Traveling back and forth from there to Kona gave us a great view of almost the entire island. Interestingly enough, while they are still technically on the same island, their features are quite distinct from one another. However, check the prices on Google Flights to see which offers a better deal. If you cant get reservations for sunrise, you can enter the park anytime after 7AM without reservations. Compared to Maui, Oahu, or Kauai, the Big Island is enormous, and you must travel long distances to get from one point to another. If youre going to be on the island for just a couple of days and only have time to stay in one place, it probably makes sense for most travelers to stay in Kona, given its proximity to beaches, a broader range of activities, and better selection of hotels, restaurants, and flights. Regardless of your origin city, direct flights from the mainland to Hilo arent common. Youve got your airfare, hotel, rental car and your big activities booked, so you should be good to go, right? The summit is spectacular during the day and you dont need reservations for sunset. If you want to relax in nature and get the feel of small-town charm, then Hilo is your best bet. Kona vs. Hilo, who ya got? - West Hawaii Today In terms of accommodation, Kona has a lot more to offer. We quit corporate America to run Uprooted Traveler and explore the world full-time. 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. There are also a limited number of tickets released two days before. Kona is located on the dry side of the island. Akaka Falls and Rainbow Falls are two of the most popular ones to visit, but there are many other smaller waterfalls worth exploring. There are plenty of colorful fish and coral, and if youre lucky, youll see some sea turtles and dolphins too! During your visit to Hawaiis Big Island, youre most likely using Kona or Hilo as your home base. If youre looking for a bit more of a luxurious experience, we recommend staying in one of the resorts near Hilo Bay. However, I will go over a brief summary of the pros of each one. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned Hawaii veteran, I'm here to help you make the most of your trip! Jellyfish patterns can also affect whether or not the bay is open so double check the day before/day of. Described as a one- or two-family dwelling, officials say the structure was fully involved by the . How Long Does It Take To Get From Kona to Hilo? It has something like 12 out of the worlds 14 unique climate zones. Kona offers better weather, the best beaches and snorkeling, newer resorts, more vacation rentals, and more nightlife compared to Hilo Town. If you arent completely set on the idea of investing in a car rental, then public transport is definitely something you should be looking into. If youre up for a nighttime adventure, book a tour to the summit of Mauna Kea. Where to Stay on the Big Island: Kona or Hilo? - Hawaii Travel with Kids Im there answering questions every day and there are 7500+ other friends who have a ton of Hawaii information to share! Food in Hilo also tends to be more budget-friendly, though there are fewer options. This can make it more expensive than some of the other options. Getting a car rental is great because it gives you added flexibility and you dont have to worry about catching a bus or shuttle. If youre unable to get an advance reservation, you can wait standby when you arrive. Its the perfect jumping-off point for the islands most famous waterfalls, valleys, and Volcanoes National Park. Polynesian Cultural Center Arizona Memorial & Museums Hilo is one of the most affordable cities in all the Hawaiian Islands. That decision will likely be determined by exactly how much you want to see and experience around the Hilo side. You can find affordable accommodations in Kona, but when comparing accommodations of the same quality in both cities, Hilo is noticeably more affordable. Its not the island that most first time visitors to Hawaii choose to visit (most favor Oahu or Maui) and sometimes thats because visitors are intimidated by the islands size. hotels and condo rentals. Take a short hike and explore Hawaiis tropical rainforest while chasing after some impressive cascades. 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. Click here to check availability, The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls Located just outside the town of Hilo, this tranquil inn is the perfect base for those looking for something a bit more upmarket. Hilo is an excellent place for those who want to relax, slow things down, and dont mind the slightly rainy weather. Compared to Kona, Hilo gets more clouds, rain, and less sunlight. Id love to hear em (or which one you chose!) This area offers resorts that are well-equipped to handle your vacation. Since the two regions are only a couple of hours from each other, a car will still be your best option in this situation. Dont miss some of my most popular (and favorite) posts about the Big Island: 28 things to do on the Big Island (that you cant do anywhere else in Hawaii), plus things to do in Kona and in Hilo, a breakdown of where to stay on the Big Island comparing Kona and Hilo, the Big Islands best beach resorts ranked, my favorite places to eat on the Big Island, my perfect 7 day Big Island itinerary, one day in Hilo, one day in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, four National Parks on the Big Island, stargazing at Mauna Kea, snorkeling and kayaking at Kealakekua Bay, a roundup of the best condos on the Big Island, my best Big Island travel tips, and reviews of the Fairmont Orchid and the Hilton Waikoloa Village. Depending on where you are staying in Kona, it can take anywhere from 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours to get to Hilo. Although archaeological evidence is scant, oral history has many references to people living in Hilo, along the Wailuku and Wailoa rivers during the time of ancient Hawaii. That means that there are now over half a dozen sites (beaches, trailheads, etc.) Its the biggest airport on the island and is most often used by tourists visiting The Big Island. Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. When youre planning a Big Island vacation, the question on every travelers mind is should I stay in Hilo or Kona? These two towns, on opposite sides of the island, offer totally unique vibes that are better suited for different kinds of travelers. Have any questions? While there are a few hotels in Hilo, things are a lot more primitive than on the Kona side. 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. Because Kona generally has a wealthier demographic and larger tourist contingent, businesses of all kinds can get away with charging a bit more there. and a handful of popular tourist hotspots that book out really far in advance too. Hilo is located on the east side of the Big Island, while Kona sits on the west side. For better out worse.. Lol. If you want to relax in nature and get the feel of small-town charm, then Hilo is your best bet. They also have an onsite manta ray viewing location. Im not a huge fan of the area but a lot of people like it. Since Hilo is on the eastern side of the Big Island, this is where the sun rises. And its that way because it rains a lot. If youre staying in the area overnight, consider taking a tour of the park after dark. Its one of the most unique things you can do on the Big Island. Hilo is located on the east side of the Big Island, while Kona sits on the west side. 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. Lets talk about actual Kona town. Most vehicles arent allowed to drive on their own to the top. The zoo has a variety of animals, like spider monkeys, giant anteaters, lemurs, and even two tigers! It might also be helpful to plan your trip during the shoulder travel seasons, which land during spring and fall. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Driving around the Big Island is relatively easy. Copyright 2023 Lincoln Travel Co ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, one day in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, snorkeling and kayaking at Kealakekua Bay. Depending on where you are staying, more activities may be available on one side than the other. Downtown Hilo is the island of Hawaii's biggest small town, featuring centuries-old wooden storefrontsmany of which are on the National Register of Historic Placeshousing a variety of sophisticated galleries, shops, restaurants and cultural sites. However, its less developed than the Kona area. And please share my account with your friends that are headed to Hawaii! This is the drier side of the island (no lush jungles or rainforests here) and it is mostly barren lava fields as far as the eye can see. It offers visitors great insight into Hawaiis history and culture. If you were thinking of driving between the two regions, a rental is a great choice. Kona is one of the few places in the world where you can swim with manta rays. Visiting Kona and hoping to spend a little bit of time in Hilo? 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. Its usually easier to find affordable flights into Kona and most of the islands big resorts are located nearby. These are pricier than the budget-friendly options, but the views and amenities make it worth it. You can also stop by the Southernmost Point in the United Statesa park where you can find excellent views in all directions. This applies to restaurants, lodging, and transportation. So if youre on a budget, you can certainly find more modest accommodations around Kona (although, sadly, youll probably not be driven around on your own boat), but expect the most affordable lodging to still run you at least $100+ a night. See the below picture for proof. 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 is worth a visit but may not be worth staying for more than a night. Are you planning a trip to the Big Island of Hawaii but dont know if you should stay in Hilo or Kona? In our opinion, the rain is just as beautiful; also, waterfalls are a lot more beautiful after it rains. You can visit Punaluu in tandem with Volcanoes National Park. Theyre seriously the only company I ever use. If you are only staying on one side of the island, the airport closer to your destination will be more convenient. 