Ruth Haines
Uber is a popular alternative to taxis in Kailua Kona, and it is possible to use the ride-sharing service to get to and from Hilo Airport. In 2019, the Hawai'i Department of Transportation announced that Transportation Network Companies would be allowed to pick up customers at neighbour island airports, including Hilo Airport. However, ride-hailing drivers have stated that they are unable to obtain the required ground transportation permit via their parent company. Uber rides to and from Hilo Airport are generally cheaper than local taxi companies, and users can request a ride or schedule one in advance using the Uber app.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can Uber pick up at Hilo Airport? | Yes, since 1 February 2019, Uber has been allowed to pick up passengers at Hilo Airport. |
| Requirements for Uber drivers to pick up at Hilo Airport | Uber drivers need to obtain a ground transportation permit to pick up passengers at state airports. |
| Uber as an alternative to taxis | Uber is a cheaper alternative to taxis. A ride from Hilo Farmers Market to Hilo International Airport was quoted at about $15 through a local cab company, $11.77 through Uber, and $12.73 through Lyft. |
| Uber reservation | Uber allows you to reserve a ride in advance to get picked up at a time that works for you. |
| Uber Pet | Service animals are allowed, and Uber drivers cannot refuse a trip because of the presence of one. For pets, it is recommended to select the Uber Pet option. |
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What You'll Learn
Uber at Hilo Airport vs. taxis
Uber has been operating at Hilo Airport since 2019, when the Hawai'i Department of Transportation (HDOT) announced that Transportation Network Companies would be allowed to pick up customers at neighbour island airports. This was good news for Uber drivers and riders, as well as residents and visitors to the Big Island.
Uber is a convenient alternative to taxis when travelling to and from Hilo Airport, as you can request a ride on demand at any time of day, and even schedule a ride in advance. You can also get an estimate of the price before you request a ride, and then the actual price in the app, which is based on real-time factors. Uber also offers an Uber Pet option for those travelling with pets, and an emergency assistance button in the app for added safety.
Taxis at Hilo Airport are available, but there are only a few in the Hilo area. It is possible to use a flexible shared ride taxi program for as little as $2 per ride, but this is restricted to within the Hilo urbanised areas and to 9 miles per ride. Taxi coupons must be ordered ahead by mail, and a copy of your ID is required. Taxi fares are regulated, whereas Uber drivers can offer discounts or raise prices during peak times, which gives them a competitive advantage.
For example, in 2017, a ride from Hilo Farmers Market to Hilo International Airport was quoted at about $15 through a local cab company, $11.77 through Uber, and $12.73 through Lyft. Uber and Lyft drivers, however, require a commercial service permit to offer airport pick-up and drop-off services.
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Uber rides at Hilo Airport compared to Lyft
Uber and Lyft are both available at Hilo Airport, following a decision by the Hawai'i Department of Transportation to allow rideshare pickups at neighbour island airports.
Uber rides can be requested through the Uber app or by logging in on Uber.com. The app allows you to request a ride in advance or at the time, and it also provides a price estimator to help you choose the ride option that works best for your budget. The estimated cost of an UberX ride is $9.84, with a minimum fare of $6.96. Uber also offers car rental services.
Lyft is also available in Hilo and offers a similar service to Uber. The cost of a Lyft ride is estimated to be slightly cheaper than Uber, with a Lyft Standard ride costing $1.53 per mile compared to $1.54 for UberX. The minimum fare for Lyft in Hilo is $4.88.
Both Uber and Lyft perform criminal background checks on their drivers and have minimum requirements for vehicles. Tipping is optional but recommended if the driver provides a good level of service.
Other transport options at Hilo Airport include rental cars, public transport, taxis, and organised tours. However, it is recommended to book taxis in advance as they can be in high demand, especially in the mornings.
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Uber ride costs at Hilo Airport
Uber is available at Hilo International Airport (ITO) and has been since 2019. The ride-sharing company provides an alternative to taxis, with upfront pricing and 24/7 availability.
