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.
People Also Ask
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.
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)
While you can get a taste of the Big Island in 3 days, spending at least 5-7 days, and ideally more, exploring its diverse attractions is recommended. This allows time for visiting popular sites like Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, Mauna Kea Summit, and the beautiful beaches.
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.
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.
The best time to visit Hawaii is between March and September. This is when the islands see the highest temperatures and the lowest amount of rain. It's the perfect time to enjoy the beach or the water.
The wettest month is November, the driest month June. Most of this rain falls between the late afternoon and early morning, but especially in March/April and November/December it can be wise to pack a small umbrella. Roughly half of the days in Hilo are completely cloudy.
But each island is diverse and filled with far more than a week's worth of things to see. The best way to experience Hawaii is to devote at least five days to each island.
Usually when people do drive the island in one day, they focus on spending quality time on the far side, typically Akaka Falls, VNP, Punalu'u. The drive time best time is about 6 hours with an additional 1 hour for Puna (impractical), not counting any stops. BI is about half the size of New Jersey.
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.
Bus from Kona Airport to HiloTo take the Hele-On Bus, you will need to first take the airport shuttle from the terminal to the Kona International Market bus stop, which is about a 5-minute ride away. From there, you can catch the Hele-On Bus Route 1, which runs between Kona and Hilo.