The Big Island's two sides could be two different islands. Kona, in the west, is sunshine and sea: reefs, dolphins, coffee farms and the night-time dance of manta rays. Hilo, in the east, is rain and fire: waterfalls, rainforest gardens, a working Hawaiian town and the volcano. Here is what to do on each side, and how to fit both into one trip.
Things to do in Kona
1. Manta ray night snorkel
The signature Kona experience, off Keauhou and the airport.
2. Kealakekua Bay
Dolphins and coral by boat or kayak, and the Captain Cook monument.
3. Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau
The ancient place of refuge.
4. Kona coffee farms
Tours and tastings in the hills.
5. Kohala beaches
Hāpuna and Kaunaʻoa, north of Kona.
6. Huliheʻe Palace
A royal summer home on the Kona seafront.
7. Kahaluʻu snorkeling
Easy reef snorkeling with turtles.
8. Sunset on Aliʻi Drive
Kona's seafront at golden hour.
Things to do in Hilo
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
About 45 minutes from Hilo: crater rim views, lava tubes, Kīlauea Iki and Chain of Craters Road.
Rainbow Falls and ʻAkaka Falls
Two of Hawaii's most beautiful waterfalls, a short drive from town.
Hilo Farmers' Market
Tropical fruit, flowers and crafts, busiest on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Liliʻuokalani Park and Coconut Island
Japanese gardens and a small island park in Hilo Bay.
The Pacific Tsunami Museum
The story of the 1946 and 1960 tsunamis that reshaped Hilo.
The Hāmākua Coast
Gulches, waterfalls and a botanical garden north of town.
Merrie Monarch Festival
The world's most prestigious hula competition, held in Hilo each spring.
Kīlauea in October 2026
Kīlauea in October 2026: because of continued inflation and earthquakes at the summit, the National Park Service closed the Halemaʻumaʻu Trail, part of the Byron Ledge Trail and viewing areas on the Keanakākoʻi side. Other parts of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park remain open. Check the USGS and park updates on the day you go.
How to plan both
Spend four or five nights in Kona or Kohala and two in Hilo or Volcano Village. Fly into Kona and out of Hilo if the fares work. See Kona vs Hilo: where to stay and five days on the Big Island.
A day in Kona
Kayak across Kealakekua Bay at sunrise, watching spinner dolphins surface around you, then snorkel above coral near the Captain Cook monument. Lunch at a coffee farm in the hills, walk among the carved kiʻi of Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau in the afternoon, and after dark, slip into the ocean to watch manta rays somersault in the lights.
A day in Hilo
Start at the farmers' market among piles of rambutan, lilikoʻi and orchids. Walk the rainforest loop to ʻAkaka Falls, then drive up to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park for the afternoon, walking across the floor of Kīlauea Iki and through the Nāhuku lava tube. Stay into the evening if the volcano is glowing, then return to Hilo for dinner at a local restaurant.
A day in Kona
Kayak across Kealakekua Bay at sunrise, watching spinner dolphins surface around you, then snorkel above coral near the Captain Cook monument. Lunch at a coffee farm in the hills, walk among the carved kiʻi of Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau in the afternoon, and after dark, slip into the ocean to watch manta rays somersault in the lights.
A day in Hilo
Start at the farmers' market among piles of rambutan, lilikoʻi and orchids. Walk the rainforest loop to ʻAkaka Falls, then drive up to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park for the afternoon, walking across the floor of Kīlauea Iki and through the Nāhuku lava tube. Stay into the evening if the volcano is glowing, then return to Hilo for dinner at a local restaurant.
Quick answers
What is there to do in Kona?
Manta ray night snorkeling, Kealakekua Bay, Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau, Kona coffee farms, Kohala beaches and Huliheʻe Palace.
What is there to do in Hilo?
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Rainbow and ʻAkaka Falls, the farmers' market, Liliʻuokalani Park, the Tsunami Museum and the Hāmākua Coast.
Is Hilo or Kona closer to the volcano?
Hilo, about 45 minutes away; Kona is about 2.5 hours.
Can you do Kona and Hilo in one trip?
Yes; the best way is to stay a few nights on each side.
Keep exploring: things to do on the Big Island, Kona vs Hilo: where to stay, Big Island volcanoes.
Facts checked October 2026. Opening days, prices and closures change, so check with each attraction before you go.