{"id":1042,"date":"2016-07-06T05:17:05","date_gmt":"2016-07-06T15:17:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hilovacationhomes.com\/?post_type=flawles_hilo_east&p=1042"},"modified":"2022-05-16T17:30:10","modified_gmt":"2022-05-17T03:30:10","slug":"hilo-hawaii-tourist-overview","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hilovacationhomes.com\/hilo-hawaii-tourist-overview\/","title":{"rendered":"Hilo, Hawaii Tourist Overview"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hilo, Hawaii and East Big Island<\/strong><\/p>\n

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\"05603\"Hawaiian Islands: East vs. West side.\u00a0 All the Hawaiian islands are \u201cvolcano\u201d islands.\u00a0 This means they have large mountains (old volcanoes) in the center with an East side and a West side.\u00a0 The winds come from East to West.\u00a0 On the East, the rains are frequent and the lands are green and tropical.\u00a0 On the West side the land is dry.\u00a0 Because of ocean currents, beaches are frequent on the West sides but rarely exist on the East side.\u00a0 Because most tourists enjoy always dry weather with sandy beaches the resorts on all the Islands are on the West side.\u00a0 Oahu has Waikiki, Maui has Kaanapali and Weilea and the Big Island has Kona.\u00a0 Even the two resorts on little Lanai are on the West side.<\/p>\n

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This leaves the West side of each Island heavily commercial.\u00a0 Large resorts offer large golf courses and trendy restaurants.\u00a0 The weather is hot and dry, unlike the beautiful pictures of waterfalls and orchids.\u00a0 Generally, towns on the East side don\u2019t exist at all, or offer nothing to see for an interested tourist.\u00a0 The exception is Maui\u2019s Hana Highway, which is beautiful for a day trip.\u00a0 The other large exception is Hilo, Hawaii.<\/p>\n

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For the above reasons, the town of Hilo, on the East side of the Big Island, is not as popular as Kona, the major town on the West side.\u00a0 Few people realize that Hilo is the State\u2019s second largest city!\u00a0 Yes, larger than Kona or Maui\u2019s Lahaina.\u00a0 As will become clear by reading our Activity section, there is more to do and see in Hilo than any location on any Hawaiian island!\u00a0 If you want to sit on a hot beach, go to Florida.\u00a0 If you want to explore Hawaii, there is no better place than Hilo, Hawaii.<\/p>\n

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Kona vs. Hilo<\/strong>.\u00a0 The Big Island is the only island with thriving towns on both sides of the island.\u00a0 Kona is on the West side and Hilo is directly across on the East side.\u00a0 Unfortunately, for all the reasons mentioned above, most people spend their vacation in Kona and only travel through Hilo for a brief stay.\u00a0 Want to stay at a huge resort and swim with dolphins?\u00a0 The Hilton at Waikoloa Village should be your pick.\u00a0 This is also an activity offered in Florida.\u00a0 Look through a tour guide of Kona<\/strong> and West<\/strong> Big Island, and you will find there is very little to do.\u00a0 The resorts on the Big Island don\u2019t even offer sandy beaches.\u00a0 Oddly enough, you need to search them out with a car.<\/p>\n

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Most tourists visit Hilo and the East side to visit Hawaii\u2019s only active volcano, Kilauea. \u00a0People often come for that reason and pass over the less obvious destinations.\u00a0 Do you want to drive just a few minutes in Hilo and swim at a waterfall?\u00a0 Visit Rainbow Fall and Boiling Pots.\u00a0 Do you want to enjoy a black sand beach and the best snorkeling you will likely ever experience, visit Richardson\u2019s Beach Park just 3.5 miles from downtown Hilo.\u00a0 You will likely not find a dolphin there, but chances are you will swim past a Green Sea turtle.\u00a0 Did you go to Hawaii to enjoy tropical plants?\u00a0 The Hawaiian Botanical Gardens is just 10 minutes North of Hilo and is exceptional.\u00a0 Museums such as the Lyman and Tsunami museum are in Downtown Hilo.\u00a0 How about a horseback ride through a lush tropics and streams?\u00a0 Go North to Waipi\u2019o Valley.<\/p>\n

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Hilo does not have resorts.\u00a0 Be careful if booking a hotel.\u00a0 Read the reviews.\u00a0 Use our guide on this site.\u00a0 Don\u2019t just stay a couple days and miss all the unique hidden gems Hilo and East Big Island has to offer.\u00a0 Plan your stay carefully and you will keep busy for a week and leave with memories of having explored the best of the Hawaiian Islands.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Hilo, Hawaii and East Big Island   Hawaiian Islands: East vs. West side.\u00a0 All the Hawaiian islands are \u201cvolcano\u201d islands.\u00a0 This means they have large mountains (old volcanoes) in the center with an East side and a West side.\u00a0 The winds come from East to West.\u00a0 On the East, the rains are frequent and the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":953,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[35],"tags":[],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nHilo, Hawaii Tourist Overview - Hilo Vacation Homes<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Big Island vacation rentals on the Hilo side. 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