Click here to check availability, Private Rental Having your own apartment or house in Kona is a popular option and there are plenty of options to choose from such as this fully-furnished condo on offer in Kona. You can also stop by the Southernmost Point in the United Statesa park where you can find excellent views in all directions. Just promise me youll still visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park! 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. This is why traveling between the two regions is a choice many people consider. To hike to the top of Waikikis famous Diamond Head, you must make reservations in advance here. Within the town of Hilo, check out the farmers market, Pacific Tsunami Museum, Kaumana Caves, and Imiloa Astronomy Center. This includes April, May, October, and November; although Hawaii has near-perfect weather year-round. Kona fits that description a bit better than Hilo in my opinion. So yes, it requires a bit more planning, but the Big Island is home to some of the most spectacular sites in the world (the WORLDnot just Hawaii) so its a shame to skip it just because the logistics are tougher to figure out. Depending on where you are staying in Kona, it can take anywhere from 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours to get to Hilo. In addition to the lower accommodation prices, eating and drinking out in Hilo is much more affordable than in Kona. Excellent perspective! Well, it depends on what type of experience youre looking for. To visit Haleakala National Park for sunrise at the summit, you must make reservations in advance here. 2. There are also a limited number of tickets released two days before. There arent really many swimmable beaches near Hilo (but you will find the famous black sand and green sand beaches on this side of the island!). 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. Akaka Falls north of Hilo and Rainbow Falls are two of the most famous ones. 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??? Ive done a whole post here ranking the best beach resorts on the Big Island, but heres a quick summary. Not quite what youre looking for? And it makes it hard to really explore the entire island from one central location. Many travelers want to be able to explore all the amazing aspects of Hawaii. 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. Do I Need a Passport to Travel to Hawaii. 1) Parking & Entry: This is the most flexible option and also the most limited. However as a National Parks enthusiast, it is on my bucket list to stay at the Volcano House. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It covers a larger area, is more developed, and has more tourism amenities (beaches, hotels, etc.) Because Kona generally has a wealthier demographic and larger tourist contingent, businesses of all kinds can get away with charging a bit more there. Hawaii is known for its black sand beaches, and youll find most of them nearer to Hilo. Hapuna Beach and Makalawena Beach are two of the most famous beaches, but you really cant go wrong. Source: Times analysis of satellite image by Planet Labs; building footprints from Maui County and OpenStreetMap. that require advance reservations. The Kona side of the island refers to roughly the entire West side of the island, including the town of Kailua-Kona (usually referred to just as Kona). Also, if you want to follow along on my travel adventures in real time, you can follow me on Instagram (@caitylincoln). Are you planning a trip to the Big Island of Hawaii but dont know if you should stay in Hilo or Kona? Its closer to the Big Islands most popular beaches. This is an experience that you dont want to miss! The Big Island of Hawaii is home to six main regions: Kona, Hilo, Kohala, Hamakua Coast, Kau, and the Puna district. You will thank us later! What is the Cheapest Hawaiian Island to Visit? We thoroughly enjoyed our free tour at theMountain Thunder Coffee Plantation. Thats not to say that Hilo is without its charms, though- it has a laidback, hippie undercurrent that is decidedly absent from Kona. There are also some really cool historical spots scattered around the area, which can be a great way to grow an appreciation for how amazing the area truly is! Because its more concentrated, a lot of tours and excursions do pickups in Waikoloa. There are some incredible sights of waterfalls, some amazing hiking spots, and some fantastic food! Getting a reservation there is probably the only thing that would make me budge from staying in Kona the whole time. You can browse car rental options here. Visitors often choose to stay in resorts like those at Kona Village or the Four Seasons, however, several smaller establishments cater to budget travelers. Theyre usually gone in minutes (if not seconds). There are two main airports on the Big Island of Hawaii, and you guessed it right one in Kona and one in Hilo. The parking & entry option usually sells out in a minute, but the shuttle availability will last longer. Exploring the coast: As the most significant island in Hawaii, we recommend renting a car to savor its vast terrain. There are a few beaches right around town and quite a few budget style accommodations. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Likewise, its recommended that you dont swim here because the tides are unpredictable and riptides have been known to occur. Click here to browse Hilo private rentals, Big Island Hostel Budget solo travellers will love this hostel in the center of Hilo. Its the perfect jumping-off point for the islands most famous waterfalls, valleys, and Volcanoes National Park. You can find affordable accommodations in Kona, but when comparing accommodations of the same quality in both cities, Hilo is noticeably more affordable. As mentioned above, Hilo has a more local and (at the risk of sounding negative) even a more run-down vibe than Kona. Hilo is located on the eastern side of the Big Island and offers an entirely different experience than Kona. 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. 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. Waikoloa and the Kohala Coast is where youll find the best beaches on the Big Island. They will tow your car if you park outside the designated areas. This is due to it being smaller with fewer resorts, so fewer people overall. If youre renting a car, keep in mind that where you pick up and return the car will have an impact on its cost. You can call and get on the waitlist for one day or you can set notifications on OpenTable to alert you for cancellations every day of your trip. Interestingly, while the distance between the two regions is about 60 miles, the distance by road is going to be bumped up to around 80 miles. Everything You Need to Know. Everyone in your group needs to be present when you purchase your tickets in person. The ranch offers a lot of different tours but the UTV tours usually book out a couple of months in advance. 18 Hilo Town Market in Downtown (Hilo, Aug. 18) File photo of a night at Hilo Town Market . Want to read more? Otherwise, this category is kind of a wash. Just because its cloudy in Hilo, doesnt mean you wont get burned. During your visit to Hawaiis Big Island, youre most likely using Kona or Hilo as your home base. Kona vs. Hilo, who ya got? - West Hawaii Today A step down from those, the Fairmont Orchid is a great property that has most of the trappings, but is a little more lowkey (and usually less expensive) than the ones above. Youll have quite a few more rental company options in Kona and accordingly, may be able to find a better rate here. Hilo is located on the east side of the Big Island, while Kona sits on the west side. Tee Times: Same for golf, reserve your tee times well in advance. Some of our favorite beaches to visit are Hapuna Beach, Spencer Beach, andMakalawena Beach. Also, if you want to see the magnificent green sea turtles, dont skip Punaluu Beach! If you were thinking of driving between the two regions, a rental is a great choice. 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. Kona to Hilo Drive Options on the Big Island - Hawaii Travel Spot During this time, humpback whales migrate to the warm waters of Hawaii from Alaska to give birth and mate. If youre flying into Hilo, youll land at Hilo International Airport. We recommend staying at the Grand Naniloa Hotel (a Hilton Hotel) or the Mauna Lani Resort. If you are a morning person, get up and catch one of thebest sunrises on the Big Island. If you want to do the cheapest option for your budget, then the Hele-On bus service likely has the best value for you. Kona is a very popular spot on the Big Island. Hilo vs. Kona: Which One Should You Choose? 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. 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. It takes about three hours in total, but takes you by stunning coastal landscapes. So it seems simple enough to say stay in Kona then right?? An analysis by The New York Times using satellite images identified . Hilo vs. Kona: Which Side is the Best? - This Travel Dream We will be the first to admit that we underestimated how big Hawaiis Big Island was until we arrived. If youre feeling daring, you can leap from the cliff into a relatively calm section of ocean. Getting a car rental is great because it gives you added flexibility and you dont have to worry about catching a bus or shuttle. Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. 