Nestled on the Big Island, the Hawaiian town of Hilo draws large numbers of visitors every year, with a wide range of accommodation available to them spanning all budgets and styles.
Known for its bubbling basalt-lava rock pools and offering close proximity to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, it’s little wonder that so many choose the town of Hilo as the base for their Hawaii adventure. We’ve picked out two affordable places to stay in Hilo – each with its own character and setting. The Hilo Reeds Bay Hotel delivers a casual, seaside stay right by the calm waters of Reeds Bay, while SCP Hilo Hotel offers a more design-driven experience rooted in wellness near downtown.
Hilo Reeds Bay Hotel
(Photo: Hilo Reeds Bay Hotel / Courtesy Booking.com)
This classic, modest hotel is a popular spot for Hilo visitors, boasting a laid-back, old-school Hawaii atmosphere with clean and functional guest rooms – each equipped with a kitchenette. Elsewhere in the hotel, there’s an outdoor pool and laundry facilities, while guests arriving in their own transport can make use of free on-site parking.
The hotel is located in a quiet neighbourhood directly on Reeds Bay, allowing for pleasing oceanfront views. Nearby points of interest include a public beach park and a nine-hole golf course. Queen Liliʻuokalani Gardens and Coconut Island are also nearby and offer scenic walks, while a short drive brings you to the shops and markets of downtown Hilo. There are also several restaurants and cafes within easy walking distance of the hotel.
Reviews: Hilo Reeds Bay Hotel
When it comes to guest reviews, the hotel earns an overall score of 7.6 out of 10, placing it firmly in the “good” category. Staff receive the highest praise with a rating of 8.7, while the free WiFi draws the most criticism at 6.1, suggesting reliability issues for many guests. From $143 per night.
SCP Hilo Hotel
(Photo: SCP Hilo Hotel / Courtesy Booking.com)
For somewhere a little more upscale but that still won’t break the bank, this boutique-inspired 4-star hotel combines style with affordability. There’s an outdoor pool, a restaurant, a fitness centre and shared spaces including a garden, library area and coworking space, all infused with an aesthetic and ambience designed to appeal to lifestyle travellers. Guest rooms are no less impressive, each thoughtfully styled and some boasting private balconies with sea views. A dedicated concierge service allows guests to seek out tips or book local excursions or restaurant reservations.
The hotel enjoys a central location on Banyan Drive, just a few steps from the bay and close to the hustle and bustle of town life. It’s also walkable to several local attractions and places of interest including Liliʻuokalani Park and Gardens and Hilo Farmers Market, as well as the cafés and shops of downtown. Other popular spots such as Akaka Falls and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park are a short drive away.
Reviews: SCP Hilo Hotel
Average guest ratings give this hotel an overall score of 8.0 out of 10, earning it a “very good” distinction across categories. Staff receive the strongest praise with an impressive 9.3, while the 7.8 rating for value for money is the lowest, suggesting some guests feel the experience doesn’t fully match the price. From $152 per night.
By Paul Joseph