Kona VS Hilo! Where to Stay on the Big Island, Hawaii

First Big Decision! Do you stay in Kona or Hilo on the Big Island? We break down everything you need to know about staying on these two parts of the Big Island. Click here for the free resources we mentioned.
Below are the articles and hotel reviews we mentioned in the video. Our website is loaded with helpful information on traveling to Hawaii.
THE BEST BIG ISLAND ITINERARY ON THE PLANET: LEARN MORE HERE
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CRUISING HAWAII ITINERARY INFORMATION:
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WHERE TO STAY ON THE BIG ISLAND:
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KONA VS WAIKOLOA: WHERE TO STAY
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WHERE TO STAY ON THE BIG ISLAND: ALL OUR HOTEL AND VACATION RENTAL REVIEWS
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GUIDED TOURS OF THE BIG ISLAND:
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6 BEST MANTA RAY NIGHT SNORKELING
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5 BEST CAPTAIN COOK SNORKELING TOURS (KEALAKEKUA BAY)
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Where to Stay on the Big Island, Hawaii: Kona vs Hilo
00:00 Intro
01:25 Know the Island
03:49 Kona Places to Stay
06:02 Hilo Places to Stay
07:55 Best Weather
08:54 Kona Things to Do
10:52 Hilo Things to Do
11:21 Airports
12:15 Rental Car
12:53 Final Items
DISCOUNT MAUI CAR RENTALS: LOCAL AND NATIONAL CARRIERS ARE HERE
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FREE HAWAIIAN ISLAND CHEAT SHEETS:
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Discount Codes for Popular Tours:
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Credits:
Editing was done by the amazing Iliya Lipkovich, you can find him on Instagram @ilya_lipkovich
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[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Now that you know what part of the island to stay, read our FREE Island of Hawai'i (Big Island) Travel Guide: thehawaiivacationguide.com/hawaii-big-island-travel-guide/

[@bobmclennan1727]

You guys have it all covered, as usual. I'd like to share one unforeseen issue we ran into during our trip to the Big Island in 2022: most of the main roads (especially on the Kona coast) are significantly elevated from the shoreline. This makes for some incredible views while you're driving, but it also means that getting down to the shore involves driving down steep, curvy and narrow roads, often with little-to-no shoulder. They're not dangerous as long as you drive safely, but they are intimidating if you're not accustomed to them. Knowing we would be doing a lot of driving on the Big Island, we treated ourselves to a rental Mustang. It was tons of fun cruising around with the top down on the highways and in town, but the giant front end of a sports car made navigating those twisty narrow roads a nightmare. To anyone reading this while planning your trip: don't make the same mistake we did. Rent a car or SUV with a short front end to give you the best possible view of (and feel for) the road.

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Thanks for sharing those tips Bob!

[@toddf7582]

The night snorkeling with the Manta-Rays is definitely an amazing experience. Mine was one that went up near the Kona airport. My last trip I was at the Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa, and had a water front room to the bay, and really enjoyed my time there. The traffic backup on the main road was a real thing! Plan accordingly if you are doing any excursions.

[@michaelnino5082]

You two have definitely helped with my trips to Hawaii. Love your channel! Appreciate you. 😎👍

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

We appreciate you for watching! I'm glad we have helped with your trips!

[@amyelliott6565]

Yeah! You featured so many of the places and activities we did on the Big Island thanks to your itinerary. This is going into my favorites so I can say see, that's what it was like!

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Thanks for grabbing our itinerary! The Big Island is my favorite one. Thanks for watching and saving!

[@carldale7048]

I couldn't agree more with the idea of staying primarily in Kailua-Kona with a few days in Hilo. We stayed in Hilo in 2022 and it made it very easy to get to Volcanoes a couple times. We also really liked the "local" feel of downtown Hilo. There's just more to do on the west side though, and the "coffee country" was gorgeous and charming. Combining the two sides gave a great blend of beaches and sunshine, with rainforests and locals. Also...don't sleep on Waimea. One of our favorite times was spent grabbing a lunch, a beer, and driving through the cattle country part of the island.

[@allison_elle]

Going to Kona march 5-9!! Can’t wait to explore the island a bit!!! I’ve been watching your channel religiously since we started planned back in September!

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Thanks for watching! Have a wonderful trip and book that whale-watching tour!

[@allison_elle]

It’s already booked!!!

[@robertcahoon7306]

Spent 2 weeks on the big island end of October 1st week of November 2021 one week in Kailalua/Kona at King Kam one week in Hilo Hilo Hawaiian loved both great weather very little rain at both places.

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

You lucked out with the weather! That is a great way to spend a two week trip though! Thanks for sharing!

[@bilguana11]

Last year we couldn't find any condos in Hilo. We stayed at the Nani Loa. Hilo has the best farmer's market in Hawai'i.

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

It is a great market. I like their farmer market restaurant there too.

[@Tylerbolen]

Another great video! you guys are the absolute best!

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Thanks Tyler!

