The Best Places on the Big Island for Tourists
- Kona. The Kona district takes up about two-thirds of the Big Island’s western coastline, from just south of Waikoloa Village (where Kohala begins) to Manuka Bay (where Ka’u begins).
- Hilo.
- Kohala.
- Puna.
- Hamakua.
- Ka’u.
What part of the Big Island is best to live on?
Hilo (the capital)
Hilo is rainy and charming, tropical and laid back. People here are friendly, and time seems run just a bit slower than on the Kona side of the island. This is our favorite city on the Big Island!
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 side of the Big Island has better 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.
Where should you not live on the Big Island?
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.
Which is the rainy side of the Big Island?
east side
The weather conditions can change drastically over the island in a matter of hours, but there is some consistency. The west side (Kona side) is called the ‘dry side’ of the island, and the east side (Hilo side) the ‘wet side’.
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.
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.
What is the most beautiful beach in Kona?
11 Best Beaches in Kona
- Spencer Beach.
- Anaeho’omalu Beach.
- Honl’s Beach.
- Makalawena Beach.
- Manini’owali Beach.
- Ke’alakeku’a Bay Park. Wooden sculptures at Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park.
- Ho`okena Beach Park. Ho`okena Beach Park.
- Keiki Ponds. Trail by the sea at the Old Kona Airport Recreation area in Kailua-Kona.
Does Big Island have nice beaches?
Hapuna Beach is one of the best beaches on the Big Island for swimming. This 1/2 mile white sand beach is regularly voted among the ‘best beaches in the world’. There is a wide (in the summer months up to 200 ft) white sand beach that slopes gradually into the ocean – perfect for playing in the waves.
Are there swimmable beaches in Hilo Hawaii?
The best (easiest to visit) beaches in Hilo are located in a string of beach parks that are located towards the south/east side of Hilo. All beaches are well suited for swimming, snorkeling and / or a picnic.
Why are houses in Pahoa so cheap?
Zoning restrictions in parts of the archipelago and the use of private residences as vacation rentals constrict available affordable housing even further. The result: Even though Hawaii’s economy seems to be strong, wage increases have trailed the climb in home prices, fueling an exodus of people from the state.
What celebrities live on the Big Island of Hawaii?
Let’s take a look at some of the big-name celebs that you might spot on your next visit to the magical islands of Hawaii.
- Oprah Winfrey.
- Bette Midler.
- Bruno Mars.
- Clint Eastwood.
- Julia Roberts.
- Owen Wilson.
- Woody Harrelson.
- Michael Crichton.
Which Hawaiian island is the prettiest?
But Oahu is much more than Honolulu or Waikiki – it may well be the most beautiful of all the major islands. You simply have to know where to go to experience the beauty that is Oahu. The eastern coast of Oahu is hemmed in by a gorgeous mountain range and boasts three of the islands best beaches.
What island does Bill Gates own in Hawaii?
CNBC’s “Secret Lives of the Super Rich” takes a tour of Lanai, a private island that’s almost completely owned by a billionaire.
Does Jeff Bezos own land in Hawaii?
Jeff Bezos, the second richest man in the world and Amazon founder, and his partner, news anchor Lauren Sánchez, have acquired land on Maui, sources familiar with the deal confirmed with Maui Times.
Who is the richest man in Hawaii?
Almost all are richer than last year. According to Forbes Magazine, two billionaires on the Forbes 400 consider Hawaii home. Today, I will talk about the wealthiest person in Hawaii, Larry Ellison. He has a net worth of $117.3 billion, making him the 7th richest person in the country.
Is Big Island a good place to retire?
This is absolutely the retirement destination for you. There are ample shops, art galleries, farmer’s markets, waterfalls, hiking trails, scenic drives, museums, restaurants and historical landmarks to keep you busy as well.
Which island in Hawaii is best for retirees?
Hilo, Big Island
Hilo tops this list as the best place to retire in Hawaii for its reasonable cost of living and relaxing lifestyle. In fact, it’s much cheaper than the more popular cities in Hawaii.
