We spent 3 weeks in a rental car and drove 800 miles all around the Big Island and stayed in several hotels, including the top resort in Hawaii that costs a fortune., so we have some perspective. The Hilo Hawaiian is a good value in that respect because the cost is very reasonable, and the location is world-class, with a startling view across the bay to the North coast and Mauna Kea Volcano. The staff is great, and the restaurant is surprisingly good (although breakfast is not included). Now for the reality part of the equation. If this hotel was renovated it would cost three times more and would be 5-star. It is clean enough and the rooms are comfortable. However, you will instantly recognize that is in need of a major facelift and serious renovation. It deserves it because the bones of the building are good and the property is incredible. For example, the carpet in the rooms and common areas is worn & damaged and the wallpaper is bubbling in places from moisture. The bathrooms have 70s-era bathtubs and old chrome hardware. The bed is comfortable, and the room size is very good. The TVs are fairly new, and Wi-Fi is very fast. The pool is clean and big, but simple and square - long enough for lap swimming. But with all that said, the fact is that it is a very dated and well-worn hotel, and someone is going to have to spend a fortune to get it back where it was at one time. So, it met my expectation because with that price I knew there would be a catch. Highly recommended for a base to visit Hilo and the many scenic drives and sites of the North and East Coast of the Big Island. Oh, and management - clean the elevators! They are a wreck, and you could have them clean in a couple of hours. No excuse for that.

See my comments above.

Proximity to Coconut Island and Japanese Gardens, downtown Hilo, and notably a Walmart. This location in Hilo is an excellent launching point for exploring the entire big island by vehicle each day. Well-priced rooms - the Banyan view room is quite nice, facing the sunrise and tree tops each morning.

Parking stalls are very narrow, even for a standard size car. Larger vehicles must acquire two spots next to each other in order to park comfortably. Otherwise, there’s plenty of free parking available on site. Ice machine is located on the sixth floor - you’re welcome.

Expect an old hotel. Our room was clean and comfy, I was just hoping theres a microwave to heat up food. Theres 4 of us and there was just 2 towels so I asked for more. There was a buffet with crab legs that costs $69 I think that comes with $10 coupon, which is still expensive for me. Location wise, it's near the airport and downtown, so convenient and accessible to everything. Its in front of the beach and near a popular park. The place has a very relaxing vibe. You will see the locals fishing near the hotel. You will see big fish and turtles while sitting at the beach wall. Parking is not a problem. I will come back for the vibe.

The bed was very comfy. Our room.had an excellent view & was a great size. The shower was super as well, that is, strong flow & plenty of heat if needed.

The toilet seat was very loose, it.moved around a lot. No spoons to stir a hot drink. Coffee was main drink.caterdfir in the room, guests for drink tea or chocolate too. No milk facility either in room. Restaurant & bar/cafe not open for any food for lunch,especially as the hotel is quite a distance from main township. Also although the facility was well run & clean, it's looking very dated & in need of a facelift.

The property is located in a beautiful spot with a nice view onto the water. It is situated close to the town by driving and 25 mins by walking. The street is lined with stunning banyan trees and right next door is an incredible park. Our room was very spacious and nice. The lobby is beautiful. Staff were friendly and helpful. Lots of free parking available.

They offered a “continental breakfast” included in our stay. That was the only thing I have to say was not satisfying. What they did offer was tasty but really not breakfast… some of the other guests were very noisy but that wasn’t really the hotel’s fault.

Both directions of the hotel are so near to many marine activities, great restaurants and wonderful bays for snorkelling and swim. While you stay here, make sure you get out to make the most of it ! Go out the hotel walk to right to a bend takes you over a bridge to the end there is a jump platform and snorkelling bay. If you keep walking to the right follow the road you will come to Hilo Bay Cafe restaurant at right with great view and sophisticated dining, then Saisan fresh Poke. Walk left out of the hotel you will come to Coconut Grill, outside Ponds you can spot sea turtles feeding from the bridge. For a good half day, head further to Carlsmith beach park where you do snorkels and swim with sea turtles. Opposite it is the Seaside restaurant only opens at 4pm. All these are amazing spots. Don’t miss it !

Slow check in. They ask you to sign $500 damages fine , make sure you add clauses exclude previous damages, tear and wear as all components are old. Didn’t feel anything going on in the hotel at the beginning. But I realise you have to walk to the right and to the left sides of the hotel to explore all that nearby amazing hidden gems.

Location and view were awesome. Had breakfast at the steakhouse and it was fine. It also had a nice view so that was a bonus. Pool area looked nice. The bar area had live music playing and that was really nice. Ample parking was very much appreciated. Staff was friendly.

Our outdoor furniture was tattered. The shower/tub was like peeling, not all of it was a smooth surface. I wish more information would have been available at check in, like how to access pool and fitness room. The hours of those facilities were open as well as some info on restaurant and bar type area. Either something in the room or a little flyer at check in would have been nice.

the room was great, as well as the location. very recommended !

the free breakfast was not good.

Breakfast was good. Also $10 off in place of continental breakfast was great. Dinner buffet was awesome. Great location. Bed was very comfortable.

Front desk said we couldn’t do a pre-check-in till 12pm, but I noticed others were doing it. Front desk forgot to call us when our room was ready and we were tired and waiting in our car rental in the parking lot. Front desk was not knowledgeable to provide info when asked such as; do you have live entertainment, what’s the hours of your restaurant, can I grab a cup of coffee from the continental breakfast while I’m waiting to check-in. Their response to this was, “I don’t know”.

We absolutely loved the view of Hilo Bay and Coconut Island from the balcony, where we often sat after busy days as tourists. The room was very large and quiet. The dated furniture and decor didn't bother us, and the bed was plenty big. The price was much lower than hotels on the Kona side of the island. We received coupons for free continental breakfasts, so we tried paper cups of oatmeal and a piece of fruit with juice a couple of times.

We had to request a new shower curtain since the first one didn't fit the shower AT ALL. The bathroom sink didn't drain properly. The pillows were hard slabs. The drinking water dispenser was five floors below us and OUTSIDE, so no visits there in our robes and slippers. And the person who checked us in was rather patronizing, as if all seniors were demented until proven otherwise. We tried the avocado toast and grilled cheese sandwiches for breakfast in the restaurant, but the bread was cheap and tasteless. Yet none of these negatives were crucial, and we enjoyed our stay. (My husband stuffed his fluffy jacket into a pillowcase and loved the outcome, which he will repeat whenever he doesn't like a hotel pillow in the future.)