The Most Important Decision: Kona or Hilo?

Chapter 2: The Most Important Decision: Kona or Hilo?

This is the question I get most: "Kona or Hilo?" It's like asking if you prefer the sun or the rain. You need both to make a rainbow. You need both sides of this island to truly understand it.

The Kona Side (Leeward/West): Sun, Sand, and Resorts

The west side of the island encompasses the lively town of Kailua-Kona and the luxurious Kohala Coast. This is the "vacation" side. It's what most people picture when they dream of Hawaiʻi.

Vibe

Energetic, sunny, and geared towards tourism. The coast is dotted with everything from bustling shopping strips like Aliʻi Drive to sprawling, immaculate luxury resorts with world-class golf courses and spas. It's polished, comfortable, and full of amenities.

Weather

This is the leeward side, sheltered from the trade winds by the volcanoes. The result is a hot, dry, and reliably sunny climate. The Kohala Coast is one of the driest places in the entire state. If guaranteed sunshine is your top priority, this is your side.

Activities

The Kona side is home to the island's best white-sand beaches, like the world-famous Hāpuna Beach. The ocean water is exceptionally clear due to the lack of river runoff. This makes it the epicenter for snorkeling, diving, and swimming. This is where you'll find the famous manta ray night snorkel, dozens of Kona coffee farm tours, and most of the island's lūʻau and fine dining restaurants.

Best For

First-time visitors, families with kids, luxury travelers, beach lovers, and anyone looking for that classic, sun-drenched Hawaiian resort experience.

The Hilo Side (Windward/East): Rainforests, Volcanoes, and Charm

The east side is a different world entirely. Centered around the historic town of Hilo, this is the "adventure" side of the island. It's a place of raw, natural beauty and authentic life.

Vibe

Lush, tropical, and deeply authentic. Hilo is a working town, not a tourist resort. It has a charming, slightly gritty, "old Hawaiʻi" feel with historic storefronts and a slower pace of life. It feels less polished and more real.

Weather

As the windward side, Hilo is one of the wettest cities in the nation, getting over 120 inches of rain annually. But don't let that deter you. The rain is the lifeblood of the east side's beauty. It often falls at night or in brief, powerful afternoon showers, creating the vibrant green landscapes and feeding the spectacular waterfalls.

Activities

The Hilo side is the gateway to the island's most dramatic natural wonders. It offers the closest access to the awe-inspiring Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. It's home to iconic waterfalls like ʻAkaka Falls and Rainbow Falls, the Hawaiʻi Tropical Bioreserve & Garden, and the scenic Hāmākua Coast drive. You'll also find unique black sand beaches created by volcanic activity.

Best For

Adventurous travelers, hikers, nature photographers, budget-conscious visitors, and anyone wanting to experience a more authentic, less tourist-centric side of Hawaiʻi.