Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Moving & Freight Partner in Kailua-Kona, HI
Since 1939, Kona Trans has been the leading family-owned trucking and moving company on Hawaiis Big Island. Our 80+ years of experience have allowed us to evolve with industry advancements while maintaining our core commitment to exceptional service. We specialize in local, inter-island, and international moves, offering customized solutions for high-value items like fine art, medical equipment, and sensitive technology. Our team of 60 professionals utilizes cutting-edge tracking systems and eco-conscious practices, including solar-powered facilities and comprehensive recycling programs.From door-to-door residential moves to commercial relocations and specialized freight handling, we deliver reliability and expertise tailored to each clients needs. As a fully licensed and insured Hawaii-based company, we prioritize both customer satisfaction and environmental stewardship, ensuring every shipment arrives securely and sustainably. Our dedication to quality has earned us long-standing trust within the community and among business partners statewide.
Services
Moving Services
Freight Forwarding
Container Rentals
Specialized Packing
Climate Controlled Storage
General Hauling
Refrigerated Hauling
Air Freight
Door to Door Moving
Furniture Installations
Details
- Year established: 1939
Highlights and features
- Family-owned since 1939 with 80+ years of local logistics expertise
- Specialized moving services for high-value items including antiques and medical equipment
- Eco-conscious operations featuring solar-powered facilities and recycling programs
- Professional, trained staff ensuring secure and timely deliveries
- Full-service solutions covering local, national, and international moves
Associations and certifications
- Public Utilities Commission (P.U.C.) 5028-C
What people say
Professional and reliable
Service is exceptional
Made transportation easy
Secure and timely deliveries
Perfect trucking company
Services
Moving Services
We offer comprehensive residential and commercial moving solutions for local, inter-island, and international relocations. Our trained professionals handle packing, transportation, and installation with precision, ensuring secure delivery of belongings. With specialized equipment and expertise in transporting high-value items like antiques and sensitive technology, we provide tailored service plans that accommodate individual client requirements while maintaining the highest standards of care.
Container Rentals
We provide new and used shipping containers for rent ranging from 20' to 40' sizes. Ideal for construction storage, home additions, or long-term inventory solutions, our containers feature durable construction and weather-resistant materials. Customers receive flexible rental terms with convenient delivery and pickup options across the Big Island, supporting both temporary and permanent storage needs with reliable, cost-effective solutions.
Specialized Packing
Our expert packing and crating services protect valuable and fragile items during transport. We utilize industry-grade materials and techniques to create custom solutions for pianos, medical equipment, and delicate artifacts. With specialized handling procedures and climate-controlled storage options, we ensure that sensitive cargo maintains integrity throughout the entire moving process, meeting museum-grade conservation standards when required.
Freight Forwarding
We coordinate complete freight solutions for Less Than Container Load (LCL) shipments to and from Hawaii. Partnering with major carriers like ABF, YRC, and UPS, we offer competitive rates and door-to-door service for commercial clients. Our logistics team handles documentation, customs clearance, and multi-modal transportation arrangements, providing seamless connectivity between island operations and mainland distribution networks through strategically located consolidation terminals.
Climate Controlled Storage
Our facilities offer temperature-regulated environments for sensitive goods requiring stable conditions. Ideal for electronics, documents, and valuable collections, this service prevents damage from humidity and extreme temperatures. Customers benefit from 24/7 security monitoring, inventory management systems, and flexible access options. Storage units accommodate both short-term projects and long-term needs, with optional packaging materials and delivery services available.
People
Shin Shiotsuka
Founder Emeritus
Founded Kona Trans in 1939, establishing Hawaii's premier trucking company. Visionary leader dedicated to creating the perfect trucking operation for customers, employees, and the community while maintaining family ownership across generations.
Questions
What types of moving services do you offer?
We provide residential, commercial, and international moves including specialized packing, container rentals, climate-controlled storage, and furniture installations for both local and mainland destinations.
Do you handle high-value or delicate items?
