Paradise Helicopters
Spanning throughout the Big Island’s most notable natural attractions, Paradise Helicopters offers luxury aerial tour experiences the whole family can enjoy.
Widely considered to be the most affordable pound-for-pound destination on the Big Island, Hilo is a dreamy island paradise complete with gorgeous natural attractions, excellent food, and historic and cultural activities galore. But surprisingly, for being the most populous area on the Big Island, there’s a glut of lodging options for visitors looking to stay in the eastern coastal city with some being a more viable and attractive option than others. Here are our recommendations for hotel accommodations in Hilo:
As one of the first hotels built on the Hilo side, the Grand Naniloa Hotel is a classic Hawaiian resort, but with the backing of the Hilton family of hotels, this is an upgraded location for weddings, conferences, and meetings with a massive 13,000 sq. ft. space and the largest catering facility in Hilo. The hotel also holds regular events in its showroom, providing guests with live music and entertainment at no additional charge. Plus, the connected golf course is accessible to guests with a complimentary daily round.
Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo
93 Banyan Dr., Hilo, HI 96720
808-969-3333
Website
Affordable, comfortable, clean – what else could you want from a hotel room? The Hilo Hawaiian Hotel isn’t fancy, but with it’s fantastic bayside location, pound-for-pound, it’s a solid choice among accommodations in Hilo. And with a private lanai as part of every room, you’ll get to enjoy the late-night island breeze, and a have a nice place to relax with your family in between daytime adventures on the Big Island.
Hilo Hawaiian Hotel
71 Banyan Dr., Hilo, HI 96720
888-734-8507
Website
An institution of the Hilo side, the SCP Hilo Hotel was formerly the Hilo Seaside Hotel. It is among the more affordable, yet nice places to stay on the island. Eco-aware with a holistic hospitality focus, you’ll get a relaxing stay and you are supporting beach cleanup efforts with every dollar spent. And with easy access to downtown, the airport, natural and cultural attractions, the SCP Hilo Hotel is a great option for adventurous travelers who enjoy supporting Earth friendly businesses.
SCP Hilo Hotel
126 Banyan Way, Hilo, HI 96720
808-935-0821
Website
While an excellent B&B in its own right, the Inn at Kulaniapia Falls has the unique cherry on top in the state’s largest private waterfall. Staying at the inn grants exclusive access to the 100-foot waterfall that was used as a location in several major Hollywood movies, this is a unique benefit not available with other accommodations in Hilo. The inn itself is a sight to behold, with tasteful interior design and private residences available to guests – and of course, a fresh, locally-sourced breakfast is included.
The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls
100 Kulaniapia Dr., Hilo, HI 96721
808-935-6789
Website
Hilo Bay Oceanfront Bed and Breakfast
Located prominently upon the oceanfront overlooking Hilo Bay, this particular B&B has made a name for itself with gourmet cooking, excellent oceanfront views, and a gorgeously restored 1920s-era construction. It’s also within easy walking distance of historic downtown Hilo, where the restaurants, galleries, museums, and nightlife will keep you entertained throughout your stay.
Hilo Bay Oceanfront Bed and Breakfast
56 Pukihae St., Hilo, HI 96720
808-371-8304
Website
Hilo Bay Hale Bed and Breakfast
A family-style plantation home, the Hilo Bay Hale Bed and Breakfast earns its name – the quaint B&B is centrally-located and definitely has local-style hospitality. You’ll be surrounded by tropical foliage and bamboo, giving your outdoor lanai hangouts and relaxations an extra layer of Big Island ambiance. And due to the proximity to so many Hilo-side attractions, you’ll have plenty to explore during your stay.
Hilo Bay Hale Bed and Breakfast
301 Ponahawai St., Hilo, HI 96720
800-745-5049
Website
Among the smaller hotels on the island, the Dolphin Bay Hotel is a well-maintained, affordable stay for those seeking a respite from the resort-level alternatives. Each room is all-inclusive, offering a full kitchen, bathrooms, and cable TV/WiFi, providing daytime adventurers with everything they need from a Big Island home base. They also offer longer term stay options if you are looking to spend more time exploring East Hawaii.
Dolphin Bay Hotel
333 Iliahi St., Hilo, HI 96720
808-935-1466
Website
Spanning throughout the Big Island’s most notable natural attractions, Paradise Helicopters offers luxury aerial tour experiences the whole family can enjoy.
Visiting Hilo during the annual Merrie Monarch Festival is a wonderful opportunity to explore and enjoy traditional Hawaiian hula, arts and crafts, music, and fun local events.
The Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corporation offers a fun and tasty visitor center experience for guests to the Big Island.