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Call Now: 808-657-3240Hilo Charter Bus Prices
| Bus Type | Per Hour | Per Day | Per Mile |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 to 56 Passenger Charter Bus | $192 – $512+ | $1,783 – $3,783 | $6.11 – $10.06 |
| 40 to 50 Passenger Charter Bus | $151 – $461+ | $1,713 – $3,578 | $6.11 – $10.06 |
| 25 to 35 Passenger Minibus | $157 – $457+ | $1,610 – $3,465 | $4.15 – $10.10 |
| 20 to 24 Passenger Minibus | $153 – $443+ | $1,621 – $3,376 | $4.11 – $9.06 |
| 15 to 18 Passenger Minibus | $164 – $444+ | $1,511 – $3,246 | $4.10 – $8.05 |
| Entertainer Coach | $328 – $563+ | $2,982 – $4,982+ | $6.15 – $10.10 |
| Yellow School Bus | $146 – $451+ | $1,506 – $3,641 | $6.11 – $10.06 |
| Shuttle Bus | $160 – $455+ | $1,504 – $3,639 | $6.11 – $10.06 |
Hilo Party Bus Prices
| Type of Party Bus | Cost Per Hour Weekdays | Cost Per Hour Weekends | Cost Per Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Party Bus (10 to 20 Passengers) | $182 – $452+ | $206 – $476+ | $1,003 – $2,903+ |
| Medium Party Bus (20 to 40 Passengers) | $212 – $512+ | $208 – $488+ | $1,220 – $3,520+ |
| Large Party Bus Rental (40 to 50 Passengers) | $258 – $508+ | $255 – $535+ | $1,489 – $3,889+ |
| Mercedes Sprinter Party Bus | $147 – $387+ | $184 – $454+ | $991 – $3,891+ |
* Prices may vary greatly in your city and state. Due to the impact of COVID-19 and inflation, all rental prices shown are past estimates. Actual pricing may be significantly higher depending on availability and location. To get real-time pricing, call us 808-657-3240 or use our online quote tool.
How Much Does a Charter Bus Rental Cost in Hilo?
Most travelers typically spend between $1,800 and $3,800 per day to rent a full-size coach. Smaller vehicles, like minibus rentals, may cost anywhere from $1,200 to $2,700 per day. Buses are often priced by the hour, day or mile—depending on the specifics of the rental—so longer trips spanning multiple days or requiring lots of driving will generally be more expensive than short, local rentals. For the most accurate pricing, call our 24-hour team at 808-657-3240 or use our online quote tool to get an instant estimate tailored to your specific trip details. Below, we break down estimated rates and explain the key factors that influence your final cost.
How Much Does a Party Bus Rental Cost in Hilo?
Party bus rentals in Hilo generally cost between $200 and $500 per hour, with most trips averaging $2,000 to $4,500 for a full evening or half-day package. Smaller party buses (15–20 passengers) are on the lower end of the scale, while larger vehicles (30+ passengers) can reach the higher rates. Pricing depends on the size of the bus, the length of the rental, mileage, and any custom amenities or add-ons. Weekend and holiday rates are typically higher due to increased demand. For the most accurate pricing, call Charter Bus Company Hilo at 808-657-3240 or use our online quote tool to get an instant estimate tailored to your event. Our team is available 24/7 to help you find the perfect party bus at a price that fits your budget.
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Call Now: 808-657-3240What Factors Influence Charter Bus Rental Pricing?
Several key factors determine the final cost of your Hilo charter bus rental: distance and duration of the trip, time of year, day of the week, pickup and drop-off locations, type and size of the bus, additional expenses like tolls and parking, and how far in advance you book. Each of these elements plays a role in shaping your quote, which is why prices can vary significantly from one trip to another. Below, we break down each factor to help you understand exactly what goes into your charter bus pricing.
