RIDER ALERT - Hilo Route Changes on 3/19/2023
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How to Ride Hele-On
Up one levelWelcome to Hele-On! Below you will find tips and tools necessary to help you Take The Trip on Hele-On transit services. If you require additional information, please call (808) 961-8744, Monday through Friday between 7:45 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (excluding County observed holidays) or transit dispatch (808) 731-3239, daily between 7:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. or email heleonbus@hawaiicounty.gov. If any transit related information is needed an alternative language, contact Language Line Solutions at 1 (800) 752-6096.
Rules of the Road
Rules ensure safety and comfort for all passengers and the bus operator. Please observe the following rules when riding Hele-On buses or using County of Hawai'i transit facilities (bus stops, transit centers and administrative offices). This is for your safety and in consideration of others.
Riding Hele-On Buses
Riding the bus is easy. But, like the first time for anything, it is not unusual to be a little unsure. Please don't be nervous! We're glad you're riding with us and are happy to help.
Service Animal Policy
Hele-On welcomes service animals that are under the care and control of their handlers at all times. Regardless of the tasks they perform for individuals with disabilities, any animals that bark incessantly, sniff passengers, roam around the bus, urinate, defecate, growl, nip, bite or jump on passengers are not under the control of their handlers and may pose a threat to others. In such cases, the Hele-On bus operator will tell the handler that the animal must leave the bus. Please contact us at (808) 961-8744 if you have any questions regarding this policy.
Service to Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park and Mauna Kea State Recreation Area (Gilbert Kahele Recreation Park)
Hele-On provides bus service to Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park and Mauna Kea State Recreation Area, seven days a week.
Bring Your Bicycle on Hele-On
Hele-On allows cyclists to bring their bikes along when they travel. Hele-On buses are equipped with bike racks to help you navigate congested streets on your way to bike trails, work, school or other destinations. Bicycles can also be stowed on our high-floor Hele-On buses in the designated baggage compartment.
Hele-On Fleet
Check out the various bus types operating on the various Hele-On routes. Hele-On buses are either painted white with green stripes, white with blue stripes or white with gold and yellow stripes. Bus sizes range from 25 feet to 40 feet long.
Take Hele-On to University of Hawai'i at Hilo and Hawai'i Community College in Hilo and Kailua-Kona
Consider taking Hele-On to get to University of Hawai'i at Hilo and Hawai'i Community College! Service is available to these facilities 7 days a week with early morning and late evening service, connecting many destinations island-wide!
Take Hele-On To The Ports
Hele-On provides limited bus service to the Hilo Harbor in Hilo, Kona Pier in Kailua-Kona and the Kawaihae Harbor in Kawaihae.
Advertise On Hele-On
The County of Hawai'i Mass Transit Agency only allows for advertising on the interior of the transit buses for non-profit organizations and governmental agencies only at no cost. There is no exterior advertising allowed at this time on buses or bus shelters.
Park and Ride Hele-On!
For customers who can't walk, bike, or take public transportation to Hele-On, Park and Ride lots provide an essential service — a place to leave the car or be dropped off. Hele-On Park and Ride lots are for passengers parking and are not available for residential, commercial, or long term parking, or for recreational use. However, carpoolers are welcomed and encouraged to use these lots to meet their fellow commuters unless otherwise noted. See details regarding specific park and ride locations below.
Hele-On Baggage Rules
Baggage that can be stored under a passenger's seat or on a passenger's lap, that will not protrude to another seat or otherwise interfere with other passengers, will be admitted at no charge. Baggage that will not be admitted on board shall include any large, bulky, dangerous or offensive article that may cause harm or discomfort to any passenger. No baggage may be stored in the aisle or on the seats.