Kona is home to some of the best beaches in Hawaii. Where Kona has beaches, Hilo has stunning rainforests, waterfalls, and valleys. This place is also known for its breathtaking views and the many ancient ruins still standing today. As an Amazon Associate, thistraveldream.com earns from qualifying purchases. Kona is known for its sunny days, beautiful beaches, and perfect weather year-round making it an excellent place for tourists. Although many travelers are trying to figure out whether to stay in Kona vs Hilo, both places have a lot to offer and I would recommend trying to visit both. Hilo is the lush, wet side of the island and where you'll find the features that attract most people to the island (Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the black and green sand beaches, waterfalls, etc.). Some travelers also dont want to spend a lot of time touring each place they visit. The summit is spectacular during the day and you dont need reservations for sunset. Hilo is on the eastern side of the island and is better-suited for adventurous travelers, who want to get lost in Hawaiis lush rainforests, watch volcanoes erupt, and soak up small town vibes. If you want a more laid-back and quiet city that still has all the amenities for a comfortable stay, Hilo is a good choice. So with that little intro out of the way, lets get to know these two towns a little bit better. Its just way more suited for visitors. My post captions are full of travel tips and I have a ton of story highlights and videos with great info. That means that there are now over half a dozen sites (beaches, trailheads, etc.) If youre coming from further away, plan to have a layover in one of these cities or Honolulu. Is one more beautiful than the other? Online reservations are $1 per reservation/vehicle PLUS youll pay the park entrance fee of $30/vehicle when you arrive (National Park annual passes are also accepted at the gate). Online reservations are guaranteed a specific boarding time to go out to the USS Arizona. And they are pretty strict about exiting by the end of your window time (you can arrive anytime within your window). The best option is what suits your needs the best and what you hope to do on the island. While both Kona and Hilo have airports, there is no way to get a direct flight between the two areas. Uber will also charge you based on the length of your journey. Kona is larger than Hilo, so its worth it to spend some time checking out the town and eating at local restaurants. While most people associate Kona with the golden sands of Kailua Beach and the clear turquoise waters, there are also plenty of cultures here too. Our mission is to share the travel tips & tricks we learn along the way with our 2 million annual readers providing advice to make travel more accessible for everyone. The schedule for the bus can easily be found online, and the service runs six days a week. First, pay a visit to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. On the other hand, Hilo has more of a small-town feel. Traveling by bus will make it hard for you to see all of the fantastic attractions that the island offers and buses take longer and make too many stops. If you go this route, I would do Hilo side first since itll be mostly exploring and Kona side second to relax. As mentioned above, Hilo offers stunning waterfalls, lush greenery, and many activities for those who love nature. If youre flying into Hilo, youll land at Hilo International Airport. Within the town of Kona, visit Hulihee Palace, Kailua Bay, and the Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park. However, it is good to be aware of all the options available. Spa Reservations: If youre staying at a resort with a spa (or planning on visiting one), dont wait until you arrive to make your reservations. Hilo is not nearly as touristy as Kona and you wont find any big resorts here but you will find plenty of budget options that make a great home base from which to explore this part of the island. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Hilo. Its often considered one of the best and more unique things to do for your trip to the Big Island. So keep this in mind if you want to use this as your main source of transportation. The vacationer in me likes option 1. Thats over 40 miles of coast with HUNDREDS of places to stay! If you are staying on both the Hilo and Kona sides and are thinking about flying into one airport and leaving from the other, We highly discourage this. Within those two hours, there are plenty of times when you can use the restroom or get a bite at a restaurant. 