The Big Island of Hawaii has two main towns on each side of the island: Kailua-Kona and Hilo.
These are the two biggest towns on the island and are home to the two largest airports. So when you book your flight to the Big Island, you will most likely be booking a flight into either Kailua-Kona or Hilo.
Kailua-Kona (also known as just “Kona”) and Hilo are almost complete opposites regarding weather, things to do, climate, and the overall vibe of the town.
They are also about an hour and a half away from each other. Kona is on the west cost and Hilo is right across the island on the east coast. So it’s not very convenient to travel back and forth all the time.
The main question visitors have when planning a trip to the Big Island is which town is better to visit, Kona or Hilo? The answer to that question largely depends on what you want to do on your trip the island.
Here in this article I am going to break down the differences between these two cities so that by the end you’ll be able to differentiate which airport to fly into and make your home base for your trip based on your interests and what you want to do in Hawaii.
I lived on the Big Island for 4 months while volunteering so I have been to these two towns very frequently. Kona and Hilo both offer great things to see and do, but they are very different. It’s best to know which one you will want to spend more time around so you can plan your flight accordingly.
Jump to summary.
Kailua-Kona
Kona is a bustling town despite having a smaller population than Hilo. There are tons of indoor and outdoor activities that anyone is bound to find something to do that interests them. This makes it much more of a tourist hub than Hilo.
If you’re looking for a white sand beachfront getaway, then Kona is your spot. Full of sun, tours, resorts, shopping and dining options. These all make Kona an amazing place to base your trip if you’re looking for a classic Hawaiian vacation.
You’ll find more chain restaurants and big name stores here more than anywhere else on the island because of how built up Kona is. However there are still tons of local spots that make it unique and worth visiting.
Kona International Airport
Kona is home to the largest airport on the island: Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA).
It is entirely outdoors so you can feel the ocean breeze on your skin. There are palm trees and flowers on every corner which really give it the Hawaiian aesthetic.
I’ve had all positive experiences flying in and out of this airport. Flights are often cheaper if you fly into Kona rather than Hilo because it has hundreds of more flights coming in and out each day.
There are more flights coming to Kona from the mainland more than anywhere else on the island.
Should I Rent a Car in Kona?
If you are just flying into Kona for a few days and only plan on staying in the area to beach hop, relax at your hotel, and go on a few tours, then you can probably get by without a rental car.
It would probably be cheaper to book an Uber or Lyft to get you from the airport and to your hotel than it would be rent a car to only use a few times.
However, do not expect to Uber all around the island. They are not very accessible or practical in most places.
There is public transportation available (called the Hele-On) but it is known to not be very reliable. So if you choose to take the bus, don’t count on it being on time.
Taking public transportation is not very practical for a trip that’s only a few days long.
Places to Stay in Kona
Because Kona is a more touristy area, it only makes sense that this is where all the resorts and higher end hotels are. You shouldn’t have any trouble at all finding accommodation here because it is the most popular area to stay on the island.
Many places are right on the beach (for a higher price) if your ideal Hawaiian vacation comes along with an ocean view. There is plenty of that to go around!
Here are some of the top resorts you can book in Kona:
All of the above resorts are all on Ali’i Drive which is a very walkable street. It’s where a lot of the activity is in Kona.
If you are planning on spending all your time in Kona and not renting a car, I would recommend staying on Ali’i Drive. That way you will always have things to do within walking distance. Plus, its right on the coastline and all around a neat area to explore.
If you do decide to rent a car and want to base your trip in Kona, you have more options when it comes to places to stay.
Airbnb is always a great place to find places to stay on the Hawaiian islands, and they are sure to be more unique than your typical hotel or resort.
The Kona Beach Hostel or My Hawaii Hostel are both great options for budget travelers.
Your options for accommodation in Kona are truly endless so it’s best to do some additional research on places that would best suit your own trip.
Weather
Kona is known for its year round sun and dry climate which is another reason why it is the most popular place for vacations on the island. If you’re in Kona for a week, you’ll probably only run into one or two small showers.
You won’t have to worry about rain ruining your plans.
If you’re looking to spend most of your time at the beach or being outside and soaking up the sun, then staying in Kona is what you want.
