- Kailua-Kona to Hilo via Hwy 19 = 2 hours,15 min.(north)
- Kailua-Kona to Hilo via Hwy 11 = 3 hours,15 min.(south)
- Kailua-Kona to Hilo via Saddle Road = 2 hours,15 min.
- Kailua-Kona to Volcano via Hwy 11 = 2 hours,30 min.
- Kailua-Kona to Waimea via Hwy 19 = 45 min.
- Kailua-Kona to Hawi via Hwys 19 & 279 = 1 hour,15 min.
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No one was injured in this one car accident
involving a "B-52" cockroach near Pahoa.
Insecticides were not involved. While rare,
such incidents point out the unusual obstacles
faced by drivers in the Tropics.
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Gas Prices in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii - Click Here
INFORMATION ABOUT DRIVING ON THE BIG ISLAND
- Gasoline is about 15 cents higher than mainland price per gallon on most of the island, and the price drops almost 10 cents as you reach Hilo. Hilo is where it is shipped in. There are parts of the Island where you don't want to run out of gas. The Saddle Road, Hwy 11 between Oceanview and Volcano, Waipio Valley, and Hawi Town on a Sunday after 2:00 PM. Don't say I didn't warn you!
- Sudden Downpours will almost surely mean trouble for drivers. Several places around the island you may see highway warning signs about rocks washing onto the road, or places where the water gets deep enough to swim comfortably. Don't ignore the signs!
- People often ask if they will need a 4 wheel drive when they visit the Big Island. The answer is no. A rental car will take you almost everywhere you might want to go. We do live on a mountain here, and there are lots of places you can get to in a 4 wheel drive. Green Sands beach, Waipi'o Valley, and the top of Mauna Kea, for example. However there are usually other ways to reach these destinations.
- The Saddle Road will someday be a shortcut between Kona and Hilo. The county has begun improvements on the highway, However, it is a winding and bumpy drive most of the way, essentially one lane, through some fascinatiing scenery. There are some delays where construction is under way (on the Hilo side of the rest area near the military camp, at Mauna Kea State Recreation Area. You will probably want to check your rental car contract before driving it, as some companies just say "no". It is really not too bad if you are used to winding and bumpy roads. It does snow or sleet once in a while, and other "hazards" may be Army tanks and trucks which may want to share the narrow road with you.
Should you decide to drive it, here are a few suggestions:
- 1. Have half a tank of gas in the car (no stations up there).
- 2. Take your time, and watch for one lane bridges, sharp turns, army tanks, low flying helicopters and pigs on the road.
- 3. Stop and pull off if you get a line of cars behind you. (The locals can get impatient, and you won't enjoy the sightseeing half as much).
- 4. If you drive up the road to Mauna Kea's summit, you should have a 4 wheel drive to be safest, because of the incline. Stop at the ranger station for at least 30 min. (If you drive directly to the top you can get severely dizzy, weak, or get headaches from the lack of oxygen at that altitude.
- 5. Bring your own water and snacks...there is nothing up there!
- 6. Only 1 restroom between Waimea and Hilo. It is located at the Mauna Kea State Recreation Area, east of the Army base.
- South Point Road takes you from Hwy 11 down to the extreme southern end of the Island. It is a beautiful drive, but take it slow and enjoy the view. Also, remember to slow down and pull off the road when other vehicles approach because it is pretty much a "one lane road" for most of its length. There are several interesting historical sites, and some rugged cliffs which drop straight into the sea. A large "blowhole" nearby is said to have been the demise of at least one rental van, so watch it! The road to Green Sands eats cars for breakfast. As you walk along, look for rocks soaked with motor oil.
- Waipio Valley is accessible by 4 wheel drive or tours only. The road is very narrow, very steep, and utterly breathtaking. Once you reach the bottom of the valley, you can drive along the river and see some long, cascading waterfalls, but be aware that the land is private property. If you turn to your right at the bottom you will reach a beautiful black sand beach where Kevin Costner finally reached dry land in "Waterworld".
Car Rental Information
When you arrive at the airport in Kona, have your partner wait for your luggage while you proceed directly to the car rental offices. By doing this, you can often avoid a long wait in line.
When returning your car to the airport, do as the locals do, and fill up at Costco. Their prices are consistently lower than other stations in Kona.
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