Originally Posted by
Ancien Maestro
I like Hilo and the some 200 inches or rain a year don't get me wrong...
Actually for Hilo the average is around 130 inches per year. The more mauka you go, the higher the rainfall.
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.
All are fun. But, as noted many times before, most have very little to do with actual local-style "Hawai`i life." The items you name are for the most part an experience of "Hawai`i tourist life."