Where to Stay in Hilo: A Guide to the Best Hotels & Areas

Hilo offers a travel experience that feels a world away from the sunny resorts of the Kona coast. It’s a city of authenticity, history, and staggering natural beauty, where misty mornings give way to adventures along the coast and into the rainforest. Choosing where to stay in Hilo is your first step in crafting an unforgettable East Hawaiʻi journey, whether you prefer a room with an ocean view, a walkable downtown hub, or a secluded cottage in the jungle.

Unlike the expansive resorts on the island's west side, Hilo's lodging is more modest in scale but rich in character. You won't find sprawling all-inclusive properties here. Instead, you'll discover a collection of established hotels, charming inns, and unique vacation rentals that reflect the city's laid-back, local vibe. Your primary choices will be between the classic hotels on Banyan Drive, the convenient options in historic Downtown Hilo, and the numerous bed & breakfasts scattered in the lush landscapes just outside of town.

Understanding Hilo's Lodging Landscape

To pick your perfect home base, it helps to understand the distinct character of Hilo's main areas. Each offers a different kind of stay, with its own set of pros and cons.

• Banyan Drive: Often called Hilo's "hotel row," this is where you'll find the largest concentration of hotels, many with beautiful views of Hilo Bay.
• Downtown Hilo: Staying in the historic heart of the city puts you within walking distance of shops, restaurants, museums, and the famous Hilo Farmers Market.
• Outskirts & Rainforest Retreats: For a quieter, more immersive experience, look to the bed & breakfasts and vacation rentals located in the agricultural communities and rainforests surrounding Hilo.
• Vacation Rentals: Throughout Hilo and the surrounding areas, private vacation rentals offer the chance to live like a local, with options ranging from small studios to large family homes.

Hilo’s appeal is its role as a gateway to the island's wild eastern side. It’s the perfect base for exploring Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, the cascading waterfalls of the Hāmākua Coast, and the unique landscapes of the Puna district. The weather is famously wet, which is what keeps the entire region so green and vibrant. Pack a rain jacket and embrace the frequent, refreshing showers.

Banyan Drive: Hilo's Classic "Hotel Row"

Curving gracefully along the shore of Hilo Bay, Banyan Drive is the most recognizable hotel district in town. It's named for the magnificent banyan trees that line the road, planted in the 1930s by dignitaries and celebrities, including Babe Ruth and Amelia Earhart. This area offers some of the best ocean views and a central location for exploring nearby parks.

Pros:

• Stunning views of Hilo Bay and, on a clear day, Mauna Kea.
• Walking distance to Liliʻuokalani Gardens, Coconut Island (Mokuola), and the Suisan Fish Market.
• A relaxed, resort-like feel (by Hilo standards).

Cons:

• Some properties are older and show their age, though many have undergone recent renovations.
• You'll likely need to drive to reach the restaurants and shops of Downtown Hilo.

Two major hotels anchor this area: the Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo - a DoubleTree by Hilton and the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel. The Grand Naniloa underwent a significant renovation, bringing a more modern feel to the bayfront, complete with a golf course and live entertainment. The Hilo Hawaiian is a long-standing local favorite, known for its consistent service and fantastic views from the restaurant.

Downtown Hilo: Historic Charm & Walkability

If you prefer to be in the center of the action, a stay in Downtown Hilo is an excellent choice. The area is a living museum of early 20th-century architecture, with many wooden storefronts now housing a vibrant collection of galleries, boutiques, and restaurants. The entire downtown is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Pros:

• Excellent walkability: stroll to the Hilo Farmers Market, Pacific Tsunami Museum, Palace Theater, and dozens of unique eateries.
• Immersive experience in a real, working Hawaiian town.
• A growing number of charming inns and smaller-scale accommodations.

Cons:

• Can be a bit noisy, especially on weekends.
• Fewer options with direct ocean views compared to Banyan Drive.
• Parking can sometimes be a challenge during business hours.

While there are fewer large hotels here, you'll find options like the Hilo Bay Hostel for budget travelers and several smaller inns and rentals located in historic buildings. Staying downtown means you can park your car at the end of the day and explore on foot, popping into KTA Super Stores for local snacks or grabbing a coffee at a local cafe before starting your day.

Beyond the Town Center: Rainforest Retreats & B&Bs

For many visitors, the magic of East Hawaiʻi lies just outside the city limits. The areas surrounding Hilo are dotted with farms, botanical gardens, and lush rainforests, offering a peaceful and secluded alternative to staying in town. This is where you'll find an abundance of bed & breakfasts, farm stays, and unique vacation cottages.

Pros:

• Tranquility, privacy, and a deep connection to nature.
• Unique, often personalized, lodging experiences.
• Wake up to the sound of birds and coqui frogs instead of traffic.

Cons:

• A rental car is absolutely essential.
• You'll be a 10-20 minute drive (or more) from restaurants and town amenities.
• Can feel isolating for some travelers.

Look for accommodations along the scenic roads heading north towards the Hāmākua Coast or south into the Puna district. These retreats are ideal for travelers who plan to spend their days hiking, chasing waterfalls, and exploring the natural wonders of the island's windward side. Many hosts are long-time residents with a wealth of knowledge to share about the area.

Vacation Rentals: Living Like a Local

Platforms like Vrbo and Airbnb have opened up a wide range of accommodation options in and around Hilo. You can find everything from a modern condo with ocean views to a rustic cabin in the forest. Booking a vacation rental can be a great way to have more space, a full kitchen, and a more residential experience.

When booking, it's important to choose a legally permitted rental. The County of Hawaiʻi has specific regulations for Short-Term Vacation Rentals (STVRs). Reputable listings will display their county permit number. Choosing a legal rental helps ensure your stay is safe and supports responsible tourism within the community.

Benefits of a vacation rental:

• Kitchen access: Save money and enjoy local produce from the farmers market by cooking your own meals.
• More space: Ideal for families or groups traveling together.
• Authentic setting: Live in a real neighborhood and get a feel for local life in Hilo.

Hilo as a Home Base: What to Consider

Hilo is a strategic base for some of the Big Island's most iconic attractions. Its proximity to these sites makes it a more practical choice than Kona for travelers focused on volcanoes, waterfalls, and botanical gardens.

• Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park: Hilo is the closest major town to the park, just a 45-minute drive away. This allows for easy day trips and even nighttime visits to see the glow from Kīlauea's crater, conditions permitting. The National Park Service (NPS) website provides the most current information on volcanic activity and park access.
• Waterfalls & Hāmākua Coast: Some of the island's most famous waterfalls, including Rainbow Falls and ʻAkaka Falls, are just a short drive from Hilo.
• Puna District: Explore the newly formed black sand beaches, thermal ponds, and unique scenery created by recent lava flows.

Ultimately, the choice of where to stay comes down to your travel style. Do you want the convenience and views of a Banyan Drive hotel, the vibrant energy of Downtown Hilo, or the peaceful seclusion of a rainforest retreat? No matter what you choose, Hilo provides a rich, authentic Hawaiian experience that will stay with you long after you leave. To get a sense of how Hilo fits into a broader island adventure, see our expert advice on planning a Big Island itinerary.

Related Reading

• A Visitor's Guide to Downtown Hilo: /blog/things-to-do-in-hilo
• Exploring the Famous Hilo Farmers Market: /blog/hilo-farmers-market-guide
• The Best Waterfalls on the Hāmākua Coast: /blog/east-hawaii-waterfalls