This is a great location and a cool old building. What kills it for me is the giant TV that is the focal 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. read more

First off there is a massive rat and roach problem. I can hear the rats running along the wall but that does not phase me. What upset me is Linda's treatment of an African American patron. She was verbally abusive, accusatory and then kicked him out without cause. My phone was dead otherwise I would have included a recording. Why 2 stars, when I read reviews I tend to avoid the 1 stars and 5 star rating. read more

This is the most disgusting hostel I have every had the misfortune to stay in: This place is infested with giant cockroaches and ants. They are in the bedroom, and can be seen crawling up the walls in the middle of the night, I saw one crawling in my bed one night. These cockroaches are all over the kitchen getting into all the dry food items, and all over the utensils...cockroach droppings are on all the plates and utensils in the kitchen. The showers are covered in black mold and are filthy, and have only ice cold water 24hrs a day. The toilets have tiny cubicles and are always filthy inside with urine on the seats and floor I encountered feces on the seats on a couple of occasions, the door latches are broken on the cubicles. The kitchen is always dirty with cockroaches and ants everywhere. This place is unfit for human habitation, and needs to be shutdown by the city. And to make matters even worse. The drunken bald-headed owner is extremely rude and obnoxious, he doesn't even allow a person to make a phone call in the middle of the day while on the premises. I was attempting to call my pharmacy to schedule an appointment for a COVID test. My call got rudely interrupted by "Slap-Head" the owner of the hostel. Who rudely ordered me to continue my call outside the premises. read more

I state that I have traveled far and wide around the world and I have never found myself as bad as in this place. Let's start from the beginning, as usual I book through booking.com and I receive instant confirmation of the reservation after paying for the first night of the 4 booked (the other three I would have paid upon my arrival as written on booking). 5 days before my arrival I received an email from the hotel saying that they would have canceled my reservation if I had not immediately paid the full amount and that they have never received the deposit for the first night, so I immediately call the structure and even reluctantly I go to meet him by paying everything to avoid problems even if once you have the confirmation from the booking you are not required to do anything more !!!! In the next email they confirm my reservation and say that the door of the hostel is open from 9am to 9pm. On the day of my arrival my flight is delayed by 2 hours and I arrive at 9:30 pm at the hostel certainly not my fault. The doors are closed and nobody opens me, I call 10/15 times and NO ONE ANSWERS ME. In short, if anything happens they don't give a damn about you and LEAVE YOU OUT. They have absolutely no respect for the customer. The next day I explain what happened and I am told that it is my fault and that after 9 they no longer care about you. (Of course since I had already paid) The guy from the reception (the only really nice person) tells me that he will ask the manager at least for the refund of the first night but the manager obviously refuses categorically. Not to mention the rooms with ALL THE WINDOWS BROKEN AND THAT DO NOT CLOSE with the ensuing noises and everything that can enter, the shower and everything else dilapidated. TERRIBLE EXPERIENCE ABSOLUTELY AVOID COMING HERE. read more

I stayed at Hilo Bay Hostel often off and on for two years when Covid hits the United States from March 2020-December 2021. The owner Stanley is amazing, through, thoughtful and efficient. He changed my life at 69 years old. The hostel manager's Kirt (retired Marine) dedication and professionalism is aboveboard. He cares deeply about this 'Historical Site' the hostel is located in. Very clean facility and kitchen to die for, it has every cooking accoutrement a cook needs. See a few of my memories in these pictures I've uploaded. A must see/stay if your visiting the 'Big Island'. If you go during Thanksgiving, Christmas or 4th of July your in for a generous feast compliments of Stanley. The Lanai downstairs is gated and secure; nice for morning coffee and cigarette! Located right downtown for easy walk to shop, shop, shop! Great prices and private room's if you don't want 'dorm' style. I made lifelong friends here. read more

