Getting Around
The island of Hawaii has two major airports: Hilo International and Kona International. Two little airports can also be found on the island: 'Upolu in the very northwest near Hawi, and Kamuela-Kohala in the north central area. Cruise ships visit both Hilo and Kailua-Kona.
The following airlines fly nonstop from the mainland to Kona International Airport:
Aloha Airlines 1-800-432-7117 www.alohaairlines.com
American Airlines 1-800-433-7300 www.aa.com
United Airlines 1-800-864-8331 www.ual.com
And there are several airlines that fly to the Big Island from other Hawaiian destinations. Aloha Airlines can take you to Hilo and Kona from Honolulu, and has flights connecting Hilo and Kahului, Maui. Here are the local phone numbers: 329-2511, Kona; 935-9385, Hilo.
Hawaiian Airlines flies from Honolulu to Kona and Hilo and has flights connecting both Kona and Hilo to Kahului, Maui. 1- 800-367-5320 329-0660, Kona www.hawaiianair.com.
Pacific Wings flies to Kona, Hilo, and Kamuela-Kohala. 1-888-575-4546, 887-2104, Kamuela-Kohala www.pacificwings.com. And Paragon Air is an on-demand carrier that can get you to Kona. 1-866-946-4744 www.paragon-air.com
FAST FACT
King Kamehameha I has been memorialized with three identical statues. The original was sculpted by American artist Thomas Gould and cast in 1880. It was lost in a shipwreck and another was commissioned which now stands in front of the Ali'iolani Hale in Honolulu. The original was later salvaged and can be found in the little town of Kapa'au in Kohala on the Big Island. Another statue was made from a mold made from the second statue and can be found representing Hawaii in the Capital Rotunda in Washington, D.C.
Rental Cars
Unless you want to park yourself at a resort and never leave, it really is best to rent a car so you'll have the freedom to explore the Big Island. Alternatively, you can ask your hotel if they have a shuttle bus that runs to and from the airport or can suggest van or limo arrangements to get you to your destination.
The Big Island is served by many of the popular rental car agencies:
Alamo 1-800-462-5266 329-8896 (Kona) 961-3343 (Hilo) www.alamo.com
Avis 1-800-230-4898 327-3000 (Kona) 935-1290 (Hilo) www.avis.com
Budget 1-800-527-0700 329-2668 (Kona) www.budget.com
Dollar Rent-A-Car 1-800-800-3665 329-3161 (Kona) 961-6059 (Hilo) www.dollar.com
Enterprise 1-800-736-8222 331-2509 (Kona) www.enterprise.com
Hertz 1-800-654-3131 329-3566 (Kona) 935-2896 (Hilo) www.hertz.com
National 1-800-227-7368 329-1674 (Kona) 935-0891 (Hilo) www.nationalcar.com
Thrifty 1-800-847-4389 329-1339 (Kona) 961-6698 (Hilo) www.thrifty.com
TRAVEL TIP
The Big Island is also served by the Hele-On bus, which connects various parts of the island. Fares are inexpensive but the schedule and routes are designed to accommodate residents rather than visitors. For information, call 961-8744 or visit www.hawaii-county.com/mass_transit/transit_main.htm to see the bus schedules.
And if you're looking for something a little more special to drive around the Big Island, here are two additional car rental venues to consider: Harper Car & Truck Rental rents vans, four-by-fours, and even motorhomes! 969-1478 1-800-852-9993 www.harpershawaii.com
And Harleys.com will rent you a stylish motorcycle in Kailua-Kona. 329-1700 1-800- 993-4647 www.harleys.com.
As you fly into Kona for the first time and look out the window, you might see the miles of lava landscape and think, “What did I get myself into?” The same thoughts might come to mind when you arrive in Hilo and get your first dose of tropical rain. Don't worry: The scene is much different once you get on the ground, and once you take a deep breath and look around, you'll soon settle in for a delightful visit. With great places to stay, great food, and dozens of interesting activities and sites, the Big Island has a lot to offer everyone.
