Should I Move to Hilo? A Local’s Guide to Living on Hawaiʻi Island’s East Side

If you’ve found yourself asking, “Should I move to Hilo?” you’re not alone. It’s one of the questions we hear most often from buyers considering a move to Hawaiʻi Island.

Many people first experience the island from the sunny Kona Coast, then discover there’s an entirely different Hawaiʻi waiting just over the mountains. While Kona is known for sunshine, beaches, and resort living, Hilo offers something wonderfully different—a lush landscape, a welcoming community, and a lifestyle that’s rooted in local culture rather than tourism.

At Salt Water Real Estate, we believe every side of the island has something special to offer. Choosing where to live isn’t about finding the “best” place, it’s about finding the place that feels like home.

If you’re considering a move to Hilo, here’s what everyday life on Hawaiʻi Island’s east side is really like.

Kona vs. Hilo: Two Beautiful Places, Two Different Ways of Living

One of the most surprising things about Hawaiʻi Island is how dramatically the climate changes from one coast to the other.

The Kona and Kohala coasts sit in the rain shadow of Mauna Loa and Hualālai, creating the dry, sunny conditions that have made the west side famous for its beaches, golf courses, and world-class resorts.

Hilo, by contrast, rests on the windward side of the island where the trade winds bring nourishing rainfall throughout the year.

The result is breathtaking.

Towering banyan trees line the streets. Waterfalls flow year-round. Tropical flowers bloom in every neighborhood, and vibrant green landscapes surround you in every direction. It’s the Hawaiʻi many people imagine—but don’t always expect to find.

Of course, that beauty comes with rain.

Unlike destinations with a distinct rainy season, Hilo enjoys showers throughout the year. Many are brief and followed by sunshine, while other days invite you to slow down, listen to the rain on the roof, and appreciate a quieter pace of life.

If you’re seriously considering relocating, we always recommend spending several days in Hilo during normal weather, not just on the postcard-perfect sunny days. Experiencing the climate firsthand is one of the best ways to know if the east side is the right fit for you.

Why So Many People Fall in Love with Hilo

For many buyers, the biggest surprise isn’t the rain, it’s the value.

Compared to the resort-driven west side of Hawaiʻi Island, Hilo often offers significantly more home and land for the same investment.

That can mean:

· Larger homesites

· Established neighborhoods

· Mature tropical landscaping

· More privacy

· A slower pace of life

· A true year-round community

People who choose Hilo aren’t simply looking for a vacation destination. They’re looking for a place to build a life.

Recent market activity reflects that growing interest. South Hilo’s residential market posted impressive year-over-year growth, with residential sales increasing by 37.5% and the median home price rising from $598,750 to $642,500. While one month doesn’t define a market, it does highlight the continued demand for homes on the east side.

Everyday Life in Hilo

One of Hilo’s greatest strengths is that it’s a real hometown.

Unlike many resort communities, Hilo has deep local roots and a vibrant year-round population. Life here revolves around schools, families, farmers markets, local businesses, community events, and neighbors who genuinely know one another.

Residents enjoy convenient access to:

· Hilo Medical Center

· The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo

· Government services

· Shopping and grocery stores

· Weekly farmers markets

· Locally owned restaurants and coffee shops

· Historic Downtown Hilo

· Hilo Harbor

What many newcomers don’t expect is just how active the community is.

Whether you’re cheering on the UH Hilo Vulcans, joining a local paddling club, playing pickleball or tennis, golfing, surfing, fishing, hiking, or participating in one of Hilo’s many road races and outdoor events, there are countless ways to stay connected and enjoy the island lifestyle.

Hilo also has a thriving arts and entertainment scene. Catch a concert or community performance at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium, enjoy live music throughout downtown, or spend an evening at the beautifully restored Palace Theater. Annual events like the world-renowned Merrie Monarch Festival, the Hawaiʻi Island Festival of Birds, cultural celebrations, and local fairs bring the community together year after year.

Life here isn’t built around visitors, it’s built around the people who call Hilo home.

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Hilo

Is Hilo too rainy?

This is easily the question we’re asked most.

Yes, Hilo receives considerably more rainfall than Kona—but it isn’t constantly raining.

Most days include passing showers mixed with sunshine. Homes are designed for the climate, often featuring covered lanais, generous roof overhangs, and drainage systems that handle rainfall well.

Many residents come to appreciate the cooler temperatures, cleaner air, and the incredible beauty that regular rain makes possible.

Is Hilo isolated?

Not at all.

Living on the east side places you close to some of Hawaiʻi Island’s most spectacular destinations.

Within an easy drive you’ll find:

· Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

· The Hamakua Coast

· Akaka Falls

· Waimea

· Kona’s beaches for sunny day trips

· Scenic waterfalls, botanical gardens, and countless hiking trails

One of the joys of living on Hawaiʻi Island is that you don’t have to choose between coasts. Many east-side residents regularly spend weekends exploring sunny beaches before returning home to Hilo’s cooler evenings and lush surroundings.

Is Hilo a good place for families?

Many families are drawn to Hilo because of its schools, parks, healthcare, recreational opportunities, and strong sense of community.

Retirees also appreciate having Hilo Medical Center nearby, along with convenient shopping, cultural events, and everyday services—all without the pace of a larger city.

Who Is Hilo Best For?

Hilo isn’t for everyone—and that’s perfectly okay.

If your dream is endless sunshine, luxury resorts, and walking to the beach every day, Kona may be the better fit.

But if you’re looking for:

· Tropical beauty

· Larger properties

· A genuine local community

· Outdoor recreation

· Arts, culture, and year-round events

· More value for your housing budget

· Everyday island living

then Hilo deserves a place at the top of your list.

The best relocation decisions aren’t made from statistics alone. They’re made by imagining how you want your everyday life to feel.

Thinking About Moving to Hilo?

Every buyer’s journey is different.

Some clients know they want to live on the east side from day one. Others arrive convinced they’ll buy in Kona—only to spend a few days exploring Hilo and realize they’ve found exactly what they were looking for.

That’s why we believe relocation should never be reduced to a checklist.

As a locally owned boutique brokerage serving communities across Hawaiʻi Island, we love helping people discover the neighborhoods, lifestyles, and hidden gems that make each part of the island unique. Our goal isn’t simply to help you buy a home, it’s to help you find the place where you’ll truly belong.

Whether you’re comparing Hilo and Kona, exploring neighborhoods across the Big Island, or just beginning to dream about life in Hawaiʻi, we’re here to answer your questions, share our local knowledge, and help you navigate your next chapter with confidence.

Because whether you buy, sell, or simply discover a new place to call home—

Salt Water heals everything.