Are you planning a trip to the Big Island and trying to figure out how to get from Kona to Hilo? Find out the easiest ways to get to Hilo from Kona using shuttle services, car rentals, taxis, buses, and more. Scroll for all the Big Island transportation options!
This post about how to get from Kona to Hilo Hawaii was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
So you’re planning your Big Island trip and trying to figure out how to get from Kona to Hilo without it turning into a whole ordeal.
Let me save you some time: most travel blogs will give you a laundry list of options that sound great on paper but are terrible in real life.
I’m going to tell you what actually works for families, based on 40+ visits to the Big Island as a professional tourist and Hawaii travel expert.
Here’s the truth up front: you really have two solid options. Rent a car or take the free bus. That’s it.
Uber? Forget it. Shuttles between cities? They don’t exist. Let me explain.
Why You’d Want to Make This Trip
The Big Island is divided into two completely different worlds.
Kona is sunny, dry, and lined with resorts. It’s where most families stay because it’s easier to predict good beach weather.
Hilo is lush, rainy, and gorgeous. It’s where you’ll find Rainbow Falls, black sand beaches, and easy access to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
The distance from Kona to Hilo is only about 80 miles by road, but these two sides of the island feel like different planets.
If you’re staying in Kona, I always recommend at least a day trip to Hilo. The drive itself is beautiful, and you’ll get to see waterfalls, rainforests, and parts of the island that most tourists skip.
The Best Option: Rent a Car
Let’s start with what I actually recommend for families.
Rent a car through Discount Hawaii Car Rental. They have the best rates and work with all the major companies at Kona Airport.
This is hands-down the best way to get from Kona to Hilo with kids.
You control your schedule. You can stop whenever someone needs a bathroom break. You can throw all your beach gear in the trunk.
And honestly? The drive is half the fun.
How Long Does It Actually Take?
Every blog post will tell you it’s “about 2 hours.”
But here’s what I tell friends: plan for 3 hours.
Not because the roads are slow (though they kind of are). Because you’re going to want to stop.
There are three routes you can take, and each one has its own vibe.
The Northern Route (My Favorite)
This is the scenic drive everyone talks about.
You’ll take Highway 19 up the Hamakua Coast, and it’s absolutely stunning. Green cliffs, ocean views, waterfalls everywhere.
This route takes you through Waimea and past Waipio Valley Lookout. The road hugs the coastline and you’ll drive through tiny towns that feel frozen in time.
Budget about 2.5 to 3 hours without stops. With stops? Easily 4 hours, but you won’t regret it.
I did this drive last trip and we stopped at every waterfall we saw. My kids still talk about it.
The Middle Route (Fastest)
If you just want to get there, take Saddle Road (Highway 200).
This cuts straight across the island between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. It’s fast, it’s efficient, and it’s… fine.
About 2 hours if you don’t stop.
The scenery is interesting in a stark, volcanic kind of way. If you want to visit the Mauna Kea Visitor Center, it’s right along this route.
This is the route to take if you’re just trying to get from point A to point B.
The Southern Route (If You Have Time)
This one takes 3 hours minimum without stops, but it’s worth it if you have a full day.
You’ll take Highway 11 south through Kona coffee country, past South Point (the southernmost point in the US), and through Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
This is where things get real.
On my last trip, we were driving from Punalu’u Black Sand Beach trying to get to the volcano. The road flooded near the park and we got completely rerouted.
We had to backtrack through Kona, cut across Saddle Road, come down through Hilo, and finally make it to the volcano from the other direction.
What should have been a 30-minute drive turned into 3+ hours of unexpected driving. We missed our dinner reservation at Volcano House.
Thankfully they let us reschedule for the next night, but man, we were wiped.
The lesson? Weather can impact your plans on the Big Island more than you’d think. Have a backup plan and build in extra time.
But when the weather cooperates, this southern route is fantastic. You’ll see green sand beaches, black sand beaches, sea turtles, and some of the most dramatic volcanic landscapes on earth.
What About Car Seats?
This is why I always recommend rental cars over other options.
You can request car seats when you book through Discount Hawaii Car Rental, or bring your own if you prefer.
With little kids, this isn’t optional. And good luck finding an Uber driver who’s going to have car seats for your family.
The Budget Option: Take the Free Bus
Yes, there’s a public bus that goes from Kona to Hilo.
And here’s the best part: it’s completely free through 2025 (possibly longer).
The Hele-On Bus used to cost $2 per ride, but Hawaii County made it free during the pandemic and they’ve kept it that way. I don’t know how long this will last, but for now, it’s an incredible deal.
How the Hele-On Bus Works
The bus runs 7 days a week between Kona and Hilo on Route 1 and Route 2 (the Blue Line).
