I'm a single female planning to go the the Big Island for a week in early December with a girlfriend. Can anyone advise which area might be better to stay, Kona or Hilo? Everything I am reading seems to be very family oriented. What are the major differences of the two areas? I know the night life isn't a big thing, but I don't especially want to be surrounded by children and teenagers all the time either. Any suggestions? Also, I noticed it is raining almost every day there for the next week. Is this the rainy season?

Paula

Hilo is on the rainy side of the island, so you can expect better weather in Kona. I have been there twice in November and always had good weather - just an occasional sprinkle. Kona also has more activities to offer than Hilo in my opinion. I don't know how to avoid kids in Hawaii. I wish I knew - they are everywhere at all times of the year. I seem to remember having to go to school most of the time and only getting time off in the summer and at Xmas/spring break.

Paula, I think you'll enjoy the Kona area more than Hilo. As Steve says, Hilo is on the tropical side of the island, while the Kona and the Kohala coast areas tend to be dry by comparison, even rather arid in spots. Hilo is lush and humid; there are wonderful rain forest walks and waterfalls, etc. to explore, but comparatively little in the way of visitor accommodations or resorts. One thing, though, is that the Hilo airport is much more convenient (i.e. cheaper) for flightseeing trips over the volcano.

Kona is more tourist-oriented, and the Kohala coast up the road a half hour even more so. Some of the big resorts in the Kohala area, especially the Hilton Waikaloa Village, are quite family-oriented, while some others, like the Mauna Lani, are more couples-oriented, I'd say. I think singles will do fine either in Kona or Kohala, with the edge to Kona for more life outside the resort boundaries.

The Big Island is a revelation - fascinating landscapes and history, cowboys and volcanic happenings, great restaurants and drives..I bet you'll love it.

Would recommend that you stay in Kona instead of Hilo. When I was in Hilo - I thought the hotels were older and there were few shops and my husband & I did not feel real safe there - and we were there during the daytime.

If you are wanting to avoid childern, Kona Village in May and September offers adults only - but there is not much night life there - mostly couples and by 9pm its very quiet.

Why just stay in one place? It is worth touring the island. We stayed a few nights at the Hilton Waikaloa Village (some good restaurants, lovely lagoon full of green turtles), then drove round to Hilo (stayed in the 'Historic' Shipman House B&B - very nice place, excellent breakfast), which isn't a place I think I'd like to stay longer than a night or two - it does rain a lot, but the lush scenery, and the volcanic beaches are interesting. Then we stayed on the crater rim at the Volcan House Hotel (a bit run down, but great location). The volcano is fascinating - easily two days sightseeing. Then we finished off with a few days at Kona Village (which was almost perfect). The Hale we stayed in was right on the ocean's edge (with a strip of lava and a couple of coconut trees holding up a hammock between us and the waves). It was very comfortable, the food in both the resaturants was excellent. A great place to chill out. We liked it so much, we stayed an extra night - and plan to go back there again for a longer stay (although it is expensive).

HTH,

dfx