Hotels in Hilo

[MUTUAL Member Find all posts View Profile Close MUTUAL]

Anyone ever heard of or has any opinions on the Hilo Seaside Hotel? Are there any other hotels in the Hilo area and if so, do we need to make any advanced reservations or can we just walk-in and be able to get a room for the night?
Thanks,
Mutual

[Juleen Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Juleen]

Hotels in Hilo

Most hotels in Hilo are ranked between 2-3 stars. I'd check out the Castle Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, which is about a 3 star, or some of the B&B's which can be quite nice. I definitely would get reservations! Driving back to Kona at night is a long very dark trip. The last time we went to Volcano we came back in the dark--not fun!

[T. R. Oglodyte Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close T. R. Oglodyte]

For all of our recent trips to Hawai'i, we've found that B&Bs offered better value than hotels. The only drawback is that most B&Bs require a three-night minimum.

In the Hilo area, we recommend B&B Mountain View, in the community of Mountain View, about halfway between Hilo and Volcano.

[MUTUAL Member Find all posts View Profile Close MUTUAL]

I just looked up the Kilauea Inns by the Volcano. Did anyone ever stay at the budget one? How was sharing the bathroom with the other guests or would you recommend the one with the private baths, instead? I figured that we'll only be there for one night anyway just for somewhere to sleep until we can go to our timeshare in Kona the next day. Any opinions?
Thanks

[Juleen Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Juleen]

LOL, personally, I'd opt for the private bath!!!!!! But, that's just me, the shared bath may be just fine for you and would save you money. :O)

[Luanne Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Luanne]

I always recomment Kilauea Lodge in Volcano. We've been able to get a room for just one night there.

Kilauea Lodge - Country Inn and Restaurant

[RLG Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close RLG]

The Naniloa hotel is under new ownership and is being renovated a few rooms at a time. Although I haven't stayed in one, I've seen pictures of the renovated rooms and they look very nice. If you can guarantee that you'll get a renovated room, it would be a good choice.

Otherwise, I second the recommendation of one of the B&B's rather than the Hilo hotels.

[RLG Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close RLG]

Wow. I just noticed that that was my first post. (Obviously, I lurk for a long time before posting on new boards.)

So, I guess I'll be the first to welcome myself to the board.

[Juleen Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Juleen]

Aloha RLJ--it's about time you wrote something! <g> Nice to see your "face" so to speak--don't be shy about posting--we'd enjoy your info on Hawaii!

[nicklinneh Member Find all posts View Profile Close nicklinneh]

you didn't say why you were staying in Hilo. if you're flying out of there, Seaside makes sense (only 5 min. away); but it's old and basic (still clean) and parking is tight. we had a double for 90-95 in June. i'd stay in Mountain View or Volcano if you are seeing the volcano; it's 25 mi to Hilo- 10 to MV- and 1 to Volcano from there. -------ken

[T. R. Oglodyte Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close T. R. Oglodyte]

An advantage of Mountain View is that it's a good location to get to either the Volcano or the Puna Coast. The Puna Coast is one of the hidden gems of the Big Island. Not many people get there, and it's very scenic.

[MUTUAL Member Find all posts View Profile Close MUTUAL]

We wanted to stay in Hilo on Friday because we wanted to see that side of the island before we head to Kona for the start of our timeshare week that Saturday. We were debating between Volcano or Hilo and which attraction do we want to see more of. We were on NCL America last year so we did do the volcano tour(on our own), as well as, see the lava flow at night from the ship. We didn't get to see Rainbow Falls or Hilo that much so that is why we're confused on which place to stay. I would just like to thank everyone, though, for all the feedback I am getting. Now if someone would just advise me on when to purchase my tickets for Hawaii (thread- Airfare to Hawaii in April), I would really appreciate it.
Thanks!