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Hilo Bay Hostel is PRETTY DAMN AWESOME. Sorry for the language, I never really use it. I found this place while looking for a cheap place to stay for a few days when I had an interview to attend in Hilo. I wasn't planning on spending all my fabulous yet limited time in Hawaii in the hotel, so I knew I didn't need a fancy $100 room. Honestly, if you're shopping around for fancy hotel rooms in Hilo, there aren't that many great choices anyway. I made my reservation online and got a prompt email confirmation the next morning. My flight got in really late but there was still someone there at the desk waiting for me, they're really friendly!! It was kind of confusing at first because I've never been to a hostel (ok I'll admit I was a little scared) but the people in the shared living area were just so chill that I felt like I was back in college moving into dorms! Onto the rooms: I ended up trying two different rooms because they were fully booked the nights I was there. The dorm style rent-a-bed only option was super cheap, but I decided to go for a private room. The first night, those were all taken so I got bumped to a dorm style room with bunks (I got it to myself). There was plenty of lighting, beds with plenty of blankets (but you won't need them bc it gets SO HOT at night), and a nice fan to keep the room cool. The second day, I got moved over to the room I actually booked, and I definitely liked the personal room better! Of course it was smaller, but it came with a mirror and mini-fridge. They also left a cute postcard and chocolate on the bed, and the water in the fridge was complimentary. Shared space: living area was cute, there are computers that you can pay to use but wifi is free if you bring a laptop. Kitchen has everything you need, but is closed late night. Showers/bathrooms were clean too, and great to use as long as no crazy ladies decide to sit naked in the shower room for extended periods of time... I'm just personally uncomfortable with that. Actually I think she was clothed and just sitting there while I was waiting to undress. Hmm!! GOOD EXPERIENCE, and it's walking distance from a ton of cool places in downtown! Definitely try it out! :D read more

If you want explore Downtown Hilo this is good well managed place to stay. I was sized up by Manger and he placed in room with a couple of other people that were quiet and looking for a good night rest. Bathroom and Showers worked and were as clean as can be expected with many guests local that were in town for a concert. I giving this place five starts based what it offers for the price and the fact it is well managed. Understand it a Hostel not a Hotel. read more

Nice hostel in an old, converted hotel. Nice old building. Comfortable, and the residents are pretty 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. read more

Hilo Bay Hostel - Hostels Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

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I'm staying here for at least a week and one of the people who do the cleaning spoke roughly to me to leave my room. I never felt so ill-treated ... without telling them that the other night I found a rat in the garbage can of the bathroom. I would ask the owners to change this man who treats clients badly. I do not think I'll go back to this place... read more

This place was great! We stumbled across it by accident. We rented a private room in the hostel for the night for $75. We had our own private shower and two full sized beds. Close to a lot of businesses in the Hilo Bay area, we walked everywhere. I recommend walking over to Garden Snack Club for dinner. This hostel was originally a hotel but was recently discovered after being boarded up for 35 years. The owners turned this into a fabulous place to stay. We heard that regular hotels in the area can't offer as nice of rooms as we stayed in on our visit. read more

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A nice clean and safe place to stay if you're looking for a budget lodging. $28 will get you a nice big bed (twin?) and nice location in Hilo. There is free parking across the building. Many restaurants, shops, and cafe all within walking distance as well as the famous Hilo Farmer's Market. The owner was very nice, a true gentleman with aloha spirit. He has a nice collection of belogings guests left behind for sales. You really shouldn't buy a used toothpaste for $3 but it's funny to look at what's for sale. The place is kept very quiet and clean, which is the way I like. I realized that Hawaiian hostels aren't like European where there's a bar right downstairs where kids get drunk and wasted and crawl back up to the beds at 3AM. Hawaiian hostels are kept quiet, clean, and usually alcohol-free. My kind of living, especially when you can get it for under $30 where mid-quality hotels run for $120. Nothing bad to say about this place. I'd def. stay here again if I"m in Hilo again. Someday... read more

I have stayed there three times and would stay again! Great budget accommodation, clean, relaxed atmosphere, good location near all the downtown Hilo shops. Friendly staff who will show you to your room, free WIFI, nice kitchen, cheap quarter laundry. You do have to make your own bed, but that is pretty normal for most hostels. The building is old and has great character. You should be aware that this is a no frills kind out place, but it is clean and charming. I couldn't ask for much more for the price, except that the dryer worked a little better! Oh well, I probably put too much stuff in it. I could definitely recommend this place to someone who is looking for a budget place in town. read more

