HILO SIDE (EAST SIDE)
Home to the Big island’s capital city of Hilo, the east side is the wetter side of the island so you’ll find plenty of lush, tropical flora and gardens here. Hilo is also the gateway city to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
- Stroll through the charming streets of historic, downtown Hilo.
- Enjoy the festivities during the annual, week-long Merrie Monarch Festival.
- Learn about Hawaii's history at the Lyman Museum and House.
HAMAKUA COAST
Cascading streams and waterfalls. Fertile valleys and mountains of lush greenery. Spellbinding seascapes. Take a drive down the more than forty miles of the breathtaking Hamakua Coast and be sure to bring your camera.
- Hike through the timeless beauty of Waipio Valley, “The Valley of Kings.”
- View more than 2000 species of exotic plants at the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden.
- Take a short hike to see the 442-foot grandeur of Akaka Falls.
NORTH SIDE
King Kamehameha I, Hawaii’s greatest king, was born on the northernmost tip of the island. This sacred area, including North Kohala, is home to many important heiau (religious temples). This is also Paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) country.
- Visit the historic, 150,000-acre Parker Ranch and learn about the Paniolos.
- See the original King Kamehameha I statue in Hawi, near his birthplace.
- Visit two sacred Hawaiian religious sites: one of the first, Mookini Heiau (480 AD) and the last at Puukohola Heiau National Historical Park (1791).
KONA SIDE (WEST SIDE)
The sunny Kona Coast is home to big-game sport fishing off of Kailua-Kona, multiple resorts, golf on the Kohala Coast, and Kona coffee from the inland slopes. Once home to Hawaiian royalty, this vibrant resort and shopping area still preserves the area’s historic significance.
- Stroll along Alii Drive browsing the shops and restaurants.
- Snorkel in the waters of Kealakekua Bay.
- Immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture at the 180-acre Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park.
- Travel back to the days of the Hawaiian Monarchy at Hulihee Palace.
SOUTH SIDE
One of the most unique sights in the world awaits you at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Home to Kilauea, the world’s most active volcano, you can safely explore lava tubes, hiking trails, and overlooks at this amazing site.
- Explore the 500-square-mile Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
- Stand at the southern most point in the U.S. at Ka Lae, South Point.
- Walk a black sand beach in Punaluu Beach Park.
DRIVING TIMES
From Kona International Airport (KOA) to:
Akaka Falls State Park: 2hrs, 10 min
Hapuna Beach Park: 30 min
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: 3 hrs, 15 min
Kailua-Kona: 15 min
Kealakekua : 45 min
Keauhou: 25 min
Onizuka Center for Int’l Astronomy: 2 hrs
Puuhonua o Honaunau Nat’l Historcial Park: 1 hr
Waimea: 45 min
Waipio: 1 hr, 30 min
From Hilo International Airport (ITO) to:
Akaka Falls State Park: 30 min
Hapuna Beach Park: 1 hr, 45 min
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: 45 min
Kailua-Kona: 2 hr, 30 min
Onizuka Center for Int’l Astronomy: 1 hr
Puuhonua o Honoaunau Nat’l Historcial Park: 3 hr
Waimea: 1 hr, 30 min
Waipio: 1 hr, 30 min
