However, it is good to be aware of all the options available. Volcano has a LOT of great vacation rental options (jungle tree houses, cottages, cabins, etc.) Outrigger "will honor the same rate and room type, based on availability, at other Outrigger properties across O'ahu, Kaua'i or Hawai'i Island." Changes and cancellations can be made . The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has a lot to offer: spectacular hikes, impressive lava tubes, and mesmerizing views from the summit of Mauna Loa. The reservation booking window opens 60 days in advance at 7AM HST. Mauna Kea can be accessed from Kona or Hilo and its a really cool experience on a trip to the Big Island. and how long youll be on the island for. Which is why youll find some of Hawaiis most spectacular waterfalls right outside of Hilo. For better out worse.. Lol. You are likely trying to figure out the time duration that driving from Kona to Hilo would be. As mentioned above, Hilo has a more local and (at the risk of sounding negative) even a more run-down vibe than Kona. Does it Snow in Hawaii? Flights from Europe to the Big Island usually have one stop and can be found for $1000. If you want historic Hawaii, the volcano, waterfalls and rainforest, choose Hilo. But it might be difficult to find a driver who would be willing to drive you all the way to Hilo. Pololu Valley Beach sits at the base of a massive canyon. Hilo is located on the wet side of the island, and upon arrival, youll quickly see why its called this. There are also a limited number of tickets released two days before. Luckily, Uber is available all across the island. There really is no answer to this question. Kona feels more like a touristy suburban town, while Hilo has the vibe of an antique small town. Lyft is also another option, although it might not be considered a budget option. There are also some incredible beaches to explore, which makes this another fantastic area to visit in Hawaii. Click here to browse more Kona hotels! It has a cute bustling downtown, full of coffee and acai bowl shops and enormous banyan trees. So yes, it requires a bit more planning, but the Big Island is home to some of the most spectacular sites in the world (the WORLDnot just Hawaii) so its a shame to skip it just because the logistics are tougher to figure out. Both Kona and Hilo have pros and cons. I recently saw somebody in a Hawaii travel group post in a panic that they didnt know they had to make reservations for things in advancethey thought they could just show up and go with the flow. I was tempted to say, well, as long as the flow doesnt take you somewhere that requires reservations, you can! ; ). $3/vehicle. The Essential Guide to Visiting Helsinki in Winter, The Essential Guide to Visiting Yosemite in Winter, The Perfect 1, 2 or 3 Days in Tucson Itinerary. Having visited Hawaii multiple times, I've developed a deep understanding and appreciation for the local culture, food, and hidden gems that make this place unique. While doable, its a long drive, leaving less time to explore the park. If youre staying in the area overnight, consider taking a tour of the park after dark. All in all, its not surprising that Kona tends to be the more popular choice with visitors. It is also known as Kailua (a name it shares with a community on the windward side of Oahu ), as Kona (a name it shares with the district to which it belongs) and as Kona Town. On the other hand, the Hilo region (the rainforest side) isnt far behind; it has the largest city (Hilo) on the Big Island, and it takes less time to drive across than its counterpart. Some travelers also dont want to spend a lot of time touring each place they visit. Regardless of your origin city, direct flights from the mainland to Hilo arent common. In terms of accommodation, Kona has a lot more to offer. Recommended minimum stay: 7 days Good to know for the Big Island: Renting a car is essential to get around on the Big Island, as there are large distances to cover between points of interest. With all the rain that Hilo gets, its no surprise that some of the most beautiful waterfalls are here. Like Kona, its highly recommended you have a rental car at your disposal. Good to know for the Big Island: Also called the island of Hawai'i, Big Island is known as such for a reason and renting a car is essential if you want to get around. Thats not to say that Hilo is without its charms, though- it has a laidback, hippie undercurrent that is decidedly absent from Kona. And Im a hotel person. The most direct route between Hilo and Kona is Saddle Road, which cuts through the center of the island. Most people have pretty good success on OpenTable. Its easy to access both towns without needing to feel restricted by a tour or bus. If the price was right, I would also consider the Waikoloa Beach Marriott. Generally speaking, Kona tends to be more popular to fly into and sees more visitors than Hilo. