North and south
Kona means leeward or dry side of the island. This is why Kona has the largest population on the island.
North Kona is known for the best weather with South Kona being more lush. Kona is known for the best coffee in the world due to the microclimate located on the volcanic slopes of Mauna Loa and Hualālai.
Kealakekua, Keauhou, Holualoa, Honaunau, Honalo, Captain Cook, and Kainaliu are among the many communities located throughout North and South Kona.
North and south
Kohala is the oldest of Hawai’I Island’s five major volcanic mountains. It last sputtered over 60,000 years ago.
Kohala mountain is located at the northern part of the island of Hawaii: highest peak is about 5500 feet (1676 meters) Kohala ranges from amazing beaches to grassy planes to dry lava desert to lush forest.
In a short distance, rainfall ranges from 5 inches at the coast to 150 inches near the summit of Kohala mountain.
The Kohala communities consist of Kapa’au, Hala’ula, Hawi, Kawaihae, Waimea, Puako and Waikoloa Village.
The Hamakua Coast describes the area between Hilo and Waipi’o. It is approximately 50 miles long and consists of steep valleys and cliffs and the main feature of Mauna Kea.
Many communities, such as, Āhualoa, Honokaʻa, Kukuihaele, ʻŌʻōkala, Paʻauilo, and Pāpaʻaloa sprang up around the many sugar plantations. Once the sugar plantations closed, the area moved toward small diversified farms.
The average rainfall along the Hamakua Coast can range from 40 inches to 120 inches depending on your location along the 50 mile coast.
North and south
Hilo is the oldest city in the Hawaiian archipelago located on the windward or wet side of the island. It is also considered the largest city of the island.
It features a tropical rainforest climate. Hilo has average rain fall is around 126 inches and rains approximately 272 days a year. Hilo’s location makes it vulnerable to tsunamis.
Puna is the fastest growing area on the island. Home prices are still considered affordable but these homes can be difficult to obtain homeowner’s insurance due to the location of Lava Zone 1 and 2.
Puna has a mild tropical climate with abundant rainfall in some areas. The main feature of this area is part of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Kilauea volcano.
Puna is made up of the communities of Kea’au, Kurtistown, Mountain View, Nānāwale Estates, Orchidland, Pāhoa, and Volcano Village.
Discover Puna
Ka’u is the largest southernmost district with the least population on the island. The main feature is most of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Kilauea volcano. You can find the most southern point of the United States at South Point. Ka’u includes the communities of South Point (Ka Lae), Ocean View, Nīnole, Waiʻōhinu, Naʻālehu and Pāhala.