Kona to hilo Drive : Best Routes for Roadtrip

If you’re planning to roadtrip around Big Island Hawaii, read everything you need to know about Kona to Hilo drive. Big Island is one of the most incredible Island of Hawaii and there are so many activities to choose from when you’re here.

Many people visits Big Island and stays just Kona side of the island. But there is so much more to do on Big Island on Hilo side! One of the best way is to drive from Kona to Hilo and make the most out of your trip I suggest to stay on both sides of the island: Hilo and Kona. Hilo is the main town on the east side of the Big Island, and it’s the perfect for different adventure activities.

In this detailed guide, I’m sharing all Three Route Options for Kona to Hilo drive, depending on what sites you want to see and the amount of time you have. I’ll also share everything about driving from Kona to Hilo including how long it will take, and most importantly, best stops and things to do along the way!

So take my advice and make sure to stay on both sides of the Big Island when you visit – there’s so much to see between the Kona and Hilo!

Looking for more Hawaii Travel Guides? 

• 5 Day Oahu Itinerary
• 5 Day Big Island Itinerary
• Free Things to do in Oahu

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About Big island Hawaii

The Island of Hawaii, often referred to as the Big Island, is the the largest island in Hawaii. It’s also the youngest of the Hawaiian islands, it’s formed by five volcanoes and two of those are still active – Mauna Loa and Kilauea. 

The Big Island is very diverse geologically, making it a very unique and fascinating destination to visit. The two largest cities on the island are Hilo and Kailua-Kona. They are about 77 miles apart, I suggest roadtrip from Kona to Hilo as I did! Hilo is located on the eastern side and Kona is on the western side of the island.

Though Kona and Hilo both the cities have their own airport, you can’t fly between the two. You’ll need to rent a car to drive from one side of the island to the other.

Renting a Car On the Big Island

Before we get into the details about the drive from Kona to Hilo, first thing is, you’ll need a car!!

If you want to visit both Kona and Hilo along with best scenic stops along the way, you will absolutely need to rent a car during your time on the Big Island.

As I mentioned the Big island is Very HUGE in area and all the major activities on the Big Island are fairly spread out! So, renting a car makes perfect sense!

As soon as you land at Kona Airport, first pick up your rental car. And mostly you’ll fly into Kona, where the airport is located, officially called Kona International Airport at Keahole(KOA).

I highly recommend booking your rental car online in advance for the best pricing and to guarantee a car when you arrive. I recommend comparing the prices at RentalCars, where you can search pricing across different companies. Plus, they have a great cancellation policy!

Check availability and pricing for your trip to the Big Island on Rental Cars here! 

Scenic Route Options to Drive From Kona to Hilo with Best Stops

As you start planning your drive from Kona to Hilo, you might want to take the most direct and quickest route. However, Don’t opt for the direct route!

Instead, I’m giving you three major route options that you can take when you drive from Kona to Hilo. So let’s deep dive into each route option and the best stops to make your drive more enjoyable!

Option 1: Kona to Hilo Drive via Central Route (Saddle Road)

Option 1 is the most quickest and fastest way to get from Kona to Hilo via Saddle Road. The route will take you through HI-HI-190 and Saddle Road traveling directly through the center of Big Island.

This route is approximately 78 miles and will take you around 1.5-2 hours without traffic from downtown Kona to Downtown Hilo. If you want to simply get from one place to another quickly, I suggest taking the middle route. 

This route is absolutely beautiful, as you pass between the island’s two largest volcanoes, Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea, reaching high altitudes and showcasing Mars-like landscapes. You’ll literally feel like driving at the Mars at some point!

There aren’t many places top explore along the way, as the area is most desolate than other routes. So if you are looking for the shortest and quickest way across the island, this is your best option!

Best Stops along the Central Route from Kona to Hilo

• Mauna Kea: This dormant volcano is the largest mountain in the world(technically taller the Mount Everest) with views of of the Big Island at the summit. You’ll need to drive a 4×4 vehicle to visit the Mauna Kea Observatory. The sunset here is spectacular. Alternately, you can take a short trail near Visitor Center.
• Kaumana Caves: This is a lava tube system that is easily accessible from Saddle Road. The caves were formed during an eruption of Mauna Loa in 1881. There is an area to park along Kaumana Drive and a stairway leading down to the cave entrance making it easily accessible for visitors. You can hike through them for a fun adventure!
• Makani’s Magic Pineapple Shack: this whimsical shop has a colorful menu using mostly local and organic ingredients. Acai and purple ube (yam) soft serve are the most popular bases for their brightly-colored toppings.

Pro Tip: Make sure you pack some snacks and are full of fuel because there are not many rest stops along this route. 

Option 2: Kona to Hilo Drive Southern Route (Longest Route Highway 11)

The second Option when driving from Kona to Hilo Drive is to take Highway 11 across the southern tip of the Island.This is the longest, but most scenic drive to get to Hilo from Kona.

