Big Island-stay in Kona or Hilo? Any hotel recs?

[love1999]

We've decided to switch and do the Big Island instead of Kauai on our Hawaii trip next year (we'll still also go to Maui). Should we stay in Kona or Hilo? Or should we stay 1-2 nights in one and one night in the other? We're thinking of doing 2-3 days on the Big Island and then the rest of our time in Maui. We know we want to go to Volcanoes National Park and we want to do the night snorkeling with the manta rays. That being said, where should we stay? Any hotel recs? Any other must dos? We're still researching obviously but would love some advice from folks who have been. Thanks!

[dutchgirl678]

I would just stay in Kona. Hilo tends to get more rain. 2-3 days on the Big Island is not that much so I definitely would not be dividing your time there. When we went we had a good deal through Costco and stayed at the Keahou Beach Resort which is just a bit south of Kona. Not ideal for going out to dinner at night in Kona, but it was good to drive to Volcanoes. I would suggest a stop at Black Sand Beach too on the way to Volcanoes. And kayaking / snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay & Captain Cook Monument.

[basilosaurus]

Depends on what you want to do. I would just choose 1 location and stick with it, though.

Kona is good for restaurants and snorkeling/diving. It's also where you'd want to be if you want to stay in one of the fancy resorts. We stayed at an awesome b&b there, Mango Sunset, near Costco, and will return for a future dive trip. It's close to the boat ramps, and he said he'd let us use his tanks so we wouldn't need to rent. There is also the other end of Kona which I believe has a Hilton. I've heard really good things about it. It's near Kealakekua bay. That's probably where I'd stay if going back for a not-dive trip.

Over on Hilo side, you're in easy reach of Volcano, although we actually stayed in Volcano. That was the best b&b I think we've ever experienced. So unique. Volcano rainforest b&b. You get your own little hexagonal hut in the rainforest, and you can't see anyone else. Ours had an outdoor o-furo.

If you're divers, definitely check out the manta ray night dive. It rates as a top lifetime experience. We lucked out and had over a dozen mantas.

[joenali]

If you want sun stay in Kona. If you want rain stay in Hilo.

[marytini]

I'd stay in Kona. Yes the island is big, relative to the others, but it isn't *that* big. We stayed in Kona. In one day we drove to the black sand beach, then Volcano Nat'l Park, then to Ahalanui Park for a little soak, past Hilo and up to Mauna Kea. Yes, it was a long day, but it was completely doable. We had plenty of relaxing days too.
Here is my post from that day lifeon19th.blogspot.com/2011/05/hawaii-trip-review-part-4.html

Ditto PP about the kayak/snorkle at Kealakekua.

[noodleoo]

We stayed 3 nights in Hilo and 4 in Kona and it was perfect! We actually enjoyed the Big Island way more than Maui. We spent 2 full days in Volcanoes National Park. It was awesome!!! And we really enjoyed other sights near Hilo, like the farmer's market, the botanical garden and the waterfalls. The area around Kona is really barren, like black lava fields. It scared me when we first landed. The drive North from Kona to Hilo is short, only like 3 hrs. We drove the Southern route on the way back and that was WAY longer, and really not worth it. I shoudl have done the short route like everyone told us to.

In Hilo, we stayed at a beautiful bed and breakfast called Hale Kai. It was awesome, highly recommend. Even if you only stay 1 day so that you can really spend some time at the volcano, it is worth it.

On the Kona side, we stayed at the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel. I picked this because it is one of hte nicest beaches on the island. I don't like driving to beaches, although this one does have a public entrance too if you want to go there. The hotel was awesome and not crowded (which we love, others may find it too quiet). But it is far from Kona, about 45 mins to 1 hr and there wasn't much around there for restaurants, etc. So if you don't have a lot of time, you may want to stay closer.

Let me know if you have any other questions. We did a 2 week anniversary trip there last year. Man, I LOVED it and I SO want to go back!!!

PS. It only rained 1 day we were in Hilo (well it rained at night the other days, but only 1 morning during the day). I guess we got pretty lucky?