Best Things to Do in Kona
Tours, Tours, and More Tours!
Since Kona is more on the touristy side, you will find all kinds of tours available to partake in. Everything from snorkeling with manta rays, luaus, boat tours, helicopter tours, coffee tours, and so so much more. You will never be bored on the Kona coast.
Below I will outline a few of the most popular attractions and tours you can book from Kona:
Manta Ray Snorkel Tour
The Manta Ray Snorkel Tour is probably one of the most popular things to do in Kona.
It comes at a high price, you’ll end up paying over $130 per person for this tour but it is totally worth the money. It is an unforgettable and a once in a lifetime experience.
How the tour works is you, the tour guide, and your tour group will head out on a boat to the snorkeling site out away from the coast. You will be given snorkel equipment and a wet suit.
Once you get in the water, you and everyone else in the group will hold onto a bar attached to a large floatation device. You essentially will just be holding onto the bar and floating near the surface of the water while looking down below.
The tour guides shine bright lights into the water which attract plankton, which in turn attracts the manta rays. The manta rays will swim and feed around you, often coming very close. You will be in awe as these gentle giants perform graceful somersaults and barrel rolls.
This tour typically takes place at night since that’s when the manta rays are most active. You can expect this experience to be about 2-3 hours long from start to finish. This would be an amazing activity to try out one evening on your trip to the Big Island.
Kona Coffee Tour
If you’re a coffee lover, you will definitely want to reserve a few hours of your trip to checkout one of the famous coffee farms on the Big Island.
Kona Coffee is a popular brand of coffee that originates right here on the Kona coast!
There are a plethora of different coffee farms that you can tour such as:
- Kona Coffee Living History Farm ($20 per person)
- Greenwell Farms (free)
- Rooster Farms (free but need reservation)
- Heavenly Hawaiian Coffee Farms ($15 per person)
- Mountain Thunder Farm Tours (free & charged tours)
These tours give you access to walk through their plantations and see how the coffee plants grow. You are able to witness how coffee is processed from bean to cup. At the end you are typically given a sample of a fresh Cup of Joe.
Each tour is different however, as you can see from above, some charge fees, and some are free. The tours that you have to pay for will usually come with a lot more features than just the farm tour. So if this is something you’re interested in doing, I suggest you look into all the different options to see which tour would work best for your needs.
Hulihe’e Palace
At the Huliheʻe Palace you can explore the vacation home of what once belonged to Queen Emma, the wife of Hawaiian King, King Kamehameha IV.
This two-story house was built in 1838 and beautifully showcases Hawaiian and Victorian architectural styles. Inside you will find artifacts and period furnishings which provide visitors with a glimpse into the lives of Hawaiian monarchs.
You can click here to book your self guided tour of the house. General admission goes for $14 per adult and $5 for kids 5-12.
Other Tours in Kona
Mauna Kea Summit Tour– visiting the summit of Mauna Kea is something everyone should have on their Big Island bucket list. Many of the tours operate right here in Kona. All you have to do is meet at the designated meeting spot and you will be shuttled all the way to the top.
Helicopter Tour– booking a helicopter tour around the island is a popular and amazing way to take in all the pristine beauty of the Big Island. Many helicopter tour companies fly out of Kona so it’s another convenient activity to take part in if you’re basing your vacation on the west coast.
Luau– luau’s are a popular traditional celebration of Hawaiian culture featuring music, hula dancing, and a feast. Guests are welcomed with leis and enjoy a variety of activities, such as cultural demonstrations and the unearthing of a roasted pig from an imu (underground oven).
Outdoor Activities
Due to its year round sun, Kona has a plethora of different outdoor activities available. Below I will outline a few of the most popular things to do outdoors on the Kona coast.
Best Beaches in Kona
Kona side has some of the best beaches on the island. Almost all of them are white sand.
A few of my favorites are:
Hapuna Beach
Hapuna Beach State Park is home to the one most gorgeous white sand beaches on the west coast with stunning turquoise water. The waves are fairly calm which makes it perfect for swimming and bodyboarding. The sand is extremely soft, just inviting you to lay out and soak in the sun all day.
This park does charge a fee for entrance ($5 per person) and for parking ($10 per vehicle). However, I have been to this beach twice and neither time were we asked to pay the $5 per person. To pay for parking, self service kiosks are available.