Yes. Our experienced team specializes in transporting antiques, medical equipment, and sensitive technology using custom crating and secure handling procedures proven through decades of service.
Can I get a free moving estimate?
Yes. Contact us at 808-329-4111 or submit our online form to schedule a free estimate for your moving or freight needs with no obligation.
What areas do you serve?
We service the entire Big Island, provide inter-island moves across Hawaii, and coordinate mainland and international shipments through our freight forwarding partners.
Are your operations environmentally sustainable?
Yes. We maintain eco-friendly practices including solar-powered facilities, comprehensive recycling programs, and modern fuel-efficient equipment to minimize our environmental footprint.
Do you offer container storage solutions?
We rent 20' to 40' shipping containers for construction storage, home projects, or commercial use with flexible terms and convenient island-wide delivery and pickup options.
Reviews (7)
Danny V.
Jan 06, 2022
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Kona transportation is the best! I moved from California to Hilo. wesson the manager told me they can pick up my container from the Port, I was relieved that I don't have to chase a moving truck. they wind up parking the 40' container in the street, the street is too narrow and moved everything to a box truck with out any complain, the crew is professional and clean! I'll use them again. Danny Villamin
Mya Burns
Nov 13, 2020
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Made an appointment with them over a week ago. Scheduled time was between 8-9am. Called them at 9:10am because no one had showed up. Apparently there was a problem with the fork lift. No one called to notify me they would be running late. Waited over 2hrs for someone to show up! The guy who came out to move the the dog houses was really cool. He was very friendly and i liked him a lot. Unfortunately I had to reschedule my Doctor's appointment in hilo because of this. Obviously the management of this company does not value my time as a paying customer. Extremely disappointed with the lack of communication.
Olivia B.
Aug 19, 2020
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It's very difficult to sustain a commitment for labor services in Kona. However, Kona Trans made a Hassle free arrangement, arrived on the dot, took away our boxes and furniture fast and efficiently. Moving is stressful but they ran it smoothly leaving us without stress or worry. Please use Kona Trans if you want a business who don't play games and waste time.
Tina C.
Aug 11, 2019
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Bikeshare Hawaii had the distinct pleasure of working with Kona Trans East Hawaii team during the expansion of our Bikeshare program to include Hilo. Wes and his free were awesome to work with as they transported 4 of our new stations from Kona to Hilo and helped us with the installation at 4 brand new sites! Hilo now has bikeshare because of the wonderful Crew at Kona Trans. I will always recommend Kons Trans to anyone needing shipping, storage or transportation on either side of the island. Mahalo to Albert and his amazing staff in Hilo and Kona. Thank you for all the ways that you support the Hawaii Island communities!
Dan L.
Mar 12, 2019
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I needed a pallet moved from one side of the island to the other. I made the mistake of doing business with Kona Trans. They charged me more than 4x the rate I normally pay with Conen's Trucking in Hilo (Which I recommend). When I complained about the price I was told that I was given a quote. which was a lie. Rude/ dishonest customer service and high prices. Stay away from this business.
Jada Rufo
Dec 22, 2016
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They totaled my car! I'm trying to get them and their insurance company to pay for car repairs or to get me another car!
Mark W.
Nov 23, 2015
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Kona transport was contracted by UPack to deliver our relocation cube from the port to our home in Keaau. I believe the driver' s name was Joshua. I couldn't get over his friendly professionalism. He pulled up and immediately got out of the truck and shook our hands, introducing himself and asking how and where we wanted the cube placed. I went into the house and my husband stayed with Joshua to watch the delivery.
A few minutes later, with the cube in place, I hear Joshua call out to me from the driveway, remembering my name, to say goodbye. A few days later They picked up our empty cube and we were done. No hassles and kindness all the way. Mahalo plenty Kona Transport and Joshua.
A few minutes later, with the cube in place, I hear Joshua call out to me from the driveway, remembering my name, to say goodbye. A few days later They picked up our empty cube and we were done. No hassles and kindness all the way. Mahalo plenty Kona Transport and Joshua.