Hilo.
Hilo. Located on the east coast (wet side), Hilo is the capital and largest city on the Big Island. Most enter via the Kona International Airport (KOA). You can find Botanical Gardens and impressive waterfalls in and around Hilo.
What are the main cities on Big Island?
The Big Island of Hawaii has two main residential areas – Hilo and Kailua-Kona. Hilo is the county seat and the only major city on the island’s windward coast. It is also the wettest city in the United States (no, it’s really not Seattle as many people may believe).
Which is better Hilo or Kona?
Kona, not Hilo, is the place to stay on the island of Hawaii during your vacation. 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.
Which part of the Big Island is the best to live?
Waimea and Waipiʻo Valley
The four best places to use as home base for your Big Island adventures are: Hilo (the capital), Kailua Kona (outdoors!), Waimea (beaches and valleys) and Volcano Village (Jungle and volcanoes).
What is the difference between Hilo and Kona?
What are the main differences between Hilo and Kona? Kona feels more like a touristy suburban town, while Hilo has the vibe of an antique small town. Hilo is older and more tropical looking with all the plant life, and Kona is newer and less tropical.
Is Kona an island or a city?
Kailua-Kona: the sunny outdoors capital of the Big Island
The western coast of the Big Island is dominated by the North and South Kona district, and Kailua-Kona is the lively center of both. This historic seaside town sits in the center of both districts, a few miles south of the Kona International Airport (KOA).
Is Kailua-Kona a good place to stay?
Thanks to its gorgeous white sand beaches, historic landmarks, trendy bars, and restaurants, Kailua-Kona Coast is the best place to stay on the Big Island for the first-timers. Start your day by hitting some of the best white sand beaches on the island such as Kahalu’u Beach, Kamakahonu Beach, Two Step, and Kua Bay.
Which side of the Big Island has the best beaches?
The Big Island’s most popular beach is located on the Kohala Coast on the northwestern shore of the island. This half-mile stretch of white sand is loved by many for its calm swimming conditions that are perfect for families with younger kids, as well as great for bodyboarding and snorkeling.
How long does it take to drive around the Big Island of Hawaii?
around eight hours
The Big Island makes up for more than half of the entire size of the state of Hawaii at just over 4,000 square miles—about half the size of New Jersey. Because of its size, navigating around the Big Island can be daunting, and driving around the entire island will take around eight hours.
Where Should tourists avoid in Hawaii?
10 Most Dangerous Places in Hawaii
- Wahiawa. Wahiawa with a population of 46,562 has a Livability Score of 58/100, which is considered poor.
- Makaha. This leeward Oahu census-designated place has a population of 8,934.
- Kahului.
- Pahoa.
- Ewa Beach.
- Hilo.
- Waianae.
- Kapaa.
Where do the richest people live in Hawaii?
Hawaii places ranked by per capita income
| Rank | Place | Per Capita Income |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kapalua | $75,992 |
| 2 | Puako | $63,857 |
| 3 | Kaanapali | $48,506 |
| 4 | Maalaea | $43,571 |
Where is the safest place to live on the Big Island of Hawaii?
Kalaoa is definitely one of the safest cities in Hawaii located on the Big Island. This one is loved by tourists, and it is the center of activity in the eastern part of the island. Dozens of beaches can be found on the city’s coast, as well as an international airport, probably the main reason the city is so popular.
Is it expensive to live in Big Island Hawaii?
The cost of living in Hawaii varies depending on the different cities and islands that you are on. The Big Island (the island of Hawaii) is considered the most affordable, however the median household income is still around $52,000. You can find a few cheap cities across the Hawaiian islands.
What airport do you fly into on the Big Island?
Kona International Airport
Most visitors arrive in Kona. There is also the option of flying into Honolulu International Airport (HNL) on Oahu first and then taking a short, 35-40 minute flight to the island of Hawaii. Getting to the island of Hawaii is easier than ever with daily direct flights into Kona International Airport.
Does it rain everyday in Hilo?
That’s what sets Hilo apart from all other rainy cities: it gets rain nearly every day, not just in certain seasons. Only 100 days in Hilo per year don’t see rain. Because it’s so warm, mild and tropical here, rain clouds and showers tend to enjoy it here.
Which side of Hawaii is the best?
Including Hilo and Nearby Areas. Locals refer to the Hilo side as the island’s East side, which includes downtown Hilo (the second largest town in Hawaii) and the Volcano area. Ultimately, the east side’s proximity to all the great Big Island attractions makes staying here worthwhile.
Is Kona worth visiting?
If you only have 4-5 days, perhaps spent 1 day in Hilo and the rest of your time on Kona or Volcanoes National Park. Kona and Hilo are both worth visiting – just adjust your schedule based on whether you prefer beaches and upscale shops or rainforests and history. You can’t go wrong with either destination!
What is Kona best known for?
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!
Do you need a car on the Big Island?
Big Island by Bus
Hele On Bus is the Big Islands Public Transportation system. If renting a car isn’t an option for you, but you want to get out of Kona, you can Hele On to some pretty awesome places. Keep in mind, the bus does not run Sundays and public holidays and the fare is $2 exact change each way.
How is the drive from Kona to Hilo?
Driving to and from the island’s two largest towns—Kailua-Kona and Hilo—will take well over an hour, and that’s the short way. Driving along Hawaii Belt Road and Mamalahoa Highway would be considered the scenic route—the 125-mile trip takes about three hours.
Is the Big Island Safe?
Reports from the State Department of Health indicate that travel to the Big Island is perfectly safe. The director, Dr. Virginia Pressler, says, “The air quality for the vast majority of the Hawaiian Islands is clean and healthy.