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 mountain summit rises far above the clouds and houses active telescopes. Centrally located to shopping, restaurants and the airport, the waterfront hotel features a golf course, outdoor pool. They have both dorms and private rooms to choose from, great common areas along with easy access to the beach! In Hilo, I would stay at the SCP Hilo or if youre a National Park junkie or visiting when theres some serious lava action, I would stay at the Volcano House in the National Park. History Around 1100 AD, the first Hilo inhabitants arrived, bringing with them Polynesian knowledge and traditions. Try spending your time in at least two different locations: On the western coast (e.g. Nighttime water adventures: The night provides a glimpse of the rare and elusive Manta Ray. So, if youre wondering where to stay on the Big Island, the answer is (drumroll, please). The best time of year to visit both Kona and Hilo is during Hawaiis shoulder seasons. We stayed in Pahoa on our most recent trip to the Big Island, and we are glad we did. While you cant get a flight directly from Kona to Hilo, that definitely doesnt mean you cant transfer between the two airports or fly into either one. If you want to do the cheapest option for your budget, then the Hele-On bus service likely has the best value for you. A car, on the other hand, will give you the flexibility to do whatever you want. The most upscale accommodations on the Hilo side is the Grand Naniloa Hotel (owned by DoubleTree), which offers a golf course and a fairly simple pool. Kona Tiki Hotel Mid-range visitors to Kona will love this little hotel located within easy reach of all Kona has to offer. Unfortunately, this is not a possibility for those wondering if you can get on a flight from Kona to Hilo. If you want to learn more about getting a bus from Hilo to Kona, you can learn more about the bus service on their website. Start by reading a Guidebook to the island so that you understand the vast difference between the two and what each has to offer. Book it as soon as you know your dates (I think they open at the six month window). You wont have to worry about some other things you might experience with a rental car or bus. Hawaii fire: Maps and before and after images reveal Maui - BBC Or consider swapping out a day in Hilo for one on the less-populated northern side of the island, perhaps in . One of Kona's most memorable experiences is going on a manta ray boat tour to scuba or snorkel with these gentle, graceful sea creatures. I personally favor the Hilo side because Im not a beach bum, tho I love the water and water sports. There are some incredible sights of waterfalls, some amazing hiking spots, and some fantastic food! See All Of Oahu Island Pearl Harbor & Polynesian Cultural Center This tour visits the most popular sites on Oahu plus so much more. In terms of temperature, Kona and Hilo are generally on par with one another, with Hilo usually being just a couple of degrees cooler than Kona. It takes a lot of time to get to attractions, and many tourists tend to underestimate it when visiting the island. To be honest, Hilo has a gritty, or even dated kind of feel, with funky murals and faded paint splashed across many of the storefronts. Visitors often choose to stay in resorts like those at Kona Village or the Four Seasons, however, several smaller establishments cater to budget travelers. If you want to avoid crowds and find slightly more affordable travel options, aim to plan your trip during the off-peak tourist season. The Big Island of Hawaii is home to six main regions: Kona, Hilo, Kohala, Hamakua Coast, Kau, and the Puna district. Of course, doing a guided tour for the trip is going to add extra time to your trip. The entire trip is going to be around 2 hours and 32 minutes. The primary shuttle companies are going to be Polynesian Adventure Tours and Roberts Hawaii. On the other hand, Kona only gets around 18 inches of rain, which is a huge difference. Now you may be wondering, what are the differences between Hilo and Kona? Generally, the island is divided into two sides: the Kona side and the Hilo side. 3. In this article, Im going to pit Kona and Hilo against each other in some key areas, like cost, things to do, and the weather- and find out, once and for all, which one comes out on top (just imagine it like a wrestling match- Big Island style). After spending several days in both of these cities, Im breaking down everything you need to know about choosing Kona or Hilo as your Big Island vacation homebase. Hilo. Kona vs Hilo: Where to Stay on the Big Island? Click here to check availability. So if you want to make reservations for back to back days (in case of weather/conditions), youll need to do so with separate accounts (email addresses). The beaches here are spectacular and will leave you in awe. But if you want to learn some cool facts about the area and experience more aspects of the island that most people would miss had they taken a car or bus, this can worth the extra time. We recently visited the Big Island and stayed on the Hilo and Kona sides. Just because its cloudy in Hilo, doesnt mean you wont get burned. Volcano has a LOT of great vacation rental options (jungle tree houses, cottages, cabins, etc.) If you want to learn more about getting a bus from Hilo to Kona, you can learn more about the bus service on their website. And because its more built up, youll find more reasonably priced options. This is why traveling between the two regions is a choice many people consider. Youll pass one resort area and drive 10 minutes or so until you come to the next one. Hilo vs. Kona: Which Side is the Best? - This Travel Dream There are no reservations for parking and its first come, first serve. Reservations are required to enter the park gates between 3AM and 7AM (sunrise hours). The Big Island is home to two international airports: Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA) and Hilo International Airport (ITO). From the moment you board in Kona or Hilo, you will be on an amazing journey of history, culture and more. Where Kona has beaches, Hilo has stunning rainforests, waterfalls, and valleys. Kona is also a larger area, so if youre seeking nightlife and prime sunset watching, Kona is a great choice. We love the Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historic Site. A shuttle can also be more informational and entertaining as you make the journey. Swimming with manta rays is an experience you can only have on the Big Island. Kona vs. Hilo- Where Should You Stay? - Uprooted Traveler Its a constant battle. 