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a2af99839cc1b7aaa6ea25e3ac112737" );document.getElementById("b934630cd5").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Hi! If you want to do the cheapest option for your budget, then the Hele-On bus service likely has the best value for you. Want to Rent a Car in Hawaii?One of the best places to rent a car in Hawaii is Discount Hawaii Car Rental because they get the best rates from top national companies like Alamo, Dollar, Thrifty, Avis, Enterprise, Budget, and Payless. Do I Need a Passport to Travel to Hawaii. If youre seeking a resort-focused vacation, Kona is your best bet. Click here to browse more Hilo hotels! If you plan to have a nice dinner out, bring an outfit that allows you to dress accordingly. 11 Secrets to Planning Your Honeymoon in Hawaii on a Budget. In Hilo, on the other hand, youll be hard-pressed to find any fancy resorts. This place is also known for its breathtaking views and the many ancient ruins still standing today. If youre renting a car, keep in mind that where you pick up and return the car will have an impact on its cost. Almost all are easily accessible by car or even a short hike. Audrey Webster is a writer for The World Was Here First. Getting a reservation there is probably the only thing that would make me budge from staying in Kona the whole time. Because its more concentrated, a lot of tours and excursions do pickups in Waikoloa. may be the better choice. A car, on the other hand, will give you the flexibility to do whatever you want. The summit is spectacular during the day and you dont need reservations for sunset. Click here to check availability, Aston Kona By the Sea If youre after a luxury option while staying in Kona, then you cant go wrong with this swanky hotel. The Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo is a DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in downtown Hilo. That said, for both destinations, make sure you have sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, and a swimsuit. Its hard to say the perfect way to do the Big Island, but youve got two main options. If you were thinking of driving between the two regions, a rental is a great choice. And if budget reigns supreme (the places mentioned above range from pricey but doable to downright absurd sometimes) and you want a more central location to get out and see the island, I would consider the Royal Kona Resort and the King Kamehamehas Kona Beach Hotel. ThePuuhonua O Hnaunau National Historical ParkCity of Refuge is also a top-rated historical site, and its located right next toTwo Step Beach(which has fantastic snorkeling). Also, if you want to see the magnificent green sea turtles, dont skip Punaluu Beach! Because Kona generally has a wealthier demographic and larger tourist contingent, businesses of all kinds can get away with charging a bit more there. Its prevalent amongst nature lovers, as it boasts a variety of waterfalls, parks, and trails that are perfect for exploring the islands tropical rainforest. Even though the eastern side of the island (Hilo side) has a lot to offer, the vast majority of visitors stay on the Kona side (the west side). Shorts, t-shirts, and sandals are perfect for casual days in both cities. That decision will likely be determined by exactly how much you want to see and experience around the Hilo side. As an Amazon Associate, thistraveldream.com earns from qualifying purchases. I strongly recommend creating an account before and making sure youre logged in at 7AM HST because its not uncommon for reservations to sell out quickly. 2) Shuttle & Entry: If you cant get parking at the trailhead, theres also a shuttle option. If you have some time to spare, head up to the Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary, located near Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation, and take a stroll through the Kona Farmers Market. Kona is also a larger area, so if youre seeking nightlife and prime sunset watching, Kona is a great choice. Although staying at the Volcano House in the National Park or in a luxury treehouse in Volcano could be a bucket list thing. Kona is home to some of the best beaches in Hawaii. Puuhonua O Hnaunau National Historical Park. Well, it depends on what type of experience youre looking for. Compared to Kona, Hilo gets more clouds, rain, and less sunlight. Luckily, it usually rains between midnight and sunrise, with the clouds burning off during the day when youll be off having adventures. Theyll give you the very best prices, you dont have to reserve with a credit card or pay until you show up, you can cancel and re-book anytime if you find a better rate, and they usually have a special that adds additional drivers