Transportation

AIR TRAVEL:  You should arrive and depart from Keahole International Airport (KOA) in Kona on the Big Island.   For vocal program participants, please arrive at the festival anytime on July 1 and depart on July 22 unless you are extending your trip at your own expense.  For instrumental and other programs, please check the website closely for your arrival and departure dates.  It is possible and even recommended that you extend your trip (at your own expense) to see as much as you can of the Big Island.

GROUND TRANSPORTATION:  Remember, the island of Hawai'i is big, bigger than all of the other Hawaiian Islands put together!  You will need a car to get around, to and from the airport and festival events, and to enjoy Hawaii to the fullest.  There is little mass transit available on the Big Island.

--Festival participants 21 and over will need to rent a car.  For the best possible experience, and to save money, you will want to share car rental costs.  We can help you find others who want to share.  The preferred car rental agency is Discount Hawaii Car Rental, which often beats the rates you find on the Internet and offers great customer service. 

--Festival participants under 21 [or those who choose for whatever reason not to drive,] students may travel in vans or buses provided by the Festival.  Cost is TBA.  This fee includes airport transfer, and transportation to all festival music and recreational events.  Festival transportation is not the same as shuttle buses.  Students must sign up and schedule trips in advance.

Friends and family are very welcome to attend all or part of the festival at their own expense.  Let us know—we will help with planning and may be able to help with hotel and car rental discounts.  For HPAF's official travel recommendation, click here.