How Distance and Duration of Your Trip Affect Pricing
One of the biggest factors in your charter bus rental price is how far and how long you’ll be traveling. Local Hilo trips—like shuttling guests between hotels and wedding venues in Keaukaha or transporting students to a Big Island Interscholastic Federation game in Pana‘ewa—are usually billed by the hour. Longer journeys—such as a multi-day school trip to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park or a corporate outing to Kona—are charged either by the day or by the mile. The farther your driver needs to travel, the more your rental will cost. Multi-day itineraries that require the driver to stay overnight will also increase the total because you’ll need to cover lodging and per diem expenses.
The Time of Year Impacts Your Bus Rental Price
Just like airline tickets and hotel rooms, charter bus pricing fluctuates with seasonal demand. Spring and summer tend to be the busiest—and most expensive—times to rent a bus in Hilo. That’s when schools are booking end-of-year field trips to places like Lili‘uokalani Gardens, sports teams are traveling for tournaments, and couples are planning destination weddings along the Hamakua Coast. If your trip falls during peak months, you may pay more simply because there are fewer buses available. Conversely, scheduling your event during the off-season—such as late fall or winter—can help you secure a lower rate.
The Day of the Week Matters Too
Weekend rentals are typically more expensive than weekday bookings. That’s because demand spikes on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays when people are attending weddings, sporting events, and concerts. If you have flexibility in your schedule, consider planning your trip for a Monday through Thursday. You’ll not only save money but also have a better selection of available vehicles.
Your Starting and Ending Locations Influence Cost
It’s not just about where you’re going—it’s also about where your trip begins and ends. If you’re starting in a remote area of Hilo or requesting a one-way drop-off in another city like Waimea or Volcano, your rental may incur additional fees. That’s because the bus company needs to account for “deadhead” miles—the distance the vehicle travels empty to return to its home base. Choosing pickup and drop-off points that are closer to major hubs can help minimize these extra charges.
Bus Type and Size Influence Pricing
Not all buses are created equal—or priced the same. Larger vehicles like a 56-passenger motorcoach naturally cost more than smaller options such as a 25-passenger minibus. But it’s not just about seats; newer models equipped with premium amenities—think reclining seats, onboard Wi-Fi, power outlets, and flat-screen TVs—come with a higher price tag. When budgeting for your trip, choose the smallest vehicle that comfortably fits your group. Upgrading to a luxury model is great if you need the extras, but skipping them can lead to significant savings.
Tolls and Parking Fees Are Extra
While your rental quote covers the bus itself, additional expenses like tolls and parking are billed separately. For example, if your itinerary includes a visit to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, you’ll need to budget for a commercial vehicle entry fee of $100 per bus. Downtown Hilo offers free parking, but some venues—such as the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium—charge $5 to $10 per vehicle for event parking. These costs aren’t included in your initial quote and are the responsibility of the renter. Be sure to research your destinations ahead of time and factor these fees into your overall budget.
How Booking Timing Affects Your Price
The earlier you book, the better. Charter bus rates are driven by supply and demand, so waiting until the last minute can cost you—especially during busy seasons. As soon as you know your dates and rough headcount, start shopping around. Securing your reservation a few months in advance gives you access to the best rates and widest selection of vehicles. Last-minute bookings not only limit your options but also come with premium pricing.
Cost-saving Tips to Consider
Want to keep your charter bus rental affordable? Start by booking early to lock in lower rates. Travel during the off-season and on weekdays if possible. Choose central pickup and drop-off locations to reduce deadhead mileage. Opt for a vehicle that fits your group without unnecessary upgrades. Finally, share the cost among passengers—splitting the bill makes even a large rental surprisingly budget-friendly. With a little planning, you can enjoy all the benefits of private group transportation without breaking the bank.
