Hawaii - Jeff Campbell [151]
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GETTING AROUND
The Big Island is divided into six districts: Kona, Kohala, Waimea, Hilo, Puna and Ka′u. The Hawai′i Belt Rd circles the island, connecting the main towns and sights. It’S possible but neither efficient nor convenient to get around by bus. If you want to explore, you really need a car.
The best foldout map is the Hawaii Street Guide Big Island Manini Map. This is a slimmer version of the Ready Mapbook series’ encyclopedic books covering east and west Hawai′i (bulky for short visits, but very useful for longer stays). Another good foldout map is Nelles’ Hawai′i: The Big Island. The colorful Franko’S map of Hawai′i, the Big Island features watersports and is sold at dive shops.
To/From the Airports
Most Big Island visitors rent cars, and car-hire booths for the major agencies (see opposite) line the road outside the arrivals area at both airports.
HILO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Taxis can be found curbside; the approximate fare from Hilo airport to downtown Hilo is between $18 and $20.
KONA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AT KEAHOLE
Taxis can be found curbside; the approximate fare from the airport to Kailua-Kona is $30, and to Waikoloa it’S $55.
Shuttle-bus services typically cost as much as taxis. Speedi Shuttle (329-5433, 877-242-5777; www.speedishuttle.com) will get you to destinations up and down the Kona Coast, plus Waimea, Honoka′a and Hawai′i Volcanoes National Park (though that’ll cost $165-plus). Book in advance.
Bicycle
As your primary transportation, cycling around the Big Island is easiest with the support of a tour. Though do-able on one’S own, it’S a challenge, particularly if the weather doesn’t cooperate. However, Kona, the hub for the Ironman Triathlon, has top-notch bike shops that sell and repair high-caliber equipment.
Bus
Unless you don’t plan to go far, don’t base your trip on using the county-run Hele-On Bus (961-8744; www.heleonbus.org; 7:45am-4:30pm Mon-Fri). All buses are free, and routes cover the island, but service is minimal, and most routes only run Monday to Friday; none run on Sunday. Schedules are available online, at the Big Island Visitors Bureau (Click here) and at Hilo’S Mo′oheau bus terminal (Click here). All buses originate from Mo′oheau terminal, unless otherwise noted. You need permission from the driver to board with a surfboard or bodyboard; these items, as well as luggage, backpacks and bicycles, are charged at $1 per item.
Car & Motorcycle
From Kona to Hilo, the northern half of the belt road is 92 miles, and the nonstop journey takes over two hours. The southern Kona-Hilo route is 125 miles and takes approximately three hours nonstop.
Before renting a car, consider whether you want to drive Saddle Rd, the only route to Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. Though the condition and reputation of this road is improving (Click here), some rental companies still prohibit driving on it. Currently, Harper, National, Dollar and Alamo allow driving on Saddle Rd; Avis allows driving to the Mauna Kea visitor center, but only from the Hilo side; and only Harper rents 4WDs that can be driven past Mauna Kea’S visitor center to the summit.
There are car-hire booths at Kona and Hilo airports for the following companies:
Alamo (in Hilo 961-3343, in Kona 329-8896)
Avis (in Hilo 935-1290, in Kona 327-3000)
Budget (in Hilo 935-6878, in Kona 329-8511)
Dollar (Hawaii reservations 800-367-7006)
Enterprise (in Hilo 934-0359, in Kona 331-2509) Both are located off-airport.
Hertz (in Hilo 933-2566, in Kona 329-3567)
National (in Hilo 935-0891, in Kona 329-1674)
Thrifty (in Hilo 877-283-0898)
For more on the national chains, including toll-free numbers and websites, Click here. Harper Car & Truck Rentals (Map; 969-1478, 800-852-9993; www.harpershawaii.com; 456 Kalaniana’ole Ave, Hilo) is the local car-hire agency. It’S the only company renting 4WDs that can be driven to Mauna Kea’S summit, but they are expensive and the insurance coverage (which is supplemental, not primary)