Driving Tips
Driving the mostly rural roads of the Big Island can be more enjoyable than negotiating the crowded streets of Honolulu, but keep in mind the following if you rent a vehicle:

• All occupants of a car must wear seat belts (regardless of age), and children weighing less than 40 pounds must be in a child safety or booster seat.
• Right on red is legal unless otherwise marked.
• The Big Island's main roads are two-lane highways — often narrow and winding, with no shoulder.
• Gas stations are fairly far apart, and in rural areas, they tend to close early in the day. Fill up at the first station you encounter when you start to run low.
• Do not attempt to drive Saddle Road, which connects Hilo to the Kona Coast through the middle of the island. In their contracts most rental companies do not allow driving on Saddle Road because it is narrow and unmaintained in areas.
• Most rental agencies will charge extra if you rent a car in Hilo and drop it off in Kona, or vice versa.
• Rent a car as far in advance as possible. The Big Island hosts large events several times a year (such as the Merrie Monarch Festival in April and the Ironman Triathlon in October), which completely drain the island's car supply.

Average Vehicle Rental Rates
• Cars: Weekly rates range from $200 to $370 and $35 to $50 per day.
• Motorcycles: A full-day rental will run you $120 to $175; half-day rentals range from $75 to $110.
• Mopeds: Two-person highway cruisers cost about $45 for a full day and $25 for a half day. Mopeds that reach up to 45 mph are about $35 for a full day and $25 for a half day.
• Bicycles: A daily rental will cost between $15 and $30, depending on the type and quality of bike you rent. Weekly rentals run from $50 to $140, and bike tour packages range from $49 to $115.
• Limousines, Shuttles & Taxis: A shuttle or taxi ride from the Kailua-Kona Airport to your hotel will cost between $15 (the nearest hotels) and $62 (the farthest) per person. Most taxis allow 2 to 3 bags. For a limo ride expect to pay about $75 per hour, and note that most companies have a two-hour hire minimum.