Getting to and around Big Island | A handy guide

Meeting points: King Kamehameha Courtyard Marriott in Kailua-Kona, the Queen’s Market Place in the Waikoloa Beach Resort area, the Waikoloa Plaza in the Waikoloa Village area, and the Onizuka Center for International Astronomy Visitor Information Station | Find on Maps

Location: Situated on the slopes of Mauna Kea, the Visitor Station is the base for stargazing and summit tours, offering panoramic views and one of the clearest night skies on Earth.

How to get there:

• By bus: Limited public transport operates in this area; it’s best to check the Hele-On bus routes in advance.
  
• By car: From Hilo, take Saddle Road (Route 200) for about 35 miles, then turn onto Mauna Kea Access Road. The Visitor Station is about 6 miles up.

Meeting point: Kohala Zipline Headquarters | Find on Maps

Location: Nestled in North Kohala’s lush forests, this zipline course lets you glide through the treetops while taking in ocean views and waterfalls.

How to get there:

• By bus: Hele-On routes connect Kona and Hawi, but schedules are limited.
  
• By car: Drive north from Kona on Highway 19, then turn onto Highway 270 to Hawi. Parking is available on-site.

Meeting point: Kona, Waikoloa, Waikoloa Village, and Hilo | Find on Maps

Location: A local cacao farm where you’ll explore the full chocolate-making process, from tree to bar, while tasting rich, locally produced treats.

How to get there:

• By bus: Round-trip transportation is included from the above-mentioned points. Take the Hele-On bus to Downtown Hilo, a short walk from the farm.
  
• By car: The farm is conveniently located near Hilo Bayfront and easily accessible from Highway 11, with parking available nearby.

Meeting points: Hawaii Forest & Trail Headquarters, Waikoloa Queen’s Marketplace, and the Shops at Mauna Lani | Find on Maps

Location: Start your journey to North Kohala’s private valleys and stunning waterfalls, passing through lush rainforests and historic sugar plantation roads.

How to get there:

• By bus: Round-trip transportation is included from the above-mentioned points. Hele-On buses run from Kona to nearby stops, but rides are infrequent.
  
• By car: From Kona, drive north on Highway 19, turn onto Hina Lani St, and follow signs to the Hawaii Forest & Trail base.

Meeting points: Forest & Trail Headquarters, the Queen’s Marketplace at Waikoloa Beach Resort, and Waikoloa Plaza in Waikoloa Village | Find on Maps

Location: Begin your eco-adventure toward Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge, home to rare native Hawaiian birds and endemic plants.

How to get there:

• By bus: Limited bus access; private or rental transport is recommended.
  
• By car: Take Highway 19 north from Kona to the meeting point. Free parking is available on-site.

Meeting point: Hawaii Forest & Trail Headquarters | Find on Maps

Location: Explore the dramatic volcanic landscapes and ancient craters along Saddle Road, away from typical tourist trails.

How to get there:

• By bus: Round-trip transportation is included from select locations. Public buses do not operate directly to the meeting point.
  
• By car: The headquarters is about 15 minutes north of Kona International Airport, with easy access via Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway (Route 19).

Meeting point: Hawaii Forest & Trail Headquarters, Waikoloa Queen’s Marketplace, and the Shops at Mauna Lani | Find on Maps

Location: Journey into the lush North Kohala region, known for its dramatic landscapes, private trails, and forest-fed waterfalls nestled among verdant valleys.

How to get there:

• By bus: Limited bus service from Kona is available; check the local Hele-On schedule for up-to-date routes.
  
• By car: From Kona, drive north on Highway 19, then turn onto Hina Lani Street and follow signs to the Hawaiʻi Forest & Trail base. Parking is available onsite.