My husband informs me he is tired of the megaresort thing and would like to spend some time on the Hilo side of the Big Island. I'm intrigued by some of the B&Bs I have researched, but am concerned about some things: Is Hilo really cool enough to do without A/C - as some of the higher elevation areas are? (This makes me worry about Shipman House and The Bay House.) Palms Cliff House looks nice but is it too out of the way or "stuffy"? I've also looked at Dolphin Bay Hotel (no A/C), Volcano Rainforest Retreat, and My Island B&B. Kilauea Lodge looks great but I was also looking at things a little more central to this side of the island and not just VNP-centered. Any suggestions welcome!

I don't mean to imply that I've eliminated any possibilities. Feedback on any of the above-mentioned, or other places I've not considered, is welcome.

Doing without A/C in Hilo is fine for most people, as long as trade winds don't fail -- which they sometimes do, especially from late spring to early fall.

My four mainstays on the Hilo side are Forest House at My Island B&B, Golden Goose B&B, Hale Ohia and the Kilauea Lodge. All of these are near and closer to VNP, not Hilo (which I really don't care for, but others do).

Yikes... That was supposed to be Country Goose B&B, not Golden..

fdecarlo -
Which of the first three has the most beautiful setting? Do any of them have A/C? I think most people know to visit VNP and the beautiful falls and other sights between Hilo and Waimea. What are some things in the Puna area and between Hilo and VNP that you would recommend we see? Thank you for your help. I've visited Maui several times since I last stayed on the beautiful Big Island ten years ago...

Country Goose does have A/C, although you probably won't need it. Our room there had a ceiling fan and that was more than enough to keep us cool and comfortable at night! It is nestled in the rain forest, and the grounds have lots of pretty trees and native plants.

I liked just driving the coastline in the Puna area. I took some beacutiful photos of the sea and black rocks, and I als enjoyed watching the surfers at the state park!!

I really liked the setting at Carsons Cottages (near VNP); the grounds were very nice. The road from Volcano down to Hilo is pretty straight and fast.

Another option would be in the north-central ranching area; Jacaranda House looked quite nice.

All of these have great settings. This part of the island is very green and lush. My two favorites are Forest House at My Island (which sits in a grove of giant ferns and is very private, and Hale Ohia (situated on a historical estate -- one gets a real sense of what Hawaii was like a half century ago). The Ihilani Cottage at Hale Ohia is best of the lot IMO.

Christie is correct about A/C. Not many B&B's in this area have it because it's rarely needed. In fact more of these accomodations have heaters for cool nights than A/C for hot days.

Other activities in Puna include hot springs (Ahalanui, Pohoiki etc) in addition to some steam caves (not worth bothering with IMO) and a nice black sand, clothing optional beach (Kehana). If you're lucky you'll get to hang out with a wild flock of macaws that frequent this beach. Bring some dried banana chips or other bird offering just in case.

We stayed at the Dolphin Bay a few years ago and enjoyed it--it's very low-key, reasonably priced, and a short stroll into downtown Hilo. The owner is totally cool and loves to help out guests; he will draw maps of "secret hot spots" for you around the island. As for AC, it rains quite a bit in Hilo--we just put the ceiling fan on and opened the (screened) windows and were fine.

I seem to be having some trouble posting, so sorry if this shows up twice. I have never stayed here, but have heard really good reports about the Inn at Kulaniapia. Here is the website.
http://www.hawaii-bnb.com/kulaniapia/index.html

Some of our favorite Hilo side activities include: snorkeling at Kapoho lagoons, drive the Puna coast, visit the newly forming black sand beach at Kaiamu, the outdoor markets in Hilo at Puna, especially the Maku'u market in Puna - A hawaiian cultural experience. Check the events calendar for the east side, there are usually cultural and musical activites going on. Last time we were there, the city of Hilo was celebrating Queen Liliokalani's birthday in the Hilo bayfront park with a mass hula - over 300 dancers. At the conclusion, an helicopter dropped orchids on everyone in the park - it was lovely and moving. I love the east side, it truely feels like Hawaii IMHO.

Thanks, Gellers and GloriaE!
That Inn at Kulaniapia Falls looks heavenly! The reviews on Tripadvisor are all excellent. One of the reviewers mentions mosquitoes, as this property is near Hilo and freshwater also. Are mosquitoes much of a problem in Volcano Village? I was specifically looking at Hale Ohia and the Forest House at My Island B&B. Anyone notice a particular mosquito problem at these properties? Or near Kilauea Lodge?

Mosquitos aren't a problem in Volcano or Hilo. In fact they aren't a problem anywhere on the BI except where there's lots of stagnant water (artificial ponds, lakes etc). The only places we've ever been bit were in Hawaii Tropical Botanical Gardens (BIG TIME -- if you go there, heed their advice to apply repellant. We didn't and paid the price!), and occasionally while hiking in the rainforested back country.

One other suggestion: visit this website for info on lots of Volcano accomodations, ranging from B&B's to 3-bedroom homes:

http://www.volcanogallery.com/lodging/

I'm glad you enjoyed the website for the Inn at Kulaniapia Falls. I would be prepared for mosquitos anywhere on the east side, as it is wet there. We have them at our home near Pahoa, but we use repellant when necessary. They are different than mainland mosquitos. The bite does not last more then a few hours. Oh boy - now I am really homesick to be there in Hawaii!