matnikstym

I live in Pahoa on the Big Island and drive Saddle Road at least once a month. It's 75 miles from Hilo to Kona, 50 miles of that is on Saddle Road, 44 miles of that is a smooth, paved, wide modern highway. The first 6-7 miles coming out of Hilo is narrow and has many curves. The 22 or so miles coming out of Kona is on a two lane highway. You can do it in just under two hours.

There are no streetlights due to the observatories. Some nights and afternoons there is a section that gets foggy but doesn't last more than a few miles.

takemewithu

Just completed an overnight stay at Hilo Hawaiian Hotel on Banyan Drive. I booked a room facing Hilo Bay. Just a quick feedback on this hotel: the positives - 1) it is well located, about 10 minutes to Hilo Airport and no more than 15 minutes to downtown Hilo area 2) decent restaurants on site i.e. Queen's Court and coffee shop 3) friendly and helpful staff 4) great view of the Hilo Bay if you book the ocean view room. The negatives - 1) hotel is dated, but they are currently renovating 2) the property is probably comparable to a 3star property in Honolulu or Kona.

Considering the nightly rates at under $200/night, it is a good value.