea to rent an economy vehicle that gets decent mileage.
Public Transportation
If you don’t want to rent a car, Big Island Hawaii has some excellent public transportation options. However, it’s important to note that bus trips can take a long time.
The Hawai’i County Mass Transit System offers a variety of fixed-route and paratransit bus services, including Hele-On commuter and local routes, HI Bike, seniors and people with disabilities demand response, and school-based bus service.
In addition, the county is working to strengthen Hele-On by implementing the hub-and-spoke model, which integrates various fixed-route bus services at a central hub.
The county also plans to provide paratransit services to communities in need and to enhance its shared-ride taxi program by partnering with the popular rideshare app big island jeep rentals. This would give people access to more transportation options, easing traffic problems in the island’s urbanized areas. It will be interesting to see how these changes evolve. Hopefully, they will be well received by everyone!
Taxis
There are several different types of taxis on the Big Island, including standard black cabs and luxury sedans. You can also hire a ridesharing service like Uber or Lyft.
Taxis can be a good option for getting around if you don’t mind a bit of a ride, but if you want more freedom and to explore more of the island, I recommend renting a car instead. Renting a car will allow you to visit some of the remote and off-the-beaten-track attractions on the island such as Papakolea (Green Sand Beach) or lava caves.
Taxis are available throughout the island, but they are not cheap and you should plan ahead to get a taxi at the airport or for an out-of-town destination. For example, a taxi from the Kona International Airport is estimated to cost around $34 for a one-way ride.
Shared Ride/Taxi Services
If you’re looking for a more affordable option than renting a car in Big Island Hawaii, consider using shared ride/taxi services. These are often the fastest way to get from one place to another, and can be a good option for visitors who don’t plan on traveling too much.
In Hilo, Mass Transit offers a shared ride taxi program where passengers can purchase coupons that are valid for a cab provided by one of three authorized taxi companies. Service is available Monday to Saturday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Each coupon is good for up to 4 miles, though riders can go farther if they have more coupons.
Rental Cars
One of the best ways to get around the island is to rent a car. This allows you to explore different parts of the island and also provides you with more flexibility.
Whether you are visiting the Island of Hawaii for a short trip or are here on a longer trip, renting a car will be essential to your experience. The island can be very large and many of the activities can be quite far from where you are staying.
If you are planning to visit Big Island Hawaii, it is best to book your rental cars well in advance of your trip to ensure they are available when you arrive. Availability can change based on the season, your travel dates and type of vehicle.