Car Rental - Kailua-Kona

 

Rent a car in Kailua-Kona to explore the charming region nestled on the west side of Hawaii’s Big Island. Home to crystal clear waters and beautiful white sand beaches, Kailua-Kona – or ‘Kona’ as locals often refer to the area – is a haven for sunbathing, snorkeling, and swimming.

Kailua-Kona sits a few miles south of Kona International Airport (KOA). Not too long ago, it was a sleepy fishing village, however, in recent years it has transformed into a lively district equipped for tourists. Take a tour of the many shops and markets selling local produce. Or if you’re up for an adventure, Kailua-Kona is centrally based for exploring the rest of Hawaii Island in your holiday car rental. The vibrant town of Hilo can be reached in less than two hours by car northeast of the island.

Rent a car in Kailua-Kona with Hertz and say aloha to the west coast of Hawaii with ease.

Kailua-Kona Locations

A Quick Guide to Kailua-Kona

State Route 200

State Route 200

Hawaii, USA

Buckle up and take to the open road when you rent a car in Kailua-Kona. State Route 200, also known as Saddle Road, travels from east to west of Hawaii Island and offers some of the best scenery around. Along the way, you’ll pass a valley of mountains, dried lava flows, lush rainforests, and desert fields.

Kealakekua Bay

Kealakekua Bay

Kona District, Hawaii

Located on the tropical South Kona coast, Kealakekua Bay is home to a spectacular coral reef. The remote location and protected area make Kealakekua Bay one of the best snorkeling spots in Hawaii. Below the crystal-clear waters, keen snorkelers can expect to find an array of marine life, from reef triggerfish to Hawaiian green sea turtles.

Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park

Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park

State Highway 160, Hōnaunau, HI 96726

Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park is considered one of Hawaii’s most sacred and historic sites. Learn more about Hawaiian culture. Highlights include a tour of the Great Wall, a 17-foot wall protected by fierce statues, the beach, and ancient fishing pools. Just over a half-hour’s drive away when you rent a car in Kailua-Kona.

Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel

75-5660 Palani Road, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

Courtyard is a large beachfront hotel located on the Big Island overlooking Kailua Bay. Standard rooms have free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, and coffeemaking facilities. Guests can also upgrade to oceanfront rooms or suites that offer picturesque views of Kailua Bay. Accessible onsite parking is available, plus optional valet parking for your Kailua-Kona rental car.

Royal Kona Resort

75-5852 Ali‘i Drive, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

With spacious rooms and suites, an onsite pool, spa, and saltwater lagoon, Royal Kona Resort promises guests the ultimate stay. Located just a 14-minute walk from the beach and a five-minute drive from Kona Commons Shopping Center, the hotel is ideally situated for exploring the island.  

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai

72-100 Ka'upulehu Drive, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

This five-star luxury hotel is surrounded by white-sand beaches and black-lava landscapes. Featuring an award-winning golf course, seven pools, and five dining options, the Four Seasons Resort offers something for every traveler. Self-park at the hotel for free, or indulge yourself with affordable valet parking for your Kailua-Kona rental car during your stay.

Huggo's

5308, 75-5828 Kahakai Road, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

Nestled on the shore of Kailua Kona’s Oneo Bay, this award-winning restaurant invites guests to enjoy island-style dining. The menu features innovative dishes and daily specials, from freshly caught seafood to signature teriyaki steak.

Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill

74-5599 Pawai Place, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill is a seafood restaurant serving up delicious Hawaiian staples in a casual and laid-back setting. Umekes prides itself on dishes sourced from local ingredients. Its signature poke bowls (diced raw fish) are freshly caught from the Hawaiian waters.

Krua Thai Cuisine

75-5705 Kuakini Highway, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

Krua welcomes diners to experience delicious and distinctive tastes of authentic Thai food. Each dish is crafted from traditional Thai recipes and features an exotic blend of aromas, spices, and herbs. Menu favorites include Phad Thai, a combination of sweet, salty, and sour flavors that will tingle your tastebuds.

Driving In and Around Kailua-Kona

  • Kona Free Parking (96740) is close to Kailua Pier, Maka’emo Walking Path, and Hale Halawai Park and won’t cost you anything.
  • Valet Island Parking (96740) is ideally situated for exploring Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, The Vanillerie, and lovely Alula Beach.
  • Diamond Parking Service LLC (96740) is close to Kailua Pier, Atlantis Adventures, and Hulihe‘e Palace.

The Hawaii Belt Road consists of Hawaii state Routes 11, 19, and 190. The routes create one big loop around the entire island:

  • Route 11 connects Kamehameha Avenue, in Hilo to Palani Road in Kailua-Kona.
  • Route 19 runs from Kuhio Street in Hilo to Palani Road in Kailua-Kona.
  • Route 190 runs from Palani Highway and Mamalahoa Highway to Kuakini Highway in Kailua Kona before extending to Lindsey Road in Waimea.

How to Get From Kailua-Kona to Hilo

It takes roughly one hour and 31 minutes to drive the 77.8 miles to Hilo when you rent a car from Kailua-Kona.

  1. Head northeast on Kaahumanu Place, then turn left onto Palani Road.
  2. Take HI-190/Hawaii Belt Road and Saddle Road to Ponahawai Street in Hilo.
  3. Continue on Ponahawai Street. Drive to Keawe Street to arrive in Hilo.

 

How to Get From Kailua-Kona to Keaau

It takes around one hour and 40 minutes to drive the 82.5 miles in your rental car from Kailua-Kona to Keaau. Head northeast on Kaahumanu Place towards Palani Road. Then take HI-190/Hawaii Belt Road and turn right onto Daniel K. Inouye Highway. Follow Saddle Road to Old Volcano Road to arrive in Keaau.

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