2024 Ironman World Championship in Kona
The 2024 Ironman World Championship Men’s Race will be held in Kailua Kona, Hawaii on Saturday, October 26th, 2024.
Renting a Car on the Big Island
We highly recommend getting a rental car to tour the Big Island. The sheer size of the island makes it worthwhile to have a consistent way to get around. Most of the major companies have offices at the airports and they are just a quick shuttle ride away from the terminal in Kona and just outside of baggage claim in Hilo. It is a very good idea to book your rental car in advance. Most visitors rent a car, so the supply can run low or even run out at the busiest times of the year. If this happens to you, take a cab or shuttle to your hotel and check to see if there is a rental company at the hotel or call around to the non-airport rental offices as they may still have a supply of cars left.
As far as the type of vehicle, we typically choose an SUV style 4-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicle. We like the storage space these offer for all our beach toys, and there are many unimproved roads that you will need the 4WD on. Jeep Wranglers are fun and we have rented them a time or two. The only thing to keep in mind is security and being exposed to the elements more with the open top. Just remember not to leave things in your vehicle, take a light rain jacket with you, bring hair ties or clips, and use sunscreen or a hat when you’re driving and you will enjoy the Jeep experience more. Also, most convertibles have a few tricks to getting the top up and down, so do a dry practice run on putting it up and taking it down (and I mean dry as in don’t wait until you’re in a downpour to give it a try!)
As a cost-saving tip, we have found that you often get better prices (as much as 30%) by booking directly with the rental car company and paying in advance. The next best deal seems to be booking the car as part of your package with the flight and hotel and that is often a 10-15% savings. Also, gas prices on the island can be a bit expensive and the best price for gas is at the Costco in Kona, so fill up there anytime you are in the area.
If you are looking to book a full package with flights, rental car and hotel, Kayak generally has great deals. Kailua-Kona. Compare Car Rental Deals to Find the Best One.
Please see our complete list below of Car Rental Companies on the Big Island.
Guided Tours
There are also guided tours that can take you to many of the main sights and destinations. These range from van and bus tours and taxis to private limo service. Many of these companies are detailed in our Tours Section.
Mass Transit
The Big Island does have mass transit in the form of the Hele-On bus. This system offers limited transportation options around the island, and it would be difficult to use this as your sole transportation while visiting the Big Island. Please see their Website for information on their routes and schedules.
Taxi Service on the Big Island
Taxis are available curbside at the Kona and Hilo International Airports, as well as at some resorts and major shopping areas. On-demand taxi service can be hit or miss on the Big Island, so preplan and call ahead of when you need rides to ensure you get picked up at the proper time and place.
Kona Taxis
Kona Taxicab
Service Area – Kona Area, Kona Airport, Waikoloa Resort Area, Waimea
(808) 324-4444
Website
Dakine Taxi
Based in Downtown Kona & Kona Airport
(808) 329-8294
Website
R Jay Taxi
Serving Kailua-Kona HI, Airport and Surrounding Areas
4am – 11pm daily
(808) 201-1780
Website
Hilo Taxis
Stan’s Taxi
Service Area – Hilo, Hilo Airport & Surrounding Areas
6am – 11pm Daily
(808) 443-8810
JB’s Taxi
Service Area – Hilo, Hilo Airport & Surrounding Areas
5am – 10pm
(808) 430-7301
Kona Rental Car Companies
Kailua-Kona. Compare Car Rental Deals to Find the Best One.
Alamo
877-222–9075
www.alamo.com
Alamo – Kona Airport
73-106 A’ulepe Street
Kailua Kona, HI 96740
Alamo – Hilo Airport
131 Kekuanaoa St
Hilo, HI 96720
Alamo — Waikoloa – Hilton
69-425 Waikoloa Beach Dr
Waikoloa, HI 96738
Avis
800-321–3712
www.avis.com
Avis – Kona Airport
73-361 Kupipi Street, Suite 1
Kailua Kona, HI 96740
Avis Kona Airport
Avis – Hilo Airport
1 General Lyman Field Suite 15
Hilo, HI 96720
Avis Hilo Airport
Budget
800-527–0700
www.budget.com
Budget – Kona Airport
73-361 Kupipi Street
Kailua Kona, HI 96740
Budget – Hilo Airport
1 General Lyman Field
Hilo, HI 96720
Dollar
866-434-2226
www.dollar.com
Dollar – Kona Airport
73-200 Kupipi Street
Kailua Kona, HI 96740
Dollar – Fairmont Orchid
1 North Kaniku Drive
Kohala Coast, HI 96743
Dollar – Kona – Courtyard Marriott – King Kam Hotel
75-5660 Palani Road
Kailua Kona, HI 96740
This location services the Cruise Ship and Pier guests.
Dollar – Hilo Airport
1 General Lyman Field, Suite 13
Hilo, HI 96720
Enterprise
800-261–7331
www.enterprise.com
Enterprise – Kona Airport
73-107 A’Ulepe Street
Kailua Kona, HI 96740
Enterprise – Kona Town
74-5583 Luhia St
Kailua Kona, HI 96740
Enterprise – Waikoloa – Marriott
69-275 Waikoloa Beach Dr
Waikoloa, HI 96738
Enterprise – Mauna Lani Bay Hotel
68-1400 Mauna Lani Dr
Waimea, HI 96743
Enterprise – Hilo Airport
1363 Kekuanaoa St
Hilo, HI 96720
Enterprise – Hilo Town
875 Kanoelehua Ave
Hilo, HI 96720
Thrifty
800-367–5238
www.thrifty.com
Thrifty – Kona Airport
73-200 Kupipi Street
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Thrifty – Kona – Courtyard Marriott – King Kam Hotel
Cruise Ship Passengers Only
808-331-0531
75-5660 Palani Rd
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Thrifty – Hilo Airport
1 General Lyman Field
Hilo, HI 96720
Hertz
800-654–3131
www.hertz.com
Hertz – Kona Airport
73-104 Aulepe Street
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Hertz – Kona – Courtyard Marriott – King Kam Hotel
75-5660 Palani Road, Suite 200
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
– This location services the Cruise Ship and Pier guests.
Hertz – Fairmont Orchid
1 North Kaniku Drive
Kohala-Hapuna, Hawaii 96743
Hertz – Hilo Airport
2355 Kekuanaoa Street, Suite 15
Hilo, HI 96720
Hertz – Hilo Town
400 East Kawili Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
National
877-222–9058
www.nationalcar.com
National – Kona Airport
73-109 A’ulepe Street
Kailua Kona, HI 96740
National – Waikoloa
69-425 Waikoloa Beach Dr
Waikoloa, HI 96738
National – Hilo Airport
181 Kekuanaoa St
Hilo, HI 96720