Get an Instant Quote on Your Hilo Bus Rental
The easiest way to find out exactly how much your Hilo charter bus rental will cost is to get a personalized quote! Charter Bus Company Hilo has reservation specialists available 24/7 to take your call, gather your trip details, and provide an accurate price breakdown in minutes. We proudly serve Hilo and the entire Big Island region—from Keaukaha to Pāhoa—so you can count on us for transparent, all-inclusive pricing with no extra fees. Ready to get started? Call 808-657-3240 anytime, or use our online quote tool to compare options and book your bus in just a few clicks.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Below are real examples of what customers paid to rent a bus for different types of trips. Use these as a ballpark estimate, but remember that every trip is unique!
Example 1: School Field Trip From Hilo to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park
A local elementary school is planning a field trip to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. They need transportation for 60 students and 5 teachers. The park is about 30 miles from Hilo, and they plan to spend the entire day there before returning home. They request a 56-passenger charter bus with air conditioning and DVD monitors for educational videos. Since this is a local, same-day trip, the rental is billed by the hour. The total cost comes to approximately $3,000, including driver gratuity but excluding park entry fees.
Example 2: Wedding Shuttle Service in Hilo
A bride and groom are hosting their ceremony at Lili‘uokalani Gardens and the reception at a hotel in Banyan Drive. To keep guests on schedule, they hire a 25-passenger minibus to run continuous shuttles between venues. The service lasts six hours and requires only a single vehicle. Because both locations are within city limits, there are no additional mileage charges. The couple pays $2,400 for the evening, making this an affordable solution that guests appreciate.
Example 3: Corporate Retreat to Kailua-kona
A Hilo-based company is sending 40 employees to a weekend retreat in Kailua-Kona. They book a 56-passenger motorcoach for the 75-mile journey across the island. The itinerary includes two nights in a hotel, so the driver’s lodging must be covered as well. This multi-day, long-distance rental is priced by the mile and by the day. After adding up transportation, driver accommodations, and fuel, the final bill is $6,800. The convenience of traveling together in a single vehicle makes the investment worthwhile for the business.
Example 4: Sports Team Travel to Waimea
A high school soccer team needs to travel from Hilo to Waimea for an away game. There are 18 players and two coaches making the trip. They opt for a 20-passenger minibus, which offers enough space for everyone plus equipment bags. The game is 55 miles away, and the team will return home the same night. The school is charged $2,300 for the charter, a reasonable expense that ensures athletes arrive on time.
Example 5: Multi-day Tour for Senior Citizens
A local senior center organizes a three-day sightseeing tour around the Big Island, including stops in Volcano, Kona, and Waipi‘o Valley. Thirty participants sign up, requiring a 30-passenger shuttle bus. The extended itinerary means the driver will need meals and lodging covered. Pricing the trip by the day and factoring in all expenses, the total comes to $8,100. For attendees, the comfort and accessibility of private transportation justify the higher cost.
Example 6: Airport Transfer to Hilo International Airport
A corporate client books a minibus to pick up eight executives arriving on the same flight at Hilo International Airport. Their hotel is just five miles away, making this a short, one-way transfer. The minimum charge for such a small job is $1,200, but the convenience of having a vehicle ready and waiting at the terminal is worth it for the company.
Example 7: Church Outing to Punalu‘u Black Sand Beach
A Hilo church group plans a day trip to Punalu‘u Black Sand Beach, roughly 57 miles away. Twenty-five members sign up, filling a 25-passenger minibus. The outing includes a picnic lunch and an afternoon swim before returning home. The charter costs $2,900, an amount the congregation splits among participants to keep it affordable for everyone.
Example 8: Festival Transportation for Merrie Monarch Attendees
During the annual Merrie Monarch Festival, a local organization hires a 56-passenger charter bus to shuttle attendees between their hotel and the Edith Kanaka‘ole Stadium. The service runs for four hours each evening over three consecutive nights. Special event pricing applies due to high demand during the festival. The total comes to $5,400, but organizers consider it money well spent to ensure guests have reliable transportation during the busy week.
