Should i go to kona or hilo

On the east side, you have mountains, volcanoes, waterfalls and beaches. If your goal is to do a lot of sightseeing and see beautiful sights that the Big Island has to offer, the east side is your best friend.

Akaka Falls is one of the more popular waterfalls on the East side of the island. What we suggest you to do to make the most out of your vacation here on the Big Island is to stay one or two nights in Kona to get the tourist Hawaiian vibe and the rest of your time on the east side of the island.

We made a post Big Island 5 Day Itinerary so you get the most out of your vacation by visiting all the must-sees throughout the entire island.

If you intend to visit attractions throughout the island based on our suggestion in the post Big Island 5 day itinerary, you can fly into Kona Airport and fly out in Hilo Airport or vice versa.

Just keep in mind that it takes about 2 hours or more to drive from Kona side to Hilo side. It takes a lot of time to get to attractions, and many tourists tend to underestimate it when visiting the Island. A car rental will save you lots of time and will give you the flexibility to go wherever you want to go at any time. As mentioned above, Hilo offers stunning waterfalls, lush greenery, and lots of activities for those who love nature.

If you want to see some of the best black sand beaches on Hawaii Island , be sure to spend some time in Hilo. The beaches here are spectacular and will leave you in awe. I highly recommend visiting at least two black sand beaches while on the island.

Trust me, you will thank me later. Hilo has some of the best waterfalls in Hawaii. The zoo has a variety of animals like spider monkeys, giant anteaters, lemurs, and even two tigers! Hilo is close to Pahoa Town. Plus, you can find delicious food for cheap. We stayed in Pahoa on our most recent trip to the Big Island, and I am glad we did.

We rented an Airbnb on Leilani Avenue, which was less than 5 minutes down the road from where the eruptions occurred.

Since Hilo is on the eastern side of the Big Island, this is where the sun rises. If you are a morning person, get up and catch one of the best sunrises on the Big Island. The beaches in Kona are some of the most beautiful in Hawaii, making them very popular among tourists who want to relax by the ocean.

Kona coffee is world-famous for a reason. You can visit a coffee farm in Kona and get a comprehensive education about how coffee is cultivated and processed. We thoroughly enjoyed our free tour at the Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation. They also have a gift shop where you can purchase their pristine beans, along with other cool items and gifts.

This park is one of the best historical sites in Kona. This place is also popular for its breathtaking views and the many ancient ruins that are still standing today. There are many resorts in Kona where you can stay. These resorts on the Kona coast tend to be very luxurious, so keep in mind the prices might be on the higher side.

Similarly, the Mauna Lani offers a wide variety of activities for guests of all ages. Immerse yourself in the beauty of mountain views from this luxurious resort. Located near the Kamakahonu National Historic Landmark, this beachfront hotel is perfect for families. The hotel is close to restaurants, shopping, and the Kailua Pier. It provides the perfect home base for exploring the Big Island. For budget-minded travelers wondering where to stay on the Big Island, the Kohala Village Inn in Kona offers family-friendly accommodations.

This eco-friendly inn, with its upbeat but rustic decor, is a warm, welcoming respite for a Big Island vacation. The Kona Seaside Hotel is a contemporary, beachfront property in a quiet, serene setting just minutes from the heart of Kona. The rain forests of Hilo provides a mixture of sunny weather and refreshing rainfall. Each year Hilo experiences about inches of rain which leads to some of the lushest landscape on the Big Island.

Both Rainbow Falls and Alaska Falls are popular area waterfalls that are the perfect day trip activity on the Big Island. Among the most popular things to do in Hilo , are helicopter tours, especially ones that go over Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

For those interested in astronomy, Mauna Kea provides fun, educational and cultural exhibits for all ages. The planetarium is also a huge draw and a great way to spend an afternoon.

Read my full post on things to do in Hilo. Centrally located to shopping, restaurants and the airport, the waterfront hotel features a golf course, outdoor pool. It also offers free amenities for all ages.