It’s only 18 miles from the airport to the Waikoloa Beach Resort, but this is no ordinary drive.
Let’s Start with Speeding
In the airport the posted speed sign is 15 miles an hour around the terminal. Once you get to the straightaway that takes you to the highway the speed limit is 25 miles an hour.
Lately a police officer has been using his radar to make sure those speed limits are obeyed. It’s an expensive ticket and a good reminder that speeding is not tolerated on the Big Island. Police officers will not let you get away with speeding just because you are a visitor in a rental car. So be aware and pay attention to the posted limits.
Airport police car with radar
Using your cell phone or any electronic device while driving in Hawaii carries a hefty fine. So in addition to speeding, talking on your cell phone without a headset or hands-free mode will cost you plenty.
Side of the Road Distractions
Put your cell phone down, take a left at the stoplight from the airport and you are on your way! Was that a goat grazing on the side of the road? While fun to look at, be careful – a whole herd may decide to cross the highway at any time.
You are also likely see cyclists along the highway. Why? The Big Island is home to the world-famous Ironman Triathlon, and cyclists from around the world come to the Big Island for training and adventure. Although our Main Hwy., #19 (Queen K), has a good-sized emergency lane for cyclists, many places on the island get very narrow. It only takes a moment of distraction to create a very dangerous situation for you and the cyclist. Please remember to share the road.
Share the road for safety
On the Road Distractions
Oversize trucks and tractors are frequently on our highways due to construction and development. Did you notice all that lava? We need big machinery to break through the lava and blue rock topography dominating the area. Often the truck carrying this sort of machinery is an 18-wheeler, and is tagged “wide load.”
Be patient, slow down, remember that you came to Hawaii to relax. You might see a bumper sticker that says, “Slow down, this ain’t the mainland” to remind you that you are here to have fun – not rush around driving on the highway.
Pass with care or better yet, don’t pass at all!
Above the Road Distractions
Low-flying helicopters are probably the last distracting thing that you will see on your journey to Waikoloa Beach Resort from the airport. A private business called Blue Hawaiian Helicopters has a helicopter pad at the bottom of the Waikoloa Village Road right next to the highway. It really is quite a sight to see a helicopter take off or land, but remember, if you’re the driver, be aware that this distraction can keep your eyes off of the bicyclists, the police officers, the goats, the large trucks, and the stoplight!
The Best Distractions Are Here…
Make a left turn at the first stoplight you see 18 miles from the airport into one of the most beautiful places on the Big Island.
Beautiful Anaeho’omalu Bay at Waikoloa Beach Resort
That’s it! You have reached your destination, now enjoy the Waikoloa Beach Resort.
Recommended Activities & Restaurants
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