for no fee. Its more likely youll have a layover in Honolulu if youre flying into Hilo versus Kona. Thats over 40 miles of coast with HUNDREDS of places to stay! Without taking any breaks, you can get to your destination in under two hours. Below are some of the best things to do in Kona: Kona has some of the bestbeaches in Hawaii, making them very popular among tourists who want to relax by the ocean. By far, its one of the most surreal and unique experiences weve ever had. All of the other Hawaiian Islands could fit inside the Big Island TWO TIMES. Its best to stay in both parts of the island since Hawaii is massive. Kohala is all about luxury. Youve got your airfare, hotel, rental car and your big activities booked, so you should be good to go, right? Excellent perspective! Planning Your Trip: How Many Days in Hawaii Do You Really Need? Thats why the big island is so great. If you want to relax in nature and get the feel of small-town charm, then Hilo is your best bet. Reservations are offered in two hour increments beginning at 6AM (6AM-8AM, 8AM-10AM, etc.) It takes about 15 minutes to reach the main section of Hilo. Its the fastest opinion to get between the cities, clocking about 1.5 hours of drive time. Now you may be wondering, what are the differences between Hilo and Kona? What you wont find a lot of are budget accommodations. So if youre on a budget, you can certainly find more modest accommodations around Kona (although, sadly, youll probably not be driven around on your own boat), but expect the most affordable lodging to still run you at least $100+ a night. Click here to check availability. Food in Hilo also tends to be more budget-friendly, though there are fewer options. Hilo is one of the most affordable cities in all the Hawaiian Islands. Here were diving into everything you should know when choosing which city to fly into and where to stay during your Big Island itinerary. The Ultimate One Day in Volcanoes National Park Itinerary, The Perfect 5 to 7-Day Big Island Itinerary. Its just way more suited for visitors. To get from Kona to Hilo, the shortest route is a one and a half hour drive straight across the island- or, if youre a brave soul relying on public transit, it would take a little over three hours via bus ride. If youre unable to get an advance reservation, you can wait standby when you arrive. A ticket to Hilo, on the other hand, can be found for $700 from New York or for $500 if you fly from the west coast. If youre after a more adventure-focused visit to the Big Island, consider making Hilo your home base. However, check the prices on Google Flights to see which offers a better deal. Were Michael and Maggie, an Australian and American couple travelling the world. I personally favor the Hilo side because Im not a beach bum, tho I love the water and water sports. The Kona side of the island refers to roughly the entire West side of the island, including the town of Kailua-Kona (usually referred to just as Kona). Reading your comment made me wish I was in Hilo right now. Weve stayed on both sides of the island and can confidently say that Hilo has more affordable accommodations than Kona. All in all, while theres undoubtedly tons to do on the Hilo side, Kona probably wins this round for its proximity to tons of awesome attractions (and, like, really killer food trucks!). However, rental cars definitely have the bus beat in terms of how long the journey will be for you. Oahu or the Big Island: which is better? 2) Split your trip and stay part of the time near Kona and part of the time near Hilo. So you may start to weigh whether staying in two different places is worth saving all of that time in the car. Her next trip to Hawaii is never too far away! Then you can fly out from another airport afterward to get back home. For more information, see our privacy policy. and ending at 6PM. If youre looking for an affordable Hawaiian city with modern amenities and a small-town charm, Hilo might be your place. Its closer to the Big Islands most popular beaches. Youll also find some of the best shopping, coffee farms, macadamia nut orchards, and even a cattle ranch in Kona. The Hamakua Coast, Puna, and Punaluu are also all beautiful regions of the Hilo side that are absolutely worth being explored but I would recommend hitting them as day trips from Hilo (or driving through from Kona) instead of trying to stay there as theyre all pretty remote and lack many accommodation options. The public transport here is called the Hele-on bus, and can be a cheap way to get around the island. Youll obviously have to do less driving if you pick the airport closest to wherever youre staying, but, if you find an incredible deal out of the other airport, I wouldnt totally discount flying into that one instead. There are several historical sites and coffee farms around