Hotel recommendations - Big Island (Hilo)

[pam95]

We're going to Aulani at the end of June! It's our first trip to Hawaii, so we're super excited.

We want to add a few days on the Big Island. We're looking at staying in Hilo because I want to go to Volcanoes National Park. Can someone recommend a good hotel? It will be me, DH, DS11 and DS8. Thx!!

 

[alohamom]

Hilo is so lovely, it is unique and cool. I have only ever been for the day but I see there is a new reno by Hilton of the old hotel that sits on the bay and from the website it looks like a good option for one of two nights

http://doubletree3.hilton.com/en/ho...ilo-a-doubletree-by-hilton-ITOHNDT/index.html

the trip advisor reviews are so-so but I guess they are working out the kinks


https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Hotel_Re...e_by_Hilton-Hilo_Island_of_Hawaii_Hawaii.html

 

[finest14]

I've stayed at the Hilo Hawaiian and it is nice. The Grand Naniloa just finished a big remodel. In fact, the cast/crew of the Jumanji movie stayed there while shooting near Hilo late last year, so it must be good! Those are the only two hotels worth looking at in Hilo, in my opinion (I live on the Big Island).

 

[Midoria]

I love the VNP. Hilo is about 30 miles away, so have you considered staying in Volcano for a night? You have places like Volcano House that are actually in the park (you can see the crater from the hotel), as well as other cute and friendly accommodations. Then you can migrate down to Hilo or maybe Kona for a change of scenery. For Hilo, I'll piggy back on the suggest of the Naniola. I stayed there during Merrie Monarch last year when the remodel was still going on, and it was already pretty nice with good staff. I'm sure it's even better now.

 

[Chereya]

We have a trip coming up to the Big Island in Feb - 2 nights to visit the volcano park and then 3 nights at the Hilton Waikoloa on the opposite side of the island. We had originally booked a 1 bedroom condo at the Hilo Hawaiian hotel but decided to cancel it and book a private AirBnB instead. We have 5 total with us (myself, DH, and 3 kids ages 13, 11 and 7). This was about $200 cheaper overall and much closer to the volcano park entrance. Plus we have the entire home to ourselves with more room to spread out and just relax in a home setting rather than a hotel. I'd suggest checking into AirBnB or VRBO to see if something there fits your needs.

 

[wanderlust7]

+1 for VRBO/Airbnb in Volcano Village. That's what we've done for our 2 previous trips and plan to do for our next trip. We stayed at the Maile Treehouse last time, it was lovely and spotlessly clean. The owner was very nice and responsive by e-mail. It probably won't work with kids though since 2 people would need to sleep in the Garden Suite and that has a separate entrance. The same owner also has the Menehune Mansions which would fit 4, those look nice too. That's where we may end up for our next trip with the kids. Waiting for flights to drop so I can lock in the dates!

http://www.mailetreehouse.com

 

[happymommy]

I'm also going to Ko Olina (the Marriott right by Aulani) June 15 - July 15 (yes, longest trip ever if you don't count that we lived on Oahu years ago). My DD and I are going to go over to the Big Island as well during that time (leaving the boys on Oahu), and we're planning a couple of nights in Kona (to see a childhood friend who lives there and is an underwater videographer) then driving over to see the VNP (she really wants to see it). We plan on staying right there, so likely the lodge or something, then flying back from Hilo. Our friend who lives on the Big Island recommended staying right there at VNP (last time we stayed at the KMC but DH is not in the military anymore so that's not an option).

 

[pam95]

Thank you for the responses! We're still trying to nail down how long we want to stay on the Big Island, but I think we're going to stay at VNP for a couple of nights with maybe a one night stay in Hilo before we come back home. After researching VNP some more, we'd like to see the nighttime glow, and it will just be easier if we're closer to the park.

 

[heybets30]

Not for hotel, but we got the recommendation of Lucy's Taqueria in downtown Hilo on our way to VNP, and it was awesome. Absolutely fantastic. It's kind of like fast food, but it's not ... they have a photo of a newborn baby next to a photo of their burrito ... pretty funny, as the burrito is bigger! My kids still talk about the food, and that's saying a lot. It was SO GOOD!!! Everything so was super-fresh, and they were helpful as we were there during lunch, and it was obvious we had NO IDEA how to order (or what to order!).

Our fave island is the Big Island. Hawaii Tropical Botanical Gardens is one of the most spectacular places on earth. Seriously.... go see it. Just a short drive from the hotels in Hilo. We MUCH prefer the other side of the Island for hotels. The Fairmont Orchid is spectacular, and we'll stay there again on any "next" trips. We've stayed at the Hapuna Beach Prince HOtel too - and that was lovely, but more for grownups than kids.

It's worth driving to Kona - hit up a coffee plantation or two. Hula Daddy is our favorite. TJs BBQ by the Beach in Kona is AMAZING. It's in a dive shopping area, it's a stand, but there's a reason it is so highly rated on Trip Advisor.

 

[ShirikiUtundu]

Eat at Ken's House of Pancakes!

 

[juneaubiscuits]

I highly recommend Kilauea Lodge in Volcano Village (about 5 minutes from the park entrance)!

 

[William Z00mer Groom III]

We're going to Aulani at the end of June! It's our first trip to Hawaii, so we're super excited.

We want to add a few days on the Big Island. We're looking at staying in Hilo because I want to go to Volcanoes National Park. Can someone recommend a good hotel? It will be me, DH, DS11 and DS8. Thx!!

If you are Military, know a military member or are retired i would suggest KMC http://kilaueamilitarycamp.com/ This camp is located right on the rim of the volicano in the middle of the park and is amazing

 

[Neverland98]

I can not recommend Volcano Teapot Cottage in Volcano, HI (minutes from the National Park) highly enough! Loved, loved, loved it. They only book 2 people per stay, though so if more in your party...look at other accommodations. The town of Volcano is closer to the park than Hilo, very quaint, EXCELLENT dining options! Check out TripAdvisor for other B&B or rentals in this town.

 

[kdonnel]

Eat at Ken's House of Pancakes!

Yes. I am hungry now.

 

[oakleycat]

I've stayed at the Hilo Hawaiian, which is one of the nicest hotels on Hilo, and it's fine for a couple nights. There's nothing fancy in Hilo. Definitely eat at Ken's and at Hilo Bay Cafe, so good!