Kama'aina Inn

Tip and Penny are very friendly, even by Hawaiian standards, and they share avocados and other food they grow. This is a great place, with six small units set in a clean, comfortable garden setting. It’s conveniently located for walking to Hilo’s sights and restaurants, and they lend out umbrellas.

Penny, Tip, and Loke, if you’re lucky enough to be there when she’s in town, give the place a real aloha spirit. We loved the old Hawaii feel and getting that taste of Hilo we’d missed. The rooms were immaculately clean, the chocolate banana bread and fresh farmers market fruit were delicious, and Penny played ukulele during the day. I’ve never had better shower pressure anywhere I’ve stayed. They even have geckos trained to poop outside only! ;) My family is from Hilo, but my husband and I recently moved to the mainland. We came back with a lot of extended family, and things felt crowded and hectic, so we needed some privacy and a central location. The Kama'aina Inn was just right. There are lots of great shops and restaurants an easy walk away, and I got to see how Hilo is growing. Oddly enough, we both admitted we missed the coqui. They helped us sleep again! I highly recommend using this as a base to explore the whole Big Island.

The central patio is picturesque and ended up being my favorite place to hang out. I enjoyed chatting there with the other guests and the owners. Penny and Tip seem really connected with the Hilo community and what’s going on around town. This is the cleanest place I’ve stayed in Hilo, and I’ve been there dozens of times for work. The rooms and adjustable beds are incredibly comfortable. Do yourself a favor and go there!

I had to book at the last minute after forgetting to make reservations ahead of time, and the staff were helpful and easy to talk to. The small hotel has only a handful of rooms, so it’s nice and quiet. Our room had a queen and a full bed for two adults and a toddler. It’s downtown, with lots of restaurants within walking distance. Lucy's and pineapples are both great. The only downside was no AC. It was uncomfortable during the day, but once the sun went down it wasn’t much of an issue.