Is Kona or Hilo better?

The main differences are the climate and types of activities available. While Kona has drier weather and is popular for snorkeling, whale watching and coffee tours, Hilo caters to travelers seeking out lush rainforests, active volcanoes and small-town hospitality.



People Also Ask

Hilo vs. Kona recapped 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.

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

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.

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

Hilo is a very supportive town and a fun community to be a part of. a city but not a city. hilo has such a homey feel for the so called big city of the bis island. its such a green place because of all of the rain but its beautiful and the community is filled with amazing people.

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

Driving along Hawaii Belt Road and Mamalahoa Highway would be considered the scenic route—the 125-mile trip takes about three hours. Fortunately, there's a lot to see on the way from Kailua-Kona to Hilo, so if you've got the time—and gas—to spare, here's a guide on what to look out for on your journey.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

HVNP is located 30 miles southwest of Hilo and 96 miles southeast of Kona. It's open year-round, 24 hours a day. HVNP is home to Kilauea Volcano, the most continuously active volcano in the world, and the park offers the unique experience of walking on land that is younger than you are.

MORE DETAILS

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

MORE DETAILS

Farther up the road, Onekahakaha Beach Park has it all: safe swimming, small white-sand beach, lifeguards, and amenities. Turn left onto Onekahakaha Road and park in the lot of Hilo's favorite family beach.

MORE DETAILS