Hilo, is a city located on the island of Hawaii, or “The Big Island,” as the locals call it. Known for its gorgeous beaches, Hilo is a thriving nature’s paradise with awe-inspiring volcanoes, impressive rainforests, luscious waterfalls, gorgeous gardens, and fascinating museums.
As one of the largest cities on the Big Island, Hilo makes for the perfect place to base yourself while exploring the island.
The Big Island is split into two major tourism regions, the east coast, and the west coast. You will find Hilo on the breathtaking northeastern coast, and you simply cannot miss this beautiful area on your trip to Hawaii.
With miles of stunning coastline and active volcanoes, many of the enchanting scenes you see depicted in photographs of Hawaii are found right here.
When it comes to accommodation, there are countless options to choose from when deciding on where to stay in and around Hilo. We know that it can be overwhelming and confusing at times, which is why we have prepared this ultimate Hilo area guide.
We hope this helps you to find the best place to stay near Hilo, no matter who you are and what type of accommodation you are looking for!
Where to Stay near Hilo – Our Top Picks
Headed to Hilo and looking for a place to stay but don’t have much time? Here are our top overall recommendations of the coolest places to stay near Hilo.
Peaceful Rainforest Treehouse Retreat | Most Unique Stay near Hilo
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Let’s be honest, everyone wanted a treehouse at one point or another in their lives. Here, you can once and for all put to rest those inner childhood dreams! This eco-friendly treehouse is spunky and unlike any other stay in the area. Built out of traditional materials, this one-bedroom home is ideal for one or two people. The “garden” is literally the jungle, and your only neighbors are the wild animals. If you are looking for a place to brag about when you return home, look no further.
Hamakua Guesthouse and Camping Cabanas | Best Hostel near Hilo
This is our favorite hostel near Hilo not only because it is the cheapest, but also because it’s the most memorable! Here you have the opportunity to sleep outside, in the middle of the rainforest, in a hammock! Where else have you done that? The hammock huts are covered and completely enclosed by screens, so you can sleep in them worry-free regardless of the weather. If you prefer beds we totally understand, there are also fantastic traditional hostel options here as well.
Castle Hilo Hawaiian Hotel | Best Hotel near Hilo
Castle Hilo Hawaiian Hotel is a large resort in the center of Hilo. It is right on the water and all of the rooms have private terraces with ocean views. There is a wide selection of rooms to pick from, some of which include kitchenettes. If you are traveling as a family or with a large group, this would be our number one recommendation. Alternatively, if you are traveling for business this is also an ideal choice. They have many conference rooms available for guests, and a bar and restaurant on-site.
Hilo Neighborhood Guide – Places to Stay in Hilo
Hilo
Hilo is a vibrant city full of traditional Hawaiian Charm. It is centrally located between the Hamakua Coast and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which makes it perfect for exploring everything the region has to offer.
Hamakua Coast
Situated just north of Hilo, the Hamakua coast stretches all the way to the northern tip of the island. It is one of the most scenic parts of Hawaii, and also one of the wettest! Thanks to 85 inches of rain per year, the Hamakua Coast is full of spectacular waterfalls, never-ending tropical rainforests, and vibrant green valleys.
Volcano Town
As you may have guessed, Volcano Town gets its name from the giant volcanoes that reside right next door. If you have come to Hawaii to get up close and personal with molten hot lava, you will definitely want to stay in one of the many cool homes here.
Home to the largest population on Hawaii, Hilo is the heart and soul of this spectacular side of the island. Because of all its thriving nature and dynamic history, there is so much to see and do in Hilo, and it’s not a small area. The district of Hilo covers around 151 square kilometers, so you need to make sure you choose accommodation in an area close to the attractions you want to see most, especially if you’re backpacking Hawaii and have a limited amount of time.
Hilo International Airport is one of the largest and cheapest airports in the state. It is also located close to the coast and city center, which makes it an optimal starting point for any island-hopping excursions.
The Hamakua Coast is unfortunately an often overlooked part of the island. With hundreds of waterfalls, the most diverse nature on the island, and the best budget accommodation options near Hilo, avoiding this area is a huge mistake. Apart from all that, we guarantee you will love all the traditional towns dotted along the coastline.
With a name like Volcano Town, is it any mystery what makes this area famous? Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is the most unique National Park in the United States and it’s right here! It’s one of the only locations in the world where you can watch the lava flow like water in a river. Trust us, you won’t want to miss the chance to cross “seeing lava” off your bucket list.
The 3 Best Areas to Stay Near Hilo
There are a ton of places to stay in Hilo. If you’re looking for a cabin, condo, hotel, or hostel near Hilo, here’s where you can find the best ones!
1. Hilo – Where to Stay for your First Visit
Hilo is a vibrant city full of traditional Hawaiian Charm. It is centrally located between the Hamakua Coast and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which makes it perfect for exploring everything the region has to offer.
