Several gas stations operate along Queen Kaahumanu Highway between Kona International Airport and Kailua-Kona, with additional options in town. Electric vehicle charging stations are available at various shopping centers and hotels throughout the Kailua area. Your rental choice between gas or electric vehicles will have convenient refueling options around the Big Island.

No toll roads exist anywhere on the Big Island, including routes from Kona International Airport to Kailua-Kona and beyond. All highways and local roads around the airport area are free to use with your rental car. This makes exploring Hawaii's western coast particularly convenient for visitors arriving at Kona airport.

To rent a car on Turo, you must create a Turo account, have a valid driver's license, get approved to drive on Turo, and be 18 years old or older in the US, 21 years old or older in Australia, or 23 years old or older in Canada. In the UK, you must be 21 years old or older and have held a UK or EU license for at least one year, or another driver's license for at least two years. In France you must be 18 years old or older and have held a driver's license for at least 2 years, longer for certain makes and models of vehicles. When you're booking your first trip, you'll go through a quick approval process by entering your driver's license and some other information. In most cases, you'll get approved immediately, and you'll be set for all future road trips, day trips, and business trips!

The scenic Saddle Road connects Kona to Hilo, offering spectacular views of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa volcanoes during your Big Island adventure. Highway 11 south from Kailua-Kona leads to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and black sand beaches along the coast. Your rental car from Kona International Airport opens access to diverse landscapes from tropical beaches to volcanic wonders across Hawaii's largest island.

Hawaii follows standard US traffic laws with right-hand driving and speed limits typically 25-35 mph in Kailua-Kona areas. Always yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and watch for cyclists along coastal roads near Kona International Airport. The Big Island requires headlights during rain and prohibits handheld phone use while driving your rental car.

From Kona International Airport, head north on Queen Kaahumanu Highway (Highway 19) for about 7 miles to reach downtown Kailua-Kona. The route takes you along Hawaii's scenic coastline with clear signage directing you toward Kailua town center. Your rental car will provide easy access to explore the Big Island's western coast and historic downtown area.

No, you don't need personal insurance coverage to rent a car on Turo. In the US, any personal insurance you may have that covers damage to the host's vehicle would kick in before your Turo protection plan. When booking a car in the US, you'll choose between three protection plans — Premier (eligibility requirements apply), Standard, or Minimum — to get the level of protection that's right for you. On each trip, you're covered with third-party automobile liability insurance provided under a policy issued to Turo by Travelers Excess and Surplus Lines Company.* In New York state, you'll also choose between Premier (if available), Standard, or Minimum. With each plan, you're covered with liability insurance of $1,250,000.* Protection plans for New York trips also include access to roadside assistance, priority phone support, and 24/7 customer assistance.

Electric vehicles work well for exploring Kailua-Kona and nearby attractions, with charging infrastructure expanding across the Big Island. Consider your planned driving range and charging comfort level when selecting your rental car at Kona International Airport. Hawaii's commitment to renewable energy makes electric car rental an environmentally conscious choice for your island adventure.

Turo accepts valid licenses (not expired, suspended, or revoked) that allow for full driving privileges; this includes driver's licenses issued outside of the US. Licenses that Turo doesn't accept in the US include any that have expired, have been altered, are conditional, probational, provisional, or restricted. Learner's permit/instruction permits are not accepted.