Hapuna Beach is a little far from downtown Kona, about 40 minute drive, but it would totally be worth it to add this beach to your itinerary, it’s a favorite of many.
Magic Sands Beach Park
Magic Sands is a white sand beach famous for its dynamic shoreline, where the sand can magically disappear and reappear due to seasonal waves. Don’t expect to go to this beach and not see any sand. Each time I went, there was always white sand on the shore.
This beach is located off of Ali’i Drive but it’s about 10 minutes from downtown Kona. It’s a beautiful little beach to spend a few hours of your day.
Honl’s Beach
Honl’s Beach is a small white sand beach that is conveniently located within walking distance to shops and restaurants. Street parking is available but limited. If you are able to find a spot on the street, you will only have a short walk to the beach.
Snorkeling in Kona
Due to the calmer waters on the west coast, there are a lot more awesome options to snorkel on the Kona side. Two Step, 49 Black Sand Beach, and even the bay at the end of the Captain Cook Monument Trail are my favorite snorkeling spots in the area.
Two Step Beach
Two Step Beach is located about 40 minutes south of Kona and is said to be one of the best places to snorkel on the entire island. Two Step is named after it’s natural lava rock steps that lead into the water. It is fairly easy to access the water from these steps.
The water is usually always very calm and you get amazing visibility underwater. You’ll see all different types of fish, and vibrant coral reefs.
Two Step is free to snorkel at.
49 Black Sand Beach
The 49 Black Sand Beach is one of the only black sand beaches you’ll find on the west coast of the island. That makes it a unique find in the Kona area, and it’s a plus that it is usually crowd-free!
This beach is a hidden gem on the west coast. Not many people know about this spot, but it became one of my favorite beaches to go to.
Visitors report seeing octopi, eels, and a plethora of different colored fish in these waters. The waves are typically calm.
You can get to this beach by going to the Mauna Lani Beach Resort. Despite being located at resort, it is free to visit. There is a parking lot just a short walk away.
Hiking in Kona
With sun all day, Kona is a great place to spend the day outside and in nature. Unfortunately there aren’t as many opportunities for hiking here as there is in Hilo. With that being said you can still find a few good hidden gem hikes on the west coast.
Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park
This was one of my favorite parks to visit in the Kona area. The Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park gives you a glimpse into the lives of the native Hawaiians. You’ll find remnants of traditional Hawaiian fishponds, house sites, and religious structures.
There are several scenic trails that you can walk throughout this park while learning about the way of life of the native Hawaiians.
This park is free to visit, and there is a very informative visitor center right by the parking lot. There are also several educational signs around the park to help you better understand how this land was used by the Hawaiians.
Plus, there are bathrooms onsite.
These are the two top trails at Kaloko-Honokohau:
- Ala Kahakai National Historical Trail – 3 miles
- Ala Mauka Makai – 1.5 miles
These trails connect to one another so I ended up doing them all at once in the same day which I would recommend doing to get the entire experience of the park.
In addition to the beautiful trails here, you are likely to find Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles relaxing on the lava rock of the coast of the Ala Kahakai trail.
Captain Cook Monument Trail
If there’s one hike in the Kona area I recommend you must do, it’s the Captain Cook Monument Trail. This hike is a 2 mile hike (one way) and will take you down to Kealakekua Bay which is known for its clear turquoise waters and vibrant sea life. So make sure you bring some snorkel gear with you!
Since this hike leads you down to the water from up on top a mountain, you will first be descending down and then you will come back up where you gain over 1,000 feet in elevation. It is very steep. Pack a lot of water and snacks.
This hike gives you some gorgeous views, and the bay isn’t usually very crowded since you must complete a 4 mile round trip hike to get to it. It is much less crowded than Two Step. It is one of my favorite hikes and place to snorkel on the island.
This trail is located in the town of Captain Cook which is about a 25 minute drive south of Kona.
Surfing
As you can imagine, Kona is a popular place for surfers. It’s a great place if you want to learn how to surf for the first time as there are a plethora of surf classes and lessons for beginners that you can sign up for.
