A rental car or scooter is the only practical way to see the whole island. Buses exist but are infrequent and don't reach the main sights. Most car rental offices are at or near Ishigaki Airport and book out quickly in peak season — reserve before you arrive. The island can be driven around its full perimeter in two to three hours, making it easy to combine multiple spots in a single day.
From Ishigaki town, ferries connect to Taketomi (10 minutes), Kohama (25 minutes), and Iriomote (35–45 minutes to Ohara, 50 minutes to Uehara). The ferry terminal is a short walk from the town centre. Day trips to all three islands are feasible; Iriomote is large enough to warrant an overnight stay.