Thinking of going there next summer. We were there for a day a number of years ago and drove up and down the Kona side which was pretty rocky. What about the east coast-Hilo I believe. Do you think staying there is a good idea in terms of nice beaches and hotels? Thanks, Larry

Depends what you are looking for. Hilo is rainy side of island.

I was in Hilo in June and it was rainy. I was talking to a local and she said that it rains quite a bit there. But it is really beautiful.

Hilo is the rainy side as mentioned, and it does often rain! The hotels are not as luxurious, but less expensive in Hilo. If you want beaches and sun, go to one of the other islands - the BI is volcanoland and that is the most interesting part - all those rocks.

Just spent a week on the big island...3 days in Hilo and did not rain a drop...spectacular morning views of the two huge shield volcanos from Hilo bay where we took our morning swim.
Liked Hilo a lot...alternative vibe like some towns on the australian east coast.

Great snokelling on Kona side..some reasonable beaches in Kohala area of dry side.(of course nothing to compare with oz)

The answer to both questions is "no". The nicer beaches are on the Kona side. The nicer resorts are on the Kona side.

To Treck: Thanks for the reply. Can you recommend hotels with good beaches on the Kona side? Thanks, Larry