The tamer waves on the west coast are also a better place for beginners to start out with. However, that doesn’t mean that experienced surfers won’t enjoy the Kona side. Sure there may be more people out on the water, but surfing in the sun on some nice waves is something everyone will enjoy.
Here are a few of the most popular surf lessons available on the island:
Hilo
Hilo is located on the east side of the island and has a much more local and old Hawaii vibe. There aren’t many tourist attractions here and a lot of the buildings in downtown Hilo look a bit run down and faded.
However, Hilo side still has lots of charm with plenty of unique things to see and do.
I personally loved the slow and laid back energy in Hilo. As I stated Hilo is mostly full of locals so you really get the real look into what it’s like to live in Hawaii here.
Hilo International Airport
The second largest airport on the island is Hilo International Airport (ITO).
If you’re only looking to spend time on the east coast of the island then definitely fly into Hilo, but like I stated earlier, it is probably going to be more expensive if you’re coming from the mainland.
This airport is known for more inter-island flights in Hawaii. Such as if you’re flying from Honolulu to Hilo.
The airport is mostly outdoors and is much less crowded than the one in Kona. This was nice because the line for security wasn’t bad at all! I arrived at the airport 20 minutes before I had to board and had 10 minutes to spare.
Should I Rent a Car in Hilo?
If you’re looking to base your trip in Hilo I would say yes, you will want a rental car. Hilo is not very walkable and you will need some kind of transportation to get to all the attractions of Hilo.
Uber/ Lyft services are even more scarce in the Hilo area and the Hele-On bus system isn’t very reliable. I wouldn’t recommend using the public transportation especially if you are only staying on the island for a few days.
Places to Stay in Hilo
Despite not being a huge touristy area, Hilo still has plenty of options for accommodation. There aren’t really any big resort-style hotels like there are in Kona, but here are a few nice hotels worth looking into if you want to stay in Hilo:
If you’re on a budget, The Big Island Hostel or Howzit Hostels Hawaii are both great options.
If you don’t find a hotel or hostel that suits your needs, Airbnb is another option as well.
Staying in Hilo, no matter where you book your accommodation, will almost always be cheaper than Kona.
Weather
Unlike Kona, the east coast is known for being the rainy side of the island.
Fun fact: Hilo is actually one of the wettest cities in the entire United States.
But don’t reject Hilo just yet because even though there can be rain showers nearly every day, you’re still bound to see the sun at some point throughout the day.
Plus, you’re more likely to see a good ol’ Hawaiian rainbow on this side of the island.
The rain on the Hilo side usually just consists of spot showers seemingly coming out of nowhere throughout the day but seldom lasting for more than an hour.
The east coast is also known for its lush rainforests and waterfalls. All the rain helps the tropical plants flourish so you’re bound to see several farms and beautiful rainforests while driving around the east side of the island.
The tropical plants give you the rainforest side of the Hawaiian experience which you won’t find in Kona.
Best Things to Do in Hilo
Exploring Downtown
The downtown area of Hilo is definitely worth checking out, you can walk around main street for hours exploring all the boutiques and restaurants while getting amazing views of the Hilo Bayfront.
These shops definitely won’t be as packed as the ones in the Kona area.
Hilo Farmers Market
Something else not to miss is the Hilo Farmers Market which is open 7am-3pm in downtown Hilo daily. Purchasing fresh Hawaiian produce is something I miss so much about living on the Big Island.
At the market you’ll find starfruit, mangoes, apple bananas, pineapples, guavas, lychees, and the list goes on. Along with trying Hawaiian foods that are uncommon on the mainland, you’ll be supporting local farmers who make their living by selling their organic produce here.
There is usually always a good turnout of vendors there so you’re guaranteed to find a new fresh Hawaiian-grown fruit to try.
Lyman Museum
If you’re interested in learning more about the history of the Hawaiian Islands and their people, a visit to the Lyman Museum is a must-do. The museum is split into two separate parts: the museum and the Mission House.
The museum features exhibits on the natural history of Hawaii, including displays on volcanology, geology, and native Hawaiian flora and fauna. It also showcases traditional Hawaiian tools, clothing, and art.
Admission to the museum is $7 per adult, $5 for seniors, and $2 for kids aged 2-17. This is a self guided tour.
