Do I need to rent a car for my Hawaii vacation?OK guys the positive feedback on your Maui vacation was overwhelming (see comments of this post!). We are still waiting for the lovers of the Big Island and Kauai to take their turn. Discussion is still open. We know you are out there. We love to hear from you about your past or future favorite Hawaii vacation destination.
Hey life goes on and so does this blog. As you know from our blog title, we do favor the Kohala Coast on the Big Island (being a little prejudiced cannot hurt). Let’s pick up one of the most often asked questions from travelers who visit the Big Island for the first time besides “Where are the beaches?”…”Do I need to rent a car for my Hawaii vacation?” or “Is there any public transportation on the Big Island?”
Well, if you want to see the Big Island…the hot lava spitting volcano, walk through the snow of Mauna Kea summit while star gazing, hike through spectacular Waipio and Pololu Valley… and not just lie on a beach, yes, yes, yes you have to rent a car. There is now way around it. Even if you are not much of an explorer, you want to have a means of transportation, as there is no public transportation in the Big Island. Check our Big Island car rentals links for best rates.
There are free shuttles between Kohala Coast resorts, hotels and their spas or golf courses, which are provided by the hotels for theirs guests for convenience. The hotel shuttle service between Kona International Airport and the Kohala Coast hotels has to be paid for (still somewhat cheaper than taking a taxi). The available ‘Hele On’ bus covers the Island to some extend (you can request schedule 808-961-8744), but this bus service is more or less used by residents to make it from point A to point B. It’s definitely not a public transportation for tourists. Bottom line, there is no public transportation on the Big Island. Well, we don’t want to leave you in a lurch here. So, let’s get
The island with the best-developed public transportation of all the Hawaiian Islands is on Oahu. Oahu's public transportation system has a nice website with detailed information on bus routes and schedules, fares and passes. The website even includes popular tourist attractions along the routes.
Maui now has a more limited public transportation system. The Maui County's Bus website has a complete schedule of routes and times of operation. Depending on where you are staying on Maui, what you want to do on your Maui vacation and how much you want to see of the island, the bus might just be a sufficient means of transportation.
The Kaua'i Bus operates a Public (Fixed Route) bus service and a Paratransit (Door-to-Door) bus service from Hanalei to Kekaha daily except on Sundays. Good news. The Kauai Bus now provides service to the Airport and limited service to Koloa and Poipu.
That's it for today. Have fun exploring Hawaii, by car or bus. Any questions or comments, please, click the comment tag on any of our posts. As usual, we love to hear from you. Aloha, Pua Vacation in Hawaii like Donald Trump - but cheap!
p.s.
Our today's post girl is Maile from WahineStyle.com. How do you like her?
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3 comments:
Aloha Pua!
Great article! Looks like you've pretty much covered a lot, but I want to add my two cents here if it's possible.
Aside from the taxi and theBus, you can also take advantage of Oahu's shuttles and the Waikiki Trolley. I've written a few answers from a few people looking for information here:
(http://www.hawaiivacationhelp.com/
Come visit my site whenever you have time. You know you're always welcome there! :)
Thanks for stopping by and submitting this great information for our Hawaii blog visitors on ways how to get around on Oahu. All the Hawaii island hoppers reading our blog will be grateful for this detailed information on Oahu shuttles, buses and car rentals. A hui hou. Mahalo, Pua
Great blog guys, if you really want to explorer the islands and get to wherever your heart and guide books can take you,
I think car rentals are the best way to go. We have been on a couple guided tours in large vans getting tossed around as the
driver really aspires to be on the Nascar circuit, you come out of those wanting Dramamine and your money back.
Public transportation on the islands is lacking or non existent depending on the island, Maui started the Maui Bus
service recently, oddly enough to get to the airport from where I live in Kihei, you have to take a Bus to the Mall thats
out of the way and then pickup another one, not exactly how you want to spend the last couple of hours in paradise.
If you do decide on a rental car, I recommend a car rental finder service that works with several of the major agencies
they have been around since the 80's. The website is http://www.hawaiicarrental.com
They have great rates plus they check websites for your dates while you wait, its free no credit card in needed to book
and takes about 30 seconds. Have a great time on the magnificent islands. Aloha nui loa
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