You can check the current schedule at heleonbus.hawaiicounty.gov.
The trip takes about 2.5 hours, give or take, depending on stops.
The Downsides
Look, free is free. But there are tradeoffs.
You’re on the bus schedule, not yours. If your kid needs a bathroom break, tough luck.
You can’t stop to see waterfalls or grab a quick bite at a local spot.
The bus is designed for commuters, not tourists, so it’s not going to stop at all the scenic viewpoints you’d want to see.
And if you have a lot of luggage or beach gear, you might get charged for an extra seat.
When It Makes Sense
If you’re doing a simple day trip and don’t need flexibility, the bus is fine.
If you’re traveling solo or as a couple without kids, the bus is actually pretty convenient.
If you’re on a tight budget, obviously the free bus beats a $60+ rental car for the day.
But for families with kids? I’d spend the money on the rental car every time.
Why Uber/Lyft Won’t Work
Every travel blog lists Uber and Lyft as options.
Let me save you the disappointment: they’re not realistic options for getting from Kona to Hilo.
Yes, technically Uber and Lyft operate on the Big Island. But driver availability is extremely limited, especially outside of Kona town.
Finding a driver willing to make the 2-hour trip to Hilo? Good luck.
And even if you do find one, you’re looking at $100+ each way, easy. Probably more. Plus you’ll need to coordinate a ride back, which could take an hour of waiting around with the app open.
Multiple travelers have reported trying Uber for this route and either (a) no cars available, (b) getting quoted insane prices, or (c) drivers accepting then canceling.
It’s not worth the stress, especially with kids.
What About Shuttles?
Here’s another thing blogs get wrong: there are no shuttle services that run between Kona and Hilo.
Companies like Roberts Hawaii and Polynesian Adventure Tours offer airport shuttles and guided tours, but they don’t do city-to-city transfers.
If you want a guided tour experience, you can book a full-day tour that includes Hilo attractions. But that’s a tour with a set itinerary, not transportation between cities.
Planning Your Kona to Hilo Trip
Here’s how I’d actually plan this:
Pick your route based on what you want to see. Northern route for waterfalls and scenery. Middle route if you’re short on time. Southern route if you want to see the volcano.
Rent a car if you can swing it budget-wise. The flexibility is worth every penny.
Leave early. Like, 7am early. This gives you time to stop, explore, and not feel rushed.
Pack snacks and water. There are places to buy food along the way, but having your own stash keeps kids happy.
Download the Hele-On bus schedule as a backup if you’re relying on public transportation.
Check weather and road conditions before you go. Flash flooding can close roads, especially on the Hilo side.
Where to Stay in Hilo
If you’re planning to spend a night or two in Hilo (which I recommend), here are my top picks:
Grand Naniloa Hotel sits right on Hilo Bay with great ocean views. It’s recently renovated and perfect for families.
SCP Hilo Hotel is more budget-friendly but still comfortable and clean.
Both give you easy access to downtown Hilo, Rainbow Falls, and the drive to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
What to Do in Hilo
Once you get to Hilo, don’t miss these spots:
Rainbow Falls is a 5-minute drive from downtown and absolutely gorgeous.
Akaka Falls State Park is about 20 minutes north and has a paved loop trail perfect for kids.
Two Ladies Kitchen has the best mochi on the island. Get there early because they sell out.
The Hilo Farmers Market (open every day) is great for fresh fruit and local crafts.
And if you’re into chocolate, book a tour at a local farm. My kids loved learning how cacao turns into chocolate bars.
My Actual Recommendation
After 40+ trips to the Big Island, here’s what I tell every family:
Rent a car. Take the northern route. Leave early. Stop at every waterfall that looks interesting. Pack your own lunch and eat it at a scenic overlook.
Budget 3-4 hours for the drive so you’re not stressed about time.
Consider staying a night in Hilo so you can explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park without rushing back to Kona the same day.
The drive between Kona and Hilo isn’t just transportation. It’s one of the best parts of visiting the Big Island.
Want more Big Island planning help? I’ve got a complete guide that takes the guesswork out of planning your trip.
Check out my Big Island Travel Guide for Families for detailed daily itineraries, kid-friendly activities, and all the insider tips I’ve learned over 20+ years of visiting Hawaii.
I also cover Big Island trip planning in episode 51 of my podcast, Hawaii Travel Made Easy. Listen while you’re planning your trip!
And if you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the planning, I offer personalized Hawaii travel consultations where I help families create custom itineraries that actually work for their budget and travel style.
The Big Island has so much to offer, and getting from Kona to Hilo is easier than most travel blogs make it sound. Rent a car, take your time, and enjoy the ride.