the town, as well where you can sample Kona Coffee. But its also where youll find 99% of the islands beaches and visitor amenities (resorts, hotels, dining, shopping, etc.). Have any questions? Swimming with manta rays is an experience you can only have on the Big Island. Polynesian Cultural Center Arizona Memorial & Museums You can rent a car to visit other select parts of the island. If you want to learn more about getting a bus from Hilo to Kona, you can learn more about the bus service on their website. Your support really helps me keep this blog running! We quit corporate America to run Uprooted Traveler and explore the world full-time. Theyll provide all the gear and information you need for a comfortable visit. Weve got answers! There is something for everyone, from resorts, luxury villas, and beachfront hotels to some budget-friendly options. The zoo underwent a $10 million renovation recently, in part to make it compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Acts standards. Many travelers want to be able to explore all the amazing aspects of Hawaii. These picturesque shorelines provide an incredible backdrop for a day at the beach. do you need a rental car on the Big Island? And thats because the options for hotels are just 100X better in Kona. Jellyfish patterns can also affect whether or not the bay is open so double check the day before/day of. So if you find a nice place to stay in Kona but you want to see Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hilo, the waterfalls, the black and green sand beaches, etc. Generally, the island is divided into two sides: the Kona side and the Hilo side. If you want resorts, sunshine, snorkleling and more touristy activities, choose Kona. This can make it more expensive than some of the other options. You can check out their prices to see what is available. While there are a few hotels in Hilo, things are a lot more primitive than on the Kona side. The best option is what suits your needs the best and what you hope to do on the island. Fires at a Hilo restaurant and Kona residence deemed - Big Island Now Depending on where you are staying in Kona, it can take anywhere from 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours to get to Hilo. She was a professional hula dancer for 20 years and even wrote her college thesis on Hawaiian history. For example, it's a 1.5-2 hour drive between its two main hubs, Kona on the west coast and Hilo/Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in the east. This post may contain affiliate links. Online reservations are $1 per reservation/vehicle PLUS youll pay the park entrance fee of $30/vehicle when you arrive (National Park annual passes are also accepted at the gate). Kona is the dry side of the island (somewhat barren actually) and home to endless lava fields. Hilo is not nearly as touristy as Kona and you wont find any big resorts here but you will find plenty of budget options that make a great home base from which to explore this part of the island. If the Four Seasons is a little too extravagant, but you can still splurge, I LOVE the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. If you want more nightlife during your visit to the Big Island, Kona is going to be your best bet. Reservations are required to enter the park gates between 3AM and 7AM (sunrise hours). You can make one reservation every three days with the same account. Otherwise, this category is kind of a wash. Click here to check availability, The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls Located just outside the town of Hilo, this tranquil inn is the perfect base for those looking for something a bit more upmarket. This area offers resorts that are well-equipped to handle your vacation. Hands down, Kona is more expensive than Hilo. Which one you decide to stay in depends on your budget and how you want to spend your time during your trip to Hawaii. The reservation window opens 30 days in advance at 12AM HST. The reality is that the drive time is a little less than two hours. Food in Hilo also tends to be more budget-friendly, though there are fewer options. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. There is! Hilo is a great jumping-off point for exploring many of the Big Islands natural sites. Check out the latest prices and more details. If you are on vacation on the Big Island, we highly recommend renting a car instead. 