How long does it take to drive to one side of the Big Island of Hawaii?
How long does it take to drive across the largest island in Hawaii? If you take Daniel K. Inouye Highway (The New Saddle Road) from outside of Waikoloa (Kamuela) to outside of Hilo, about 75 minutes. That's the only cross-island road.
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Driving around the island takes about six hours – and that's without stopping or running into any traffic. If you're looking to break up your trip a bit, try taking a self-guided tour like the one Action Tour Guide offers. Action Tour Guide's self-guided tour allows you to drive through the Big Island at your own pace.
However, driving in Hawaii does come with its own set of challenges that you should be prepared for, including poor road conditions. While the more populated islands like O'ahu or the Big Island have decent roads, the more rural isles like Kaua'i have roads that are often unpaved and difficult to drive on.
At its greatest dimension, the island is 93 miles (150 km) across. It has a land area of 4,028 square miles (10,430 km2) comprising 62% of the Hawaiian Islands' land area.
Usually when people do drive the island in one day, they focus on spending quality time on the far side, typically Akaka Falls, VNP, Punalu'u. The drive time best time is about 6 hours with an additional 1 hour for Puna (impractical), not counting any stops. BI is about half the size of New Jersey.
Driving around the island takes about six hours – and that's without stopping or running into any traffic. If you're looking to break up your trip a bit, try taking a self-guided tour like the one Action Tour Guide offers. Action Tour Guide's self-guided tour allows you to drive through the Big Island at your own pace.
Depending on when you want to travel and how far in advance you book your tickets, travel between the Hawaiian islands can be very reasonable. Flights can be found as cheap as $39 each way on Hawaiian and Southwest Airlines. $39 is the best we've seen. Expect to pay between $50 to $100 for a one-way ticket.
Easiest way to travel between Hawaiian islandsFor most people, flying is the easiest way to travel between the Hawaiian islands. Southwest, Hawaiian Airlines, and Mokulele Airlines all operate plenty of flights each day that will take you between all of the islands.
To discover Big Island as a whole, we recommend staying ideally 8 to 10 days so that you have time to explore it at your own pace, as the island is quite large.
The public (Hele-on) bus service is an alternative if you have plenty of time and want to avoid renting a car. The cheapest way to get around the Big Island after walking yourself is the public bus (Hele-on-Bus). This bus will get you to most places on the island, but transit times are long and connections infrequent.
But, that said, some months are still better when considering things like weather and your budget. The best times to visit the Big Island of Hawaii, taking into consideration the weather, how crowded, or not, the island is, and demand for accommodations are the month(s) of April, May, August, September, and October.
The island of Hawaii is big—giving it its nickname: The Big Island! While you may think of tropical beaches and palm trees when you think about a trip to Hawaii, the Big Island offers so much more. If you are pressed for time, 3 days on the Big Island may be all you have. But don't stress about it.
Restaurants, shops, beaches, activities and several major attractions (including the Honolulu Zoo, Waikiki Aquarium, Kapiolani Park and the U.S. Army Museum) are within walking distance of most hotels in Waikiki, so if you're not going anywhere else, you won't need a car.
Oahu. Oahu, also known as “The Gathering Place,” is home to some of the most iconic beaches in Hawaii, including world-famous Waikiki Beach, Lanikai Beach, and Sunset Beach. Waikiki Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the world and is known for its stunning views of Diamond Head, a volcanic cone.
Oahu is the cheapest Hawaiian island to visit, with a total cost of $3,015. A Ko Olina Resort lagoon on Oahu. Maui is the most expensive island to visit, coming in over $2,000 more expensive, with a total cost of $5,142. The Grand Wailea in Maui, a luxury resort.
One state and six islands – it is a hard choice.Not in Hawai'i. All six of Hawaii's major islands are a totally different experience. They each have their own pulse, their own flavor, and temperament. For those who just can't decide which island to stay on, it is worth considering the option of Island Hopping.
Depending on when you want to travel and how far in advance you book your tickets, travel between the Hawaiian islands can be very reasonable. Flights can be found as cheap as $39 each way on Hawaiian and Southwest Airlines. $39 is the best we've seen. Expect to pay between $50 to $100 for a one-way ticket.
Drive from Waimea/Hilo to Volcano. From the Saddle Road, North Big Island, or Hilo Airport, you can arrive at Aloha Junction via Route 11 on the Eastern shore of the Big Island to Volcano (45 Minutes).
To circle the entire Big Island takes almost 6 hours, if you include a loop through North Kohala. When driving between Hilo and Kailua-Kona, you might consider taking the north scenic coast route in one direction and the Saddle Road route between the mountains coming back!
With its magnificent geography – including secluded beaches, the world's most active volcano, epic waterfalls, lush jungles, and sprawling Volcanoes National Park (over 500 square miles in size!) – it is no surprise that the Big Island is one of the world's most-visited tourist destinations.