Which side of the Big Island is better Kona or Hilo?

Kona offers better weather, the best beaches and snorkeling, newer resorts, more vacation rentals, and more nightlife compared to Hilo Town. Hilo is worth a visit but may not be worth staying for more than a night. Erica and I make Kailua-Kona our launching pad during our Big Island vacations.



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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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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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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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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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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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All Big Island Beaches
  • Makalawena Beach - #1 Best Beach on the Big Island.
  • Two-Step Snorkeling.
  • Kealakekua Bay.
  • Manini'owali Beach at Kua Bay - #3 Best Beach on the Big Island.
  • Ai'opio Beach.
  • Kona Coast Kekaha Kai State Park - #6 Best Beach on the Big Island.
  • Kiholo Bay Scenic Overlook.
  • Alula Beach.


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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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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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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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The west side (Kona side) is called the 'dry side' of the island, and the east side (Hilo side) the 'wet side'.

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Zone 9, considered the least hazardous region, consists of Kohala, a volcano that has not erupted for 60,000 years. Sources/Usage: Public Domain. Lava-flow hazard zones map, Island of Hawai'i.

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Oahu. Oahu, also known as “The Gathering Place,” is home to some of the most iconic beaches in Hawaii, including world-famous Waikiki Beach, Lanikai Beach, and Sunset Beach. Waikiki Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the world and is known for its stunning views of Diamond Head, a volcanic cone.

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Big Island offers the widest variety of experiences for authentic Hawaiian experiences. Maui is perfect for you if you're looking for an island with a more miniature landscape but plenty of outdoor activities.

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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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November and March are the wettest months, whereas during the summer months the amount of rain can decrease up to half the peak rate. Average monthly rainfall for the Big Island.

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