It’s a wise decision to look for a Hilo Hawaii hotel, since there is so much to see and do in the county seat of Big Island. If you want to look for adventure, then Big Island is the place – with ancient active volcanoes, towering waterfalls, and lush botanical gardens. Hilo is a stone’s throw away from Rainbow Falls, Akaka Falls, Waipio Valley, Kapoho Tide Pools, Richardson Beach and Leleiwi Beach.
Most visitors to Big Island do choose to stay at a hotel in Hilo Hawaii because it’s minutes from the international airport — not to mention, there is a thriving downtown full of cultural museums, art galleries, restaurants and entertainment options. There isn’t much by way of accommodations near Volcanoes National Park, so most people elect to stay at a hotel in Hilo Hawaii and commute the 45 minutes to the volcanoes.
The famous Punalulu Black Sand Beach is located 1.5 hours south and the Kailua-Kona coast is 2.5 hours from Hilo.
Here’s what sort of accommodations you have to select from in Hilo:
46 Vacation Rentals, Homes and Cottages
44 Bed & Breakfasts
26 Hotels & Resorts
16 Condominiums
3 Vacation Ownership Properties
2 Camping & RV Spots
1 Retreat / Camp
1 Hostel
One thing you should be aware of is that the climate is different in the large town of Hilo. A visit to the “rainy side” of the island should definitely be accompanied by a raincoat or umbrella, but you will see verdant green valleys, lush tropical rain forests, wild rivers and such beautiful scenery that you won’t even mind. People like the natural splendor of Hilo, an area which seems less touristy than much of Hawaii. Prices for a Hilo Hawaii hotel are generally very reasonable.
Staying in vacation rentals, homes and cottages is ideal for larger families that feel too cramped in one room. Choosing a breathtaking home is often the only option for a destination wedding or a family reunion where several parties are splitting costs. The downside is that everyone has to clean up after themselves, as there is usually no maid service. Also, there is no room service or conveniently-accessible restaurant on the premises.
Some couples like the intimacy of a bed-and-breakfast Hawaii hotel. In this set up, the owners live and sleep in the house and cook you a large, tasty breakfast in the morning. Often these homes are historic and cozy. However, there will be other couples staying in the rooms as well and sometimes bathrooms must be shared. You will also need to find your own transportation and lunch / dinner reservations. This level of closeness is not necessarily for every traveler or every budget.
Most Big Island visitors choose to stay in one of the hotels in Hawaii, where they are catered to. Room service, maids, golf courses, restaurants, breakfast buffets, transportation hubs, alarm clocks, TVs, mini-fridges, and private baths are all located in a Hawaii hotel. This option is more affordable, offering great comfort and value for the money.