Hilo town on the Big Island of Hawaii overlooks Hilo Bay and is located near two shield volcanoes, Mauna Loa (active) and Mauna Kea (dormant). Hilo is a great starting point to explore the eastern half of the island including Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Visitors bound for Hilo arrive here on day stops from the frequent cruise ship visiting Hawaii.

Kona region along the western shore attracts cruise tourists. It nearly never rains here to remain sunnier and dryer than Hilo. Featuring the best beaches offering great snorkeling and surfing fun, beaches in the area may be black sand or sugar white. The sea around is home to sea turtles, manta rays, dolphins and in season humpback whales appear on the surf or shore.

It’s the unique climate conditions in the hills above Kailua-Kona that make it the coffee growing region of Hawaii. North of Kailua-Kona, along the Kohala Coast are located beautiful resorts with restaurants, spas and golf courses. Kohala Coast and Keauhou form the basis of tourism in the region. Kona remains a multi-colored region ringed with miles of bougainvillea and poinsettia, making it a natural fun location.

Across the tender pier are shops that sell everything, from Maui socks - rubber footwear for snorkeling to bright muumuus, shell leis and wind chimes. Buy Kona coffee, macadamia nuts, sandals, beach wraps and towels. Up the hill at Hilo Hattie's is the original Hawaiian textile clothing store. At the opposite end of Hulihee Palace you see superb collection of antiques.