The 6 Best Resorts in Hilo, Hawaii | Hand-Picked for 2025
We analyzed all the available beachfront options and found the best resorts in Hilo Hawaii that offer travelers a full vacation experience in one of Hawaii’s most beautiful and breathtaking coastlines.
Located on the lush, rugged eastern coast of the Big Island, Hilo is, well, a bit unlike other more commercialized Hawaiian cities.
It’s cooler, more laid-back, and totally wrapped in nature, teeming with waterfalls, volcanoes, and botanical gardens all within easy reach.
But here’s the thing: Hilo doesn’t really have traditional mega-resorts like those you’d spot in Maui or Waikiki.
Instead, what it offers are properties that, while smaller in scale, are still very much packed with thoughtful touches and key vacation essentials.
So, we found the best resorts in Hilo Hawaii that still offer pools, relaxing spa-like amenities, excellent on-site dining, walkable waterfront views, and rooms with serious comfort.
So, while you might not get ten restaurants and a sprawling golf course, you’ll definitely get peace, access to nature, and quality service, and all in one convenient spot.
Table of Contents
Methodology
To pick the best resorts Hilo Hawaii has to offer, our editorial team went through thousands of online reviews.
We combed through Google Reviews, TripAdvisor feedback, and Expedia ratings to understand what past guests were genuinely saying. We also analyzed location quality, available amenities, property vibe, and consistency of service.
Then, using our proprietary internal ranking system (which balances objective ratings with subjective traveler sentiment), we scored each resort to create a definitive list. What’s left are the six best resorts in Hilo Hawaii right now.
Top 6 Hilo Hawaii Resorts – 2025 Full Guide
6. Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo – A DoubleTree by Hilton
Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Key Highlights:
- Oceanfront setting with panoramic bay views
- Relaxing swimming pool and on-site restaurant
- Free 9-hole golf course access included
The Grand Naniloa Hotel is probably the most resort-like option in town in terms of branding and feel in Hilo.
Sitting right on Banyan Drive, it offers sweeping views of Hilo Bay and is, in fact, just a few blocks from Liliuokalani Gardens and Coconut Island.
It’s also a Hilton property, making it one of the best Hilo Hawaii resorts for Hilton Honors members as well.
The rooms here are very clean, slightly modern, and come with basic comforts like microwaves, mini-fridges, and sometimes even kitchenettes, depending on the suite.
Some options even include furnished lanais that face the Pacific, which is, well, a nice bonus for those slow mornings. The vibe is casual but professional, and you get that familiar DoubleTree hospitality, of course, with the warm cookie too.
The on-site restaurant, Hula Hulas, offers casual Hawaiian-American fare with live music and oceanfront seating, making it a lovely way to stay in without missing out.
There’s a small pool, modest in size, but functional for cooling off, and a decent fitness area. What really sets it apart though is the inclusion of complimentary access to a neighboring 9-hole golf course.
Overall, we think it’s one of the most complete Hilo resorts out there.
5. The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls – Most Affordable
Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Key Highlights:
- 22 acres of private land surrounding a 120-foot waterfall
- Off-grid, eco-friendly property with solar and hydro power
- Farm-to-table breakfast included in rates
- One of the most budget-friendly resorts Hilo Hawaii offers
Just outside town, you’ll find the Inn at Kulaniapia Falls, which isn’t a conventional resort by any stretch, but still gives travelers a pretty full experience.
It’s situated on a very scenic private estate with a jaw-dropping waterfall right on the property. The setting feels very remote but is still only about 15 minutes from downtown Hilo.
This resort leans heavily into eco-conscious living. Rooms here are charming, with bamboo touches and Hawaiian-inspired design, and are powered by sustainable energy sources.
They’re not overly large, but they’re cozy and genuinely peaceful, and that’s part of the draw. You’re surrounded by nature in all directions, and the quiet is, like, almost surreal.
There’s no traditional pool, but swimming at the base of the waterfall is something you’ll remember for the rest of your life. Breakfast is included and made fresh using local ingredients, and while there’s no on-site restaurant, the staff helps coordinate meals or even meal kits if needed.
For those looking for resorts Hilo Hawaii that are affordable, peaceful, and family-run, this is a top pick, especially for travelers who appreciate sustainability and outdoor adventure.
