Bases for 9 Days Arrive Kona Depart Hilo

Question

My wife and I will be there in June and wanted to see if you have recommended areas that we should look at to stay in Air BB or VBRO type homes or apts. Should we just split the time between the two sides or spend more time in one place or the other? Or add in a third place?

We really don't care if we are on the water, and like the tropical forest vibe as well. We plan on visiting the beaches in our rental, checking out all the sights and not really into Resorts or tours other than maybe a sunset cruise or SCUBA. That said since we fly into Kona, we'd stay around there somewhere cool. Private secluded with lots of interesting trees plants flowers. Then after X days of wandering, we'd pack and head East to either somewhere near the Park or in Hilo for X days. Thanks!

Answer

For a 9-day trip to the Island of Hawaii where you fly into Kona and depart from Hilo, splitting your stay between two areas makes a lot of sense, especially given your interests in tropical forest vibes, secluded homes, and exploring both sides of the island. You don’t necessarily need a third base unless you want to minimize driving between Kona and Hilo for specific sightseeing days.

Starting in the Kona area:

Kona Coast (North or South Kona): This area is ideal for a first base. You can find secluded Airbnbs or VRBOs nestled in tropical gardens or hillside properties with interesting trees and flowers. North Kona tends to be slightly quieter and has some excellent snorkeling beaches, whereas South Kona has more amenities and charming small towns like Captain Cook.
Kealakekua or Captain Cook area: Particularly great for private homes with lush surroundings, hiking access, and proximity to cultural sites like Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park.
Waikoloa or Kohala Coast: While more resort-oriented, there are vacation homes inland or just off the main resort corridors that offer privacy with tropical vegetation, and they are convenient for day trips north to scenic spots like Pololu Valley.

For your second base on the Hilo side:

Hilo Town and Surroundings: Hilo itself offers a more authentic “Hawaiian” feel, with lush rainforests, waterfalls, and botanical gardens nearby. Airbnbs in this area often have large gardens with tropical plants and trees, giving you the secluded feel you want.
Volcano Village / Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Staying near Volcano Village puts you right next to the park for hiking, scenic drives, and exploration of volcanic landscapes. Properties here are often surrounded by forest and gardens, offering a truly tropical retreat.
Hamakuapoko or Puna region: If you want to explore waterfalls, hot springs, and black sand beaches, consider properties in these more remote, lush areas. They are farther from Hilo town but offer privacy and immersive nature experiences.

Suggested itinerary approach:

Spend 4-5 nights on the Kona side to explore beaches, snorkeling spots, coffee farms, and local towns.
Spend 4-5 nights on the Hilo side to explore Volcanoes National Park, waterfalls, tropical forests, and east coast beaches.
Driving from Kona to Hilo is scenic but can take 2.5–3 hours without stops, so splitting your stay reduces back-and-forth driving.
If you wanted a “third base,” you could stay 1–2 nights in Waimea or North Kohala to experience upcountry Hawaii and the Parker Ranch area, but it’s optional.

Other considerations:

Rent a car with good clearance if staying in more forested or rural areas, as some roads can be narrow or unpaved.
Pack a cooler and picnic gear for exploring secluded beaches or forest areas.
Check for properties with outdoor showers or lanais to enjoy the tropical garden surroundings fully.
Book accommodations early for June, as both Kona and Hilo can fill up quickly, especially private homes in secluded areas.

Overall, splitting between a Kona-area base for ocean access and a Hilo/Volcano base for rainforest and park exploration provides a balanced experience of both the dry western and lush eastern sides of the Big Island, minimizing long drives while maximizing your exposure to Hawaii’s diverse landscapes.

Bases for 9 Days Arrive Kona Depart Hilo

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