We loved the Tower in the Trees. Gavin mentioned it when we called because the room we first wanted wasn’t available for our week, and it turned out to be just right. You climb about 14 stairs to reach it, then get a lovely view, privacy, and a breeze. We worried about the lack of air conditioning, but it stayed cool enough that some nights we didn’t even need the ceiling fan. Harry, our gecko, kept us company, and we loved the coqui frogs, birds, and wind in the trees. The rooms are spacious and nicely decorated. Laura showed me the other rooms after guests had checked out, and they all looked very nice. We also enjoyed the sweet tangerines and oranges from the well-kept fruit trees. The laundry facilities came in handy, and chatting with Laura there was a pleasure. We didn’t get around to the pool, hot tub, or grills because we had a long list of things to see, though we would have used them on a longer stay. There were only a few sprinkles during our visit, and umbrellas are available for guests. It’s a short drive to Hilo restaurants and the Farmers Market. We also went the other way one day to Laupāhoehoe Park for a picnic and to see the moving memorial to the schoolchildren and others lost in the 1946 tsunami. I’d suggest calling Gavin and Laura to book directly. They had flexibility if an emergency affected our travel plans, and it was nice to talk with them. We wouldn’t stay anywhere else near Hilo.
Hale Makai Hawaii
About this property
A very nice place to stay for a reasonable price - hotel "Hale Makai Hawaii" is located in Papaikou. This hotel is located in walking distance from the city center.
Good to know
- Check-in
- From 23:00
- Check-out
- Until 11:00
See rooms and prices for your stay.
Guest reviews
Recent reviews shared by hotel guests
We spent four nights in the Mauna Kea room while working remotely and had a great time. It’s roomy and has everything we needed. Just outside is a small kitchen area with a single electric burner, microwave, and toaster oven. The property is beautiful, and downtown Hilo is about a ten-minute drive away. My husband and I really enjoyed our stay.
The stars at night and fresh oranges and mangosteens right off the tree were lovely, and we also got to unwind by what felt like our own private pool. We stayed five nights in the Mauna Kea room at the start of the off-season. It’s a spacious corner room, with hammocks and chairs just outside and a screen door that was nice on cooler nights. The bed adjusts, which I only figured out on our third night. It was the peaceful, beautiful trip we’d hoped for. We’ll come back next time we’re on the Big Island.
Laura and Garvin were genuine and attentive, checking in regularly to see if I needed anything. As a woman traveling alone, I felt safe and relaxed on the gated property. I stayed longer than most guests, and the place suited me perfectly. It’s peaceful, very well cared for, and adults only, which was a nice break from being around kids. The location is great too, right along the coast and just a short drive from downtown Hilo. I’d definitely come back. Thanks, Laura and Garvin!
We had what we needed in the room, including a fridge, soaps, and utensils. The property is quiet, peaceful, and nice to look at, and Laura, the owner and hostess, is easy to talk to and really nice. It’s close enough to downtown Hilo for a bite to eat. My partner and I will be back to enjoy this side of the island.
Amenities
Everything available at this property
General Services
1 available- Laundry
Internet
1 available- Internet access
What's nearby
Explore attractions, restaurants and transport around the hotel
10.5 km
1.3 km 16 min walk
2.0 km 26 min walk
Attractions
20- Onomea Bay Trail1.3 km 16 min walk
- Hawai‘i Tropical Botanical Garden1.5 km 19 min walk
- Mokupāpapa Discovery Center8.1 km
- Pacific Tsunami Museum8.2 km
- Hawaii Zipline & Hiking Tours8.2 km
Restaurants
20- What's Shakin'2.0 km 26 min walk
- Piilani Kitchen3.7 km
- Hilo Hawaiian Queens Court Restaurant3.9 km
- Hawaiian Style Cafe6.5 km
- Hawaii Coffee Connection7.2 km
Transit
1- Hilo International AirportAirport10.5 km
Stay rules
Important conditions for your stay
Hotel information
Electricity
- Voltage
- 120 V
- Frequency
- 60 Hz
- Socket types
- A, B
