I like Hilo and the some 200 inches or rain a year don't get me wrong.. I just prefer to get a tan on the part of the island where there's guaranteed sun with only 8 inches of rain per year.
Experiencing Big Island can be balanced while staying on the dry side of the island. We rent a vehicle and don't mind driving for a day trip. The Vanilla Bean Factory, Waimea, Volcano Village, Kona are good ways of taking in the Hawaii life. Many road stops in between. South point is a must do, and the black sand beach is always a show stopper favorite. We like Imoloa (Hilo Science Center), Mauna Loa (Mac Nut Factory), as well as the famous island in Hilo.
But with a dry spot where we can walk out and have guaranteed sun at Kohala Coast. That's our family's preference.