Pakalana Inn — Hotel in Hawaii

Full disclosure: I knew the owner from online prior to staying at the Pakalana Inn. In fact, he and the Inn were the impetus for our visiting the Big Island. This isn't a resort. This isn't really a hotel in the traditional sense - there isn't a front desk, for instance. The front door, which is also the front door for Paul's Place, a terrific little breakfast and lunch spot (reservations pretty much required), and your room door have cypher locks that the owner programs with your unique pins as your key to get in. The rooms have a fridge, a microwave, a coffee maker, the bed (or beds) and a bathroom with a shower with nicely hot water (and a lot of it). What else do you need - you're not likely to be in Hawaii to stay in your hotel room! The inn is next door to the Hilo Famer's Market and just blocks away from the Pacific Tsunami Museum and the Mokupapapa Discovery Center, as well as within walking distance of a lot of really good restaurants. If you plan on staying on the windward side of the Big Island, it's a comfortable and conveniently central place to stay. Note: the Inn is not ADA compliant, climbing stairs is required to enter the building and get up to your rooms. Say hi to the...

We stayed here for 3 nights in Dec and it was awesome! I can honestly say that the place is nicer than what's shown in the pictures and we were very pleasantly surprised. The building exterior looks a little worn and sketchy, but the inside is newly renovated and the room looked like a cozy wonderful cabin. We were in room 2 (elua) and it was spacious for 2 with a comfortable bed, kitchenette and cozy chair for lounging. Only downside is that there are ants in the morning (careful with food you leave out) and spotty wifi (neil the owner indicated the modem would be changed soon, so that should fix it).||I would not hesitate to recommend this place to anyone. Excellent value, super comfortable stay, helpful owner and central location (in downtown, close to farmers market, shops, restaurants etc). And did i mention that Paul's place just below is a must go for breakfast? So good! Make...

After an airbnb in Hilo, HI proved a disaster (and I got airbnb to reimburse totally), I stayed two nights here a week apart in two different rooms. My recommendation is all possible stars = excellent. The owner was swift to respond to phone calls/or emails, and I was delighted with the accommodation. Right in the middle of things (insofar as Hilo is a happening place . . .), comfortable and clean with enough amenities for me. The owner was very accommodating in check-in/check-out times within the parameters of his other guests (of course) and so very kind in personal interaction when I met him. The downstairs cafe was nice (shout-out to Paul for being pleasant and remembering me from one week to the next although I only purchased one cup of coffee since I had no reservation for more). Highly recommended, would stay here...