Hawaii Big Island Vacation Ideas Hawaii Big Island - Road Trip Planner
 

Costs for Hilo, Kona, Volcano, Big Island of Hawaii

Things to do / Travel Guide

In general, items shipped to the Big Island from the mainland are more expensive than local products. Gasoline prices, for example, can be up to 20-30% higher than what you'd pay in the contiguous 48 states. You will also probably notice higher prices in the supermarkets, but local produce can be reasonably priced.

The resort hotels of North Kona and South Kohala are priced similar to other Hawaiian resorts; i.e., they are expensive. Condos in that area, however, are reasonably priced, especially for larger groups or families. If you want to explore Volcano but don't want to pay high lodging prices, you might want to try finding a place to stay in Hilo, which is just 25 minutes away by car.

Despite the high prices you'll find at the main resorts, in general there is a healthy, competitive, travel environment on the Big Island. Car rental rates, for instance, are rather reasonable. Hilo hotels are relatively cheap and there are also inexpensive budget hotels and bed and breakfast establishments in the Kailua-Kona area.

For those travelers who are allocating most of their budget to lodging, they'll be happy to know that visiting many of the Big Island's attractions is absolutely free. Many historic sites, natural attractions, beaches, and quaint towns are among the sites that won't cost you a penny to see. Activities like golfing and taking helicopter flights, however, are quite expensive.