Big Island public bus and airport shuttle at Kona Airport

Life Beyond the Rental Car

Realistic alternatives to rental cars - when they work and when they don't

Kalani Miller, Big Island transportation expert

Written by a Local Expert

Ridesharing (Uber/Lyft) & Taxis: A Tale of Two Cities

The Reality Check

Yes, Uber and Lyft operate on the Big Island, but you must think of them as city services, not island-wide transportation. They are generally reliable for trips within the Kailua-Kona town area and within Hilo. Taxis are also available in these areas, but you typically need to call for one rather than hailing it on the street.

Both services launched on the Big Island relatively recently compared to major mainland cities. The driver pool is smaller, and many drivers work part-time. During busy periods like cruise ship arrivals or major events, wait times can stretch significantly.

Where They Work Well

Ridesharing excels for specific scenarios. Getting from your resort to dinner in Kailua-Kona town. A trip from your hotel to the airport when you don't want to deal with rental car return. A night out where you want to drink responsibly. For these situations, Uber and Lyft are perfect solutions.

Where They Fail

Once you leave the main town centers of Kona and Hilo, driver availability plummets. Trying to get an Uber from your Waikoloa resort to Waimea for dinner can involve a very long wait, and finding one to take you back late at night is a significant gamble. Getting a ride from a remote beach, a hiking trailhead, or from the volcano is nearly impossible.

Real Story: I once had friends visit who relied entirely on Uber for a week-long stay. They ended up missing a snorkeling tour because their ride never showed up, and they spent their last day stranded at a beach because they couldn't get a return ride. Don't let this be your story.

The Cost Factor: When Rideshares Break the Budget

For short, in-town trips, the cost is reasonable. But for the long distances that define Big Island travel, the fares add up incredibly fast and can easily exceed the daily cost of a rental car. That hypothetical Uber from Kona to Hilo would likely cost you well over $200, if you could even find a driver willing to make the trip.

Realistic Fare Estimates

✅ Reasonable Options

Kona Airport to Kailua-Kona: ~$16-$20
Hilo Airport to Hilo Town: ~$15
Waikoloa to Mauna Kea Beach: ~$25-$35

❌ Expensive/Unreliable

Kona Airport to Waikoloa: ~$52-$60
Hilo to Volcanoes Park: ~$60-$70
Kona to Captain Cook: ~$45-$55

Key Insight: Getting a ride TO remote destinations is possible if you pre-schedule, but getting a ride FROM these locations back to town is highly unlikely unless you arrange a round-trip with your driver.

Airport Shuttles: Your First/Last Mile Solution

If you're staying at a major resort on the Kona side and don't plan to leave for your first day or two, an airport shuttle is a solid, stress-free option. They offer both shared rides, which are more economical, and private cars for those who prefer direct service.

🚐 SpeediShuttle

The main provider, offering service from Kona Airport to hotels in Kailua-Kona, Keauhou, and the major resort areas along the Kohala Coast. Their shared shuttles run regularly throughout the day.

Shared: $15-25 per person

Time: +30-45 minutes with stops

🚗 Roberts Hawaii

Focuses more on private transfers with direct, non-stop service to your destination. More expensive but ideal for families with lots of luggage or travelers who want to reach their hotel quickly.

Private: $75-150 per group

Time: Direct to destination

🎯 Kalani's Advice

Book your shuttle online in advance. It's almost always cheaper than trying to arrange it upon arrival, and you're guaranteed a spot during busy periods. A shared shuttle is a cost-effective way to get to your hotel and decompress after your flight, but remember, you'll still need to figure out your rental car situation for the days you want to explore.

The Hele-On Bus: For the Patient Adventurer

🎉 The Good News

The county-wide Hele-On bus system is currently FREE to ride through 2025! This is an amazing deal for the super-budget-conscious traveler or anyone with a flexible schedule looking for a truly local experience.

⏰ The Reality Check

But it's a commuter bus system designed for residents to get to work, not for tourists to sightsee. Schedules are infrequent, with gaps of several hours between buses on many routes. The routes can be slow and indirect, making cross-island trips an all-day affair.

How a Visitor Can Actually Use It

📱 Get the App

Your best friend for using the bus is the Moovit App, which provides real-time tracking and schedules. The official Token Transit App is also useful for when fares are eventually reinstated. Do not try to use the bus without one of these tools.

🌋 Scenario 1: Hilo to Volcanoes National Park

This is the most practical tourist trip on the bus system. Take Route 11: Red Line from the Moʻoheau Bus Terminal in downtown Hilo. The bus typically leaves a few times a day (like 7:40 AM, 10:40 AM, 1:40 PM on weekdays) and takes about an hour and ten minutes.

Key: Check the return schedule immediately upon arrival. The last bus back is often around 3:15 PM or 6:15 PM.

🏖️ Scenario 2: Hilo to Kohala Coast

For the truly adventurous traveler with a full day to spare, you could take Route 80. This is a long journey (over 3 hours) that winds up the scenic Hamakua Coast through towns like Honokaʻa and Waimea before heading down to the resorts.

Reality: You might leave Hilo at 7 AM and not reach the resorts until after 10 AM. It's an incredible way to see the island's diverse landscapes for free.

💡 Kalani's Pro Tips

• In many rural areas, buses can be flagged down in safe spots if you're not near a designated stop
• Bring layers! The air conditioning is always blasting, so bring a jacket for cross-island trips
• Pack snacks and water. Some routes have long stretches without stops
• A long cross-island journey can take 3-4 hours with all the stops