[@AshleyandWesley]

An amazing vacation guide like always 😛😍

[@EjonT30]

Ill be there in March 2024! I bought your Itinerary! Thanks guys:)

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Thanks for grabbing our itinerary! Have a wonderful trip in March.

[@artistevivien]

Thanks for making these informative videos! Makes booking a trip so much easier. I need visuals and guidance to make a decision esp for my senior parent!!

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Agreed! KZbin is a wonderful medium to share a place. You will know what to expect.

[@artistevivien]

@@TheHawaiiVacationGuide 🙏🙏✨

[@kathlynemarkham3119]

Mahalo 🌺🤙

[@zombieshark4973]

Kona was so amazing I explored the entire island. My next island is Kauai in November.

[@killseacocks]

I did a 2 weeks Hawaii honey moon to 5 islands. It was fantastic !!

[@sabrinagermen7243]

kauai is amazing!!

[@thomasw5430]

I have stayed at both locations and I love them both. Even if I am staying in Kailua Kona, I will always fly into Hilo. I may be nuts, but I really enjoy the 90 minute drive from Hilo to the other side- even after getting a speeding ticket on my last trip- entirely my fault, I should have set the cruise! Hilo does have some great restaurants as well.

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

😂 that saddle road is wide open, great for cruising. I also like that drive. The volcanoes and the cinder cones dotting the landscape is something. Hilo is a quaint airport. I hope it never changes.

[@komandagleby_GB]

Saddle Road is such a great place to fly a drone and drive through.

[@cleogward]

Both, if you want to explore the big island for a week stay in Hilo Air bnb then move after 3 days to South point Near to captain Cook for airbnb its about 35 minutes to downtown kuna. We stay there and the air bnb are affordable with 2 bedroom and with laundry then you go home from vacation your laundry. You need it you always get wet from swimming. Explore the volcano, black sand try some delicacies, fresh fish and drop to macadamia nuts factory try also there malasadas that's should be in Hilo side. In kona snorkeling, surfing , whale watching, visit Hilton Hotel and explore the south point, north point and buy your needs to Costco for you one week supply. Then explore and shop to downtown kona or wallmart for souvenirs.

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Thanks for sharing! Vacation rentals up on the mountain near Captain Cook are a nice location to explore the island.

[@coasttocoastadventureswith8659]

Just got back 2 days ago and I'd also totally recommend the Kohala area. We went to Hilo for the Farmer's Market, Rainbow falls, and the Botanical Gardens. When we started walking around Hilo looking for a place to eat, two different tweakers yelling profanities to anyone near them really freaked out my kids and made them not like Hilo itself. So I'd say plan things to do, but don't wonder around Hilo other than the Farmer's market.

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Yes, our last trip to Hilo highlighted to us the challenges the island is having with mental health and housing. Thanks for sharing.

[@birdman5223]

You guyz ROCK🤙🏽

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

thanks birdman!

[@jimkovarik482]

Thanks for the video. You mentioned "legal" vs "illegal" vacation rentals. Could you elaborate and/or give advice on how to spot or avoid the illegal rentals? Planning a vacation for next year, but I don't want to make an unintentional mistake trying to find a good deal. Thank you in advance.

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Aloha Jim, check out our article here on vacation rentals: thehawaiivacationguide.com/is-airbnb-legal-in-hawaii/

[@bondgirl30]

We used your itinerary for our Kauai trip last year. Very helpful. We plan on using you again for Hawaii. Question… are there any resorts that are lean more adult ? We love kids but really want to relax. :-) . Or are we better off w a AirBB someplace?

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

1 Hotel Hanalei Bay is very nice so it leans adults. Besides that, you will find kids at the rest. For being a honeymoon destination, we can't think of adult focused resorts on Kauai.

[@tiffanyharris3404]

Do they have Hui on the big island?

[@MrWhat-ef1xr]

Love your shows! Got a question though, what if someone is semi handicapped and has to use a cane to get around. Are there any friendly trails for those situations?

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

that is a good question. Akaka falls is paved but has a lot of steps. Rainbow Falls doesn't require a hike. Trails we are thinking of are on lava fields or other uneven terrain. Oahu has more options as they have a few paved hiking trails. We have some tips here: thehawaiivacationguide.com/hawaii-handicap-accessible/

[@greglight3745]

Do you think you will have an opportunity to tour the new Kona Village Resort ? Stayed there previously in the ‘80s before it was destroyed.

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

We saw it featured in a magazine! It looks like a nice remodel but still a vintage vibe. We will see if we can stay there. Thanks for the idea.

[@drewg2030]

First island I went to was Kauai. I tried Oahu and wasn't a fan and always went back to Kauai. I want to try Maui or Big island, which would you recommend that more like Kauai? Laid back, outdoor, mom and pops vibes?

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

The Big Island has those vibes, especially East Hawaii (Hilo). thehawaiivacationguide.com/maui-vs-big-island/

[@okamicookie]

Did you move from Maui to Big Island?

[@motorcityrcattack9872]

I miss Hawaii.