Personal blog about states
the Big Island
60 miles
Hilo is more affordable and has more local character. Hilo definitely feels less touristy than Kona , which is a good thing. Hilo has some great rainforests and waterfalls in the area, so it’s a good place for hiking and other outdoor activities. The Hilo side gets a lot more rain than Kona , so consider that as well.
Have a great time! The town of Kona is just touristy but there are tons of amazing places to see nearby, on that side of the island . There are 3 national park service sites–definitely visit Place of Refuge. There’s great kayaking and snorkling on that side, too.
The Big Island is the third most visited in Hawaii and offers accommodation for all budgets. It tends to be cheaper than Maui and it has two very different sides: Kona (west side) and Hilo (east side). In Kona there are many resorts and hotels with prices usually a bit higher than in Hilo.
winter
From West to East of the Big Island You’ll likely want to split your stay between Kailua-Kona on the west side and Hilo (or Volcano) on the east side during your trip. This will alleviate a lot of extra driving and allow you to experience both sides of the island.
about three hours
here are 15 things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii that you definitely shouldn’t miss : Visit the Seahorse Farm in Kona . See the green and black sand beaches. Take a helicopter tour over an active volcano. Star gaze atop Mauna Kea. Tour a coffee plantation in Kona . Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
If you intend to visit attractions throughout the island based on our suggestion in the post Big Island 5 day itinerary, you can fly into Kona Airport and fly out in Hilo Airport or vice versa. If you prefer to fly in and fly out with the same airport, it’s up to your personal preference to choose either one.
Located just north of Hapuna Beach on the island’s northern coast , Mauna Kea Beach is truly one of the Big Island’s most exceptional destinations. The sand at Mauna Kea Beach , also known as Kaunaoa Beach , extends for almost a quarter of a mile, forming a perfect crescent shape in front of the Mauna Kea Resort.
According to the state Department of Transportation Airports Division, Kona International Airport has about twice the number of passengers that Hilo International Airport has. Kona is served by 10 Mainland and interisland carriers, while Hilo is served by three — United Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and go!.
Kona is also famous for its deep-sea fishing, hosting the International Billfish Tournament (August) every year. And on land, don’t forget to travel to the cooler upland slopes of town like Holualoa, where you can sample the distinctive flavors of 100% Kona coffee, which is what Kona is famous for !
Aside from a gorgeous coastline, Maui offers lush rainforests, farm-to-table dining and world-class golf. Overall, Maui offers more in the way of resorts, traditional beachfronts and nightlife compared to the Big Island . The landscapes are also a bit more predictable than the Big Island .
Hawaii has a lot more great sightseeing, hiking and attractions than the Bahamas . Hawaii also has lots of great beaches, although you aren’t as likely to find the crystal clear water the way you do on many of the Bahamian islands. The main thing Bahamas has going for it are its beaches