Island of Hawai'i, HI Airport Information
Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA)
Approximate taxi fare: $45 USD
Located on the western side of the island in Keahole, the Kona International Airport is just 20 miles south of Kohala Coast. Kona International Airport serves as the primary airport on the island, serving international, overseas, and inter-island flights and averaging 400 operations and 9,000 passengers daily. The airport features a variety of shopping and dining options, and their hours of operation are based on flight schedules.
Hilo Airport (ITO)
Approximate taxi fare: $49 USD
Hilo International Airport is located on the eastern side of the island, approximately 70 miles from Waikoloa and the Kohala Coast. The airport serves approximately 263 inter-island operations and 4,500 passengers daily. A number shopping and dining options are available outside the passenger lounge area before security.
Island of Hawai'i, HI Public Transportation
Hele-On Bus System
The Hele-On bus, part of the Hawai'i County Mass Transit Agency, is the only means of public transportation available on the Island of Hawai'i. It is the cheapest way to get around the Big Island. Locations served include Hilo, Kau, Kona, North and South Kohala, Pahala, and Pahoa. All routes, including the South Kohala Resort bus route, run Monday through Saturday. The bus has a few scheduled stops at the airports but advance planning is needed if you choose to take the bus from (and to) the airport.
Island of Hawai'i, HI Ground Transportation
Taxis
Visitors to Kona, Kohala Coast, and Hilo can hail taxis from hotel stands or airports. In the Hilo area, it is possible to use a flexible shared ride taxi program for a lesser price. No shared ride taxi service is available in Kona at the moment.
Rental Cars
Renting a car in Hawai'i is highly recommended for flexibility and ease. Kona International Airport features rental car counters for Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, and Thrifty. All counters are accessible via shuttle from the baggage claim area. Hilo International Airport features rental car counters for Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Hertz, National, and Thrifty, all located on the ground level outside terminal.