Short Version
Hilo: Picturesque, laid-back, has an “older” or more “rustic” feel. Rainy. Very green. Lush. Black or mixed sand beaches with limited access. Closer to local waterfalls and volcanoes.
Kona: Sunny, warmer than Hilo. Much less rain. Gorgeous white sand beaches. Not as laid-back; more “hustle and bustle”. Lots of resorts to choose from. Kona coffee. Still have access to touristy parts located on the east side (Hilo).
Long Version
What makes Hawai’i unique? Why choose Hawai’i for your honeymoon over any of the other islands?
Otherwise known as The Big Island, Hawai’i is the largest island (boasting 4,028 square miles compared to Maui, the second largest island, with 727.2 square miles). There are two major cities on this island: Hilo and Kailua-Kona, easily accessible from the continental US. However, choosing one of the two locations doesn’t restrict access to the other; renting a car and driving from one city to the other only takes a few hours, and there are plenty of sites along the way, such as Akaka Falls, Hawaii Tropical Botanical Gardens (plan for a good chunk of time for the tour, or just enjoy the four mile drive getting there) and Waipi’o Valley.
What’s even better about driving between Hilo and Kona is that you can take an alternate route back. If you start in Hilo and take Highway 19 to Kona, you can take Highway 160 to Highway 11 to get back to Hilo. It’s like one giant circle, and only takes a few hours each way! Whichever way you go, you will be in for a breathtakingly scenic drive along the entire coast of Hawai’i.
Whether you stay in Kona or Hilo, you can visit the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The park offers hiking trails, campgrounds, and tours. The highlight of this park, however, is Kilauea, an active volcano that has been continuously erupting since 1983. Visit the park in the evening (arrive no later than 8pm) to truly enjoy the spectacular sight of molten lava. Another option: a lava boat tour, allowing you to witness lava pouring into the ocean. Don’t forget your camera!
The Big Island's 5 shield volcanoes
Hilo
Hilo is located on the east coast of Hawai’i and boasts gorgeous views, resorts, condominiums for rent, bed and breakfasts, waterfalls and more for you and your new spouse to enjoy. Rainbow Falls is a popular tourist location; try to get there after a light rain (which is often) at sunrise. At this time of day you’re more likely to enjoy this waterfall’s namesake: a gorgeous rainbow! Visit Lili’uokalani Park for a relaxing afternoon or Richardson Beach Park for snorkeling. Hilo receives, on average, between 150 to 200 inches of rainfall per year, giving Hilo its lush tropical feel year round. Avoid March, April, November and December if you’re not into dealing with too much rain.
If you’re looking to laying out on warm, sunny beaches day after day for your honeymoon, Hilo probably isn’t the place for you. But if you’re into green (very green) scenery, waterfalls, breathtaking views, museums and quaint stores, definitely consider Hilo for your honeymoon.
Kailua-Kona: The West Side of The Big Island
When you first hear “Kona”, what’s the first thing that pops into your head? Coffee! You can find Kona coffee anywhere in Hawaii, but check out where this coffee is actually grown. There are many Kona Coffee farms to choose from, but no matter which you visit, sit and enjoy a delicious cup of Kona coffee – from the source!
While Hilo is lush with plenty of rainfall, Kona is relatively warm and dry year-round. Stay in Kona if you’re into relaxing on sunny, sandy beaches and don’t mind the influx of tourists. There’s also plenty of shopping, whale watching, and did we mention shopping?
Kona is divided into South Kona District and North Kona District. They both have their subtle differences, such as the greater number of coffee farms in South Kona, but you will find white beaches in either area.
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