You will find endless waterfalls hidden throughout the rainforest, so make sure to pack some sturdy hiking boots and your swimwear.It’s a blissful home base for any trip to Hawaii because it is close to all the main attractions. That’s why we recommend it as an ideal place to stay for your first time in Hawaii (or your 100th, to be honest!)
The town itself has evolved over the years from a tiny fishing port, to what is now the second largest city in the Hawaiian islands. Built around Hilo Bay, is the small downtown area where it is full of top-rated restaurants, local breweries, farmers markets and fascinating museums. You will absolutely not want to miss the Pacific Tsunami Museum, the Lyman Museum, and the Imiloa Astronomy Center.
Clean Private Studio With King Bed Downtown Hilo | Best Apartment in Hilo
This spacious studio is situated in the heart of downtown Hilo. The elegant open floor-plan, and the generous use of terracotta and wood, give the apartment an incredibly modern feel. Additionally, you are sure to love the stone pond in the entryway, and the private outdoor shower. To top it all off, every morning the host will hand-deliver you a french press full of delicious, freshly brewed local coffee! Now that’s how I want to be greeted every morning.
Big Island Hostel | Best Hostel in Hilo
The Big Island Hostel is a wonderful budget option for those who want to stay in the downtown area. Here you can choose between five different dorm and private room options. So whether you want the cheapest possible bed, or something a little more private, you will find it here. The large common room is a fabulous spot for socializing and making new adventure buddies to explore the island with. If you have any questions about the area or need help planning an activity, they have someone who can help you 24/7.
Castle Hilo Hawaiian Hotel | Best Hotel in Hilo
This gorgeous hotel is ideally positioned right on the bay waters and has heavenly views of both Mauna Kea Peak and the ocean. With a large freshwater swimming pool, access to Liliuokalani park and gardens, and a famous restaurant in-house, this luxurious hotel has it all. The large rooms all have bayside facing private balconies, which are phenomenal for viewing the sunrise. Furthermore, if you like golf, there are many world-class courses in the area which you can book at a discounted rate as a hotel guest.
Things to See and Do in Hilo
- Chase infinite waterfalls! Akaka Falls is the tallest and most famous.
- Learn at the many informative museums.
- Visit the Hilo Famers Market on a Wednesday or Saturday.
- Swim in the “boiling pots” of Wailuku River State Park.
- Sample local craft beers at the Mehana Brewing Company.
- Day trip to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, an unmissable attraction on your Hawaii Itinerary.
- Hop in the car and complete the Hamakua Coast Scenic Drive.
- Go on a helicopter tour.
2. Hamakua Coast – Where to Stay Near Hilo on a Budget
Situated just north of Hilo, the Hamakua coast stretches all across the northern tip of the island. It is one of the most scenic parts of Hawaii, and also one of the wettest! Thanks to 85 inches of rain per year, the Hamakua Coast is full of spectacular waterfalls, never-ending tropical rainforests, and vibrant green valleys. Having a good quality rain jacket with you is a must on any holiday to The Big Island!
In the past, this area was completely blanketed with sugar cane fields. Now today, many of the small coastal towns are built where old sugar cane plantations used to stand. Honomu, Pepeekeo, Hakalau, and Papaikou are a few of those villages, and all of them are located 30 minutes or less from Hilo. The Hamakua Coast is 100% where to stay on the Big Island near Hilo if you are looking for a perfect location that is both quiet and cheap!
Mango Tree Cottage | Best Cottage on the Hamakua Coast
Mango Tree Cottage is nestled in the middle of the lush Hawaiian rainforest just outside of Honomu. This studio apartment is constructed out of screens and wood and is fully exposed to the outdoors. Here you can truly embrace the magic of nature through the feel of the wind, the rustling of the leaves, or the sound of the rain falling against the tin roof.
Additionally, there is a separate fully screened “Pujah” (mini-room), which is a superb place to complete your morning yoga practice or do some end-of-the-day stretching. Finally, if you are searching for a long-term stay, this is an unrivaled option thanks to the 51% discount on stays of one month or more.
Hamakua Guesthouse and Camping Cabanas | Best Hostel on the Hamakua Coast
This hostel is located between Pepeekeo and Honomu and is the ultimate budget option near Hilo. They offer both dorm rooms and private rooms that can sleep anywhere between one and six people. What gives this hostel a unique feel, and why we love it, are the amazing tent-style cabanas.
In the fully-screened cabanas, you get to sleep in hammocks that will lull you to sleep like a baby. Looking for a bit more luxury? Don’t worry, they also offer deluxe private rooms and even a massive private guesthouse for large groups!
