If you are looking for a place to stay in Hilo and are passing through, a hotel is a good option. Keep in mind the option of vacation rentals though, especially if you want to use your hotel as a base to explore the surroundings (including Puna and the Hamakua coast).
Below we list 5 good hotel options in and around Hilo.
The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls
This Asian-style inn is located a few miles outside Hilo on the slopes of Mauna Kea. A great selling point for the inn is that they have the spectacular Kulaniapia waterfalls on property, and that they include the falls into on-site activities such a rappel down the waterfalls (link to video).
There are also off-grid cabins available on the property with a fully screened in sleeping area, wrap around lanai, and incredible views of the sunrise over Hilo bay. With no private bathrooms and no electricity,
They are different than the Inn in that they offer a much more communal experience, somewhere between glamping and staying in an incredibly nice, but off-grid, hostel
- Address: 100 Kulaniapia Dr, Hilo, Hawaii 96720
- Website: https://www.waterfall.net/
The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls is, as the name suggests, located next to the Kulaniapia falls. Image credits: The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls
Dolphin Bay Hotel
Just a short walk from downtown Hilo, Dolphin Bay Hotel offers comfortable accommodations at a reasonable price. They are a small hotel catering to those who want to get out and see Hawaii. They pride themselves on being the nicest small hotel in the Hilo area”. Lots of repeat visitors.
- Address: 333 Iliahi St., Hilo, Hawaii 96720
- Website: http://www.dolphinbayhotel.com/
Arnott’s Lodge & Hiking Adventures
Sympathetic lodging with a range of accommodations from private bath, air-conditioned “en-suites” to backpacker dorms and tent spaces. They also organize a lot of activities and have negotiated large discounts for their guests on specialized tours.
- Address: 98 Apapane Road, Hilo, Hawaii 96720
- Website: https://www.arnottslodge.com/
SCP Hilo Hotel
Formerly known as the Seaside Hilo Hotel, this is a good mid-range authentic hotel with basic amenities and a great location in Hilo.
- Address: 126 Banyan Way, Hilo, Hawaii 96720
- Website: https://scphotel.com/hilo/
Pakalana Inn
Small, affordable and centrally located inn close to the popular Hilo farmers market and at walking distance from many good restaurants and things to do in Hilo.
- Address: 132 Punahoa St, Hilo, Hawaii 96720
- Website: http://www.pakalanainn.com/