Do You Need a Jeep on the Big Island Hawaii? Maybe…
Visiting the Big Island Hawaii and wondering if you need to rent a Jeep?
The quick answer is: NO!
You can get to 99% of your destinations in a regular car without the need of a Jeep.
HOWEVER…
There are a few scenarios where you might want 4 wheel drive where it’s not suitable for a regular car. So keep reading.
In this post, I’ll cover:
- Areas you will want or need a 4×4
- Alternative ways to access these locations without a 4×4
- Why you may not want to bother renting a Jeep
Let’s see if a Jeep rental on the Big Island is right for YOU!
Where Will You Need a Jeep on the Big Island?
There aren’t many places where you‘ll need a Jeep because the roads on the island are mostly paved, well-maintained, and easily accessible by car.
But there are a few places to consider if renting a Jeep is right for you.
Mauna Kea Summit
The main reason you will want to rent a Jeep on the Big Island is to summit Mauna Kea.
Technically, Mauna Kea holds the title of the tallest mountain on Earth when measured from its base to its tip, reaching an impressive 33,500 feet. In comparison, Mount Everest stands at 29,029 feet. However, above sea level, Mauna Kea rises to “just” 13,796 feet.
One of the most popular reasons visitors summit Mauna Kea is to feel on top of the world as they watch the sunset or sunrise.
⚠️ Please Note: The summit access road above the Visitor Center closes 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise.
To get to the summit, you will not be allowed past the checkpoint at the Vistor Center without 4 wheel drive (or less then 1/2 tank of gas).
While going up isn’t too bad, it’s coming down the steep road that can be an issue.
You will need a vehicle with a 4-low transfer case for a slow and steady descent. This helps keep a safe speed without riding the brakes, which can overheat and potentially fail on the way down.
Thus, if sunsetting at the Mauna Kea summit is at the top of your Big Island bucket list, you will need a Jeep rental.
Alternative Ways to Experience Mauna Kea Without a Jeep
Mauna Kea Visitor Center
The Mauna Kea Visitor Center is still high at about 9,000 feet elevation and all rental cars can make it this far.
You can still enjoy a mountaintop sunset by hiking the small butte across the road from the parking lot.
Depending on the time of year, the sun might set behind a hill before you see it set on the ocean horizon, but it’s still a phenomenal sight.
Take a Mauna Kea Stargazing Tour
Alternatively, if you don’t want to rent a Jeep just for this one activity, you can join a guided tour to reach the summit.
Let a professional handle the driving while you have a more relaxed experience with informative storytelling and factual insights from your guide.
This Mauna Kea Summit & Stargazing Tour includes a Picnic Dinner! >>
Hike to the Summit
If you want to see the summit but don’t care if it’s not at sunset, you can hike the 12-mile roundtrip Mauna Kea Summit trail that starts at the Visitor Center.
This hike has an elevation gain of almost 4,000ft and takes about 7-8hrs to do.
Kekaha Kai State Beach & Makalawena Beach
Another spot where a Jeep is a must is to access the white sand beaches Kekaha Kai State Beach and Makalawena Beach.
Kekaha Kai State Beach
The 1.7-mile dirt road leading to Kekaha Kai State Beach is rough. It’s filled with deep potholes and eroded trenches that make it treacherous for low-clearance cars.
Trust me, I learned this the hard way when I attempted it in my Hyundai Accent. Let’s just say I quickly regretted that decision and wished I had a lifted vehicle instead.
Once you arrive at Kekaha Kai, you can relax on its beautiful white sands, have a picnic at one of the tables, and maybe even spot an endangered monk seal lounging by the shore.
Makalawena Beach
If you’re up for a little hike, Makalawena Beach is about a mile north from here. The trail takes you across a flat lava rock field, but it’s not too bad and it’s totally worth the trek for the pristine white sand and secluded beach.
You can also directly access Makalawena Beach by 4×4 from the trailhead on Highway 19 near Kua Bay Access Road. Look for an unmarked dirt pull out on the highway’s shoulder, and follow the bumpy, rocky trail straight to the beach.
🧭 Sidequest Option: drive to the top of Pu’u Kuili, a 342ft cinder cone, near the start of the trailhead.
Alternative Ways to Access the Beaches
If you don’t have a Jeep, hiking from either the Makalawena trailhead or the start of the Kekaha Kai Road by the highway is an option.
It’s just a very long walk, especially under the midday sun. But if you go early in the morning or when it’s cloudy, it’s much more manageable and you’re less likely to get heatstroke.
Green Sands Beach (Papakolea)
Controversial location.
The only green sand beach in the United States is near South Point, the southernmost point of the country.
If you plan to drive, getting there requires 4WD to navigate the 5-mile round-trip rough, dusty trails. These paths have been worn down so much over the years that you’re often driving in ditches as deep as a truck is tall.
There’s some debate about whether you should drive these trails. On one hand, the vehicle traffic contributes to land erosion and passes near ancient sacred sites, so you might get some disapproving looks from locals. On the flip side, some locals make a living shuttling tourists to and from the beach in their 4WDs.
Use your own judgment and comfort level to decide if you’ll drive yourself.
Also keep in mind that if you get stuck or the Jeep breaks down, which DOES happen, there is only one tow truck in the area willing to save you and they charge the tow by the feet!
