Hilo/ Puna area Bed & Breakfeasts (Hawaiian Paradise Park, Volcano: extended stay, real estate, apartments)

[Paddywagons]

Hello Hiliomen/women & Punaflys,

My wife, 8 month old & I will be exploring the subdivisions in Puna the end of July & beg of Aug during our real estate search. I've done a lot of net-surfing to learn about the area, so I think I have a pretty good handle where everything is already; though I know that doesn't always work! I haven't committed to any B&B's yet, outside of our arrival & departure nights, as we have an open itinerary based upon our daily progress & preferences. I was looking for a few suggestions/ recommendations from people in-the-know. If you had to pick a few B&B's in the $75-$125 range per night in Puna/ Hilo that are cozy, located scenicly(a word?), and is centrally located to the subdivisions (possibly but not necessarily), where would it be?

We are also checking the Ka'u area, so if anybody can suggest/recommend the same there, I really appreciate your help.

Patrick

PS: By the way, we are already booked for our last night at the Dragonfly Ranch.

[Dreaming of Hawaii]

Patrick, I recommend checking ..VRBO® is Vacation Rentals by Owner® Vacation Homes Rentals by Owner These are vacation rental homes, and you should be able to find some in the Puna area in your price range. Cook your meals in and save lots of money.

[cynmkolohe]

Hi Patrick,

If you are considering a night or two in Hilo-town, check out: Hawaii Hotels - Dolphin Bay Hotel, Hilo, Hawaii - Big Island Hotels

For those on a budget, it gets positive reviews (even from a New York 'family' member who did an extended stay there while working on an Orchidland renovation). I was on the property when she was there and my impression was that it is a very simple place, but adequate for a brief stay. She really enjoyed conversations with the owner, who has been in HI for a long time and had great stories for her. Nice landscaping--very "old Hawaii" feel. I believe they serve breakfast and you are within walking distance of some of Hilo's old bridges and the town itself if you are up for a stroll. A few older apartments and houses a street or so away...but more reasonable than the Bayfront hotels. Maybe a night or two to explore the town (try Farmer's Market on Wednesday morning or a weekend morning), then on to Puna/Volcano?

There are plenty of Volcano B&Bs that will make your drive to the Volcanoes National Park short and simple! Chilly here at night, so bring a layer or two of warm clothing. Try: Volcano bed and breakfast & inns. Find the perfect Volcano B&B lodging on BedandBreakfast.com. for a list. A friend's parents own Volcano Guest House...I've been on the property a few times. Seems very casual and family friendly. Greenhouse was a work in progress when I was there last...But I think that there are other B&Bs in the area with lower rates.

Puna residents will know that area better, but I wanted to toss those suggestions out for your time around Hilo/Volcano...

[leilaniguy]

Aloha Patrick, just about all the rentals listed on VRBO in Puna are in the major subdivisions. The most central location would probably be Hawaiian Paradise Park,(HPP) or Orchidland, both listed as Keaau on VRBO.There are nice ones in all areas. The nicest, IMHO would be at Kapoho, farther out at the east end of the island, but a fantastic place by the ocean with tidal swimming ponds and underwater hotsprings. If you're spending some time in Hilo, I agree with cynmkolohe About the Dolphin Bay, much better deal than the big Banyan Drive hotels, they're overpriced and getting very run down.

[GirlinAZ]

Paddy check out this website: Island Paradise Inn
I do not know anything about them, but they are so cheap and look very nice. I was going to consider them when I come to visit. Let me know if you stay there or find anything out about them. Also, anyone that lives there that knows about the Island Paradise Inn, let me know too please. Thanks.

[Jonah K]

Originally Posted by NanawaleJulie

Paddy check out this website: Island Paradise Inn
I do not know anything about them, but they are so cheap and look very nice. I was going to consider them when I come to visit. Let me know if you stay there or find anything out about them. Also, anyone that lives there that knows about the Island Paradise Inn, let me know too please. Thanks.

The Island Paradise Inn is cheap and located in the heart of "downtown" Pahoa. It can be a little noisy at times; however, it has plenty of local "flavor."

Art and Orchids Bed & Breakfast located in Orchidland Estates provides a more tranquil "bed and breakfast" experience.

[Genxor]

I believe " Dolphin Bay" does not have a telephone in room. A potential issue if you are coordinating with your realtor etc.

I would advise against "Island Paradise Inn".

In theory, you could base yourself in Volcano, and visit potential Puna real estate and potential Kau real estate.

Just a thought.

Greg

[leilaniguy]

Island Paradise Inn is 4 old sugar camp houses on the main street of Pahoa Very basic, a place to sleep. Next to 7-11, so sometimes noisy at late hours with the usual teenage crowd that hangs out at 7-11's.

[Paddywagons]

Hello everybody - Aloha!

I see you all have great suggestions, and I do appreciate them all. I will work on these over the next few days.

I really hope that when I'm there, I'm lucky enough to meet any of you that may be up for a cup of coffee. When I'm over and have a telephone number, I'll post it - as a private message of course now that one of you has warned me about the creepy crawling spammers. If anybody calls and has a few free moments, if we're in one of the small towns in your area - coffee's on us. My wife is amazed at how much we've learned about the Big Island from all of you. She's from a small town in Poland, but she's traveled and worked in many countries around the world - she said that Americans are the friendliest and most helpful people she's ever met in her life. It warms my heart to hear that from her. You are ALL ambassadors for the Big Island & my respect goes out to you.

Patrick

[MrLee1960]

Aloha,

I would find a vacation rental in Keaau a good central location for scouting Puna which is a huge area. Let me save you the time and forget Ka"u it is very isolated and about a hour and half drive from Hilo or Kona. Call me when you get here and I will give you my take on things here. My cell is 808-896-9545 I second the recommendation of Art & Orchids B & B they are in Orchidland and good friends of ours. The friendliest people you will ever meet and very knowlegable about the area.

Aloha
Lee