Must-see hotels in Hawaiʻi the Big Island

  • Red ʻOhana

    Kohala & Waimea

    Run by a pair with extensive experience in the luxury-hotel industry, these two- and three-bedroom homes have big lanais, flat-screen televisions,…

  • Sugar Shacks

    South Kona Coast

    Two attractive one-bedroom cottages and a simple studio constitute these appropriately sweet 'sugar shacks.' Your host, Kelly, is a font of information…

  • Auberge Mauna Lani

    South Kohala

    The Auberge Mauna Lani is set amid tropical gardens, hundreds of towering coconut palms and precious historic sites. Of special note is an adults-only…

  • Lotus Garden Hilo

    Hilo

    An exotic, bohemian vibe permeates the Lotus Garden, identifiable by its boldly colorful buildings, which were plantation-era bungalows. The Lotus and…

  • Kohala Club Hotel

    North Kohala

    Less than half a mile from Kapaʻau, this laid-back inn offers spotless rooms with private bathrooms for an unbelievable price. You'll be treated to small…

  • Camp Hoʻokena

    South Kona Coast

    Hoʻokena is a pretty fantastic beach, but nothing improves on the experience like watching the sun set – and then watching the sun rise – over the beach …

  • Kohala Country Haven

    North Kohala

    For country livin', try this relaxed, lived-in house on 10 acres of ungroomed tropical gardens, with fruit trees, livestock and coastal views. The Sundeck…

  • Kona Tiki Hotel

    Kailua-Kona

    You can find affordable oceanfront views at this retro three-story hotel, located south of downtown Kailua-Kona. The motel-style rooms are basic, and…

  • Mango Sunset B&B

    Kona Coast

    Hawaiiana-bedecked teak furnishings and bamboo accents spruce up the snug accommodations on this family-owned organic coffee farm. The best rooms offer…

  • Banana Patch

    South Kona Coast

    Let it all hang out in one of these comfortable, clothing-optional cottages secluded amid tropical foliage. The rustic retreats, which share a full…

  • Kulanaokuaiki Campground

    Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

    This minimally developed campground down Hilina Pali Rd has eight walk-in sites tucked among the ohia. Wheelchair accessible sites are closer to parking,…

  • Arnott's Lodge

    Hilo

    Friendly and laid-back, Arnott's is the archetypal hostel. It's a solid value, offering wide-ranging lodging options near Onekahakaha Beach. All rooms and…

  • Kona Hotel

    Kona Coast

    Family run and operated, the pink Kona Hotel looks like it was dipped in an ice-cream vat. The interior dates to the 1930s and has maybe been updated once…

  • Big Island Retreat

    Kona Coast

    Big, airy rooms come decked out with plumeria-themed decor, Hawaiiana and a bright rainbow tropical color palette. All rooms have fridges, sitting areas…

  • Old Hawaiian B&B

    Hilo

    In a quiet residential neighborhood, find three pleasant rooms, each with private entrance and tidy furnishings. The Hawaiian Room (sleeps four) and…

  • Belle Vue Kona

    South Kona Coast

    This spot is located on a 5-acre coffee plantation close to Captain Cook's dining options, and the rooms have, per the name, some fine ocean views. Your…

  • Volcano Dancing Fern

    Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

    Somewhat off the beaten path, two immaculate and elegant rooms – both with private entrances and large showers – are a good value for the area. The only…

  • Hilo Hawaiian Hotel

    Hilo

    The 300-room Hilo Hawaiian is the low-key matriarch of Banyan Drive. This longstanding and reliable hotel more than meets midrange hotel standards,…

  • Lo‘i B&B

    Hilo

    Stay here and find a hidden tropical jungle, complete with waterfall and swimming pond – yet it's less than a mile from downtown. Two spacious units have…

  • Kohala Village Inn

    North Kohala

    For budget travelers or those seeking digs in the heart of Hawi, this inn offers terrific value. In a plantation-era, motel-style building, no-frills…

  • My Hawaii Hostel

    Kailua-Kona

    This simple, clean hostel is a welcome addition to the slim pickings that are the Kailua-Kona budget-accommodations scene. While $40 is a bit steep for…

  • Pineapple Park

    South Kona Coast

    This backpacker crashpad sprawls across a compound of chill common spaces, kitchens, shared bathrooms and gardens. A sociable vibe makes up for cramped…

  • Hale Kona Kai

    Kailua-Kona

    All condos overlook crashing surf at this well-managed oceanfront complex off the busy commercial stretch of Aliʻi Dr. The one-bedroom units vary in style…

  • Hale Ohia

    South Kohala

    Located about 1.5 miles east of Kawaihae proper, this one-bedroom house features a nice master bedroom, a thoughtfully laid-out tropical chic interior,…

  • Hale Kukui Orchard

    Hamakua Coast

    Choose from three guesthouses, each with full kitchen or kitchenette, spacious living area, private deck, outdoor soaking tub and, best of all, fantastic…

  • Manini Point House

    South Kona Coast

    At this 3-bedroom home just a few minutes' walk from Kealakekua Bay, slightly boring rooms are spiced up with a rustic wooden exterior and balconies that…

  • The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort

    South Kohala

    You'll find a primo setting on Hapuna Beach at this hotel, as well as rooms decked out in cooling, soothing dark tones, a cathedral like lobby, a state of…

  • Kamuela Inn

    Kohala & Waimea

    Resembling a typical motor inn, this local institution is good value. Nothing is fancy but rooms are clean and comfy, with a range of bed configurations…

  • Casa de Emdeko

    Kailua-Kona

    With Spanish-tile roofs, white stucco, immaculate gardens and two pools, this enormous condo complex south of downtown Kailua-Kona is stylish and restful…

  • At the Beach with Friends

    Hilo

    Set amid jungly foliage and scenic ponds, this B&B offers three pleasant rooms and a common space with 24/7 snacks, coffee and tea. Breakfast always…

  • Hilo Bay Hostel

    Hilo

    Conveniently situated downtown, this small hostel occupies a historic building with hardwood floors, lots of breezy windows, spic-and-span restrooms and a…

  • Lava Tree Tropic Inn

    Puna

    Staying at this country plantation house on a sprawling estate feels a bit like visiting your relatives – complete with cluttered kitchen and living areas…

  • Pahala Plantation Cottages

    Hawaiʻi the Big Island

    A series of old creaky wooden houses scattered throughout Pahala allow you to live the nostalgia of a once-thriving mill town. Many are decorated with…

  • At the End of the Road

    Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

    Staying in the two rooms at this private family home feel more like visiting your Auntie's house than a B&B – complete with the pastoral floral print (on…

  • Jacaranda Inn

    Kohala & Waimea

    Built in 1897 as a home for the manager of the Parker Ranch, the Jacaranda divides opinions. Some (including us) find the home and its eight rooms…

  • Volcano Village Lodge

    Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

    Classy wood cabins with ample windows place you comfortably in the middle of the rainforest, providing solid four-star amenities despite five-star…

  • Inn at Kulaniapia Falls

    Hilo

    Ascend the hills behind Hilo, past mac nut and coffee plantations, to find this inn. Its four buildings are surrounded by expansive greenery and a…

  • Hale Hoʻola B&B

    South Kona Coast

    This remarkably hospitable roadside B&B provides a homey, relaxed stay with three small but comfortable rooms downstairs in the main house. Despite comfy…

  • Lava Pond Lodge

    Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

    The high-ceilinged living area with fireplace and small library makes a relaxing common area for the three modern and clean rooms in the main house. An…

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