2 Best Hotels in Greater Hilo, Big Island

On a bluff above Honolii surfing beach, this modern, 5,400-square-foot home is 2 miles from downtown Hilo and features four rooms—each with patio, deluxe bedding, and grand ocean views within earshot of the surf. Fresh flowers and artful decor add a warm tropical touch. A continental breakfast is served every morning on an outdoor deck or in the kitchen's bay-window dining area. From their lanai, guests can watch spinner dolphins or migrating whales during the season. These are ideal accommodations for honeymooners and empty nesters.

Overlooking downtown Hilo and the ocean beyond, this inn sits next to a 120-foot waterfall that tumbles into a 300-foot-wide natural pond—enticing for swimming, conditions permitting. Powered by its own hydroelectric facility, the compound consists of a main residence with four guest rooms; the six-bedroom Harmony home; and the three-story Pagoda Guest House, with a bedroom and 1½ baths, perched near the cliff above the falls. All rooms have a private bath. Adding to the resort-style offerings, the chef's table dinners showcase local ingredients. Guest activities include waterfall rappelling and cooking classes. The addition of rustic off-grid cabins provides an affordable glamping option akin to a communal hostel experience. The inn offers a day-pass program for nonguests to enjoy the waterfall.