Hilo
 

My husband and I are going to the big island in May. Would you suggest staying in Kona or Hilo? We want to do volcano things but didn't know if there was more to do on the other side of the island. Also where would you stay under $150 in either place? Thanks

The weather is more predictably pleasant in Kona, but the Hilo side is quite lush and beautiful. What I would strongly suggest is that you look into bed & breakfast places in Kona; there are a number of them in the mountains and they are reasonably-priced and lovely. The one we stayed at was actually a coffee plantation and we loved it. I'd go back any time. If you want details, put up another post here and I'll tell you about it. Have a great time!

We stayed on Hawaii a few years ago, most of our stay was on the Kona side, but traveled over to the Hilo side (incredibly lush and gorgeous) and stayed at the Dolphin Bay Hotel. Quaint, quiet, clean and I seem to recall under $100/night for the five of us. Do a search on the internet and you should find them. Good luck.

If you have the time, I'd recommend you spend a couple of days in Kona and a couple of days in Hilo. Both sides of the island have charming things to offer, but definitely different things.

Stay on the Kohala Coast (Kona side) to take advantage of the virtually rain-free weather on that arid side of the Big Island and its far better choice of hotels and restaurants. Then, take very enjoyable car rides to the Hamakua Coast (lush and green) and, if you want, to Volcanoes National Park (1/2 hour from Hilo). The ride is very doable from your hotel, very scenic, and I believe it is neither necessary nor preferable to stay in a Hilo hotel for this purpose.

Been there, done that. Hilo was so wet and dismal (plush and humid and not so modern-growth oriented). Kono is like 'over the rainbow' or the 'Wizard of Oz' when it turns to color from black and white. Kona is fresh, modern, dry and has beautiful beaches. Rent a car and drive around the island and you will see it all, but for accommodations -- Kona!

I stayed on the Big Island last summer for a week. We stayed at a Sunterra Resort in the south end at Punalu. It was very secluded-but if you only want to relax and sunbathe, swim, golf, or get a real feel for tropical Hawaii go here. No nightlife or entertainment here. When we went through Hilo it rained the whole time. I have heard that it rains ALL the time there. I've heard that Kona is very nice though, and sunny.

Having lived in Hilo, hopefully I can shed some light on the (pun intended) subject. Hilo is not a tourist area. However, if you want to get a true feel for native Hawaii, check it out. I would suggest spending one night in Hilo or near the volcano park so you can spend a whole day on that side island. It (Hilo side) is truly night vs day when compared to the Kohala Coast & Kona area. If you enjoy hiking, etc. then I would highly encourage you to spend several nights on the Hilo side of the island. Maybe even spend one camping / hiking into Waipio (sp?) valley or hiking up Mauna Loa (they have cabins along the route and one at the top). Hilo is very lush and rains quite a bit (especially during the winter months) and the Kohala coast is what I would invision the moon to be like. As the locals say, "Big Island mo betta!"