Loading Page...

Is Hilo cooler than Kona?

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.



People Also Ask

In West Hawaii, Kailua-Kona is typically a few degrees warmer and quite a bit more arid than tropical Hilo. It can stay warmer in the evening (unless you are higher up in the Kona hills.) It's typically warm and sunny near the ocean, and partly cloudy in the hills.

MORE DETAILS

In West Hawaii, Kailua-Kona is typically a few degrees warmer and quite a bit more arid than tropical Hilo. It can stay warmer in the evening (unless you are higher up in the Kona hills.)

MORE DETAILS

Lower Tourist Population = Lower Prices This 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.

MORE DETAILS

For example, the town of Hilo is in Zone 3, a safe zone despite its proximity to a volcano.

MORE DETAILS

It can be very hot and humid in summer. Rain, you know, it just depends. This summer has been rainy on the whole island because of the very active hurricane season. But sometimes in summer, Hilo weather is sunny for days or weeks.

MORE DETAILS

According to the National Weather Service, Hilo averages about 130 inches of rain a year. That is a mind-blowing 10 feet of rain a year on average.

MORE DETAILS

West Side: Eternal Sunshine, World-Class Snorkeling, and a More Developed Coastline. In contrast to the more tropical environment of the east side, the west coast of the Big Island is known for its noticeably drier climate.

MORE DETAILS

Hilo is the wettest city in America. The opposite of Kona, rain is more common in the morning than the afternoon. A clear and sunny Hilo morning is a rare treat. Puna is similar to Hilo and is very wet.

MORE DETAILS

Hilo Beaches Enjoy swimming and snorkeling in the calm waters at Carlsmith Beach.

MORE DETAILS

Kauai is the winner It has a variety of views and terrain to see. Rocky coastlines, beautiful beaches, lush jungles, and mountains and valleys. There is so much to see and do. Kauai tends to not be as popular as islands like Maui and Oahu so you can fully enjoy what the island offers.

MORE DETAILS

A busy farming and fishing area in early times, Hilo evolved into a commercial center for the sugar industry in the 1800s. Downtown Hilo was built around its crescent-shaped bay and became the seat of county government. Today, Downtown Hilo is a charming town offering museums, art galleries, shops and restaurants.

MORE DETAILS

Hilo is more pedestrian-friendly, with more of a proper downtown area, whereas Kona isn't very walkable. Recommended Hilo Tours: What is this?

MORE DETAILS

Good guests are always welcome. The occasional bad guest isn't, but Hilo doesn't get a lot of those. FWIW, locals in Kona resent mainlanders too, but there are so many mainlanders that they have a sort of quorum, whereas in Hilo one is a minority.

MORE DETAILS

So, Does it Always Rain in Hilo? The answer is both yes and no. We show a high chance of rain every day on the weather report, and they are almost always correct. If we don't get our early morning rain, that is unusual.

MORE DETAILS