very expensive compared to Carribean, takes forever to get there and longer to get back, VERY beautiful, never seen water THAT blue anywhere, like swimming in Tidy bowl I swear, try not to be a tourist, ask locals here to eat, sight see, they live there. You can only eat so many 15 dollar hamburgers before you start asking poeple you see "where'd ya get that?" it's usually some place down the corner from the 100 dollar dinner you just paid for that is usually 30 bucks here...
if you have kids, the Westin Maui has kid stuff right on property, 5 pools, all of that and one of the top rated beaches is out the front door, no need to go anywhere to dive/ snorkel...
Born and raised. I do not recommend Hilo because it is a dump and you'll get bored fast. Stick with Honolulu. Are you a college student? If so, then I recommend taking an easy summer class at UH Manoa (something like acting 101 or swimming 101). You'll be eligible to live in the dorms for the summer. You'll have cheap rent, easy living, and hot ass co-eds from all over the mainland.
In Honolulu:
women = good
cost of living = average
nightlife = good
beaches = good
overall = excellent for 1 summer
In Hilo
women = bad
cost of living = cheap
nightlife = non existent
beaches = good
overall = shithole