The Mission House was originally the home of New England missionaries David and Sarah Lyman, who arrived to Hawaii in 1832. This house is the Big Islands oldest standing wood building that was constructed in 1839. It is a beautiful house where the inside is designed to look like how it did when the couple brought their Western-style to the islands.
Admission to the Mission House is $3 per adult or senior and $1 for kids aged 2-17. This is a guided tour.
You must book both the museum tour and house tour to see both. Reservations are required before visiting.
Outdoor Activities
Hilo may be known for being rainy, but that just means that this side of the island is full of beautiful, tropical rainforests and more outdoor adventures. In my opinion, if you are more interested in partaking in outdoor activities on your trip to the Big Island, you will probably want to base your trip in Hilo.
Liliʻuokalani Gardens
Liliʻuokalani Gardens is a gorgeous park to explore and spend a few minutes or hours of your day if you’re looking for a peaceful walk through banyan trees and tranquil ponds.
This park features traditional Japanese gardens, ponds with koi fish, arched bridges, lush greenery and picturesque pagodas. These gardens were named after after Queen Liliʻuokalani, the last reigning monarch of Hawaii.
Liliʻuokalani Gardens is free to visit and conveniently located a few minutes east of Hilo Bayfront near downtown.
Coconut Island
Coconut Island is a small, scenic park that is actually located just down the road from the Liliʻuokalani Gardens. Coconut Island is a real island that you walk across a short bridge to get to.
While at the island you get gorgeous ocean views, and a nice trail to walk around. Overall it’s a quick, free stop that’s worth spending 20 minutes at if you have some time to kill in the Hilo area.
It is free to visit.
Best Beaches in Hilo
There are no white sand beaches on the Hilo side, just black sand due to past volcanic eruptions. The waves also tend to be rougher on the east coast making most beaches not ideal for swimming like the beaches on the Kona side are.
Nonetheless, there are still a few beautiful beaches to check out around Hilo. Some of my favorite beaches are:
Honoli’i Beach Park
Just 10 minutes north of downtown Hilo, you will find Honoli’i Beach Park, one of the biggest black sand beaches on the east coast. It’s a favorite of locals for surfing as the waves can be quite gnarly and there are convenient showers on site.
You get incredible views of the coastline, and the Honoli’i Stream which runs down the mountain of the Hilo Forest Reserve, dumping into the ocean right here at this beach.
Honoli’i Beach is an awesome, free spot that I don’t think many visitors know about. Although the sand here is more grainy and not like the soft white sand you’ll find in Kona, it’s still a gorgeous beach. It is worthy of being a stop on your trip if you’re staying in Hilo.
Richardson Ocean Park
Richardson Ocean Park is a beach park located about 15 minutes east of downtown Hilo. There is a small black sand beach here filled with olivine crystals which gives the sand a little green shimmer. There is also lots of lava rock here.
This beach is free to visit, and there is parking on site.
Snorkeling in Hilo
Typically waves off the east coast are stronger and bigger than the waves on the Kona side. This is the main reason why there isn’t as many good snorkeling options around Hilo as there is around Kona.
Carlsmith Beach Park
Carlsmith Beach Park is a gorgeous little cove that’s very popular for snorkeling. Along with viewing all kinds of colorful fish underwater, you’re also very likely to see sea turtles on the rocks and swimming around as well!
It’s important not to touch them and to keep your distance, but they truly are so special to see.
The turquoise waters are clear and calm, but be careful swimming around the lava rock. They can be sharp if you accidentally bump into them due to the shallow waters.
Richardson Ocean Park
I am including Richardson’s again in this post because it is really the only other good snorkeling spot in the Hilo area.
The waters at this beach are typically current-free and shallow which makes it a great for snorkeling. It’s perfect for kids and beginner snorkelers.
You’ll see colorful fish and maybe even a sea turtle in these waters.
Hiking in Hilo
In my opinion, there are a lot better options for hiking on the Hilo side. The rainforest climate provides numerous hiking opportunities with diverse flora and fauna. The Hilo area is also generally less crowded than Kona so you are more likely to get some peace and serenity on the trails here on the east coast.