3. If you've got a week on the Big Island, try 3 days in Kona, 2 in Hilo, and 2 in Volcanoes National Park. If you like a little bit of a resort area (not just one resort/hotel but a bit more built up), youre going to want to stay in Waikoloa. If there is any flexible way to get where you need to get to go, it has to be Uber, as you can literally request a vehicle right to your location. It has something like 12 out of the worlds 14 unique climate zones. Overview of Big Island, Kona and Hilo Big Island is over 4,000 square miles and is almost twice the size of all Hawaiian islands combined! Click here to check rates for your trip. When it comes to activities, the Big Island offers a wide range of options and plenty of things to do. That area is nice if you like a little more going on and its next door to one of my favorite spots on the islandLava Lava Beach Club! The Big Island is pretty, well, big and is divided into six areas: Kona, Hilo, Kohala, Hamakua Coast, Kau, and the Puna district. If you are staying on both the Hilo and Kona sides and are thinking about flying into one airport and leaving from the other, We highly discourage this. Today: Frequent showers in the morning, then frequent showers and slight chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Everything You Need to Know. Yes, a bus runs from Hilo to Kona Monday-Saturday with service between Downtown Hilo @ Mooheau Bus Terminal and Kailua-Kona @ Kona Commons Shopping Center. Since Hilo is on the eastern side of the Big Island, this is where the sun rises. Hilo is older and more tropical looking with all the plant life, and Kona is newer and less tropical. Overview of Kona vs. Hilo In this article, I'm going to pit Kona and Hilo against each other in some key areas, like cost, things to do, and the weather- and find out, once and for all, which one comes out on top (just imagine it like a wrestling match- Big Island style). Hilo is on the eastern side of the island and is better-suited for adventurous travelers, who want to get lost in Hawaiis lush rainforests, watch volcanoes erupt, and soak up small town vibes. Its often considered one of the best and more unique things to do for your trip to the Big Island. Temperatures are mild year-round, but Kona tends to be slightly warmer. Ultimately, it all depends on your preferences and how long you plan on staying. Described as a one- or two-family dwelling, officials say the structure was fully involved by the . Dont miss some of my most popular (and favorite) posts about the Big Island: 28 things to do on the Big Island (that you cant do anywhere else in Hawaii), plus things to do in Kona and in Hilo, a breakdown of where to stay on the Big Island comparing Kona and Hilo, the Big Islands best beach resorts ranked, my favorite places to eat on the Big Island, my perfect 7 day Big Island itinerary, one day in Hilo, one day in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, four National Parks on the Big Island, stargazing at Mauna Kea, snorkeling and kayaking at Kealakekua Bay, a roundup of the best condos on the Big Island, my best Big Island travel tips, and reviews of the Fairmont Orchid and the Hilton Waikoloa Village. This is the drier side of the island (no lush jungles or rainforests here) and it is mostly barren lava fields as far as the eye can see. Travel is BOOMING in Hawaii so a lot of state and national parks used the closure and reopening to institute reservation systems at some of the islands most popular spots to make things a little more sustainable. They recently started charging $7/vehicle for parking at Pearl Harbor. Hi, I'm Trysta B, a travel expert passionate about exploring Hawaii. Click here to check availability. Besides the state and national parks above, heres a handful of miscellaneous things you should make reservations for in advance (if theyre on your radar): Mamas Fish House (Maui): The iconic spot is the most popular restaurant in Hawaii and theyve been opening reservations (and selling out) 4-6 months in advance. But first, let me provide some context around the Big Island and these two cities, shall we? Kona is larger than Hilo, so its worth it to spend some time checking out the town and eating at local restaurants. Top 20 things to do on the Big Island Aug. 17-23: Benefit concerts to Thats not to say that all accommodations in Kona are expensive, but you will generally find more budget-friendly options in Hilo. You can visit a coffee farm in Kona and get a comprehensive education about cultivating and processing coffee. Re: Hilo vs Kona. Kona Tiki Hotel Mid-range visitors to Kona will love this little hotel located within easy reach of all Kona has to offer. For travelers who like touristy areas, Kona is a more popular choice; however, if youre looking for a more authentic Hawaii experience, then Hilo is the place for you. Click here to browse Hilo private rentals, Big Island Hostel Budget solo travellers will love this hostel in the center of Hilo. You can also join a small group tour. Uber will also charge you based on the length of your journey. Weve done this drive multiple times and never felt unsafe. Youll have a higher chance of seeing lava if you visit once the sun goes down.
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