Alternative Ways to Visit Green Sand Beach
Hike
Alternatively, you can hike the 5-mile round-trip. There’s something satisfying about “earning” that green sand experience.
I like to go early in the morning to beat the crowds and the heat.
Hitch a Ride
If you’d rather skip the hike, locals offer rides in their pickup trucks for $25 per person (cash).
You can ride both ways or hike in and ride back out.
Spontaneous Side Roads
While the spots I mentioned are the main off-road attractions where you’ll need a Jeep, you might come across spontaneous dirt-road pullouts leading to hidden beaches.
These are usually unmarked, and the only way you’d know they exist is if a local tips you off or you spot other 4WDs venturing down a random trail.
That said, you can usually park your car at the trail entrance and hike in if you’re up for a little adventure on foot.
There’s also a trail in the Kahuku Unit that is 4WD only, but again, you can choose to hike it or the many other surrounding trails instead.
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Reasons to NOT Rent a Jeep on the Big Island
Most Rental Companies Don’t Allow Off-Roading
The whole point to renting a Jeep is to access the areas I mentioned above. But here’s the kicker: most car rental companies won’t cover you if you break down in those areas.
If you drive up to Mauna Kea and something happens to the vehicle, even with full insurance coverage, you won’t be reimbursed. You’ll be paying for the damage completely out of pocket.
There are a few local companies that do allow off-roading and access to Mauna Kea though.
Jeep Rental Price
You’ll definitely want to research Jeep rental prices for your travel dates to the Big Island. Rates can fluctuate based on inventory availability, time of year, and other factors.
As of this post, the average cost for a week-long Jeep rental out of Kona is around $700-$800 after tax while a compact car rental is around $400-$500 after tax.
Sometimes I’ve seen the price difference between a Jeep and an economy car for as little as $20 for the whole week. Other times, like during Christmas, I’ve seen Jeeps go for $1,000+ more than an economy car. So, it really depends on your timing!
💁♀️Tab’s Trip Tip: when price comparing rentals, always be sure you are comparing apples to apples: taxes, fees, pick up times, etc.
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Jeep Gas Mileage
Beyond the Jeep rental cost itself, gas mileage is another expense to factor in.
Jeep Wranglers average about 21 mpg, while something like an economy Chevy Spark gets around 33 mpg.
Gas on the Big Island can run up to $1.50 more per gallon than the U.S. national average, so you’re probably already looking at spending more on gas than you’re used to. Add a vehicle that isn’t exactly fuel-efficient, and your gas budget can get pretty steep.
To get a realistic idea of how much driving you’ll do, hop on Google Maps and plug in your routes to and from the furthest destinations on your itinerary.
Example: Day 1 – Mileage from Royal Kona Resort to Akaka Falls (and back). Day 2 – Mileage from Royal Kona Resort to Holei Sea Arch (and back). Etc…
Yeah, it’s a bit tedious, but it’ll give you a solid estimate of your mileage.
Once you’ve tallied up the Jeep rental cost and estimated gas expenses, you’ll have a clearer picture of whether a Jeep rental fits into your budget or not.
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Driving Conditions
The Big Island has well paved roads all around the island. A small rental car will get you most anywhere you want to go just as easily, so a Jeep is mostly unnecessary.
Another thing to keep in mind if you drive a Jeep on the Big Island is that you will scream tourist.
No, really.
As a general rule, only tourists drive Jeeps; locals drive SUVs or pickup trucks.
If you are trying to blend in with locals, DON’T rent a Jeep.
FAQs
Can I drive a Jeep down to Waipio Valley?
No. The road to Waipio Valley is closed indefinitely to tourists due to road erosion. The only way to access Waipio Valley is with a guided tour.
Should I rent a car on the Big Island of Hawaii?
Yes, you should rent a vehicle on the Big Island. There are other options like public bus, private transfers, and guided tours, but you won’t have the flexibility to see and do as much without renting your own car.
Is it difficult to drive on the Big Island Hawaii?
No, driving on the Big Island is not difficult at all. In fact, it’s relatively easy and you do not need 4 wheel drive for 99% of the roads.
Can I rent a car in Kona and drop it off in Hilo?
Depending on the company you rent from, yes you can rent a car in Kona and drop it off in Hilo. Just be prepared to pay a hefty one-way fee added to your car rental price.
Can I drive a rental car to Mauna Kea?
Yes, you can drive a rental car to Mauna Kea, but only as far as the Visitor Center. The checkpoint past is for 4×4 cars only.
Check with your car rental company regarding their rules on driving up to Mauna Kea.
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Is It Worth Renting a Jeep on the Big Island?
Deciding whether renting a Jeep on the Big Island is worth it or not, it really comes down to where you want to visit, how you want to visit, and if you can afford it.
They are fun and come in a rainbow of colors, you will very clearly stick out as a tourist, and aside from renting a convertible (which you can also book with Discount Hawaii Car Rental), it’s “the cool” vehicle to rent.
As a sidenote, a fun car game you can play on the Big Island is counting how many Jeeps you pass on the road OR how many different colored Jeeps you can find!
🚗 Whichever kind of vehicle you rent, you’ll likely be driving from Kona to Hilo. But which route will you take: Northern, Southern, or Central?