4. Hilo Hawaiian Hotel – Best-Seller
Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Key Highlights:
- Located directly on Hilo Bay with lava rock shoreline
- Ocean-view rooms with private balconies
- On-site restaurant and proximity to downtown
The Hilo Hawaiian Hotel is a bit of a classic and often ranks as one of the most booked resorts in Hilo Hawaii for good reason.
Sitting right on the bay, the views here, especially from the upper floors, are absolutely worth waking up early for. It’s located just a quick stroll from Coconut Island and across the road from Liliuokalani Gardens, so you’re more or less surrounded by relaxing scenery.
The rooms are spacious enough for couples or families and many have been refreshed in recent years with more modern furnishings. Some even include wet bars and kitchenettes, which are super helpful for longer stays.
You’ll also find a large banquet room, making it popular for events and small conferences.
Dining is handled by the respected on-site eatery, WSW Steakhouse, which is considered one of the best restaurants in Hilo. There’s also a bar lounge with ocean views.
While it doesn’t have a pool or spa, the overall convenience and comfort of this property, along with its dependable service, make it a reliable bet for anyone looking into Hilo Hawaii resorts for a first-time trip or return stay.
3. Dolphin Bay
Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Key Highlights:
- Small, quiet 18-room inn with local vibe
- Walking distance to Hilo Farmer’s Market and downtown
- Free parking, kitchenettes, and warm, personal service
If you’re the kind of traveler who values authenticity and peace over frills, Dolphin Bay is definitely worth a look.
This small family-run inn sits quietly just a few blocks above downtown Hilo. The vibe is really more about low-key comfort than flashy amenities, but for many visitors, that’s actually a plus.
Each room comes with a kitchenette, which makes it super easy to prepare small meals or store snacks after visiting the Hilo Farmer’s Market just down the road.
Of course, being small and family-run, Dolphin Bay also offers warm, genuine hospitality. The owners are incredibly helpful, and guests often comment on how easy they make everything feel.
It’s not sitting directly on the water, but the oceanfront is just a short walk or drive away. You’re also a quick drive to the Pacific Tsunami Museum, Lyman Museum, and the beautiful gardens nearby.
For budget-conscious travelers seeking friendly Hilo resorts with clean rooms and walkable access to town, Dolphin Bay is an underrated gem.
2. SCP Hilo Hotel – Top Value Pick
Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Key Highlights:
- Eco-focused design with wellness-driven amenities
- Outdoor pool, fitness room, and shared workspaces
- Complimentary bikes and filtered water stations
Located just minutes from the airport and only a few blocks from the coast, SCP Hilo Hotel is where value, style, and sustainability intersect.
Recently renovated, this property has been updated into a wellness-inspired space that puts a real focus on clean aesthetics and community-minded travel.
Rooms are minimal yet functional, with wooden accents and neutral tones that give everything a peaceful, earthy tone. You get modern beds, rain showers, organic bath products, and fast Wi-Fi.
There’s an outdoor pool and garden area for unwinding, and the on-site café serves up good local coffee and light snacks.
The resort offers co-working spaces, complimentary gear for outdoor adventures, and filtered water stations to refill your bottles, something frequent travelers will appreciate.
You’re also really close to Reeds Bay Beach Park and Carlsmith Beach Park, both of which offer calm swimming spots. Among resorts in Hilo Hawaii that aim to balance price with comfort and thoughtful extras, SCP Hilo stands out for today’s eco-savvy traveler.
1. Hamakua Hotel – Top Overall
Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Key Highlights:
- Ocean-facing boutique hotel with colorful tropical vibe
- Hammocks, BBQ area, and quiet gardens on property
- Under 5 minutes from downtown and scenic viewpoints
Hamakua Hotel earns the top spot on our list not because it’s massive or packed with luxury services, but because it hits a really rare combination of location, hospitality, and character.
Nestled just above the town center, this boutique-style resort is quietly perched with views out toward the bay, and it gives off a cheerful, almost bohemian energy that travelers often describe as peaceful and personal.
The rooms are brightly painted and each has its own feel, with private entrances and outdoor seating. There’s a shared garden space with hammocks and a fire pit, as well as a guest-use BBQ area that encourages community and relaxation.
The resort isn’t beachfront, but you’re only a few minutes by car from Richardson Ocean Park and Onekahakaha Beach Park, both great for swimming or picnics.
Guests love the staff here, and reviews consistently mention how warm and attentive they are without ever being overbearing. The vibe is inviting and extremely chill, making it the top pick as the best resort in Hilo Hawaii that balance charm with simple convenience.
Articles You Might Also Like
