How Far is Kona To Hilo? | 3 Routes
How Far is Kona to Hilo?
If you could fly over a flat map it’s about 56 miles (91 km) from downtown Kona to Downtown Hilo. This, however is not possible with 2 massive mountains looming between the 2 cities. So whether by air or by car, it’s a bit of an undertaking. The Big island is essentially one large diamond with roads running along the perimeter (coasts) and a road cutting through the middle. There are 3 ways to get between Kona and Hilo by car.
There are 3 Ways from Kona to Hilo by Road
Option 1 The Middle Route – The Fast Way Through the Middle
The fastest way to Hilo from Kona or Kona to Hilo is the Saddle Road route (1.5 hrs).
The fastest way to Hilo from Kona or Kona to Hilo is the Saddle Road route. If there’s no traffic it will take approximately one and a half hours to to drive from downtown Kona to downtown Hilo without traffic. This is a great way to go if you don’t intend to stop for food and you just want to get there. Another interesting feature in this drive is the route takes you between Mauna Kea (the world’s largest mountain) and Mauna Loa (The world’s largest volcano). This is called the saddle and it brings you up to an altitude of 6,632 ft (2021 meters). So while you’re saving time you’ll definitely be doing a big climb to get from one city to another.
Looking to make a road trip out of it? Consider taking one of the routes below and add a stop or two to make things more interesting. If you’re visiting this is a great way to integrate some sightseeing into your travel.
Main Points of Interest (from Kona to Hilo)
- Cupcake Mountain (Pu’uwa’awa’a)
- Mauna Kea rest Stop with Playground
- Mauna Kea Visitor Center and Summit
Option 2 The Northern Route
This is often the wettest route with the valleys and Hamakua coast often experiencing rain. The benefit of the rain is the northern route is the greenest and the best way to see waterfalls. It also allows you to stop over in the city of Waimea which is so culturally and climatically different from other parts of the island.
Main Points of Interest (from Kona to Hilo)
Option 3 Southern Route – The Long Way Round
While it is the longest way to Hilo it also has some unique points of interest along the way.
The southern route to Hilo from Kona is possibly the most unique and depending on geological activity it can also be the most exciting. It can take almost 3 hours to get from Kona to Hilo or visa versa. It also requires driving a narrow road up to Kona that occasionally can have closures. But if you want to see lava this is the only and best way. Volcanoes National Park is one of the big highlights here with the Kilauea caldera sometimes actively making an impressive lava show.
Another worthwhile stopover is South Point and its neighboring green sand beach. This is the southern most part of the United States and has a great view with a jump into the ocean. With other points of interest along the way including Volcano Winery and more there’s good reason to head south when considering your route to Hilo.
Main Points of Interest (from Kona to Hilo)
Are there any other routes between Kona & Hilo?
If you’re driving, there is no other way to get to Hilo than the 3 routes described above. The only other practical way to travel between Kona and Hilo is by air.
Why would you drive to Hilo from Kona or from Kona to Hilo?
Hilo has beach parks, botanical gardens, restaurants, and a unique feel that is different from Kona’s dry lava landscape. Conversely Kona has gorgeous reefs and amazing snorkel tours like the manta ray night snorkel and the Captain Cook Snorkeling Tour.