It's a beautiful place, and a convenient location. Although, hang on to your wallet and dignity. I have stayed there numerous times, and discovered that the Owner, Scott Owens, is SHADY. And he has a reputation as such. There are not many options for affordable hostels in Hilo, but, please, everyone, do some more research and don't just take my word for it. Trust me, I've lived on the island for years now. His reputation is well known as a real scheister Please be warned, steer clear of Hilo Bay Hostel, despite positive reviews. Scott Owens travels around a lot, and when he is not there, it's not a bad place. But there is a reason why this creep travels around so much. Mahalo for reading, and Aloha! Be safe! read more

Loved this place- clean facilities, wonderful people, diverse crowd filled with people who are all incredibly kind and warm. Definitely would come back here. read more

This is not a hostel, this is home! There are not many hostels out there, but this one has CHARM, CHARACTER and the most helpful hostel owner ever. We saw the hostel and walked up these dark brown stairs and at the upper level you find the main area. Seriously, it is so nice decorated. I actually felt like somewhere in New Orleans. Books to read, wonderful kitchen, its own birds, computers, clean bathroom, clean rooms. The hostel is quiet and definitely a place to relax. If you go to Hilo, then book a night at the Hilo Bay Hostel! You won't regret it. read more

Super cool place. Great history, awesome staff. Very clean.... Like germaphob clean. historic building. Met nice peeps, downtown so close to everything. My room is nice and comfortable. Feel safe and welcomed. They have shared areas that are cleaned throughout the day. first time in a hostel. Great experience!!! read more

I am a project manager with a communications company who sends employees to Hilo on a regular basis. I tried booking a room for one of my guys with this place and cannot get anyone to answer emails or phone calls to get a confirmation. I have tried calling multiple times and sent repeated emails to the only address provided with no response. The lack of simple customer service when attempting to book a room is enough for me to look elsewhere. read more

Not recommend! Ok clean and a big bed that's what you get! Crappy service and the owner wasn't around, in fact no one was around!

Dis da place! I always go heres.Love the location,right downtown! Close to da big buggah,farmer's market! It like a time warp delivery. Classic,woody & wicker vintage place,1913 I tink. Like da old style ways! A slower mood,dat makes me feel mo' relaxed.Dis place nice & cleans.Cozy big rooms wit fans :).I always do da spacious female dorms.Safe & full of brave world travelin' roomies.Great stories dey share!.Free coffee/tea in morning.I like da free lockers dat help wit my bigger bags & security reflexes (From So.California,it's Wild West down dere!).Kitchen's always clean and I get to learn 'bout (& eat sometimes)exotic,island flavors from the cooks. "Portagee" sausage & eggs,so ono! I will remembers.Da owner Deb full of mega Aloha.And Haku always got a local smile to share wit mes. Feels like I stayin' wit ohana. Healthy. Friendly. Inspiring. Pro-Traveler/Adventure ohana types!!! read more

Professional, welcoming, organised, clean... Has all the makings of the ideal hostel. Old school decor, boarding house vibe, well kept kitchen, bathrooms and dorms. Friendly and thorough staff. Cos the place is so well run, plus the safe, homey and placid atmosphere, it tends to attract the older solo travellers and school/college groups from time to time... Can detract from opportunities to mix and mingle, but still a communal atmosphere depending on what crowd is blowing through. While beds are super comfy (bottom bunks are double width, yeo!) and plenty of space in dorms, early street noise and sunlight in the mornings are a killer... Don't expect easy sleep ins. Location is fab, right in centre of town making it an ideal base to check out Hilo, and explore the east side of Big Island. read more

I would say staying here was almost like staying at a hotel. Except for the sharing a room part. The rooms were clean, the decor was nice, the bathrooms were very clean, and the staff are friendly. This is a relatively modern hostel, and well worth the money. What made me chuckle to myself a little was the display cases all around the lobby full of stuff people had left behind. The owner had put price tags on them and you could buy stuff ranging from earrings to sneakers to god-knows-what. Don't leave your stuff behind. read more

