I came here as a volunteer in March of 2012 knowing nothing about Hawaii or the Big Island. I…read moreintended to stay for only 2 weeks, but ended up living here for about 6 months. This place was the most amazing experience of my life. This is where I met lifelong friends, travelers and business contacts. Hedonisia attracts eccentric, interesting, talented hippie types and the like who all have something to contribute to the "community of individuals" that comprises Hedonisia. At Hedo, I learned how to do yoga, cook curry, tend tropical gardens, build structure from re-used and re-purposed materials, build trails, hula hoop, among many other fascinating hobbies that I would have ordinarily never have tried, all in one place, none the less! The most amazing aspect of this place is the people. Without them, Hedonisia would not be as enriching of an experience. Hedonisia is on roughly 4 acres of tropical rainforest and it's built in a whimsical play land sort of way. There are fun funky nooks and crannies to explore, lots of colorful art, cooky but functional structures, a converted hippie school bus, the works. One of my friends I met here described it perfectly once: This place feels like adult hippie summer camp. You work hard, you make friends, and most of all you have so much fun! In addition to all the property has to offer including fresh fruit, beautiful flowers, vegetables, it is located in an amazing spot in Lower Puna which is rich with folklore and culture, as it is in the wake of Kilauea (active volcano's) path. There are geothermal warm ponds just up the street, black sand beaches, amazing camping, cool farmer's markets and night markets and overall the most interesting mix of people you'd ever hope to meet. This place is somewhere to go if you have an open mind and an open heart, if you are eager and hungry to learn, explore, adventure and have fun. The owners are open, honest, fun, youthful and amazing people who I have become lifelong friends and business contacts with. They have an open door policy and often get their hands dirty themselves doing work, weeding around the property, getting to know all their volunteers, all their guests, and generally opening their little slice of paradise up for everyone to share and enjoy. Do yourself a favor and volunteer here. Now.

From the first moment I got to Hedonisia I felt at home. I came as a volunteer with no return date…read morein mind so far from home I was so glad to feel comfortable as soon as I arrived. Everything is rainbow colored and mostly open air, even the kitchen which was one of my favorite parts! The property has multiple levels and its own volcanic crater! I stayed in the Avocado Tent which to my surprise was a large tent with carpeting and a real bed inside! Over my time as a volunteer I got to meet lots of really great and interesting people. This is a great place to spend some time at getting to know people. You wouldn't really get a chance to appreciate this place if you only stay for a couple of nights. If you are looking for something truly unique I would highly recommend checking this place out!

Amazing, affordable find. We were only able to stay one night (husband had a fever and we had to…read moremove on), but I would love to come back again in the future. Satoshi was so kind, and while we didn't get to interact with the rest of the family, we did get to pet only of the cuddly cats on premise and border collie. The location is lush and quiet. Our room was on the second floor and had a private bath with amazing hot water (needed in Volcano!) and a comfortable bed. Whenever we come back we are definitely staying here again.

What an awesome place! We spent two days in the volcano park and this was an amazing daily…read morelaunching point for our stay. Satoshi and My Huong Yabuki are fantastic and kind hosts! The initial drive-up might make you wonder what's going on w/ this place given that the garage is full of appliances and wires, but don't be fooled. The hostel rooms are great! Very clean rooms, comfy beds, clean bathrooms with good towels and hot showers. There's a large communal kitchen and sitting area w/ a TV. Their home/hostel is off the main drag and peaceful and quiet. One room--the one we had--had a private bathroom. I believe the rest of the rooms have shared baths, but not sure. Satoshi and My Huong Yabuki also have two lovely kids ours really enjoyed playing with both throughout the house and the large property. It was a great stay for all of us and we'd definitely go back!

I spent a week at Gay Hawaii B&B during Xmas holidays 2018. What a fantastic and wonderful…read moreexperience! The host is perfection, he is so knowledgeable about the island and the local sights and so helpful, sweet, friendly, and fun. The house is comfortable, clean, calm, and I met some other guests that have become forever friends. The area is amazing with the ocean so close you can walk and a black sand clothing optional beach a short drive away. Uncle Awa's bar is very close, also a little market there, and don't miss the Wed. nite food and arts festival. Also a short drive to Pahoa, a quaint sleepy town with wonderful hippie shops and great Thai food! Also a not too far ride to Volcano National Park, and also several waterfalls- very cool! We picked fresh passion-fruit and lemons in the tropical garden and made passion-fruit lemonade. The kitchen is fully stocked and we made fabulous meals. All in all it was the perfect vacation. I will definitely be returning and can not recommend Gay Hawaii B&B highly enough!!

