Grand Naniloa Hotel, a Doubletree by Hilton

Hotel Description

Look, I’ll be straight with you about the Grand Naniloa – it’s one of those places that grows on you, even if your first impression might be “hmm, this feels a bit dated.” The lobby has that classic Hawaiian hotel vibe from maybe the 80s or 90s, but honestly? There’s something charming about it once you settle in. You’re right on Banyan Drive, which locals call “Banyan Bay” because of all those massive banyan trees lining the water – and I mean massive, like something out of a fairy tale.

The rooms are decent (I mean, it’s a Doubletree, so you know what you’re getting), though some face the parking lot while others look out over Hilo Bay. If you can swing it, definitely ask for a bay view because watching the sunrise over the water is pretty spectacular, especially if you’re dealing with jet lag anyway. The pool area is actually where this place shines – it’s right on the water with these old lava rock walls, and you’ll see locals fishing off the nearby rocks in the evenings. Parking is free, which honestly surprised me since most waterfront hotels charge for everything these days. The Wi-Fi works fine, though it can get a bit spotty during busy periods – you know how it is with older properties.

What really makes this place work is the location. You’re literally a five-minute walk from Liliuokalani Gardens, which is this gorgeous Japanese garden that most tourists somehow miss, and downtown Hilo is close enough that you can easily grab dinner at one of the local spots without dealing with resort prices. The hotel restaurant is… well, it’s hotel food, but there’s a farmers market on Wednesdays and Saturdays just down the road where you can load up on incredible tropical fruit and local coffee. The staff has been super helpful every time I’ve stayed – they actually know the area and can point you toward the good hiking trails or tell you which beaches are swimmable (spoiler: not many on this side of the island, but there are some hidden gems). Sure, it’s not the fanciest place on the Big Island, and that 7.2 rating feels about right – it’s solid without being spectacular. But if you want to experience the real Hilo instead of some sanitized resort bubble, and you don’t mind a place with a little character and history, the Grand Naniloa does the job pretty well.

Rooms

• Junior Suite Ocean Front with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed for 3 adults, 2 children
• King Room with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• King Oceanfront Corner Room with Lanai with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed for 3 adults, 2 children
• King Room with Ocean View with 1 extra-large double bed for 3 adults, 2 children
• King Room with Ocean View with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• One-Bedroom King Suite with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Queen Room with Two Queen Beds with 2 large double beds for 4 adults, 3 children
• Queen Room with Two Queen Beds – Ocean View with 2 large double beds for 4 adults, 3 children
• Queen Room with Two Queen Beds – Oceanfront with 2 large double beds for 4 adults, 3 children
• Queen Room with Two Queen Beds and Ocean View with 2 large double beds for 4 adults, 3 children
• Queen Room with Roll In Shower and Ocean View – Mobility Access with 1 large double bed for 1 adult
• Queen Room with Ocean View – Mobility/Hearing Access with 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• King Room with Ocean View – Mobility/Hearing Accessible with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child

Reviews

• Naomi from United States (8/10)

  They are real people and have genuine “aloha”
  Spirit.

• Deborah from United States (8/10)

  Beautiful room
  Good location
  The scenery at the pool was awesome

• Lorna from United States (8/10)

  Location

• Daniel from United States (8/10)

  Location

• Lisa-marie from United States (7/10)

  Good location, very scenic, on the water and very close to a lovely botanical garden, comfortable chairs in the bar and outside, valet parking,
  Staff were friendly and responsive. Hot cookies on arrival and departure, strong drinks at the bar, lovely floral arrangements. Live music in the bar and restaurant.

• Brett from Australia (8/10)

  Location and view from room

• Janice from United States (6/10)

  Convenient location.

• Lau from United States (8/10)

  Free coffee, tea, hot cocoa, juice & water with fruit in the lobby

• Mary from United States (8/10)

  Nice location-by the ocean; great views; valet and housekeeping were excellent. I enjoyed all of the Merrie Monarch activities- but couldn’t watch Merrie Monarch in my room.

• Kim from United States (8/10)

  The room was clean and had good thick towels. I enjoyed the warm chocolate chip cookies that I was given at check-in. The food at the hotel restaurant was very good! Live entertainment in the hotel lobby/bar was entertaining.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities