We'll be staying in Kona, but are thinking of a one night jaunt to Hilo so we aren't rushed visiting that area. Sort of a vacation-within-a- vacation. We did this several years ago and stayed at Uncle Billy's. Would like some place a bit nicer this trip. Suggestions? Would like a nice pool area and clean, comfortable room. (or perhaps a B&B?)

Barbara,
We enjoyed the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel. Nice views of Hilo Bay, bright, clean rooms and a pool.

Check out tripadvisor.com; it gets decent reviews.

Best wishes, SusanEva

We'll be staying at The Bay House B&B in June. The reviews of it on Tripadvisor.com are excellent. All their rooms go for $125/night bayhousehawaii.com

Just got back from a fantastic vacation! Our first trip to Hawaii in 20 years but am already planning our next one in 2007! We did spend a night at the Hilo Hawaiian, a little old but otherwise fine, good view. Just wanted to let you know that they do offer a very good Entertainment rate so ask for that when you book.

Just a "heads up" to those planning a trip to Hilo -- avoid April 19-23, unless you've already booked car, hotel and flight.

That's this year's Merrie Monarch Festival time.

Hilo hotels...yuck for now, with the Hilo Hawaiian seemingly the best of them. They won't be properly updated, if not completely redone, until long-term leases are renewed (in 2006 I hope).

Stay at a B&B in either Hilo or Volcano Village...although it would be difficult to find one with a pool.

Here's one with a pool:
http://www.halekaihawaii.com/

Have stayed at the reasonably-priced Old Hawaiian B&B and can definitely recommend a night's stay in the large Hawaiian Room:
www.thebigislandvacation.com
Lori is a nice host who serves a delicious pastry and fruit breakfast.

Other Hilo B&B's to consider other than the ones mentioned above:
Palms Cliff House with private hot tubs (palmscliffhouse.com)
the historic Shipman House (hilo-hawaii.com)
Inn at Kulaniapia Falls (waterfall.net)
Waterfalls Inn (waterfallsinn.com)