The County of Hawai‘i Mass Transit Agency proudly introduces Hele-On Ka Ho’okele Rural Transportation Program. Hele-On Ka Ho‘òkele provides public transit to individuals who resides in rural areas outside of the regular Hele-On fixed route and paratransit services.

The program is available to the general public, Monday – Friday from 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., excluding County observed holidays. Services are operated by Hawaii County Economic Opportunity Council (HCEOC).

How Do I Register?

Interested individuals may register by calling (808) 731-7009, option 3.
Please provide your name, address, telephone, email (if applicable), and answer a few brief questions so we can get to know who our riders are.

How Does it Work?

Once you are registered, you may schedule your trip(s) by calling (808) 731-7009, option 3.  Reservations must be made a minimum one day in advance for next day service, and can be made up to 14 days in advance.  Same day reservations are based on availability.  Pick up times may be negotiated.

Rides are available on a first come, first served basis and each trip must be scheduled in advance.  You may not make any changes to your reservation once your vehicle has arrived at the pick-up point.  If you need to cancel a ride, please do so at least two hours prior to your scheduled pick up.  Drivers will depart after waiting at least five minutes after arrival.

We do not travel on roads that are unpaved, single lane, or provides unsafe conditions to our drivers and riders.

Where Can I Go?

Riders may travel between rural areas that are within a district. Service areas include Seaview/Kalapana, Upper Puna, Waimea, Hilo , Kailua-Kona & Captain Cook. For a map indicating service areas, see our Hele-On Ka Ho'okele Rider's Guide.

Riders may be taken to a Hele-On bus stop to access a fixed route to get to a destination outside of the district.  For example, if you reside in Honokaa (outside of the fixed route area and cannot get to a bus stop) and would like to travel to Kona, Hele-On Ka Ho‘okele will take you to the closest bus stop to catch the Hele-On bus to Kona.  Please see the Bus Schedules and Maps page for all Hele-On bus schedules and routes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it cost to ride?
The service is free.

If I live near a Hele-On fixed route, will I be able to use the service?
No, you must utilize the fixed route bus system.

Will I receive curb to curb service?
Most individuals will be taken to the nearest Hele-On bus stop if a fixed route is available to your destination. 

May I use the lift?
Yes, please inform us if you need to use the lift at the time of reservation.

Will I be required to share the vehicles with other riders?
Yes, this program is a part of our public transportation system.

How do I know if my vehicle is on its way?
You can check the location of your vehicle at https://kahookele.tectransit.com/ or by calling (808) 731-7009, option 3.

Where can I get more information?
Contact HCEOC's Transportation Division at (808) 731-7009, option 3.

What other transportation options are available?
If you require services in these areas and are a senior, call Coordinated Services for the Elderly at (808) 961-8777.

If you are a senior or have a disability and cannot ride Hele-On bus, consider applying for the Hele-On Kako'o paratransit service and call (808) 640-1020 for details.

Please see our Hele-On Ka Ho'okele Rider's Guide to help you gain the best experience on our service.