Uber does not offer a flat rate from Hilo International Airport, but you can see the price at the beginning of your trip. This price may be adjusted at the end of the trip if surcharges or tolls differ from the estimate. You can also reserve a ride in advance and lock in the cost, unless there are changes to the route, duration or distance.
Uber offers a range of ride options at Hilo Airport, including UberX, Uber Comfort, UberXL, Uber Black, Uber Black SUV, Uber Premier, and Uber Premier SUV. The availability of these options will depend on the time of day, region, and airport guidelines.
Uber also provides wheelchair-accessible vehicles (Uber WAV) and rides with specialised drivers. Service animals are allowed on all Uber rides, and pets are permitted at the driver's discretion, but it is recommended to select the Uber Pet option.
To request an Uber ride at Hilo Airport, open the Uber app, enter your pickup and dropoff locations, and select your ride option. You can also schedule a ride in advance and request multiple stops.
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Uber ride requirements at Hilo Airport
Uber is available at Hilo International Airport (ITO) in Hawaii. Uber rides can be requested through the Uber app or by logging in on Uber.com.
To ride with Uber from Hilo Airport, you must meet the following requirements:
- Have a valid account on the Uber app or website.
- Provide accurate pickup and drop-off locations within the service area.
- Have a valid form of payment linked to your account.
- Comply with any applicable local laws and regulations, such as wearing a seatbelt and not bringing open containers of alcohol in the vehicle.
Additionally, Uber drivers at Hilo Airport have specific requirements they must adhere to:
- Drivers must have a valid driver's license and be registered and insured.
- Vehicles must be in good condition and pass regular inspections.
- Drivers must follow designated pickup protocols at the airport and may need a commercial service permit or additional ground transportation permit for airport pickups and drop-offs.
It is important to note that Uber ride requirements may change over time, and it is the responsibility of both riders and drivers to stay updated on any new policies implemented by Uber or local regulations at Hilo Airport.
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Uber alternatives at Hilo Airport
Uber is available at Hilo International Airport (ITO) and can be used to get to and from the airport. However, if you're looking for alternatives to Uber at Hilo Airport, there are several options available:
Taxis:
Taxis are a traditional alternative to ride-sharing apps like Uber. While there are only a few taxis in Hilo, you can make a reservation ahead of time to ensure a taxi picks you up when you need it. Taxi coupons must be ordered in advance by mail, and you will need to provide a copy of your ID.
Rental Cars:
Renting a car is another option for getting around the Big Island. There are rental car agencies close to the interisland flight terminals at both Hilo and Kona airports. However, keep in mind that some rental agencies may restrict taking their cars to certain areas, such as the summit of Mauna Kea or the Green Sand Beach. Check with the rental agency beforehand to ensure you can take the vehicle to your desired locations.
Public Transportation:
Using public transportation, such as buses, is another alternative to Uber. However, this option may have limited routes and schedules, so be sure to check ahead of time to see if it aligns with your travel plans.
Organized Tours:
If you're planning on staying in one of the larger hotels or resorts on the Kona coast, you can consider booking an organized tour that includes transportation. These tours can be a convenient way to get around and see the sights, but they may require advance planning and have less flexibility than other options.
Other Ride-Sharing Apps:
In addition to Uber, there may be other ride-sharing apps or services available in the area. Check your mobile app store for alternatives that may operate in the Hilo region.
When considering alternatives to Uber at Hilo Airport, it's important to plan ahead and ensure you have a clear understanding of the available transportation options and their respective limitations. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages, so choose the one that best suits your travel needs and preferences.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Uber is available to and from Hilo International Airport.
You can request a ride by logging on to Uber.com or by using the Uber app. You can also schedule your ride in advance.
The cost of your ride will depend on various factors, including the time of day and the route taken. You can get an estimate of the price by using the price estimator on the Uber website or app.
Uber drivers serving Hilo Airport do not need a special license. However, they are required to have a valid driver's license, insurance, and a registered and inspected vehicle.
Service animals are allowed in Ubers and drivers cannot refuse a ride because of them. For pets, it is recommended to select the Uber Pet option when booking your ride.
