For a trip before a wedding in June, we are planning 2 days, Kona; have chosen the OHANA Keauhou Beach Resort. Then 2 days at Volcano at the Volcano Rainforest Retreat. Finally at Hilo (before going back to Honolulu) at the Hilo Hawaiian.

Any comments, warnings, suggestions for special things to do, places to eat nearby?

cfc, may I ask why you are spending a night at the Hilo Hawaiian? Is the wedding in Hilo? Unless there's a special reason, I would not chose to stay in Hilo or at that hotel. My sister stayed at the HH, and said it was *just okay.* I have visited Hilo but always stay at the Kilauea Lodge in Volcano, and at the Outrigger Waikoloa on the Kohala Coast (a wonderful, very Hawaiian hotel among the ritzier ones in that area, with the BEST beach). The Rainforest Retreat sounds great.......and I've heard some good things about the Keauhou Beach Resort. Hilo is usually somewhat rainy, grayish on the best of days.....just not my idea of a vacation spot, but that's JMHO!

I was considering the Hilo Hawaiian for two nights for the day we visit the volcano - I can get it for 84/nt, where as the recommended volcano "inns" seem to be nearly twice as much. I'd be interested in opinions on the Hilo Hawaiian as a base for exploring the volcano park as well as opinions on the hotel itself. Thanks!

Well, I guess you pretty much have my opinion of using Hilo as a base. But if it's important to keep expenses down, the hotels there will certainly be easier on the wallet than the places in Volcano, but I prefer to spend more and soak up the atmosphere of Volcano!(Kilauea Lodge starts at $135 night for gorgeous rooms, and that includes breakfast.) I'm sure you will have a wonderful time in *Paradise* wherever you stay!

We had just heard of a few nice things to see near Hilo, like waterfalls, etc. Our flight isn't out 'til early evening. If you have a better suggestion for Hilo or within "driving range" of the airport (luggage in rented car), I'd be interested to hear it.

cfc, we always stay at Kilauea Lodge, and it isn't all that far to the airport from there but we have always left early in the morning to go to our next island. Are you saying you're concerned about having luggage in your rental car while you sightsee and before you leave that night? I'm sorry.......I don't know of any place in Hilo that I want to stay because of the weather. Yes, there are wonderful things to see AROUND Hilo, the waterfalls, and DON'T MISS the Botanical Gardens north of Hilo.....just amazing if you love flowers! When I think of Hilo, I think gray, drizzly; maybe someone else on here finds a lot to love about Hilo???

I do not like to do a lot of driving in one day. So when I go to the Big Island, I split my stay between Hilo and Kona area. I have stayed at the Hilo Hawaiian twice, using it as a base to explore the Volcano region and the waterfalls/gardens in the area.

As far as the hotel itself, the lobby and restaurant area are quiet nice. The rooms are not as fancy as the lobby might lead to you believe, but they are serviceable (Holiday Inn type caliber). The hotel is situated on the bay and next door to a park and Coconut Island. Being located on Banyan Tree Drive, along with other hotels (which seemed shabbier than the Hilo Hawaiian). If you find HH's buffets to be too expensive, you could always walk to one of the other hotels (such as Uncle Billy's) to eat. Hilo is not as much geared to tourists as other parts of the island.
I think its about 45min to the Volcano from there, definitely not more than that to Akaka Falls.
I have actually experienced as much sunshine as rain in Hilo, and that rain makes way for some lovely greenery and vegetation.

I love it!!!...I get say my piece about Hilo!!!
Good choice!!! I love Hilo...yes, it can be wet, but it is nice when it is sunny. [enough tooting...now some ideas!]

Hilo Hawaiian okay...as mentioned above.
I agree with other posts.

Sights to see around Hilo....Boiling Pots, Rainbow Falls, Akaka falls, Botanical gardens[as mentioned], Tsunimi Museum, Lyman museum [mission house], old down town, King Kamehameha Statue [interesting story about this particular statue].

Don't forget to take the senic route [to botanical gardens]. Stop at "What's Shakin" for lunch or at least a papaya smoothie [best in the islands!!]

Interested in your feedback about Hilo when you return.

[I stay at the Dolphin Bay Hotel in Hilo: John Alexander is the best tour guide [advice] about Hilo and surrounding area.]

Enjoy your trip....all the ideas posted here are good....Hawaii...it's all good!

I liked the Hilo Hawaiian. We had a very nice view of the mountain, as well as a fabulous sunset, from our room. I would stay there again!