Which side of the Big Island is best to stay?

September 2022 · 7 minute read

From West to East of the Big Island

You’ll likely want to split your stay between Kailua-Kona on the west side and Hilo (or Volcano) on the east side during your trip. This will alleviate a lot of extra driving and allow you to experience both sides of the island.

Moreover, Should I fly into Kona or Hilo?

Kona offers better weather, the best beaches and snorkeling, newer resorts, more vacation rentals, and more nightlife compared to Hilo Town. Hilo is worth a visit but may not be worth staying for more than a night.

What should you not miss on the Big Island?


here are 15 things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii that you definitely shouldn’t miss:

Also How many days should I spend on the Big Island? If you really want to enjoy even a fraction of what the Big Island has to offer, you should plan on staying at least 7 days. However, we understand that reality often does not allow such a lengthy stay in Hawaii.

Does the Big Island have nice beaches?

The Big Island’s most popular beach is located on the Kohala Coast on the northwestern shore of the island. This half-mile stretch of white sand is loved by many for its calm swimming conditions that are perfect for families with younger kids, as well as great for bodyboarding and snorkeling.

19 Related Questions Answers Found

How many days do you need on the Big Island?

If you really want to enjoy even a fraction of what the Big Island has to offer, you should plan on staying at least 7 days. However, we understand that reality often does not allow such a lengthy stay in Hawaii.

How many days do you need in Hilo and Kona?

How many days do you need for the Big Island? At least five days. As the largest Hawaiian island, you’ll definitely want time for beaches and snorkeling on the Kona side and waterfalls and rain forest on the Hilo side with a stop at Volcanos National Park.

Is it safe to drive from Kona to Hilo?

Re: how safe will it be to drive at night from kona to Hilo? No, it’s not a good idea at all. 9pm Hawaii time will be midnight (or close) your time so you will be tired. The roads going west to east are incredibly dark, windy,and prone to treacherous rains.

What is the best time of year to visit the Big Island of Hawaii?

The best time to visit Hawaii’s Big Island is between September and November. That’s when the island’s generally reasonable room rates take the most significant plunge.

What is the least touristy Hawaiian island?

Molokai is the least visited island of Hawaii. With about 65,000 visitors, the island attracts only a fraction of all the tourists that visit the island group each year. The island is more rural and doesn’t have resorts. Molokai is most definitely a destination off the beaten path.

What is there to do on the east side of the Big Island?


You’ll enjoy visiting all the east side attractions and activities in the Puna district and Hilo area at a slower and more enjoyable pace and lifestyle.

What part of the Big Island has the best weather?

The sunniest skies and the best beach weather can be found on the Kohala coast. You can find the average yearly cloud cover for the Big Island on the map below.

Is it safe to visit the Big Island?

Reports from the State Department of Health indicate that travel to the Big Island is perfectly safe. The director, Dr. Virginia Pressler, says, “The air quality for the vast majority of the Hawaiian Islands is clean and healthy. … This includes Hilo, Pahoa and the Kona and Kohala coasts on the island of Hawaii.”

What is there to do on Kona side of the Big Island?


Activities and Attractions in Kona

What is big island known for?

The Island of Hawaii, more often simply referred to as the Big Island, is famous for its incredible natural attractions, particularly the volcanoes, which have shaped and continue to shape the landscape.

What can you not miss on the Big Island of Hawaii?


here are 15 things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii that you definitely shouldn’t miss:

Is it worth going to Hilo?

While many visitors to Hawaii’s Big Island fly directly into Kona and spend time only on the western coast, the city of Hilo is also worth consideration. … And it’s a spot you won’t want to skip on your Hawaiian adventure.

Is Kona worth visiting?

The town of Kona is just touristy but there are tons of amazing places to see nearby, on that side of the island. There are 3 national park service sites–definitely visit Place of Refuge. There’s great kayaking and snorkling on that side, too.

How long does it take to drive from Kona to Hilo?

Driving to and from the island’s two largest towns—Kailua-Kona and Hilo—will take well over an hour, and that’s the short way. Driving along Hawaii Belt Road and Mamalahoa Highway would be considered the scenic route—the 125-mile trip takes about three hours.

Is Pahoa safe?

With a crime rate of 43 per one thousand residents, Pahoa has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes – from the smallest towns to the very largest cities. One’s chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is one in 23.

What time of year is hurricane season in Hawaii?

If you’re visiting during Hurricane Season (June 1 – November 30th in the Central Pacific), then we advise you keep an eye on the tropics before your visit. Visitors may want to bookmark the Central Pacific Hurricane Center website for future reference.

Which side of the Big Island of Hawaii has the least rainfall?

The Kona side of the Big Island is dry and sunny on most days of the year. That’s why most hotels and resorts on the island are located here because visitors prefer sunshine. The Kohala area (located north of Kailua-Kona) is the driest area on the island, receiving just about 10 inches (254 mm) of rain per year.

What is the prettiest Hawaiian island?

Kauai. Kauai’s lush greenery makes it the most beautiful of all the Hawaiian islands. It is home to waterfalls, hiking trails and a variety of eco-adventures. Most travelers seek out Kauai to avoid the hustle and bustle of Oahu and Maui and have a more unplugged vacation experience.

What is the most inexpensive Hawaiian island to visit?

Oahu is the cheapest Hawaiian island to visit, with a total cost of $2,625. A Ko Olina Resort lagoon on Oahu. Maui is the most expensive island to visit, coming in nearly $1,000 more expensive, with a total cost of $3,600.

What is the most beautiful island in the world?


17 Most Beautiful Islands in the World

  • Maldives. Maldives. …
  • Bora Bora, French Polynesia. Bora Bora, French Polynesia. …
  • Palawan, Philippines. Palawan, Philippines. …
  • Seychelles. Seychelles. …
  • Santorini, Greece. Santorini, Greece. …
  • The Cook Islands. The Cook Islands. …
  • Bali, Indonesia. Bali, Indonesia. …
  • The Dalmatian Islands, Croatia. Zlatni Rat.

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