This is my worst experience ever staying at a B&B. I've…read moretraveled all around the world. What was supposed to be a lovely getaway for a personal holiday, it was basically a nightmare. The owner over booked & offered a BALI HUT which is The NIGHTMARE. Rainstorm downpour 5 days. Dripping roof from rain, screens not secured & 2 inch opening under entry door for easy access from jungle critters. The door doesn't lock. If you're looking for numerous mosquito bites, critters & way too many ghekos trying to get out of rain. They live between the rafters. I tried to move back & reclaim my room main home. No one replied, owner got angry & accused me of coming all the way there & making this up not to pay. I also was accused of stalking because of trying to get moved or something? This is NONSENSE. I had to check out after 2 days with no sleep. Because of a holiday wee I paid triple the cost at a last minute hotel back in Hilo I've had nothing but contention & threats trying to be compensated for overbooking & my experience in Bali Hut. I have no reason to lie or make this up. Please Beware

Cute quaint space. They just finishing renovating when I stayed in Feb, so it wasn't fully booked…read more It's located pretty centrally, so it was easy for me to walk to a few places. Staff was so friendly, gave recommendations and even had a white board with local events happening some nights. The lotus (female) dorm doesn't not have outlets near all the beds. It wasn't a huge deal for me, but something to be aware of. Everything else was great, and so clean!

This Hostel is pretty cool, about the best choice when staying in the area. Is super clean, fully…read moresecured, has small parking space for the rental but also is close to many places we could walk to. We were able to use their lockers to store our stuff while we were out and about. They have your typical amenities like kitchenette, fridge, free coffee and tea and whatever one may need to prep a small meal. Showers have shampoo and conditioner available. The hostel did provided us with a towel each. The restrooms were very clean actually and you are able to lock the showers so that its at least private while you shower. Our room in the back had its own bathroom and shower, which was neat. The guests were super nice and it was a nice mix of guys and girls. I love hostels and I have actually stayed here before and made a few friends I stay in touch with. Overall I recommend this place, the employees will totally help out with whatever you could need while you stay.

This is my 2nd year that I'm visiting Open gate hostel and I feel like I home, couldn't say good…read moreenough words about this place. Very nice place to stay, well equipped and great hospitality. It's remote and made on last lava eruption in Kalapana Gardens.

Words can only scratch the surface when describing the beauty and elegance of this hostel. We…read moreaccidentally came upon this place in passing and its unique collision of architecture and artistry stood out to us. Although remote, the establishment is surprisingly accessible being just a couple left turns from town. We were struck by the owners' hospitality and our stay left us feeling fully restored. Our new favorite place to crash on a weekend in puna.

Nice hostel in an old, converted hotel. Nice old building. Comfortable, and the residents are…read morepretty quiet, except for the cockatiels, love birds and dog. Not a party place Slightly run down (our room's door knob kept falling off), but not at all shabby. No breakfast included (free coffee and tea), and kitchen is on the smaller side. Internet access, and tables to plug in a laptop. No air conditioning, but there are fans I all the rooms. One washer and dryer available. Overall I liked this place. It felt very comfortable, and I think it would be great for families and those wanting a quieter stay. Good price, too.

This is a great location and a cool old building. What kills it for me is the giant TV that is the…read morefocal point of the common area. Nobody talks to each other because the giant TV sucks everyone in. And you hear it everywhere. Oh, and cigarette smoke is constantly coming in because they have a smoking patio right outside. Ugh I come to Hilo often but will not want to come back to this place, sadly.

First of all, how am I the first to write a review of this place that has been here since 1990?…read more Owned and operated by the same family since its establishment. Yes I did my homework before arriving! Now that I'm here, wow! Just wow! Located close to ITO airport and the beautiful beach, this property has a little or a lot of everything for every traveler! From incredible house/lodge style accommodations (think barndominium - I live in Tennessee) to basic hotel style rooms and suites, even onsite camping for travelers! I was immediately greeted by concierge Lauren who took her time, walking me around the grounds even though I'm just here for the night. I arrived late, but just before sunset. Ok ok, let me go back.... I was flying in from HNL and as my flight departed at 5:00pm, I received a text from Arnotts confirming my arrival. This personal touch started my journey to this review. Being only 12 minutes from the ITO airport, a taxi ride is about $15.00. The drive is beautiful, scenic, and the view of the ocean pretty much the entire drive in reaching the resort. The atmosphere is green, lush, and quiet. Many common areas, so if you're traveling alone, not to worry, this Lodge makes you feel like you're among friends! Check in and be ready to be escorted around the property with a personal tour of all the amenities and your room! Although there are no TVs or phones in the rooms, WiFi is strong and the air conditioner is cold! What more do you need? You're in Hawaii! Go enjoy the sights! The Lodge has its own tour company, excursions! No need to leave your accommodation to find things to do, this place has its own all. 10/10 for sure! Listen, if you want the beach, close to the airport (without noise, I literally heard chirping birds only), excursions, friendly people, beautiful lush grounds, a clean room, and peace! This is your place! Thank you Lauren! You made my first visit to Hilo one I won't forget! ~ Kerry Kirchenberg K9comfortpaws.com

Arnott's lodge Mauna Kea summit tour in October 2026 was a nightmare. We wish we'd asked for a…read morerefund before it started, as a different person did. The air conditioning in the van was out, an inconvenience but manageable so we went for it. Wish we hadn't. As we were driving, noticed the seatbelts were locking up, we had to keep undoing and redoing to get freedom of movement. We got past the visitors center when your guide noticed the van had a flat tire. We were stuck on the side of the road for an hour and 15 minutes waiting for a replacement van. We missed sunset on the peak. Our driver was understandably in a rush to get us to the peak so we zoomed up. The headlights from all the vehicles leaving were directly in our eyes. The front passenger seatbelt was broken so a passenger drove without one. The guide asked Rangers to give us a few minutes at the observatory. We stopped at the top for a few minutes to snap a couple photos, then had to rush back down as Rangers were wanting everyone off the summit. We didn't get a summit sunset or time to eat our picnic dinner. This is not an experience I'd recommend for anyone visiting the big island, I'd have rather spent my time elsewhere and feel this wasn't worth the price.