It spans about 125 miles and takes 3 hours without stopping to get from one city to the other. You’ll head south along HI-11(Hawaii Belt Road) and then to scenic Mamalahoa Highway all the way east to Hilo while passing through lush green forests, sunny coastlines, and Hawaii Volcanic National Park. 

The scenery along this route is diverse and dramatic as lush forests turn into volcanic landscapes. This is an ideal route if you want to visit Hawaii Volcanic National Park or few beautiful beaches and historic sites while getting to Hilo.

While there are definitely TONS of things to see along this southern route, I don’t recommend this route when driving straight from Kona to Hilo. You’ll ask why??

Let me explain the reason. This route from Kona to Hilo will take you through Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, as well as coffee farms, Green Sand Beach,Southern Most Point of the USA, Black Sand Beach and so on. If you’re visiting Big Island, all these places should be on your itinerary!

But If you were to drive from Kona to Hilo in one day, visiting the National Park and all the other incredible places along this route, isn’t possible to cover and you’ll run out of time! There will not be just enough time to see and do it all.

So, what is the SOLUTION? I recommend to visit few of these places as a day trip from Hilo and remaining on your drive from Hilo to Kona when getting back to the airport.

Best stops along the southern route from Kona to Hilo

• Captain James Cook Monument: This monument is dedicated to the explorer who was the first Westerner to discover Hawaii. It’s only accessible via a 3.8-mile hike down to the coast or by Kayaking. It is one of the best snorkelling spot of Big Island.
• Pu’uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historic Park: For a glimpse of Hawaiian culture, stop here. You can explore temples, ponds, and a reconstructed village. You can also stop by the Pu’uhonua o Hōnaunau Black Sand Beach near the park
• Papakolea Green Sand Beach: one of only four green sand beaches in the world! Take the shuttle for $10 per person or opt to hike a little over 2 miles one way to get to the beach.
• Southern Most Point: Also known as, Ka Lae, is the Southernmost Point of the USA. You can go cliff jumping, and fishing here! Beware of the waves though!
• Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Home to world’s most active Kileau Volcano, this national park is home to some amazing sites. Visit lava tubes, Kilauea Caldera, hike through volcanoes, and see the the park’s diverse and rugged beauty.
• Volcano Winery: Near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, you can stop at Volcano Winery. Here you can try a variety of wines made from locally sourced ingredients. 
• Punalulu Black Sand Beach: Big Island is known for its Volcanoes and there are so many black beaches formed over the years. Visit this amazing beach with black sand lined with coconut trees.
• Coffee Farms: South Kona is known for its coffee farms. Enjoy some fresh Kona coffee if you have the time.

Option 3: Kona to Hilo Drive Northern Route (Most Scenic Highway 19)

I have kept the best route for the last! If you want to see lush green landscape of Hawaii with waterfalls, you should take the northern route. In my opinion, this is the best way to get from Kona to Hilo! This route goes along the top north side of the island.

The best things is that this route is just 100 miles long and will take just about 2 hours without traffic and is considered the most scenic. Do you know the The northern part of the Big Island gets the most rainfall? This makes this route the greenest and most lush area of Hawaii Island. 

From Kona, you’ll need to take HI-19 up the coast through Waimea, passing forest preserves and stunning coastlines leading you to Hilo.

This route offers incredible scenery and opportunities to see the nature as you head into the wetter side of the island. There are many incredible stops along this route. I recommend making a little road trip out of this drive while driving from Kona to Hilo.

Note: When putting the directions into Google Maps, it’ll automatically take you up HI-190 Mamalaoha HWY/Hawaii Belt Road through the Pu’u Wa’awa’a Forest Reserve to reduce few miles. But you’ll miss few incredible attractions along the way by selecting this route. So, make sure to choose HI-19 on map while driving this route. It’s a beautiful scenic route with great views of the ocean!

Best stops along the northern route from Kona to Hilo

As you make your way north towards the Kohala coast, you’ll pass by the Kona Airport, as well as the Waikoloa area, where some of the island’s most expensive resorts are! Continue driving north along the coast and visit the best stops as mentioned below.

