Drive from Kona to Hilo?
 

Hello! I wanted to ask how long the drive is from Kona to Hilo and whether it's doable if I want to do a day trip there but stay overnight in Kona? Thanks so much! Also would you say that most of the nice waterfalls are near Hilo as opposed to Kona?

The drive is approximately 2 1/2 to 3 hours depending on weather, traffic, etc. - - without stopping. The waterfalls are all on the Hilo side and are really beatiful. Doable if you get an early start. IF you want to see the waterfalls, take the northern route through Wiamea to Hilo. Have a a great time!

It's very doable, but what are your reasons for the trip? Are you going to the Volcano, seeing sites in Hilo? The drive by itself is not that interesting.

Thanks for your reply. This will be our first time in the Big Island and we will be staying at the Sheraton. We will be there for 4 nights and want to take advantage of every day that we are there and want to see as much as we can. We would like to see the volcanos as well as the waterfalls in hilo. Thanks!

get the book "Big Island Revealed"
Tons of info.
Also, since you're only there a short time you might want to look into an island tour for a day. Someone else does the driving and takes you to all the top spots. Just a suggestion. Have a great time!

Thanks for your reply, I ended up purchasing the book and you're right it has a ton of info. We will be staying one night at the Kilaueu lodge in the volcano area.

Hey there. Was wondering are the waterfalls closer to Waimea? I may be driving in the Waimea area going towards Waipio Valley.

Reply to <font color="blue">katolb</font>,
If you're headed over to Waipio, you can see distant waterfalls along the coast, another impressive waterfall at the back of Waipio Valley can be reached by descending or hiking (see <font color="blue">Hawaii-Big Island Revealed Guidebook: www.wizardpub.com</font>).
:S-
The most impressive falls that I've seen on the B.I., are Akaka Falls, which is a little north of Hilo, and not out of reach from Waimea IMHO, under an hour((o))drive.

Hello, I just read an update on www.wizardpub.com online and it said that the following regarding the Waika Falls hike:

The Waikama Falls Hike that appears in our book on page 228, is on land the county identified to us as being public. It has come to our attention the falls are in fact on private property, so hiking to it is actually trespassing.