Top 5 Big Island Travel & Transportation: Reviews & Tips

So, when you’re dreaming of that vacation to the Big Island of Hawaii, you might picture yourself hiking through volcanic landscapes, maybe lounging on sun-soaked shores, or very likely exploring lush rainforests. That first step? Basically, figuring out how you’re going to get around, like getting from Kona Airport to Volcanoes National Park. We all know that isn’t exactly a walk in the park. Don’t you think planning your transportation could almost be as important as what adventures you want to get into, at the end of the day?

1. Alamo Rent a Car: Your Island Explorer

When people land in Kona or Hilo, very often their very first thought is grabbing some kind of car rental. A car, you see, means you can explore the whole Big Island at your own pace. Like, imagine seeing that sunrise from the summit of Mauna Kea or stopping spontaneously at some roadside fruit stand, alright? Alamo, you see, it’s almost like a reliable option and a household name, typically giving you, like, a variety of vehicles at the airport locations.

Why Alamo?

So, Alamo could be seen as great for folks wanting convenience and a pretty dependable service. Their fleet tends to be maintained well enough, so you can usually count on a pretty decent ride, okay? That said, at the end of the day, don’t you think the real bonus is that you can pick up your car right at the airport, then get to your vacation rental or that resort in no time?

Potential Downsides:

Sometimes, you know, folks talk about there possibly being long lines at the rental counters during very busy seasons. And you might also find their rates, they tend to vary wildly depending on demand. To get what you are looking for is almost a deal breaker, you know?

What to Look Out For:

• Check the car carefully for any existing dings or scratches, very carefully documenting anything you spot before you leave.
• Consider booking your rental well ahead, really securing possibly better rates and very likely vehicle availability, I would argue.

Read our full review: Alamo Rent a Car Hawaii Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Book Alamo Now)

2. SpeediShuttle: Shared Ride Made Easy

Now, when you prefer someone else does all the driving, you could say that SpeediShuttle is almost like your ticket to relaxing right from the second your plane touches down. They give you shared ride shuttle services all over the Big Island. This service, really, can take you from the airport to almost every hotel, condo, or even some vacation rental, okay?

Why SpeediShuttle?

It’s quite straightforward really; they’re dependable, and you do not need to stress yourself with parking. Also, like, it’s possibly more budget-friendly than just grabbing taxis everywhere, is it not?

Things to keep in mind:

The shuttle almost always makes multiple stops, very, very often extending your travel time. It is what it is, though. You might be, arguably, waiting at the airport as well while they fill up the shuttle. Basically, a shared ride, and stuff!

Things to Look out For:

• You’ll definitely want to book your shuttle well in advance, possibly confirming your reservation.
• Make completely sure you understand their luggage restrictions so that you don’t get stuck with that overweight bag charge, do you know what I mean?

Read our full review: SpeediShuttle Big Island Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Book SpeediShuttle Now)

3. Hele-On Bus: Island Life, Local Style

Now, really wanting that super local experience? Anyway, Hele-On Bus can offer you just that – island-wide public transit. So, you may be getting to experience things that others really won’t, traveling with locals and very slowly taking in the sights. Plus, really, how much more cost-effective can one get than just the local bus, okay?

The Perks of the Bus:

Very much low cost, for one. Then, basically, an authentic kind of local traveling experience. Like you may say aloha to a stranger on the bus, maybe.

Potential Drawbacks:

Here’s what might affect some of you reading this: So, the routes tend to be quite limited and infrequent, which in that case can really add hours to some journey that you otherwise wouldn’t deal with by other means. This, and if you are wanting just easy transport from the airport to a resort on the opposite side of the island, anyway, it might be slightly impractical, in that case.

Things to Consider:

• You might want to definitely review bus schedules thoroughly, really adjusting your plans accordingly.
• Expect some travel times possibly being longer, definitely embracing the island vibe and rhythm!

Read our full review: Hele-On Bus Hawaii Full Review and Details

4. Turo: Car Sharing with a Local Twist

Want to grab a car from somebody local rather than, say, a big corporation, you see? Basically, Turo might be your answer. Like, you can, seemingly, find everything from, maybe, an economy car for getting around town, okay, to what could be that really rugged SUV to hit up Saddle Road.

The Appeal of Turo:

Well, one thing: Quite a selection; you’ll get to select from a range of cars. Also, arguably, very flexible pick-up and drop-off places.

Keep This in Mind:

This depends upon individual car owners; so arguably, maintenance and quality can just wildly vary. Then, if it goes badly at any point during your journey with their vehicle, anyway, there is always that reliance on the owner when something pops up.

Things You Might Want to Know:

• Read reviews quite carefully, for one. And don’t only check on the car, but do so on the vehicle owner, too, definitely, okay?
• Clearly understand Turo’s protection policies and procedures. And you are almost sure that you know just what is expected for each owner’s vehicle.

Read our full review: Turo Big Island Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Find a Turo Ride)

5. Local Taxi Services: Quick Trips

Okay, maybe just wanting direct rides with not a lot of fuss? Anyway, taxi services like those with Kona Airport Taxi possibly serve the major spots around the Big Island. That said, if you aren’t all that fond of having to rent a car or maybe want that hassle-free, direct trip, anyway, this almost makes them that perfect solution, too it’s almost certain.

Why Hail a Taxi?

So, that straightforward convenience? Also, maybe no need at all to stress yourself over that navigation or those parking spots. It’s almost an unsaid thing, arguably, that a taxi can just bring you there straight, too it’s almost certain, is that it?

Potential Drawbacks:

You will see that using taxis will almost be much more costly if you consider it, as opposed to shared shuttles, not to mention a rental vehicle. And finding a cab at some more secluded area? Yeah, that may very likely be a bit more challenging. That being the case, basically. Maybe not if you get one by Hilo Airport or the airport at Kona!

Something to Keep In Mind:

• Really, check those taxi rates beforehand. If anything, confirm rates, really making completely sure there aren’t any unwanted surprises when that meter’s read at your destination.
• See about maybe scheduling those pickups ahead, mainly at very specific locations or possibly at those off-peak times. That really would reduce the potential wait times significantly.

Read our full review: Kona Airport Taxi Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Call Kona Airport Taxi)

Okay, so when it’s about hopping around the Big Island? Well, there you might just have options, yeah? From basically the super freedom given to you by, you know, those rental vehicles down to just that relaxation given when using shuttle services or taxi, now is that great or what? Maybe with the budget traveler riding on the Hele-On bus system to grabbing the local vehicle using Turo; definitely you have stuff you can use.