Mahana House Country Inn | Best Hotel on the Hamakua Coast
The Mahana House Country Inn is a charming, locally run hotel, placed just outside of Hakalau. Here you can choose from large rooms in the main hotel, or you can opt for your very own private cottage. The rooms at this farm stay hotel all come with private patios featuring gorgeous ocean views. Established just outside of Akaka Falls State Park, this is our top recommendation for where to stay near Hilo in order to visit Akaka Falls, or for any other coastal adventure!
Things to See and Do on the Hamakua Coast
- Drive or cycle the entire length of the Hamakua Coast.
- Zip-line through the rainforest with Skyline Eco Adventures.
- Explore Akaka Falls State Park and see the most impressive waterfall in the region.
- Visit Kolokole beach park and take a dip in the ocean.
- Hike to Umauma falls or one of the many other waterfalls spotted up and down the coast.
- Learn about plants at the World Botanical Gardens or the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden.
- Take photos of the ocean at Waipio Valley Overlook.
- Find a hidden beach and paddle out with a surfboard to catch some waves.
3. Volcano Town – Best Area Near Hilo to See the Volcanoes
As you may have guessed, Volcano Town gets its name from the giant volcanoes that reside right next door. If you are planning a trip to Hawaii to get up close and personal with molten hot lava, you will definitely want to stay in one of the many cool homes here. Situated only five minutes from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, this is the ideal basecamp for exploring all that the park has to offer!
However, there is much more to Volcano Town than just volcanoes. It is a vibrant artist community hidden away deep in the Hawaiian rainforest. Artists of all mediums, from all over the world, call this haven home. Therefore, walking around the village you will encounter endless exquisite galleries that you can pop into and admire. Additionally, if you are staying over the weekend, make sure you don’t miss the farmers market held at Cooper’s Center every Sunday morning.
Peaceful Rainforest Treehouse Retreat | Best Treehouse in Volcano Town
This incredibly fun home is our top overall recommendation for where to stay near Hilo! Here you will finally have the treehouse that you always dreamt about as a child. This one-bedroom treehouse is elevated 15 feet above the ground and undoubtedly you will feel like Robinson Crusoe or the Swiss Family Robinson. “Upstairs,” there is a huge wooden deck built amongst the trees, while “downstairs,” there is a lovely open-air living room, which is sensational for relaxing or reading a book.
Sanctuary Cottage – Volcano Rainforest Retreat | Best Luxury Airbnb in Volcano Town
Sanctuary Cottage is a luxurious, Japanese-style house constructed in the middle of the rainforest. Courtesy of the low wooden tables, comfy floor cushions, and handcrafted Japanese hot tub, you will undeniably feel like you have been transported to Japan. In the mornings, let the natural light come in through the giant floor-to-ceiling glass windows and be your alarm. After getting up, dig into the delicious fresh breakfast provided by the hosts. This intimate and cozy home is definitely the most romantic place to stay near Hilo!
At the Craters Edge | Best Hotel in Volcano Town
At the Craters Edge, is a small and cute hotel just outside the boundaries of the National Park. As a family-run business, it provides its guests with a very warm (not from the volcano) and welcoming environment, which will make you feel right at home. In addition to the large, comfortable rooms, there is also a large garden on the property which is a terrific place to find some peace and quiet after a busy day. If you want to book a tour into the National Park, talk with the hotel staff and they can offer you some of the coolest and most popular trips run today!
Things to See and Do in Volcano Town
- Explore the most unique National Park in America at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
- Walk the town and browse inside the local art galleries.
- Eat a local baked good or sip on some locally grown coffee at the farmers market.
- Go wine tasting at the Volcano Winery. It’s the only winery in the world on the side of an active volcano!
- Fly high above the volcanoes in a once in a lifetime helicopter tour.
- Visit the Akatsuka Orchid Gardens.
- Take a guided tour at the Nahuka Thurston Lava Tubes.
- Rent a bike and cycle in or around the National Park.
Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.
It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)
Hide Yo’ Money!What To Pack For Near Hilo
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Near Hilo
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on Where to Stay Near Hilo
Hilo is one of the most stunning and spectacular locations in all of Hawaii, if not the world! Many people skip Hilo and the Big Island in favor of Oahu or Maui, but those people are truly missing out! We guarantee you will not regret your visit and will make memories that will last a lifetime.
As you have seen, Hilo and the surrounding area have accommodation options for everyone, no matter what you are interested in or what your budget may be.
We hope that this guide has helped you decide where to stay on your next trip to Hilo. Did you find what you were looking for? Let us know in the comments!
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around Hawaii.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in Hawaii.
- Or… maybe you want to check out some Airbnbs in USA instead.
- Next up you’re gonna need to know all the best places to visit in Hawaii to plan your trip.
- Planning out an itinerary for Hawaii is a great way to maximise your time.
- Save yourself hassle and money and get an international sim card for USA.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
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