Big Island stay early May - too much rain?
 

First timers - my 20 yr. old daughter and myself traveling to Oahu first - 5/6 nights there and then to the Big Island for 6 nights. Interests are golf, gardens, beaching, volcanos, and spa.

I like the Hapuna Beach Prince offerings -- while it seems pricey - the golf course / amenities very appealing. However, it appears that the Hilo (north side) has much more rain -- is it like in Florida where you get the sudden rainstorm and then the sun comes out or is it monsoon like?

I realize that most of the resorts are located on the other side of the island -- would we be better off with a few days there?

We're spending six nights on the Big Island in May. I would recommend splitting your stay between the western and eastern sides of the island in order to maximize your touring time. We are spending 3 nights at the Hapuna Beach Prince Resort, 2 nights at a Volcano Village B&B (My Island B&B), and one night at the Outrigger Keauhou for an around-the-island trip. I doubt you'll see rain along the Kohala Coast. There's quite a bit of intermittent rain in Hilo, less further south in Volcano Village (higher elevation). Happy planning!

Miss M,
Check out the Prince Resort's website, they are showing a rate of $230 for a Terrace view room. That is pretty reasonable for Hawaii.

-Bill

Weather patterns on the Big Island are such that the Hilo/east side gets rain almost every day. Sometimes the rain comes and goes (most often in the afternoons and early evenings), but it's not unusual for it to last all day.

If avoiding rain is a priority you should definitely stay on the west side of the island, in Kohala or Kona.

We were there in 2004 in early May, and we only got brief rain showers on the Hilo side. Yes, they were like the Florida ones that were over quickly!

I'll second the recommendation to split your time between the two sides so you can minimize the driving to see the sights. It truly is the BIG island!