Best Hilo Hotels: Where to Stay on the East Side
Hilo rewards travelers who plan lodging with intention. Unlike the Kona side—where resort corridors and dry, beach-forward itineraries often shape the stay—Hilo sits in a greener, rain-kissed landscape where mornings can start with mist in the banyans and afternoons pivot quickly from farmers market browsing to waterfall drives. Hotels here function less as self-contained destinations and more as well-placed bases for exploring Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, the Hamakua Coast, tide pools and gardens around Hilo Bay, and the everyday rhythms of a working town.
This category is special on the Big Island because Hilo’s lodging mix reflects the region itself: practical, locally rooted, and varied in scale. There are classic bayfront full-service properties for travelers who want on-site dining and easy access to downtown, design-forward hotels that lean into relaxed island minimalism, and small inns that trade big amenities for quiet settings and strong sense of place. A night in Hilo can mean falling asleep to rain on a tin roof, or waking to ocean views and a quick stroll to shoreline paths—often within the same neighborhood.
The recommendations below are built around factors that matter on the Hilo side: location relative to Hilo Bay and downtown (and how walkable the area feels), room comfort and upkeep, value for the nightly rate, parking and logistics for day trips, and the overall atmosphere—whether it suits couples seeking calm, families needing space, or independent travelers looking for straightforward convenience. Consistency counts, too; properties that deliver reliably on what they promise rise to the top, while places that feel dated without offering compensating value fall behind.
For a resort-style anchor on the water, Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo - a DoubleTree by Hilton brings oceanfront positioning, a pool, and added on-site options that can simplify a short stay. Travelers drawn to a more modern, low-key aesthetic often gravitate toward SCP Hilo Hotel, where tropical gardens and a relaxed layout fit the town’s unhurried pace. Those prioritizing a quieter, intimate setting—especially for a stay built around nature rather than nightlife—may prefer The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls, set in a lush acreage with a distinctly removed feel.
Consider trip timing as well: winter and spring can bring more frequent showers, and rooms without good ventilation can feel damp. If early starts to Volcano or the Hamakua Coast are on the agenda, confirm parking, check-in hours, and whether the room setup supports quick breakfasts or packing lunches.
Next is a curated list of Hilo hotels that best match different travel styles, budgets, and itineraries.
The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls
Private waterfall access and 22-acre grounds make this Hilo stay a true retreat.
A secluded inn in Hilo centered around private waterfall access and a 22-acre natural setting. Rooms are individually furnished, with a more retreat-like feel than a standard hotel stay.
Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo - a DoubleTree by Hilton
Oceanfront amenities plus a nine-hole golf course deliver full-service Hilo convenience.
Oceanfront hotel in Hilo with bay views, an outdoor pool, on-site dining, and a 9-hole golf course. It works well as a practical base for exploring Hilo and the east side of the Big Island.
SCP Hilo Hotel
Design-forward rooms, tropical gardens, and a laid-back vibe suit exploring Hilo.
SCP Hilo Hotel is a relaxed, design-forward hotel in Hilo with tropical gardens, a pool, and a low-key local feel. It works well as a practical base for exploring Hilo, the east side, and Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, a Trademark Collection by Wyndham
Bayfront views and on-site dining create an easy, full-service base in Hilo.
Bayfront hotel in Hilo with ocean views, on-site dining, and a practical full-service setup. It works well as a base for exploring Hilo, the east side, and Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
Hilo Beach House Inn
Small oceanfront setting with kitchens and screened balconies fits longer Hilo stays.
A small oceanfront inn in Hilo with a quiet, residential feel and a handful of themed rooms. It offers screened balconies, kitchens or kitchenettes, and direct access to the beach park setting nearby.
Old Hawaiian Bed & Breakfast
Adults-only plantation-style B&B adds intimate, local character to Hilo lodging options.
Small adults-only bed and breakfast in Hilo set in a 1930s plantation-house style building. It offers private-entrance guest rooms, breakfast on a shared lanai, and a quiet base for exploring East Hawaiʻi.
Hilo Reeds Bay Hotel
Budget-friendly Reeds Bay location with kitchenettes and free parking simplifies Hilo travel.
An older, budget-oriented hotel on Reeds Bay in Hilo with kitchenette-style rooms, free parking, and free Wi‑Fi. It works well as a practical base for exploring Hilo and the east side of the island.