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!). Your support really helps me keep this blog running! It is also known as Kailua (a name it shares with a community on the windward side of Oahu ), as Kona (a name it shares with the district to which it belongs) and as Kona Town. Want to read more? The public transport here is called the Hele-on bus, and can be a cheap way to get around the island. This article will mainly focus on Hilo and Kona since most tourists spend their time in these regions. Punaluu Black Sand Beach and Pololu Valley Beach come highly recommended. If you want to tailor your travel experiences to exactly where you want to go without being tethered to a schedule, then a car rental is likely the way to go for you. Thats over 40 miles of coast with HUNDREDS of places to stay! Not quite what youre looking for? If you are a morning person, get up and catch one of thebest sunrises on the Big Island. You can check out their prices to see what is available. 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. The time it takes for an Uber is basically the same as a rental car. Its the fastest opinion to get between the cities, clocking about 1.5 hours of drive time. 1) Parking & Entry: This is the most flexible option and also the most limited. The views are amazing! And if budget reigns supreme (the places mentioned above range from pricey but doable to downright absurd sometimes) and you want a more central location to get out and see the island, I would consider the Royal Kona Resort and the King Kamehamehas Kona Beach Hotel. 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. Because its more concentrated, a lot of tours and excursions do pickups in Waikoloa. Everybody has to arrive in the same car and your ID needs to match the reservation. Kona vs Hilo - Island of Hawaii Forum - Tripadvisor The resorts on the Kona coast are very luxurious, so keep in mind the prices are higher. On the other hand, the Hilo region (the rainforest side) isnt far behind; it has the largest city (Hilo) on the Big Island, and it takes less time to drive across than its counterpart. You can find affordable accommodations in Kona, but when comparing accommodations of the same quality in both cities, Hilo is noticeably more affordable. Kona has a vibrant nightlife, world-class resorts, and plenty of activities to try, such as snorkeling, whale watching in the winter, and fishing. Because of their drastic differences, each area can provide you entirely different Hawaii experience! With all the rain that Hilo gets, its no surprise that some of the most beautiful waterfalls are here. If youre in Kona between December and April, whale watching is a must. Below are some of the best things to do in Kona: Kona has some of the bestbeaches in Hawaii, making them very popular among tourists who want to relax by the ocean. The bus here is great as it is fairly cheap and can get you to places all across the island. Kona has some of the best snorkeling on the island, such as Snorkeling at Two Step Beach and Captain Cook Monument at Kealakekua Bay. So depending on whether youre staying in Kona or Hilo, do you need a rental car on the Big Island? Hilo is also the better choice for those on a budget. Most people have pretty good success on OpenTable. Because both places are practically on opposite sides of the island, they are very different in what they do. Kona, not Hilo, is the place to stay on the island of Hawaii during your vacation. 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 was cheaper to drive back to Kona and return the car where we rented it than return it in Hilo. The Hilo side of the island (roughly the eastern half of the Big Island) is as lush a place as youll find anywhere in Hawaii. Downtown Kona is somewhat similar to Lahaina (Maui), but not quite as nicewaterfront, shops and restaurants with a smattering of small historically significant sites and generally a cruise ship port type vibe. Almost all goods delivered on the island arrive through Hilos port, meaning theres less logistical costs as compared to transporting it to the Kona side of the island. in the comments below! While both Kona and Hilo have airports, there is no way to get a direct flight between the two areas. Throughout all Hawaiian Islands, the touristy areas are going to be more expensive. It also gives you more space to bring anything with you that you might need while exploring. Weve got answers! [4] Oral history gives the meaning of Hilo as "to twist". During my husbands and my recent nine-day trip, we spent five days in Kona and four days in Hilo- and that felt like the perfect amount of time to explore both sides of the island. but pretty remote and not too convenient for anything other than exploring the park, which is a pretty major thing to do and could easily take a couple of days if youre super into it (most people spend half a day or so).
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