Sissie

We are planning to spend a week on the Big Island in April 2015.
As Australians we will be driving on the "wrong side" of the road.
Are the roads very busy?

voyager61

Of the major Hawaiian Islands, the Big Island has the least busy roads. It also depends where you are staying. It's busier in the Kona area and around Hilo, much less so other places. I think you will be fine. Just maybe avoid driving until you've recovered from any jet lag. I remember my husband attempting a roundabout in the UK with jet lag after flying from Seattle to London...not a good idea!

Sissie

Thank you, for your informative and prompt reply. Have booked flight and hire car, so we're away.
Will remember the jet lag tip!

nelsonian

Hi Sissie we are from New Zealand and did a three island trip in May this year. It was Dh's first time driving on the 'wrong side' of the road. He managed okay but it wasn't until the last few days that he got real comfortable about driving and started to relax a bit. His manta was anytime he was turing right was tighty righty!!!!!. We did have an advantage that our DD who lives in New York was with us for a few days so he had some tuition when he was driving around the north side of Oahu.

Big Island was not too bad, less traffic than Maui that's for sure. DH spent a lot of time making sure he had the right address loaded in to the GPS.

If you are interested here is our trip report. It is very long though. The bit about the Big Island is from day five I think.

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...-to-hawaii.cfm

ChiSue

There isn't a lot of heavy traffic anywhere in Hawaii outside of Honolulu, and roads are good and clearly marked. However, speed limits are higher in some parts of Big Island; you'll be driving farther; and the island's traffic safety record is poor. It's the only island where we rent a mid-size or larger car; compacts everywhere else. Watch your speed. Tourists are easy prey to enrich the island's coffers -- and you may not see the traffic police in their unmarked cars.

simpsonc510

Oh, thanks for the tip, ChiSue, on the speed limits! I'll arrive KOA on Tuesday for a few nights (at Waikoloa) and will be driving a lot on the big island.

Kailani

A couple more things about driving on the Big Island, especially because you are not used to driving on the same side of the road.

As ChiSue says, watch the speed limits, and adhere to them, even if locals in big trucks do not, and always let anyone pass who wants to.

Police cars are the officer's personal cars with a blue light on top, so they are not easily visible.

As tourists, you may have your itinerary planned in detail, but allow some flexibility for rain and wind weather conditions. Some of the roads on the east coast between Hilo and Honokaa are very beautiful, very winding and sometimes windy, not lit at night, and stressful to navigate in heavy rain when you are unfamiliar with them.

Be careful driving at night, as it is very dark, and supposedly people drink at resorts and drive to other resorts. I haven't noticed this myself, but have heard on message boards that it is risky to drive at night. Obviously, don't drink and drive.

Most highways are in great shape, and just one lane, and there are often big trucks, so be careful when passing or being passed.

And don't forget to stop and explore at the little towns and shops along the way.

Sissie

Thank you for all your thoughts. We'll take it slowly till we get used to it. The island sounds just beautiful and sights varied, so I'm sure we'll have a great time......

Sissie

Have just read your report , Nelsonian. Great. Thank you for the link.