First let me start by saying, I am extremely picky and I guess as my friends say, boujie , LOL…read more I just got back from my Hawaii trip.. first time ever in a hostel. I wanted to go out of my comfort zone and also save money at this time as I have some goals I am working on. I researched each hostel, read reviews and honestly cleanliness was my primary concern. I was pleasantly surprised.. First, it was easy to book. Second.. Adam... I have never felt more welcome ANYwhere. He greeted me so warmly, checked me in in 5 mins and took me for a tour of the place. Super cute, inviting, welcoming, and home-ee Now, please understand, it is Kona, it is Island, the hostel is open air in a way and it is somewhat humid in the bathrooms at times and a bit musty, but nothing awful...this is not the four Seasons... so if you are not willing to step out of YOUR comfort zone and have this kind of experience then don't book it and leave a bad review. The staff here work hard and talking to other visitors that have frequented hostels, they were all very happy and surprised actually here. It Is shared living quarters and you have people from all over the world so hygiene is different for some people... but.. the staff are constantly cleaning, sanitizing and making sure the place is in order. I loved the seating with umbrellas that have LED lights to enjoy a nice evening and grab a book and hot cup of tea or beer and enjoy it. There is a full kitchen with all utensils and machines for you to use. Fridge, where you mark your items and everyone is super respectful. Coffee and tea and provided and water. Bathrooms are available as shared or 2 private. BBQ is back for your own use. The staff can do laundry for you same day for $5. There is a bulletin board full of local information and coupons. The bed.. WOW.. the bed was SO comfortable.. sheets white and clean. Very well working AC in each room. There are lockers in the rooms for your personal items but not for luggage. Under the beds have plenty of room for that. Free hi speed WiFi. Nice location. Water pressure in the bathrooms are fabulous. Another cute lounge area in the kitchen with books and comfy chairs. In the evening most travelers are hanging out, Talking, eating and cooking, so it is a great place to meet people, or if you are an introvert that's cool too. Location: you are literally across the street from a beach with gorgeous sunsets. You are walking distance to a liquor/ convenience store & few small places. I myself rented a moped for $60 a day from Kona Mopeds and I HIGHLY suggest that as well to hit the main strip of restaurants, bars and shopping. There is also a local trolley called the Hele on which is $2 as well which is great and the stop is right in front of the hostel.. All in all, I really enjoyed my stay.. yes, I was a little uncomfortable at first because I am so nit picky but I just realized, hey, I am here to sleep and shower and then enjoy the Island. So, if you are trying to choose a hostel, choose this one. You won't be disappointed. P.S: Adam, I hope you get a bonus for your outstanding service and kindness. You made this gal's first time to Kona great!

My Hawaii hostel is a cute little place near downtown Kona. It is a small space, so it's a very…read moresocial hostel. I mention this because there is very little space to find a corner for yourself, if that's what you want every once and a while. Upon arrival it was hard to find a person to check on because the "office" is in the kitchen -- which is fine if I'd known! There were quite a few people there so I wandered around until a staffer member noticed I wanted to check in. After that it was smooth sailing. Aside from all that, the facilities were good and staff was very friendly! They do have parking, and there's a stop for the trolley right out front.

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Wild Ginger Inn…read more It's location is very convenient - you can even walk the 3 blocks to Downtown Hilo. It is an older property but that did not bother us - it is full of charm. If you're looking for a 5-star resort with all the amenities like air-conditioning and an exercise room, this is not it. But if you are seeking clean, comfortable lodging with Aloha spirit at a great rate - then you'll be glad you booked this Inn. From the Hawaiian music playing (quietly) in the lobby area to the decor to the plants throughout the property. Our room was comfortable and clean (daily housekeeping) and the included continental breakfast allowed us to get about our day. The owner was so friendly and welcoming, and provides tips on things to do and see. Lastly - take the time to admire the woodcarvings and Tiki in the common areas (we had the pleasure of talking with the artist - the proprietor's husband).

Nothing good to say about this place…read more We couldn't stay because it was bad from the moment we got there. Hot water would take 15-20 minutes to get to the shower. No ice machine, no internet, no TV, no place to set your luggage except the floor. The pictures must be old because when we got there it was more rundown. Stairs were sketchy and the place really needs some work all around. Unsure why anyone would give this place a 5 star review when I am giving it one star because you have to give something. Do not make a reservation unless you want to give your money away because they have it posted that if you have a complaint about this place built in 1911, it will not suffice to get a refund of your first day if you don't cancel 24 hours prior. I highly recommend asking to see your room and tour the property before choosing to stay there so you know what you are getting yourself in to.