2023 The World Was Here First All rights reserved. Once you arrive at the airport, you can call a rideshare, taxi, or rent a car to drive into town. Because Kona generally has a wealthier demographic and larger tourist contingent, businesses of all kinds can get away with charging a bit more there. The Kona side of the island tends to see more sunshine, as is made evident by the stark contrast in landscapes between both sides of the Big Island. on the Island of Hawaii, Pohoiki Hot Springs: The Only Hot Springs on the Big Island of Hawaii That Havent Been Destroyed by Lava (Yet! If you plan to have a nice dinner out, bring an outfit that allows you to dress accordingly. All of the other Hawaiian Islands could fit inside the Big Island TWO TIMES. Be careful on the hike down to the beach as the trail is steep and uneven. So you may start to weigh whether staying in two different places is worth saving all of that time in the car. Plus, its fairly close to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Waipio Valley. Are you choosing between Kona and Hilo? However, the schedule is not great for sightseeing, so keep in mind that this method might take a lot of time. For example, I snagged the cheapest Airbnb hosted by a Superhost that I could find in Kona for $100 a night, whereas I could find the same in Hilo for just $40 a night. Overview of Big Island, Kona and Hilo Big Island is over 4,000 square miles and is almost twice the size of all Hawaiian islands combined! Accommodations and transportation tend to be cheaper in Hilo than in Kona. It has 6 distinct regions, but most of its population and tourism is centered around the western region of Kona and the eastern region of Hilo. 2) Shuttle & Entry: If you cant get parking at the trailhead, theres also a shuttle option. Its prevalent amongst nature lovers, as it boasts a variety of waterfalls, parks, and trails that are perfect for exploring the islands tropical rainforest. some of which could be called luxury so its probably your best place to find a nice place to stay on this side of the island. This article will mainly focus on Hilo and Kona since most tourists spend their time in these regions. Want to Rent a Car in Hawaii?One of the best places to rent a car in Hawaii is Discount Hawaii Car Rental because they get the best rates from top national companies like Alamo, Dollar, Thrifty, Avis, Enterprise, Budget, and Payless. If youre in Kona between December and April, whale watching is a must. You can also stop by the Southernmost Point in the United Statesa park where you can find excellent views in all directions. Thats not to say that all accommodations in Kona are expensive, but you will generally find more budget-friendly options in Hilo. If there is any flexible way to get where you need to get to go, it has to be Uber, as you can literally request a vehicle right to your location. From Hilo you can get to all my favorite places most quickly. Also, if you want to see the magnificent green sea turtles, dont skip Punaluu Beach! This area is overflowing with shops and restaurants to check out. To visit Mauis famous black sand beach at Waianapanapa State Park on the Road to Hana, you must make reservations in advance here. And it makes it hard to really explore the entire island from one central location. If you like a little bit of a resort area (not just one resort/hotel but a bit more built up), youre going to want to stay in Waikoloa. Do I Need a Passport to Travel to Hawaii. For example, we paid about $106 per night for our Airbnb in Hilo and $160 for similar accommodation in Kailua Kona. There really is no answer to this question. However, tickets are going to be priced at a fairly cheap $1-$2, which is a very inexpensive way to get to and from each location. Okay, so hopefully, Ive helped you make up your mind about whether you want to stay in either Kona or Hilo (or both!). If youre looking for a bit more of a luxurious experience, we recommend staying in one of the resorts near Hilo Bay. Wrong! Theres probably a couple of reasons that goods and services are more affordable in Hilo: So, if youre on a tight budget, Hilo (and all of its outdoor adventures!) Kona is on the leeward side of the island and thus offers mostly hot and dry weather, receiving only 18 inches of rain per year. Flights from Europe to the Big Island usually have one stop and can be found for $1000. Hilo, on the other hand, is on the windward side and one of the wettest cities in the United States, receiving a whopping 127 inches of rain per year! 3) Entry Only: If youre a Hawaiian resident (with HI ID) or someone WITH a Hawaiian resident, you can purchase entry only for $5/person with no advance reservations. Not to mention youll also get free samples of their exquisite coffees! Heres one more really important thing you need to know before your Hawaii trip, Reservations You Need to Make BEFORE Your Hawaii Trip. Its the perfect jumping-off point for the islands most famous waterfalls, valleys, and Volcanoes National Park. This little town is located North of Hilo and is filled with small shops, eats & grocery stores. Another interesting option is using a shuttle company. Should Hilo be your home base, or you plan to spend any substantial time there, make sure you pack a rain jacket and comfortable walking shoes. However, if you have some time to spare, the Mamalahoa Highway is the most scenic route. The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort sits on what I think is the best beach on the Big Island and has great pools overlooking the ocean. Hapuna Beach and Makalawena Beach are two of the most famous beaches, but you really cant go wrong. Kona to Hilo Drive Options on the Big Island - Hawaii Travel Spot Before we begin, lets answer the important question below. There are some incredible sights of waterfalls, some amazing hiking spots, and some fantastic food! Besides the state and national parks above, heres a handful of miscellaneous things you should make reservations for in advance (if theyre on your radar): Mamas Fish House (Maui): The iconic spot is the most popular restaurant in Hawaii and theyve been opening reservations (and selling out) 4-6 months in advance. And if none of that suits you or is exactly what youre looking for, there are soooooo many condo and vacation rental options on the Big Island. You will thank us later! The Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo is a DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in downtown Hilo. Its $10/timeslot (parking) plus $5/person and you have to reserve every person when you initially book. There are also botanical areas and petting areas. There are two main airports on the Big Island of Hawaii, and you guessed it right one in Kona and one in Hilo. You wont have to worry about some other things you might experience with a rental car or bus. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Reservations are required to visit the beach and are distributed in windows from 7AM-10AM, 10AM-12:30PM, 12:30PM-3PM, and 3PM-6PM. The reservation window opens 30 days in advance at 12AM HST. The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has a lot to offer: spectacular hikes, impressive lava tubes, and mesmerizing views from the summit of Mauna Loa. If the price was right, I would also consider the Waikoloa Beach Marriott. The Hilo side tends to be more affordable than Kona. Kona gets about 25 inches of rain each year, Hilo over 125. Offering traditional dorm beds (with some female-only options), they also have great self-catering facilities, and good common areas to enjoy. [4] Oral history gives the meaning of Hilo as "to twist". We recently visited the Big Island and stayed on the Hilo and Kona sides. Waikoloa and the Kohala Coast is where youll find the best beaches on the Big Island. Start from the western coastal areas near Kona and proceed to sites near Hilo on the eastern side. Traveling back and forth from there to Kona gave us a great view of almost the entire island. Like, all the time. ), youre going to need a rental car, regardless of which city youre staying in, to be able to properly explore. Hilo vs. Kona: Which Side is the Best? - This Travel Dream Hilo vs Kona - Island of Hawaii Forum - Tripadvisor You wont need to worry about figuring out directions as your driver will likely be knowledgeable about the area and where to go. Her next trip to Hawaii is never too far away! If youre after a more adventure-focused visit to the Big Island, consider making Hilo your home base. While doable, its a long drive, leaving less time to explore the park. The drive is about 30 minutes and the Kona airport is located just a bit north of Kona town itself. The vast majority of Hawaiis coffee beans are grown here in the mountainous areas due to its high elevation, consistent cloud coverage, and nutrient soil from the volcanoes. Click here to check availability. Remember that Hilo and Kona are only an hour and a half from each other! The drive was only 1 hour and 45 minutes, which is okay. Within the town of Hilo, you can easily get around on foot as most restaurants and bars are clustered near each other. It offers visitors great insight into Hawaiis history and culture. While we opted for budget accommodations on our most recent trip to Hawaii, Ive previously visited and stayed at the Hilton Waikoloa Village in Kona, where you can literally take a boat to be delivered to your room. You can check out their prices to see what is available. On the Big Islands East side, Hilo is a spectacular town with many beautiful spots, like gardens, rainforests, and jaw-dropping waterfalls. We highly recommend doing so if you have enough time to visit both. The thing ismost people underestimate the sheer size of the Big Island (even being aware of the name and size comparisons to other islands). The line could be short (15 minutes or so) or long (hours) and it just depends on the day (if theyre having problems with the loading dock sometimes they dont take many from the standby line) and the time of day. Yes, it is safe to drive from Kona to Hilo. We did this experience while we were in Kona, and it was one of the highlights of our trip. Weve got answers! Everything You Need to Know. A car rental will save you lots of time and give you the flexibility to go wherever you want at any time. The buses are very reliable and can get you to all sorts of places without renting a car. Hilo is located on the eastern side of the Big Island and offers an entirely different experience than Kona. Lets talk about actual Kona town. There are no reservations for parking and its first come, first serve. Pololu Valley Beach sits at the base of a massive canyon. Were passionate about getting off the beaten path, promoting responsible tourism, supporting local economies and sharing our knowledge with other travellers! However as a National Parks enthusiast, it is on my bucket list to stay at the Volcano House. To visit the lush, green mountains and hike at Iao Valley State Park, you must make reservations in advance here. ), Manta Ray Snorkeling in Kona: Everything You Need to Know (+ EXACTLY Which Tour You Should Book! Punaluu Black Sand Beach, Polulu Valley Beach, and Poihiki Beach are our favorite black sand beaches in Hilo. The Big Island of Hawaii is home to six main regions: Kona, Hilo, Kohala, Hamakua Coast, Kau, and the Puna district. Hilo is the lush, wet side of the island and