Castle Hilo Hawaiian Hotel

Hotel Description

You know what surprised me about Castle Hilo Hawaiian Hotel? It’s actually got this old-school Hawaiian charm that’s become pretty rare these days. I mean, when you first pull up, it doesn’t look like much from the outside – sort of like a modest concrete building that’s seen better decades. But honestly, that’s part of what I ended up loving about it.

The location is where this place really shines, and I don’t think most people realize how perfect it is until they’re there. You’re literally a few minutes’ walk from Liliuokalani Gardens (which, by the way, is absolutely gorgeous early in the morning before the tour buses show up), and downtown Hilo is right there when you want real local food instead of hotel restaurant prices. The staff actually knows the area too – not just the touristy stuff, but they’ll tell you which food trucks are worth hitting up and when the farmers market gets the best selection. Check-in was surprisingly smooth, though the lobby feels a bit dated in that “hasn’t been updated since the 90s” way that’s either charming or depressing depending on your mood.

Here’s the thing about the rooms – they’re clean and comfortable, but don’t expect Instagram-worthy interiors. The views though… well, if you get lucky with a room facing the right direction, you’ll wake up to this incredible sight of Hilo Bay that makes you forget all about thread counts and fancy bathroom fixtures. The air conditioning works (crucial in Hilo’s humidity), and honestly, the beds are more comfortable than I expected from a place with a 7.8 rating. Parking is free, which might not sound like a big deal until you’ve stayed at other Hawaiian hotels that charge you $30 a night just to park your rental car. The pool area is nothing special, but it’s decent enough for a quick dip after you’ve been walking around town all day. One heads up – Hilo gets rain, like a lot of rain sometimes, so having a covered walkway to your room is actually pretty nice when those afternoon showers roll in. The hotel handles the weather thing well since they’re obviously used to it, but just know that if you’re expecting Kona sunshine, you’re on the wrong side of the Big Island. What I really appreciated was how quiet it stays at night – you’re not dealing with loud pool parties or people slamming doors in the hallways until 2 AM.

Rooms

• Banyan View with 1 extra-large double bed, or and 2 double beds for 4 adults, 3 children
• Oceanfront – No Balcony with 1 extra-large double bed, or and 2 double beds for 4 adults, 3 children
• Oceanfront with 2 large double beds, or and 1 extra-large double bed for 4 adults, 3 children
• 1 Bedroom Banyan View with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed for 3 adults, 2 children
• 1-Bedroom Banyan Suite W/ Kitchenette with 2 × 2 large double beds for 5 adults, 3 children
• Premium Oceanfront with 2 large double beds, or and 1 extra-large double bed for 4 adults, 3 children

Reviews

• Guy from Australia (8/10)

  We stayed during Thanksgiving. The staff at the bar and restaurant were helpful, friendly and all had a great sense of humour.

• Roger from United States (7/10)

  Beautiful views right next to the water. Great location

• In from United States (7/10)

  Good value, near the garden which is beautiful with magnificent banyan trees.

• Solomon from United States (9/10)

  Was beautiful

• Natalija from Slovenia (8/10)

  Location is absolutely amazing, the views on Coconut island and Maun Kea breathtaking.

• Amy from United States (8/10)

  The view was spectacular and it was lovely to sit on the balconies and enjoy the view. The bed and pillows were super comfortable. Staff was nice.

• Lee from United States (9/10)

  Location, view

• Nadia from United States (7/10)

  Location is great, service very pleasant, but the rooms are dated. We stayed here 14 years ago, and it seems very little was updated. But it was a comfortable home base for exploring the eastern side of the island.

• Bruce from United States (9/10)

  Friendly, helpful staff. Older building but well taken care of. Good location.

• Maureen from Canada (9/10)

  Amazing Staff and fab restaurant

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities