

Rainbow Ohana, unit 2 Overview
First Impressions
When I first pulled up to Rainbow Ohana, unit 2 on Kilauea Avenue, I’ll be honest — it doesn’t scream “vacation rental” from the outside. But you know what? That’s actually part of its charm. This three-star spot sits quietly in a residential neighborhood in Hilo, and there’s something refreshing about staying somewhere that feels more like a local’s home than a tourist trap. The free parking right on site was a relief too, especially after driving around Hilo’s sometimes narrow streets.
The Space Itself
Inside, the unit has that lived-in comfort that makes you want to kick off your shoes immediately. The room setup is straightforward but thoughtful — nothing fancy, but everything you actually need is there. I mean, when you’re spending most of your time exploring the Big Island, you don’t need marble countertops, right? The place feels clean and well-maintained, with those little touches that show someone actually cares about guests’ comfort. There’s decent natural light, and honestly, the whole vibe just works for a Hilo stay.
Location Perks
Here’s where this place really shines — and I think this is why recent guests rated the location so highly at 8.4. You’re in a real Hilo neighborhood, which means you get to see how locals actually live, but you’re still close enough to downtown that nothing feels like a trek. The farmers market is maybe ten minutes away, and getting to Rainbow Falls or Akaka Falls doesn’t require a whole production. Plus, if you’re planning day trips to Volcano National Park (and you should), you’re positioned perfectly for that drive without having to navigate through Hilo’s busier areas first.
What Makes It Work for Couples
I can see why couples rate this place so well — there’s something intimate about the whole setup that bigger hotels just can’t match. You’re not dealing with crowded lobbies or fighting for pool chairs. Instead, you get your own little slice of Hilo life, complete with the sounds of neighborhood birds in the morning and that gentle Big Island pace that makes you slow down whether you want to or not. The privacy factor is real here, and when you want to just decompress after a day of waterfalls and black sand beaches, having your own space makes all the difference.
Why Guests Keep Coming Back
Look, this isn’t the fanciest place you’ll find in Hilo, but it’s got something more valuable — authenticity. You’re staying in a spot where you can actually imagine living, not just visiting. The combination of that solid location rating, the practical amenities like the parking, and the genuine local feel creates this perfect storm of comfort and convenience. When you factor in Hilo’s unpredictable weather (it rains, then it’s gorgeous, then it rains again), having a cozy home base where you can regroup becomes pretty essential. It’s the kind of place that makes you understand why people fall in love with the Big Island’s east side.
To book a hotel in Hawaii during the famous winter whale watching season, visitors should make reservations well in advance as the islands attract tropical paradise seekers and ocean lovers from around the world.
Rainbow Ohana, unit 2 Accommodations
| Accommodation | Details |
|---|---|
| Apartment with Garden View | 2 × 1 double bed, 2 × 1 extra-large double bed, sofa bed and 1 sofa bed for 4 adults |
| Studio with Garden View | 1 single bed for 2 adults |


Reviews of Rainbow Ohana, unit 2
Nicole from United States (8/10)
It’s was really neat place. There were 4 of us and it was perfect. Close to town.
Jett from United States (9/10)
Property owner was about her clients comfort and didn’t bother to answer any questions I had
Sherry from United States (9/10)
Diana was very helpful and hospitable. The location was excellent, close to shopping and restaurants, and only minutes from the beach and the historic part of Hilo. The room was very clean and well equipped and it was in a safe area.
Helena from Sweden (4/10)
Good location and wonderful host with good tips on what ro see and what locals do. Also bringing us fresh fruit from her garden..
2 bedrooms with AC and Tv in bott.
Kitcinett had everything you needed to make breakfast or light dinner.Jeannine from United States (6/10)
Host sister and mother assisted in helping us get into the unit
Maddi from Spain (8/10)
Nos encanto. Todo increible. La dueña super amable y atenta. Nos hizo sentir como en casa.
La casa espaciosa, limpia y muy bien equipada.
Todo estuvo perfecto. Un diez la experiencia.Pierangelo from Italy (4/10)
premesso che non era l''alloggio prenotato, ma un altro appartameto che a detta della proprietaria doveva essere migliore,
il giardino intorno all'abitazione era tenuto male, ma dal verde e dai rumori sembrava di essere in mezzo alla giungla
appartamento molto ampio e dotato di tutti glli elettrodomesticiMarilyn from United States (8/10)
Patricia from United States (8/10)
Patricia from United States (8/10)
Surroundings
What’s nearby:
- Hoolulu Park: 2.9 km
- Machado Acres Park: 4.1 km
- Coconut Island Park: 4.6 km
- Liliuokalani Gardens: 4 km
- Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo: 5 km
- Kaūmana Caves County Park: 9 km
- The Pacific Tsunami Museum: 4 km
- Hawaii Volcano National Park: 0 m
- Lyman Museum & Mission House: 4.2 km
- Wailoa River State Recreation Area: 2.6 km
Restaurants & cafes:
- Restaurant5 Spice: 350 m
- Restaurant White Guava Cafe: 450 m
- Restaurant Maebo Noodle Factory: 250 m
Top attractions:
- Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden: 10 km
Natural beauty:
- Peak Hāla’I (102m): 5 km
- Lake Waiakea Fishpond: 2.9 km
- Waterfall Rainbow Falls: 6 km
Beaches in the neighbourhood:
- Reeds Bay Beach: 3.8 km
- Onekahakaha Beach: 7 km
- Kealoha Beach Park: 7 km
- Carlsmith Beach Park: 7 km
- Coconut Island Beach: 4.5 km
Closest airports:
- Hilo International Airport: 2.3 km
Facilities
Bedroom:
- Linen
- Dressing room
Kitchen:
- Dining table
- Coffee machine
- Cleaning products
- Toaster
- Kitchenware
- Electric kettle
- Washing machine
- Microwave
- Refrigerator
- Kitchenette
Bathroom:
- Toilet paper
- Towels
- Bath or shower
- Private bathroom
- Toilet
- Free toiletries
- Hairdryer
- Bath
- Shower
Outdoors:
- Picnic area
- Outdoor furniture
- Outdoor dining area
- Garden
Activities:
- Snorkelling
- Horse riding Additional charge Off-site
- Diving Additional charge Off-site
- Hiking Off-site
- Canoeing Off-site
- Windsurfing Additional charge Off-site
- Fishing Off-site
- Golf course (within 3 km) Additional charge
- Tennis court Off-site
Living Area:
- Dining area
Food & Drink:
- Grocery deliveries Additional charge
- Tea/Coffee maker
Miscellaneous:
- Designated smoking area
- Air conditioning
- Non-smoking throughout
- Non-smoking rooms
Outdoor & View:
- Garden view
- View
Languages spoken:
- English
Safety & security:
- Fire extinguishers
- Smoke alarms
- 24-hour security
Media & Technology:
- Flat-screen TV
Reception services:
- Invoice provided
- Private check-in/check-out
- Express check-in/check-out
Great for your stay:
- Parking
- Private bathroom
- Free WiFi
- Bath
- View
- Air conditioning
- Kitchenette
- Free parking
- Flat-screen TV
- Non-smoking rooms
Building characteristics:
- Private apartment in building


House Rules at Rainbow Ohana, unit 2
Pets:
- Pets are not allowed.
Smoking:
- Smoking is not allowed.
Check-in:
- From 16:00 to 21:30
- Guests are required to show a photo identification and credit card upon check-in
Check-out:
- From 04:00 to 10:00
Cancellation/prepayment:
- Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check the conditions of your required option.
Guest reviews
Staff:
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Location:
Facilities:
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