I found out today (9/7/2024) that the Hele-on bus service on the big island of Hawaii is fare-free thru 2025.  This initiated a whole new focus for me.  I get to figure out how to use the Hele-on bus system to get to and return from shopping in Kona.​ There are multiple Hele-on bus routes (2, 75, and 90) that pickup at the Waikoloa Hilton Resort Employee's Entrance and have stops in Kona.  Once in Kona, the 201 bus runs south on Ali'i Drive from the top of the hour arriving at the Keauhou Shopping Center on the half hour.  It then returns along Ali'i Drive to the starting point at Luhia St @ Loloku St (Target) to start the trip again at the top of the hour.

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After looking at the assorted schedules and asking Nancy for an estimate of the time she planned to spend shopping, I decided on the Hele-on bus schedule that fit the best. 

 

The trip south from Waikoloa to Kona

Depart on bus 90 at 7:50 am from the Hilton Waikoloa Resort bus stop 

Arriving at 9:12 am at the Keauhou Shopping Center in front of Longs Drugs

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The trip north from Kona to Waikoloa

Departing at 2:32 pm on bus 90 from the Keauhou Shopping Center in front of Longs Drugs

Note "decision time" below to make sure you catch the 2:32 pm route 90 bus.

Arriving at 3:48 pm at the Hilton Waikoloa Resort bus stop 

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Back-up return option:  Take the 4:32 pm northbound 201 bus to stop 606, the Luhia St @ Loloku St (Target) stop arriving at 4:55 pm, then catch the route 2 bus at 5:00 pm back to Waikoloa arriving at 6:11 pm.

Back-up to the Backup return option:   (if you got snared by the Tropic Restaurant and Ale House Happy Hour at 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm and couldn't escape), call me and I'll come get you.

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After arriving at the Keauhou Shopping Center at 9:12 am, they can then spend some time at the farmers market, grab a mid-morning snack or a coffee at the Clover and Mug, and take the 10:30 am 201 bus back up Ali'i drive and start some serious noodling between the Coconut Grove Marketplace bus stop and the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel bus stop.  It's 0.7 miles between the bus stops with an additional stop in the middle at Ali'i Drive @ Hualalai Road.

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Shops, market places and shopping centers in order from the Marriott Courtyard to Coconut Grove Marketplace.

 

BUS STOP:  Palani Road @ Ali'i Drive (Courtyard by Marriott)

Aloali'i Cultural Resource Center & Marketplace - Opens at 9:00 am - North Ali'i Drive

Cherry Hill Kona Coffee Outlet - Opens at 9:00 am - North Ali'i Drive

Kona Banyan Court - Opens at 9:30 am - North Ali'i Drive

Wong Damien - Opens at 11:00 am - North Ali'i Drive

Tasty Bou (clothing store) - Opens at 9:00 am - North Ali'i Drive

ABC Store #63 - Opens at 7:30 am - North Ali'i Drive

The Actually Made in Hawaii Store - Opens at 10:30 am - North Ali'i Drive

Hawaiian Macadamia Nut Company - Opens at 10:00 am - North Ali'i Drive

Hulihe‘e Palace - 10:00 am to 3:30 pm  - South Ali'i Drive

Kona MarketPlace - Opens at ???? am - North Ali'i Drive

Kona Inn Shopping Village - Opens at 10:00 am - South Ali'i Drive

ABC Store #62 - Opens at 7:30 am - South Ali'i Drive

World Square Shopping Plaza Shopping Center - Opens at 11:00 am - North Ali'i Drive

Kona Jewelry Factory - Opens at 9:00 am - South Ali'i Drive

Kona Inn Jewelry - Opens at 11:00 am - South Ali'i Drive

Mystic Closet (Clothing) - Opens at 10:00 am - South Ali'i Drive

Hilo Hattie - Opens at 10:00 am - South Ali'i Drive

Treasure Island Exotic - Opens at 10:00 am - South Ali'i Drive

Kona Inn Shopping Village - Opens at 10:00 am - South Ali'i Drive

Lava Luxe by Elle (jewelry designer) - Opens at 10:00 am - South Ali'i Drive

Honolua Surf Co. (clothing) - Opens at 10:00 am - South Ali'i Drive

BUS STOP:  Ali'i Drive @ Across from Hualalai Road

Hawaii Titanium Rings - Opens at 10:00 am - South Ali'i Drive

Manta Jewelry & Gifts - Opens at 10:00 am - South Ali'i Drive

Kona Farmers Market - Opens at 7:00 am - North Ali'i Drive

Waterfront Row Shopping Center - Opens at ???? am - South Ali'i Drive

Papa Kona's Restaurant is in Waterfront Row Shopping Center and opens at 7:00 am.

Kona Oceanfront Gallery - Opens at 10:00 am - South Ali'i Drive

Ali‘i Sunset Plaza - Opens at 10:00 am - North Ali'i Drive

Lava Java Restaurant - Opens at 7:00 am - North Ali'i Drive

Coconut Grove Marketplace- Opens at 7:00 am - a little northeast of North Ali'i Drive

Kona Gear- Opens at 10:00 am - North Ali'i Drive

BUS STOP:  Ali'i Drive Coconut Grove Marketplace

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"Decision time" is at 1:00 pm.  The 201 bus is starting its trip back south and will arrive at the bus stop at the Keauhou Shopping Center at 1:30 pm (plenty of time until your 2:32 pm bus 90 leaves).  You need to catch the 201 at one of the southbound bus stops along Ali'i drive within the next few minutes.  1:00 pm is "decision time" because if you decide to pass up this run of the 201 bus, the following trip at 2:00 pm will put you at the Keauhou Shopping Center at 2:30 pm which is two minutes before the route 90 bus leaves (a little tight).

If you want to kill some time in the Keauhou Shopping Center and you're not hungry or thirsty or both, I've listed a few places you might like to visit below.

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KTA Super Store - Open 7:00 am to 8:00 pm

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Kona Stories - Open 10:00 am to 5:00 pm - Suite 142.  Kona Stories has new and used books for readers of all ages. You will also find wind chimes, quality keiki toys, unique cards, and gifts in this charming store.

 

Jams World - Open 10:00 am to 5:00 pm - Suite 150.  Jams World® is not a Hawaiian shirt maker as much as we manufacture contemporary casual lifestyle wear with themes that transcend markets and seasons.  Jams World® has been designing and manufacturing clothing in Honolulu, Hawaii, for the young and young at heart since 1964. 

 

Paradise Found Boutique - Open 11:00 am to 5:00 pm - Suite 167.  Paradise Found Boutique has been serving the Wahine of the Kona Coast since 1974. With looks from Island Style to Fashion Chic, Paradise Found Boutique offers a beautiful selection in silk, linen and an array of fabrications in flattering styles for fashionable women of all ages. For the Kane (men) there is a nice selection of Aloha Shirts. Stop in and find fashion with aloha at Paradise Found Boutique.​​​