• Hapuna Beach State Park: It is the largest stretch of white sand beach on Big Island, known as one of the best beaches in the world. Go for early morning swim before driving from Kona to Hilo. Restrooms are available on-site.
• Pololu Valley Lookout: Drive northern most Part of Island to Hawi Town and stop at Pololu Valley Lookout Point. You can see the black snd beach surrounded by lush green cliffs. If you want to explore more, take the short 0.9-miles RT, short but steep trail down to see the Pololu beach.
• Waimea Town: Known as “Hawaiian Cowboy County”, is home to cattle, cowboys and ranches.It’s home to America’s 10th largest ranch named “Parker Ranch”. Make a quick stop to stretch your legs and grab some coffee & breakfast from the Waimea Coffee Company. 
• Waipio Valley Lookout: The Waipi’o Valley was once the home of Hawaii’s royal families, including King Kamehameha I. This is why the area is also known as the “Valley of Kings”. Waipi’o Valley has a strong cultural history and significance to the Hawaiian people. The road to Valley is closed but you can get the breathtaking views from Waipio Valley Lookout Point. It’s a quick 2-minute paved walk from the parking lot. Absolutely, must stop.
• Laupahoehoe Lookout: Continue your drive along Highway 19 to Laupahoehoe Point. It has a beach park with stunning lava rock and strong surf. This is another great stop along Kona to Hilo Drive.
• Akaka Falls State Park: Must visit this 442-foot waterfall, one of the most spectacular falls on Big Island. It’s easily accessed inside Akaka Falls State Park along a short trail. Entrance fee is $5 USD, parking is $10 USD. You can also see lush greenery, tropical flowers, and more in the Park.
• Hawaii Tropical Garden: One more stop I recommend before completing your drive from Kona to Hilo is Hawaii Tropical Garden,a 40-acre natural garden of tropical plants! It is one of the most beautiful places in all of Hawaii with over 1,800 species of tropical plants, including rare and exotic flora you may have never seen before.The Gardens are open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and cost $30 per person to enter.
• Honoli’i Beach Park: It is a great way to end the day. Watch the surfers and sunset before heading to Hilo.

So Which is the best Route for Kona to Hilo Drive?

If you are looking to make a scenic road trip out of the drive from Kona to Hilo, consider taking the scenic northern route.

There isn’t much to see on the quicker route from Kona to Hilo, though you will drive between Mauna Kea (the world’s tallest mountain), and Mauna Loa(the world’s largest volcano), you can consider visiting it as a day trip from Hilo.

Take Southern most route while returning from Hilo to Kona. This way you’ll be able to drive all the three routes of the Big Island Hawaii.

Guided Tours from Kona to Hilo

On this Full-Day Tour from Kona, you can see many of the Big Island highlights in just a day. You’ll visit a black sand beach, waterfall, and Volcanoes National Park, all in one day.

On this tour, you’ll learn about Kona’s coffee culture with a visit to Greenwell Coffee Farm, See Hawaii’s natural beauty at Punalu’u Black Sands Beach, where you can look out for Hawaiian green sea turtles. Also, visit the Volcanoes National Park, all in one day!

Whale Watching Excursion: Get up close with humpback whales near the Big Island of Hawaii on this guided, whale-watching excursion. During Hawaii’s whale season in Winter.

Chocolate, Waterfalls, and Volcanoes Adventure Tour: Embark on an interactive tree-to-chocolate adventure to learn how cacao trees are transformed into chocolate at a private 1,000-acre tropical farm with a visit to Rainbow Falls and hiking in Hawaii Volcanic National Park.

Kona to Hilo Drive: Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Kona to Hilo Drive? 

Depending on the route you take, the Kona to Hilo drive will take you anywhere from 1.5 to 3 hours.The shortest route will get you from Kona to Hilo in about 1.5 hours. The longest route will take about 3 hours.Keep in mind that weather, road conditions, and detours can affect travel times. 

Is it Safe to Drive from Kona to Hilo?

Yes, all routes are Paved and completely safe to drive from Kona to Hilo.

What is the Most Scenic Drive to Hilo?

The Northern Route is most scenic drive from Kona to Hilo. It passes through the valleys, waterfalls, and beaches.

Can I Book Kona to Hilo Bus?

Yes, there is a Kona to Hilo Bus. The Hele-On Bus is offered by Hawaii County, and there is a direct route between Kona and Hilo.It runs 7 days a week from the Kona Commons Shopping Center in Kailua-Kona to the Mo’oheau bus terminal in downtown Hilo on Route 1. The bus will take around 2.5 hours and it costs $2 per person.

This is a great option if you are on a tight budget and not renting a car. But keep in mind, you won’t get to stop and sightsee along the way.

Can You Fly Between Kona and Hilo?

There is No direct flight between Kona and Hilo though both the cities have their own airports. Driving is the or using the bus is only option to get from Kona to Hilo.

Why should I visit both Kona and Hilo?

Kona and Hilo are two very different places that offers wide variety of activities. I recommend seeing both on your trip to Big Island! Kona is the drier side of the island, famous for its beaches and sunny weather. Hilo is the wetter side of the island and has waterfalls, rainforests, and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park! I recommend staying in both Kona and Hilo to have the best experience.

Can you rent a car in Kona and return it in Hilo?

Yes, but note that most companies will charge a one-way rental fee.

Final Thoughts on Kona to Hilo Drive

This wraps my guide to driving from Kona to Hilo. I hope it helps you to plan your Kona to Hilo Drive for your adventure around Big Island, Hawaii. I highly recommend taking a scenic route instead of the most direct route to make the most of your drive.

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