This was my first hostel experience, and it was a nice experience. My usual accommodations were books due to the Big Island Marathon. I was over from Kona side for the race. I stayed in Room 1 which has two full beds, and private bath. The room is spacious with 12 foot ceilings and faux vintage decor. The room also features a mini fridge. Linens and towels were provided. You make your own bed. The bedspreads were a bit used, but everything was fairly clean. Room 1 can be on the loud side at night if you leave the windows cracked, as the ambulances use this road to go to the hospital. Sirens went by multiple times that night. Also, it was St. Patrick's weekend. So, it may have been an anomaly. Also, this room is very bright as the hallway light shines though a window into the room. Looks like there was once a curtain there, but wasn't there during my visit. Overall, a pleasant experience, and I would certainly consider returning on my next overnight trip. I will make sure to bring my own pillow, and small curtain to cover up that hall window. :) read more

Hilo Bay Hostel - Room 1 with private bath - Hostels Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

This was a wonderful place to stay! The staff was very friendly and helpful. I felt safe and welcomed the whole time I was there. I was glad to see that the women had completely separate bathroom and showers from the men. Didn't have to do the co-ed showering thing. This hostel, which was previously a hotel, has wonderful woodwork and a quaint feel to it. It's within walking distance to lots of shops and eating places. Make sure to eat at the restaurant down the street called Pineapples. Awesome menu, top-notched servers and a lovely open-air setting. read more

Larry, the night security, is jammin! Braddah is hardworking and keeps the place in check! I would stay here any given night! The place is clean and comfortable considering it's a hostel. Good for short and long term stay. This place get plenty of aloha. read more

The place is clean, has a big full equip kitchen and has a great location (dowtown Hilo). However, the room gets really hot at night, the matress are very uncomfortables and the rules are very strict (kitchen close at 9h45 pm and you can't drink in the lobby after 10:00 pm) like if you were in a camp vacation. The worst is the night staffs. We arrived at 8h45 pm to prepare our dinner and the kitchen was closed. So we asked at the guy who were working if we can go in the kitchen and he told us that we were arrived too late. After he checked the time he decided to let us go prepare our dinner but he came at each ten minutes to see if we had finish. At 9h47pm, when we cleaned the dishes, he came back and told us the get out of the kitchen immediatly and if we don't he will call the police. He was agressive when he were talking to us. Finally when we were eating in the lobby he decided to turn off the lights at 10:00 pm. We decided to not stay this night same if we payed for. The Hilo hostel bay doesn't represent the Aloha spirit. read more

One of the best hostels I've ever stayed at (better than Hosteling International). The owners work hard at trying to make this seem like a "home". Understand this is not a "youth" hostel. People of all ages stay here including families. Public parking is available nearby. We flew into Kona and drove over to Hilo just to stay here. It was worth it. read more

Stayed here in March 2011 with my husband in a private room with two beds. The room was actually right next to the shared bathrooms, and it wasn't too noisy at all, except for the people, like my husband, who were battling nasty hacking coughs. The room was clean, there was no a/c, but there is a nice ceiling fan and lots of windows to help with that. The guests were actually made up of an older bunch of people, so we didn't have any issues with any craziness. There's free wifi if you have a computer, and this place is in the heart of Hilo. All the stores and food places are within walking distance. There's a parking lot diagonal from the hostel so parking is not an issue. It's a good place to stop if you want to check out Akaka Falls and the volcano park, though I thought staying in the city of Volcano was also pretty cool. read more

I stayed here a few years ago with a friend from Kona when we came over for the Merrie Monarch Festival. Speaking as a middle aged woman living on the Mainland, I must say that this place was very comfortable and welcoming, and the historical building very beautiful. It's right in the middle of old downtown Hilo so everything is in walking distance once you've parked. You certainly can't go wrong with the price and to my own surprise would recommend this place to all ages if you don't mind basic accommodation. It was delightful. 4 stars only because its a hostel and not a hotel.. but we had a great stay here. read more

As of October 2012, great staff, young backpacking crowd, good location. top notch hostel! we even got a bottle of wine upon checkout for free! read more

This was my first time at a hostel, and I thought it was nice. The owner was really nice.

