Top 5 Driving Tips for Visiting the Big Island of Hawaii
Dorian
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After my recent trip to the Big Island of Hawaii, I decided to compile a short list of driving tips for those thinking about visiting the biggest island in the Hawaiian Island chain.
1. If you've never visited the Big Island before, try to pick up several different maps. You can find free ones at the airport or at the car rental places. You'll need a few different ones becaus 
e not all show street grids. For the most part, they show highway numbers and routes to circle the island. Once you get into the towns though, there aren't many that give you a close look at the street names. By having several maps with you, you'll be able to cross check the directions and have an easier time finding the places you'd like to visit.
2. In most cases, following the highway signs should get you to where you're going. There aren't that many roads to get lost on. However, sometimes it will seem like you're going the wrong way because the sign will tell you to turn off the highway, but you'll keep driving for miles and miles before you see anything. The roads might go through small towns or just vacant land. Most roads will wind up into higher or lower elevation and at some point will shrink down to one lane. It will seem like this couldn't possibly be the right road, but don't worry. It is.
3. Gas is extremely expensive in Hawaii in general, and the Big Island is no different. The island is big and you'll probably need to fill up a few times during your trip. For those traveling interisland, the prices might not seem like a big change from your home island. However, those visiting from the mainland will probably have sticker shock when they see the average gas prices here.
If you're a Costco member, you're in luck. Costco is less than 10 minutes west of Kailua-Kona. You're best bet is to fill up there as prices are definitely cheaper. It was about 10-15 cents per gallon less than outside gas stations when I was there. If you're not a member, keep an eye out for gas stations as you begin to sightsee. Sometimes there are stations right next to each other, but their prices are drastically different.
1. If you've never visited the Big Island before, try to pick up several different maps. You can find free ones at the airport or at the car rental places. You'll need a few different ones becaus
Top 5 Driving Tips for Visiting the Big Island of Hawaii
2. In most cases, following the highway signs should get you to where you're going. There aren't that many roads to get lost on. However, sometimes it will seem like you're going the wrong way because the sign will tell you to turn off the highway, but you'll keep driving for miles and miles before you see anything. The roads might go through small towns or just vacant land. Most roads will wind up into higher or lower elevation and at some point will shrink down to one lane. It will seem like this couldn't possibly be the right road, but don't worry. It is.
3. Gas is extremely expensive in Hawaii in general, and the Big Island is no different. The island is big and you'll probably need to fill up a few times during your trip. For those traveling interisland, the prices might not seem like a big change from your home island. However, those visiting from the mainland will probably have sticker shock when they see the average gas prices here.
If you're a Costco member, you're in luck. Costco is less than 10 minutes west of Kailua-Kona. You're best bet is to fill up there as prices are definitely cheaper. It was about 10-15 cents per gallon less than outside gas stations when I was there. If you're not a member, keep an eye out for gas stations as you begin to sightsee. Sometimes there are stations right next to each other, but their prices are drastically different.
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