Below I am highlighting a few popular hiking destinations with close proximity to Hilo.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
One of the best places to hike on the island, is at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. It is one of two National Parks in all the Hawaiian Islands, and it is filled with unique and well-maintained hiking trails.
The park is about a 45 minute drive south of Hilo, but it is one of the main attractions people fly into Hilo to see. The Hilo Airport is the closest place to the National Park that you can fly into.
If Mauna Loa has recently erupted, you can see the awe-inspiring lava glow at night at the Kilauea crater in the park. It is an experience you won’t want to miss.
Here are a few of my favorite trails in the park:
- Kilauea Iki + Crater Rim Trail – 3.2 miles
- Thurston Lava Tube Trail – 0.4 miles
- Pu’uloa Petroglyphs Trail – 1.3 miles
- Puʻupuaʻi Overlook via Devastation Trail – 1 mile
- Pu’u Huluhulu via Napau Crater Trail – 2.5 miles
- Holei Sea Arch Viewpoint Trail – 0.4 miles
If your main reason for visiting the Big Island is to see the National Park, then you might want to book your flight into Hilo.
Kaumana Lava Caves
The Kaumana Lava Caves is a small park that is just a 10 minute drive west of downtown Hilo. At this park, you will be able to explore some lava tubes! If you aren’t familiar with a lava tube, it is basically like a cave created by lava.
As an eruption occurs, lava flows through a landscape in what’s known as a lava river. As the top of the lava river cools, it solidifies while lava continues to flow underneath. As the eruption comes to an end and the lava flow ceases, the once flowing lava hardens to rock forming the shape of a tube.
These specific caves are said to have formed in 1881 from an eruption of Mauna Loa.
Lava tubes can be found all over the island, but there aren’t many that are free and accessible to the public like the Kaumana Lava Caves in Hilo.
You can walk through these lava tubes which will take you through about 2 miles underground! Make sure to bring a headlamp or flashlight with you because it will be pitch black in some spots.
Waterfalls
Since Hilo is known for being wet and rainy, along with that comes a plentiful bounty of waterfalls.
There are two famous waterfalls in the Hilo area:
Rainbow Falls
Rainbow Falls is less than a 10 minute drive from downtown Hilo and is known for rainbows forming at it’s base. If you visit after heavy rain you will be in awe of the size of this waterfall.
It is completely free to visit and only requires a short paved walk from the parking lot to view it. There is also a long set of stairs leading you to another overlook at the top of the falls.
Akaka Falls
This waterfall is in the Akaka Falls State Park which charges a $5 entrance and $10 parking fee. This is a very small price to pay for views of this spectacular 442 foot waterfall.
It does require a short half mile walk to see the falls but it is completely paved. This little hike takes you through a lush rainforest full of green tropical plants. The trail is completely paved and easy to walk on so it is doable for everyone.
Akaka Falls is about a half hour drive north from Hilo, but I consider this a must-see if you’re visiting the east side of the island.
Summary
Kailua-Kona
- West coast
- More touristy & crowded
- Airport is larger & cheaper to fly into
- Year round sun, dry climate
- White sand beaches
- Plethora of beachfront resorts to book
- More tours to take part in
- Better snorkeling options
- Calmer waves good for swimming, bodyboarding & learning to surf
Hilo
- East coast
- More local vibe
- Not many resort-style accommodations
- May be more expensive to fly into
- Daily rain showers & rainforest climate
- Black sand beaches
- Closer to Hawaiian Volcanoes National Park
- Lots of famous waterfalls to see
- More intense ocean waves, not the best for swimming
- Better hiking options
My Final Thoughts
Now that we’ve been through the differences between both towns, I would just like to say that the Big Island is much, much more than just Hilo and Kona. Both make for a great base for your trip and both have great attractions to visit but there is so much more on the island to see!
There are so many unique places and things to do in all different parts of the island such as Waimea, Na’alehu, Pahoa, and Hawi.
So whichever airport you fly into, I recommend renting a car and road tripping all around the island to get the full experience. You’ll be able to see all the changes in terrain and climate in different places around the island. This is what makes the Big Island so special.
I hope you were able to takeaway some valuable information from this article and can better decide for yourself which town to fly into and make your home base for your trip to Hawaii. Thank you for reading!
Leave a Reply