2) Shuttle & Entry: If you cant get parking at the trailhead, theres also a shuttle option. Thank you for supporting the brands that make the Lincoln Travel Co possible. Kona Hawaii Big Island | Go Hawaii 1) Stay somewhere on the Kona side for the whole week (I do NOT recommend less than a full week on the Big Island if youre trying to see and do much) and taking at least two separate days to do day trips to the other side of the island. Your support really helps me keep this blog running! Kona is the dry side of the island (somewhat barren actually) and home to endless lava fields. For example, it's a 1.5-2 hour drive between its two main hubs, Kona on the west coast and Hilo/Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in the east. They have a number of great rooms to choose from and a lovely on-site swimming pool to enjoy. The Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo is a DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in downtown Hilo. Does it Snow in Hawaii? The drive from Kona will take you 2.5 hours one way. This article will mainly focus on Hilo and Kona since most tourists spend their time in these regions. If you want to relax in nature and get the feel of small-town charm, then Hilo is your best bet. The Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA) is about 30 minutes from Kailua-Kona. The little town of Volcano is nestled right outside the gates of Hawaii Volcano National Park and is basically a basecamp for park explorations. The bus here is great as it is fairly cheap and can get you to places all across the island. Mostly, it rained between midnight and sunrise, so it didnt interfere with our daytime plans. P.S. Start from the western coastal areas near Kona and proceed to sites near Hilo on the eastern side. 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. If you book flights a few months in advance, you can find direct flights from west coast cities like Seattle, Portland, and San Francisco. Even though the eastern side of the island (Hilo side) has a lot to offer, the vast majority of visitors stay on the Kona side (the west side). In a nutshell, Hilo has a much more tropical feel than Kona; expect to see lots of bamboo and other plants that thrive in the hot, wet climate. A shuttle can also be more informational and entertaining as you make the journey. History Around 1100 AD, the first Hilo inhabitants arrived, bringing with them Polynesian knowledge and traditions. However, the schedule is not great for sightseeing, so keep in mind that this method might take a lot of time. You can make one reservation every three days with the same account. Thats over 40 miles of coast with HUNDREDS of places to stay! Its just way more suited for visitors. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Having traveled to Hawaii MORE THAN 40 TIMES, Marcie is a self-proclaimed Hawaii travel expert! Unfortunately, this is not a possibility for those wondering if you can get on a flight from Kona to Hilo. Thats not to say that Kona only sees sunny skies, though- in fact, it usually gets quite cloudy every afternoon, as clouds form around the neighboring mountain, Huallai. 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. Ultimately, it all depends on your preferences and how long you plan on staying. Kailua-Kona, Hawaii - Wikipedia However, you may choose to fly to one airport depending on what activities you are planning on doing. Flights from Europe to the Big Island usually have one stop and can be found for $1000. A rain jacket that can easily be rolled up into your daypack is ideal. Lets talk about actual Kona town. They also have a gift shop where you can purchase their pristine beans and other cool items and gifts. There are a lot of different combinations that one can make to make the trip quicker, more picturesque, or simply provide more opportunities for exploring. As mentioned above, Hilo offers stunning waterfalls, lush greenery, and many activities for those who love nature. The reservation booking window opens 60 days in advance at 7AM HST. and a handful of popular tourist hotspots that book out really far in advance too. 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 most direct route between Hilo and Kona is Saddle Road, which cuts through the center of the island. We can 100% confirm that it rained a lot more in Hilo than in Kona, but that did not bother us at all. This can make it more expensive than some of the other options. If you envision spending your holiday relaxing by the pool while sipping Mai Tais, participating in various water activities, and enjoying the finer things in life, then Kona is an excellent place for you. 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. Having a car to get around Kona and the rest of the island is a must. Planning Your Trip: How Many Days in Hawaii Do You Really Need? You can find some hostels, budget-friendly Airbnbs, and affordable hotels. Here were diving into everything you should know when choosing which city to fly into and where to stay during your Big Island itinerary. You get a little bit of each island all in one. On the other hand, Hilo is a good option for those who want easy access to the National Park, are looking for a more affordable stay and dont mind a bit of rain. Kona is on the western side and is generally where the majority of tourists stay. Check out our latest stories here and follow us on Instagram (@UprootedTraveler), YouTube, or on Facebook to see what were up to next!
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