Get some sleep. Take a shower. Chat up the guests from everywhere. All ages. The staff is friendly and helpful. Located downtown close to good food and what passes for nightlife in Hilo. read more

First time in a hostel, I think we picked the right one. Obviously. Excellent value, we had enough to stay in a private room. Staff was really nice. the place is very welcoming and secure. Right in downtown. Only issue was the toilet was broken (lever and chain). No big deal, just had to get my hand wet after using it... lol I would come again. If you are unsure, just go here. It really was great. Oh and the laundry can be in high demand, it is kind of a race to get the laundry done as fast as possible... some of the guests can be rude, not the hostels fault of course. read more

Nice hostel located in downtown Hilo. Very close to a lot of good food and to the main strip of shops. The hostel was kept clean and other guests were generally respectful and sociable. The staff are very nice. I stayed here for about a month upon moving to the Big Island and really enjoyed my stay here. Definitely recommend! read more

This hostel isn't perfect. It's in an old building (former hotel), and the showers aren't hot. But what makes the place worth five stars is the management. I had checked in on a Thursday morning before going to my property in Naalehu to do some work. That afternoon, while on my way back to Hilo, I blacked out and hit a solid lava embankment, totalling my pickup and putting myself in the hospital. Not too long after being admitted, I received a call from Terry, the HBH manager. He said, "We're here for you. What do you need?" I almost dropped the phone. I had spoken to Terry for maybe five minutes. We were a small step from being total strangers. I mentioned that my reading glasses had been lost in the wreck. Fifteen minutes later someone from the hostel appeared in my hospital room with a new pair of reading glasses. That is the aloha spirit, and that's worth far more than a hot shower. read more

Avoid this place. No one to check us in when we arrived. When I called the office it just endlessly rang. I had to drive three hours home and then the hostel preceded to charge me saying I should have updated them with my arrival time. The security guard who was outside should have checked us in but he just laughed in our face and closed the gate in us. When I tried to get refunded they said it's fault read more

I cant say enough good things about this hostel! I spent 8 nights here this month and wish I could have spent more! The staff is amazing! Thanks to David, Del, Terry and Susan for always being accommodating and sweet to me. Coffee was always fresh and bathrooms and kitchen were always very clean. The beds are comfortable and public areas are great :) WiFi was fast! This place is better than the pictures make it look. I left this hostel with many new friends that I hope to see next time I am in town. read more

Excellent hostel. My girlfriend and I stayed two nights here and had a wonderful experience. The staff are courteous, helpful, and friendly. The owner, Terry, is in the business for all the right reasons and was extraordinarily helpful with recommendations and suggestions around Hilo. Great decor, very clean, fully equipped kitchen with a large refrigerator, coin washer and dryer, clean bathrooms, wonderful dining/lounging area, and great location. Great place! read more

Hilo Bay Hostel is a great place! Would stay there again for sure! Terry and his staff were very friendly and helpful! Had to cancel some of my days and they were very understanding! My friends and I had a very nice time there! Room was clean and comfortable! Would definitely recommend it! read more

This is my fav place to stay in Hilo. Right downtown, affordable ($30/night in the dorm, and only $69/nite for private room). It's an old hotel, so don't expect luxury, just good lodging. Kitchen available so you can cook, free wi-fi, free parking, laundry available. A great place to see the real Hilo. Lots of shops & ethnic restaurants nearby. Love this place! (And I've been staying here for work & for visits for over 11 years!) read more

This place is my home away from home. For $27 a night, you get a clean dorm bed in a room with 7 other people, a shared shower/bathroom area, a shared kitchen, and a shared common area. Also access to wifi. The people who work here are so kind, and will go out of their way to help you, if need be. I was apprehensive the first time I stayed here, months ago, but after my first night, I wasn't disappointed, and felt very comfortable. It's safe, clean, and you don't need to worry. The majority of occupants seem to be foreign, but English speaking, and no one bothers you. Lights out is at ten, and most people in the dorms are super respectful so you won't have any issues getting shut eye. I have stayed here many times since my first night, and as a local born and bred girl, I can tell you that this place radiates aloha. You will have everything you need, no one will bother you, it's clean, safe; and the staff is there if you need them and are very helpful. If you are trying to find a place to stay for a night or a month, I recommend this place. I stayed at a neighboring hostel a few weeks ago only because Hilo bay didn't have any beds available, and it was a terrible move on my part. The other place couldn't hold a candle. I highly recommend Hilo bay hostel, and will return time and again should the need arise. It's also very close to food places, the bus terminal, the beach, within walking distance. It's fun, one night people were playing pink Floyd on guitar in the lobby, not rowdily, but just a small jam and singing sesh. Just a good place for people of all cultures to collide and for new people to meet, plus you can have your privacy as well. read more