Sandy

We are staying in Hilo and unfortunatly booked a flight to Kona airport instead of Hilo...how far is kona form Hilo.

ooops

Bad move Sandy, change that flight! Hilo is aproximately 100 miles from Kona. As if that's not bad enough, there is no road that goes straight from one side to the other, instead you will have to travel around the center part of the island, otherwise you'd be driving right into volcano land.

Celeste

Two to three hour drive. Kona is on west side of island and Hilo is on east side. The Saddle Road goes across the island but might not be faster than going around due to military training and traffic on the road.

pat

Why don`t you spend a few days in Kona? That way, you get the best of both sides. The good beaches are on the Kona side. We did a day trip to the volcano nat park from Kona. It was a long day, but no problems. Make the most of it.

Melissa

Two hours? I think it's more like three hours' drive. I agree with the other posters, you should maybe spend a few days in Kona first, since you're there. The drive feels like forever, esp. since there's not a lot to see.

Dawn Ct

I disagree that there isn't a lot to see. If you head off towards the north, travel through Waimea and come down along the coast, stopping at Akaka Falls, there is more than enough scenery to keep you looking out of your car window. I think the Big Island has some of the most diverse scenery of all the islands. Hilo is a cute little town. This year we spent a couple of hours at the Tsunami Museum, quite interesting.

Cindy

I agree, there is TONS to see and it's a beautiful drive. But it's probably far more appreciated if you're rested and not in a hurry, so I concur with the posters who suggested staying in Kona for a few days, since you're there already. That way you can enjoy the drive.