If there's no traffic it will take approximately one and a half hours to to drive from downtown Kona to downtown Hilo without traffic. This is a great way to go if you don't intend to stop for food and you just want to get there.
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If you're looking for a rainforest climate and lots of hiking, Hilo might be for you.If you want to use hotel points or prefer a drier climate, Kona is a great choice. Since the two cities are about a 90-minute drive from each other, you don't have to choose just one.
Regardless, it is still almost twice as big as all other Hawaiian Islands combined. If you want to be in control of your own transport there is only one viable option to navigate around the Big Island: renting a car. Getting around without a rental car: With public transport (the bus)
Lower Tourist Population = Lower PricesThis means greater room availability and lower prices for accommodations in and around Hilo, making a Hawaii vacation within easier reach for those traveling on a budget.
Generally speaking, most tourists who are visiting Hawaii for a tropical paradise vacation experience will want to spend a little more time on the Kona side than the Hilo side.
Overall, you'll find more of a traditional Hawaiian feel on the Kona side. You'll also discover that it can be wetter and cooler than Kona, where it can be hot and sunny nearly every day. However, many people love the lush landscape of Hilo, with its Jurassic-Park-sized waterfalls and botanical gardens.
To get around the islands of Hawaii, you can fly by helicopter, travel by ferry or hop on a boat. But while there are options, in most cases, you are probably boarding a flight before saying aloha to your next Hawaiian island destination.
However, driving in Hawaii does come with its own set of challenges that you should be prepared for, including poor road conditions. While the more populated islands like O'ahu or the Big Island have decent roads, the more rural isles like Kaua'i have roads that are often unpaved and difficult to drive on.
Hilo or Kona: Number of Days on the Big IslandIf you are staying for a week on the Big Island and don't mind hotel hopping, I recommend staying 6 nights in Kailua-Kona and 1 night (2-days) in the Hilo or Volcanoes National Park area.
Oahu is the cheapest Hawaiian island to visit, with a total cost of $3,015. A Ko Olina Resort lagoon on Oahu. Maui is the most expensive island to visit, coming in over $2,000 more expensive, with a total cost of $5,142. The Grand Wailea in Maui, a luxury resort.
Hilo weather is rarely dry for days at a time. The driest month is June, with just over 7 inches of rainfall on average. The wettest month is November with an average rainfall of nearly 16 inches.
The city is known for its friendly locals and laid-back atmosphere, and the crime rate is relatively low. However, as with any destination, it is important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings. Women should avoid walking alone at night, and should be aware of their personal belongings at all times.
Hilo pretty much closes down after the dinner hour, as far as legitimate activity goes, other than the big box stores and markets, so you don't want to be walking around in the historic area with dark alleys and parks, just enjoy that area during the day.