Ala Kai Bed and Breakfast

Ala Kai Bed and Breakfast Overview

First Impressions

You know what hits you first when you pull up to Ala Kai Bed and Breakfast? The fact that you’re actually staying on Paradise Drive — and honestly, the name isn’t overselling it. This three-star gem sits tucked away in Keaau, about 20 minutes south of Hilo, where the tourist crowds thin out and you get a real taste of Big Island living. The property feels more like staying at a friend’s place than a typical hotel, which is exactly what you want from a proper bed and breakfast.

Location and Getting Around

I’ll be straight with you — Keaau isn’t exactly downtown Waikiki, but that’s the whole point. You’re positioned perfectly for exploring the island’s eastern side without dealing with resort prices or crowds. Volcanoes National Park is maybe 30 minutes away, and you can hit the black sand beaches at Kalapana in about the same time. The parking situation is refreshingly simple here — free and private, which means you’re not circling blocks looking for a spot like you would in busier areas. Couples seem to really get this location (they rate it 8.7), probably because it strikes that sweet spot between accessible and secluded.

The Room Experience

The room setup here feels authentically Hawaiian without trying too hard — think comfortable island living rather than flashy resort vibes. What I appreciated most was how quiet everything gets at night; you’re far enough from main roads that you actually hear the coqui frogs instead of traffic. The beds are solid, and honestly, after a day of hiking around lava tubes or snorkeling, you’ll sleep like a rock anyway. The hosts clearly know what travelers need because the little touches are spot-on — good water pressure, reliable wifi, and rooms that stay cool even when it’s humid outside.

Breakfast and Local Insights

The breakfast part of this bed and breakfast actually delivers, which isn’t always a given. You’re getting local fruits — some you’ve probably never tried — along with more familiar options that fuel you up for island adventures. What’s better than the food, though, is picking the hosts’ brains about where to go. They’ll steer you toward the tide pools that tour groups miss or tell you which farmers market days are worth your time. I mean, you can Google all you want, but nothing beats advice from people who actually live here.

Why Guests Love It

That 9.1 rating makes sense once you spend a night or two here. It’s not trying to be something it’s not — no fancy spa or overpriced restaurant on-site. Instead, you get genuine hospitality in a spot that feels like the real Hawaii. The value is solid for what you’re getting, especially considering how much you’d pay for something comparable closer to the main tourist areas. If you’re the type who’d rather explore authentic local spots than hang around a resort pool all day, this place just works.

Ala Kai Bed and Breakfast Accommodations

Reviews of Ala Kai Bed and Breakfast

• Radoslaw from Poland (10/10)

  Very friendly hosts who shared their advice on sightseeing Big Island
  Excellent value for money
  Home atmosphere

• Theresa from United States (9/10)

  Close to the ocean and close to Volcano National Park.

• Wayne from United States (8/10)

  Good

• Willey from United States (10/10)

  Ocean view, great facility. Nice continental breakfast and extremely accommodating owners. Very friendly place to stay. Very nice pool.

• Karla from United States (10/10)

  The breakfast was amazing. Very tasty and many of the items aligned with a Hawaiian theme. The room and facilities were comfortable and extended the island theme. The hosts spent a comfortable amount of time with us and we especially appreciated their assistance to plan our tour options around the island. With their help, we saw some great sights, enjoyed some great restaurants, and spent quality relaxing time.

• Mary from United States (10/10)

  Ala Kai is in a quiet residential neighborhood. The lot across the street is empty except for a nice gazebo and a couple of picnic benches. It is a short walk to be sitting right above the ocean. This also makes for a perfect view from the front lanai dieting breakfast. Erich has great suggestions for Activia and places to eat. We were very comfortable dieting our four-night stay.

• Stefan from Germany (10/10)

  Everything was extraordinary. Very friendly hosts with lots of tips what to do. Breakfast was wonderful. Setting is a dream (watching whales, can you believe it).

• Stefan from Germany (10/10)

  Everything was extraordinary. Very friendly hosts with lots of tips what to do. Breakfast was wonderful. Setting is a dream (watching whales, can you believe it).

• Stefan from Germany (10/10)

  Everything was extraordinary. Very friendly hosts with lots of tips what to do. Breakfast was wonderful. Setting is a dream (watching whales, can you believe it).

• Hendrik from Netherlands (9/10)

  Really nice stay- great hosts who can help you planning your activities. Comfortable beds and nice room. Loved the pool and the porch.

Surroundings

Facilities