After spending a dreadful day and night at the hostel down the street, my friend and I decided to check out Hilo Bay Hostel to see if it was anything like the ant-infested, sketchy hostel we were currently staying at. Before we had even reached the top of the stairs, we knew there was a marked difference. Because of our... More

The manager of this hostel, Terry, rescued my mom and I from what could have been a very bad experience. We arrived in Hilo late in the evening on our first night on the Big Island. We drove from the Kona airport, through heavy fog, and we were very tired upon our arrival in Hilo. I had originally booked a... More

We stayed here as a group who arrived in mini-vans. Parking was easy nearby. Location is great for walking around Hilo, coffee shops, waterfront, funky shops, farmer's market; there is a large supermarket a few blocks away. Hostel is quaint but with wifi and decent bath and ktichen facilities. We had fun cooking a group meal for 13. Very friendly... More

We found Hilo Bay by accident late one night looking for a hotel in the rain. We were both tired and soaked, but I really didn't want a shared bathroom. We finally agreed, any port in a storm, and tried it. What a lovely experience. We're 65 and assumed we'd be everyone's grandparents, but no! All ages, different countries, great... More

I've stayed at a few hostels around the Big Island, and Hilo Bay Hostel was one of the best ones! I went there 2 days before my reservation, drenched in rain, and Terry the manager made sure I felt right at home. He made the checking-in process as easy as possible and set me up with a cup of tea... More

If I had known how nice Hilo Bay Hostel is I would have planned my trip to stay longer. The common area is lovely and spacious, everything nice and clean. Very friendly staff and a nice crowd staying there (which was a pleasant change after drunk college students in Waikiki hostels). In the bunk rooms the bottom bunks are double... More

I travel a lot to different island for business. I have stayed at many hostels and this place is still affordable even with the slight increase. Its clean, comfortable and very nostalgic. where can you go on any island and have FREE parking, FREE WiFi, a Kitchen to prepare your own meals, a clean bathroom, a common area and meet... More

The Hilo Bay Hostel is indeed in a central location. But this means, if your room is facing the street, you have to have an either very tight sleep or earplugs. It almost doesn't matter if the window is open or closed. Very noisy. There is only one shower room for girls and one toilet room, where one of the... More

Hilo is a sweet, little town with some of the old Hawaii feeling still evident. But, we don't have much to offer in terms of affordable, overnight accomodation. Between worn-out Billy's and the luxury and expense of the Shipman mansion the only reasonable for singles (can choose dorm or private room) or families (ensuite private room and bath) is the... More