There are several hostels in the Hilo area. The Hilo Bay Hostel and Arnotts Lodge are our favorites, and we give a short description below. If you browse further down you can also find links to the other Hilo hostels.
we consider all hostels listed on this page to be good budget options for your stay on the Big Island. If you are looking for more affordable options for spending the nights, please refer to our camping on the Big Island resource list.
Arnott’s Lodge & Hiking Adventures
Sympathetic lodging with a range of accommodations from private bath, air-conditioned “en-suites” to backpacker dorms and tent spaces. Their dorms are among the cheapest option you’ll find in Hilo They also organize a lot of activities and can negotiate discounts for their guests on specialized tours up to Maunakea and the Kilauea Volcano.
Address: 98 Apapane Road, Hilo, Hawaii, 96720
Website: https://www.arnottslodge.com/
Hilo Bay Hostel
Our other favorite destination for cheap accommodation in Hilo. The Hilo Bay Hostel occupies a beautifully restored 1913 hotel with old world charm that provides their guests with modern amenities. Located in the heart of Historic Downtown Hilo.
Address: 101 Waianuenue Avenue, Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Website: https://www.hawaiihostel.net/
Other Hilo Hostels:
The Big Island Hostel at 804A Kilauea Avenue in Hilo is centrally located and offers dorms, suites, and private rooms.
Affordable accommodation in Puna
Puna has a fair share of affordable (shared) accommodation options. Many of them pop in an out of existence too often for us to recommend any but the Open Gate Hostel on the lava fields in Kalapana seems to have found their stride.
You can find a good sample of the current offerings at e.g. the Hipcamp website.