where youll find the features that attract most people to the island (Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the black and green sand beaches, waterfalls, etc.). Take a short hike and explore Hawaiis tropical rainforest while chasing after some impressive cascades. Mostly, it rained between midnight and sunrise, so it didnt interfere with our daytime plans. The Kona airport has more airlines operating out of it and a lot more daily flights than the Hilo one (in fact, it operates over 20 times more flights than Hilo!). Northeast winds up . The boat ride out to the USS Arizona is free, but its $1 to make the reservations online. Source: Times analysis of satellite image by Planet Labs; building footprints from Maui County and OpenStreetMap. So lets jump into everything you should know about transportation from Kona to Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii. Kona also is closer to most of the better beaches, has more of a resort-y vibe, and is probably where you should go if youre craving to lay by a pool, pina colada in hand. It covers a larger area, is more developed, and has more tourism amenities (beaches, hotels, etc.) So what kind of activities can you actually get up to in Kona? If youre unable to get an advance reservation, you can wait standby when you arrive. If youre up for a nighttime adventure, book a tour to the summit of Mauna Kea. There are a few resorts south of Kona town, but I think the best area on the island is north of Kona. and a handful of popular tourist hotspots that book out really far in advance too. There are airports in both towns (KOA for Kona and ITO for Hilo) but the majority of flights come in and out of Kona. Food in Hilo also tends to be more budget-friendly, though there are fewer options. As mentioned previously, there is less rainfall in Kona. Plus, you can find delicious food for cheap. It also gives you more space to bring anything with you that you might need while exploring. Kona (the sunny side) is the bigger of the two regions. Everybody has to arrive in the same car and your ID needs to match the reservation. So if you find a nice place to stay in Kona but you want to see Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hilo, the waterfalls, the black and green sand beaches, etc. Almost all are easily accessible by car or even a short hike. Its best to stay in both parts of the island since Hawaii is massive. Here Kilauea Volcano continues to take . A rain jacket that can easily be rolled up into your daypack is ideal. You can find some hostels, budget-friendly Airbnbs, and affordable hotels. The Essential Guide to Visiting Helsinki in Winter, The Essential Guide to Visiting Yosemite in Winter, The Perfect 1, 2 or 3 Days in Tucson Itinerary. Theyre usually gone in minutes (if not seconds). Luckily, it usually rains between midnight and sunrise, with the clouds burning off during the day when youll be off having adventures. And because its more built up, youll find more reasonably priced options. They also release a small batch of tickets the day before. Theyll give you the very best prices, you dont have to reserve with a credit card or pay until you show up, you can cancel and re-book anytime if you find a better rate, and they usually have a special that adds additional drivers for no fee. Its usually easier to find affordable flights into Kona and most of the islands big resorts are located nearby. They open at 6:45AM and they only have a limited number available. Thanks for sticking around and reading this whole post! If you want to relax in nature and get the feel of small-town charm, then Hilo is your best bet. We all know a trip to Hawaii is costly, and finding ways to save money is how many of us afford to travel. 18 Hilo Town Market in Downtown (Hilo, Aug. 18) File photo of a night at Hilo Town Market . The Hamakua Coast, Puna, and Punaluu are also all beautiful regions of the Hilo side that are absolutely worth being explored but I would recommend hitting them as day trips from Hilo (or driving through from Kona) instead of trying to stay there as theyre all pretty remote and lack many accommodation options. Hilo on the Big Island | Hawaii.com Big Island vs Kauai: Which Island Should You Visit? - Honeymoon Always $3/vehicle. So this really only works for those with bikes or who are staying close enough to walk. Kona is one of the few places in the world where you can swim with manta rays. In our opinion, the rain is just as beautiful; also, waterfalls are a lot more beautiful after it rains. Accordingly, airfare is typically slightly cheaper to fly into Kona than Hilo (although Id definitely recommend checking both airports from your home city on Skyscanner you never know when there may be a deal!). For better out worse.. Lol. Kailua-Kona (the biggest city in Konas region) has many restaurants and shops, but its also very crowded with mostly tourists. Thanks for sharing. Hilo is located on the wet side of the island, and upon arrival, youll quickly see why its called this. However, check the prices on Google Flights to see which offers a better deal. Re: Hilo vs Kona. Reservations are supposed to open up 60 days in advance, but keep an eye on your exact dates, because lately theyve actually been opening up about 57ish days in advance???
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