What side of Big Island has best beaches?

In the resort areas on the west side of the island the evenings are typically in the mid 70s to low 80s. It is very rare for the temperature to ever drop below 70 on the coast. The most popular area to stay is the Kohala Coast. This area is home to the nicest resorts, the most beautiful weather and the best beaches.



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Located on the sunny West Coast, Mauna Kea Beach (also known as Kauna'oa Beach) received a top ranking on the Top US Beaches, a spot well deserved. The soft white sand beach is one of the loveliest you'll ever see, it's relatively uncrowded, and on a clear day, you can spot the impressive Mauna Kea volcano.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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But, that said, some months are still better when considering things like weather and your budget. The best times to visit the Big Island of Hawaii, taking into consideration the weather, how crowded, or not, the island is, and demand for accommodations are the month(s) of April, May, August, September, and October.

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Hawaii's rainy season lasts from October to March, with Hawaii's rainiest month being December.

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We suggest splitting your stay between Kailua-Kona on the west side and Hilo (or Volcano) on the east side during your trip. This will ease a lot of extra driving and allow you to experience both sides of the island.

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Kukio 8,000+ sq. Known to many as the billionaire getaway, Kukio is Hawaii's most exclusive community. Open only to homeowners and their guests – you can't enter the gates without the express approval of a homeowner.

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To discover Big Island as a whole, we recommend staying ideally 8 to 10 days so that you have time to explore it at your own pace, as the island is quite large.

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Kona is a laid-back former plantation town and with a few exceptions winds down early, so you won't find any big city glitz and A-list nightclubs open until the wee hours.

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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.

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