The Big Island's two coasts have distinct characters — a historic port town on the wet, green east side and a resort-lined sunny coast on the west.
A historic waterfront town with early-1900s storefronts, farmers markets, and a laid-back, rainy-side charm quite different from the resort coast. The Hilo Farmers Market runs Wednesdays and Saturdays with fresh tropical fruit and local crafts.
The island's sunny west-coast hub, centered on Ali'i Drive with oceanfront restaurants, shops, and Kamakahonu Bay where King Kamehameha I once lived. The main departure point for Kona coffee farms and snorkel/dive charters.
An upcountry ranching town on the slopes of Mauna Kea, home to the historic Parker Ranch, cooler climate, and a growing farm-to-table food scene distinct from the coastal resorts below.