On a Budget
It's nice to find an island where there are several choices for those who don't require a great deal of luxury. You can certainly find nice bargain accommodations under $100 a night here and there, on both the leeward and windward sides of the island. Although Hilo might seem inconvenient for those hoping to visit the sunnier side, it's closer to the volcanoes and other natural attractions, which are a bit of a drive for those coming from Kona. Of course, if you're planning to spend a week on the island, you can make reservations at two hotels and spend a few days on each side.
Hilo and Volcano
Dolphin Bay Hotel (Hilo): Close to downtown Hilo. Rooms from $66. 333 Iliahi St., Hilo, HI 96720 935-1466 www.dolphinbayhotel.com john@dolphinbayhotel.com
Hilo Seaside Hotel: Convenient Hilo location. From $70. 126 Banyan Dr., Hilo, HI 96720 935-0821 1-800-560-5557 www.sand-seaside.com info@hiloseasidehotel.com
Uncle Billy's Hilo Bay Hotel: Oceanfront on Hilo Bay. From $84. 87 Banyan Dr., Hilo, HI 96720 935-0861 1-800-367-5102 www.unclebilly.com reservations@unclebilly.com
Arnot's Lodge: Convenient to the Volcanoes Park. They also offer hiking adventures. A variety of choices including a bunk room for $19 and single rooms with bath from $62. P.O. Box 4039, Hilo, HI 96720 969-7097 www.arnottslodge.com mahalo@arnottslodge.com
Volcano House Hotel: An old lodge dramatically situated on the edge of Kilauea volcano! From $85. Crater Rim Dr., Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, HI 96718 967-7321 www.volcanohousehotel.com volcanohouse@earthlink.net
Kailua-Kona
Kona Islander Inn: A “resort condominium” in Kona. From $60. 329-9393 1-800-622-5348 www.konahawaii.com
Uncle Billy's Kona Bay Hotel: Located in central Kailua-Kona. From $94. 75-5739 Ali'i Dr., Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 329-1393 1-800-367-5102 www.unclebilly.com reservations@unclebilly.com
RAINY DAY FUN
Kona's King Kamehameha's Hotel is located at the site of one of the royal residences of Kamehameha himself. Even if you don't plan to stay there, stop by for a quick visit: The hotel features a number of indoor displays highlighting Hawaiian history and the reconstructed Ahu'ena heiau is on its grounds.
Kamuela/Waimea
Kamuela Inn: A country inn located in the hill-country of Waimea. From $59. 65-1300 Kawaihae Rd., Kamuela, HI 96743 887-6144 1-800-555-8968 www.hawaii-bnb.com kaminn@aloha.net
Waimea Country Lodge: Located in Waimea's cowboy country. From $95. 65-1210 Lindsey Rd., Kamuela, HI 96743 885-4100 1-800-367-5004 www.castleresorts.com reservations@castleresorts.com
