Hawai'i the Big Island - Hawaii - page 426

Sleeping
True to form, Hilo has no major hotel chains, but loads of fantastic one-off B&Bs, hostels
and vacation rentals.
Hilo Bay Hostel HOSTEL $
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( 933-2771; www.hawaiihostel.net ; 101 Waianuenue Ave; dm $27, r with/without bath $77/67; )
This well-managed hostel is a winner. Perfectly situated downtown, it occupies an airy
historic building with hardwood floors, remarkably clean restrooms and a kitchen in
which you could cook Thanksgiving dinner. The crowd is older and diverse, creating a
low-key, relaxed vibe.
Staff are friendly but rule sticklers (after the 11am checkout time you must leave the
premises). Wine is served to guests. The private rooms facing the street, with private
baths, are light and airy Hilo classics. The nice corner women's dorm has sea views and a
breeze.
Lotus Garden of Hilo COTTAGES $
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( 936-5212; www.vrbo.com/390986 ; 140a Kilauea Ave; r $69-79, cottage for 2 people $120, $15 per
additional person; ) These two brightly painted beachy cottages are perfect for downtown
Hilo. Hidden in a lush, quarter-acre walled compound behind Still Life Books ( Click
here ) , they are private, charming, reasonably priced and super convenient. One is rented as
rooms, the other sleeps up to seven. Shared hot tub.
Hilltop Legacy VACATION RENTAL $
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( 896-2074; www.hilltoplegacy.com ; 57 Hina St; r $65-119; ) This is a great budget choice.
The property lies on top of a hill behind the town, with nice gardens and great views of the
bay. The welcoming young proprietor has inherited a large family home (c 1930) and is
renting four rooms, each with private bath and continental breakfast. The results aren't
perfect, but good value.
Arnott's Lodge HOSTEL, CAMPGROUND $
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( 339-0921, 969-7097; www.arnottslodge.com ; 98 Apapane Rd; dm $28, r with/without bath $75/
65; ) Hilo's longest-running hostel remains solid value, with a variety of lodging op-