Transportation
The Big Island of Hawaii, also known as the Island of Hawaii, is accessible only by airport. There are two for public use: Kona and Hilo. Of the two, only Kona has direct flights coming from the mainland U.S.A. Hilo is accessible only through the islands of Oahu (Honolulu) or Maui.
There are ample car rentals at each airport and ground transportation should be booked when making airline reservations. If you are desirous of seeing off-road sites on the island, please note that even though you may be able to rent a four-wheel drive vehicle from the major car rentals, it is forbidden, and insurance is void, if you go off the paved roads. Your only option is to use Harper Car Rental, either out of the Hilo or the Kona airport. This also applies to the summit of Mauna Kea!