Hilo vs. Kona: Which Side is the Best?
Are you planning a trip to the Big Island of Hawaii but don’t know if you should stay in Hilo or Kona?
Which one of these places is better? Should you go to Kona or Hilo? Is one more beautiful than the other? What are some things that you should do at each place?
We’ve got answers! This article will discuss what makes each place unique and why we think they make great destinations for your next trip.
Before we begin, let’s answer the important question below. Should you stay in Kona Vs.? Hilo? Is there a clear winner between Hilo and Kona?
Well, it depends on what type of experience you’re looking for.
Hilo is located on the east side of the Big Island, while Kona sits on the west side. If you want to relax in nature and get the feel of small-town charm, then Hilo is your best bet. It has gorgeous waterfalls, lush jungle hikes, majestic black sand beaches, and more budget-friendly accommodation options.
On the other hand, Kona is the choice if you prefer perfect sunny weather and want to be close to shopping, luxury resorts, and more touristy attractions. Kona also offers excellent opportunities for exploring the nightlife and trying out a variety of cuisine.
Overview of The Big Island of Hawaii
Here’s a quick overview of the Big Island to better understand the differences between Hilo and Kona.
The Big Island of Hawaii is home to six main regions: Kona, Hilo, Kohala, Hamakua Coast, Kau, and the Puna district. This article will mainly focus on Hilo and Kona since most tourists spend their time in these regions.
Overview of Kona
Kona is known for its sunny days, beautiful beaches, and perfect weather year-round – making it an excellent place for tourists. 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.
Kona has a vibrant nightlife, world-class resorts, and plenty of activities to try, such as snorkeling, whale watching in the winter, and fishing. You’ll also find some of the best shopping, coffee farms, macadamia nut orchards, and even a cattle ranch in Kona.
Visitors often choose to stay in resorts like those at Kona Village or the Four Seasons, however, several smaller establishments cater to budget travelers.
Those who come here often spend their time lounging around at the pool, catching some sun on the beach, and (of course) drinking Mai Tais!
Overview of Hilo
Hilo is located on the eastern side of the Big Island and offers an entirely different experience than Kona. Compared to Kona, Hilo gets more clouds, rain, and less sunlight.
Due to the amount of rainfall Hilo gets, it’s less popular with tourists who want to bask in the warm sun all day long.
Hilo is known for its laid-back atmosphere and breathtaking natural beauty. It’s prevalent amongst nature lovers, as it boasts a variety of waterfalls, parks, and trails that are perfect for exploring the island’s tropical rainforest. Hilo also offers plenty of cultural attractions, such as the Pacific Tsunami Museum and the Hawaii Museum of Contemporary Art.
However, it’s less developed than the Kona area. You’ll find charming mom-and-pop restaurants, rusty surf shacks, vibrant murals, and small villages – making it feel worlds apart from Kona.
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. It also offers excellent access to the Puna district, known for its volcanoes.
Hilo vs. Kona: Which Has the Best Weather?
Temperatures are mild year-round, but Kona tends to be slightly warmer.
As mentioned previously, there is less rainfall in Kona. The average rain amounts for each region vary significantly due to their different elevations. On average, Hilo gets about 127 inches of rain a year. On the other hand, Kona only gets around 18 inches of rain, which is a huge difference.
We recently visited the Big Island and stayed on the Hilo and Kona sides. We can 100% confirm that it rained a lot more in Hilo than in Kona, but that did not bother us at all.
Even though it rained, it didn’t rain 24 hours a day — it was primarily pop-up showers that dissipated quickly. Mostly, it rained between midnight and sunrise, so it didn’t interfere with our daytime plans.
The breaks in between were sunny and allowed us to do everything we had planned outside. In our opinion, the rain is just as beautiful; also, waterfalls are a lot more beautiful after it rains.
Kona vs. Hilo: Activities
When it comes to activities, the Big Island offers a wide range of options and plenty of things to do. Depending on where you are staying, more activities may be available on one side than the other.
When it comes to activities, Kona wins this section. Overall, there is much more to do and see on the Kona side compared to Hilo.
Things to do in Kona
This area offers resorts that are well-equipped to handle your vacation. 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.
Below are some of the best things to do in Kona:
Go to the Beach
Kona has some of the best beaches in Hawaii, making them very popular among tourists who want to relax by the ocean. Some of our favorite beaches to visit are Hapuna Beach, Spencer Beach, and Makalawena Beach.
Swim with Manta Rays
Kona is one of the few places in the world where you can swim with manta rays. This is an experience that you don’t want to miss!
We did this experience while we were in Kona, and it was one of the highlights of our trip. By far, it’s one of the most surreal and unique experiences we’ve ever had.
Tour a Coffee Farm
Kona Coffee is world-famous for a reason. The vast majority of Hawaii’s coffee beans are grown here in the mountainous areas due to its high elevation, consistent cloud coverage, and nutrient soil from the volcanoes.
You can visit a coffee farm in Kona and get a comprehensive education about cultivating and processing coffee. Not to mention you’ll also get free samples of their exquisite coffees!
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 and other cool items and gifts.
Visit Historical Sites
Kona offers important historical sites such as Captain Cook Monument, King Kamehameha Statue, Old Kona Airport, and Hulihe‘e Palace.
The Pu’uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park City of Refuge is also a top-rated historical site, and it’s located right next to Two Step Beach (which has fantastic snorkeling).
This park is one of the best historical sites in Kona. It offers visitors great insight into Hawaii’s history and culture. This place is also known for its breathtaking views and the many ancient ruins still standing today.
Go Snorkeling
Kona has some of the best snorkeling on the island, such as Snorkeling at Two Step Beach and Captain Cook Monument at Kealakekua Bay. There are plenty of colorful fish and coral, and if you’re lucky, you’ll see some sea turtles and dolphins too!
Visit the Town of Kona
The town of Kona is quite attractive and has a unique blend of locals and tourists. If you are looking for nightlife, Kona offers some great spots to have dinner and drinks.
Whale Watching
If you’re in Kona between December and April, whale watching is a must. During this time, humpback whales migrate to the warm waters of Hawaii from Alaska to give birth and mate. This is another experience we highly recommend, and it is one of the most majestic sights you’ll ever witness.
Things to Do in Hilo
As mentioned above, Hilo offers stunning waterfalls, lush greenery, and many activities for those who love nature. Hilo is underrated and deserves more credit than most people give it.
Here are some of the best things to do in Hilo:
Go to a Black Sand Beach
Hilo is home to some of the best black sand beaches in Hawaii. These picturesque shorelines provide an incredible backdrop for a day at the beach.
If you want to see some of the best black sand b