Hilo Reeds Bay Hotel

Hotel Description

You know what? The Hilo Reeds Bay Hotel isn’t going to win any design awards, but there’s something honestly refreshing about a place that doesn’t try too hard. I mean, it’s a solid 3-star spot that feels more like staying at your practical Hawaiian uncle’s place than some glossy resort – and honestly, that works in Hilo.

The thing about this hotel is it gets the basics right without any fuss. The rooms are clean and comfortable enough, though you’ll notice the décor probably hasn’t been updated since the early 2000s (think floral bedspreads and that particular shade of hotel carpet that exists nowhere else in nature). But here’s the deal – you’re not staying in your room all day anyway, because you’re literally right by Reeds Bay. I actually spent more time on the little lanai than inside, watching the local fishermen cast their lines in the early morning. The sound of the water is constant but not overwhelming, sort of like nature’s white noise machine.

What I really appreciated was how unpretentious everything felt. The front desk staff actually knew the area – like, really knew it. When I asked about getting to Rainbow Falls, the clerk didn’t just hand me a generic map but told me exactly where to park so I wouldn’t get stuck in the tiny lot with all the tour buses. That’s the kind of local insight you get when you stay somewhere that’s been part of the community for years rather than some corporate chain. The parking situation is pretty straightforward too, which matters more than you’d think in Hilo where some places make you hunt for street spots. Check-in was quick – no lengthy sales pitches about timeshares or restaurant reservations, just keys and genuine helpfulness.

Honestly, the 7.2 rating feels about right. It’s not going to blow your mind, but it won’t disappoint either if you set realistic expectations. The place has that slightly worn-in feel that comes from being a working hotel rather than a showpiece, but everything functions fine. The air conditioning works (crucial during those muggy Hilo afternoons), the Wi-Fi is decent enough for posting your waterfall photos, and the beds are actually pretty comfortable – I slept better than I expected. The location puts you close enough to downtown Hilo that you can walk to grab poke or hit Café Pesto, but far enough from Kamehameha Avenue that you’re not dealing with the main drag traffic noise. For a 3-star place, it delivers exactly what it promises without trying to oversell itself, which is refreshing in a world of hotels that claim to be “luxury” when they’re clearly not. If you want authentic local vibes over Instagram-perfect amenities, this spot gets it right.

Early hotels booking in Hawaii is essential during major events like the Ironman World Championship, as accommodations fill up quickly with visitors eager to experience the islands’ renowned surfing culture and tropical beauty.

Rooms

• Standard Double Studio with Two Double Beds with 2 double beds for 4 adults
• Standard King Studio with 1 large double bed for 2 adults
• Deluxe King Studio with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults
• Deluxe Double Studio with Two Double Beds with 2 double beds for 4 adults
• Studio King Ocean View with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults
• Studio Double Ocean View with 2 double beds for 4 adults

Reviews

• Jones from United States Minor Outlying Islands (8/10)

  I liked how clean it was, very well kept for a older hotel.very attentive staff. It felt nostalgic and like home. My diamond in the rough.

• Prakash from United States (8/10)

  stay was good

• Dixon from United Kingdom (7/10)

  Good location. We loved the banyan trees and the nearby park and coast.

• Jill from Australia (6/10)

  Initial impression of hotel on arrival was that it was a bit shabby, but the rooms were clean and the staff friendly and, although about 2 miles out of central Hilo, was well located for places to eat.

• Wchilverbest from Australia (6/10)

  Good location for my needs, although I prefer to be closer to downtown.

• Stephen from United States (8/10)

  Location is beautiful. Next to very high class hotels.

• Arthur from Australia (7/10)

  Location

• Judy from United States (7/10)

  Good location. Room and accommodations were sufficient but I was unaware there was no AC. It would have been nice to have coffee available for each morning that we stayed. I would have appreciated some conditioner for my hair. Paper towel have been appreciated, too. And maybe plastic cups for the bathroom for use brushing my teeth. I enjoyed the sliding doors but there was nothing to view except the parking lot of the apartments next door. The fridge was useful and the coffee maker.

• Andres from Colombia (8/10)

  The location could not be better, close to everything and right on the free bus line 101. Only 10min away from the airport and not far from the best beaches for snorkeling next to the airport road

• Avigdor from Canada (6/10)

  Good location for a one night stay. Older hotel but clean. Pretty view of Reeds Bay.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities