Ten minutes from the airport, this local-flavor destination is a friendly, laid-back, and otherwise peaceful place, with tropical rooms that have private lanai. The nicest ones overlook the koi-filled lagoon or are around the pool. The staff is friendly, the restaurant serves local fare, and the tropical foliage gives a sense of old Hawaii.
This family-operated hotel is located across Hilo Bay on historic Banyan Drive. Surrounded by lush tropical gardens and a spring pond filled with Japanese carp, this place isn't fancy, but it's great for those on a budget. The rooms were updated and repainted in 2006. The location is terrific for exploring East Hawaii: It's a 45-minute scenic drive to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, a few...