Planning a holiday on the Big Island of Hawaii? Hilo, the largest city in Hawaii County, overlooking Hilo Bay, is the perfect place for you to experience Old Hawaii. Hilo is known for its warm aloha spirit, relaxed lifestyle, unique shops, art galleries and restaurants with local and regional cuisine. It is one of the best starting points to explore the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and its main airport receives flights from Honolulu, for those who want to explore the eastern side of the Big Island.
Check out our list of top 10 Vrbo accommodations, recommended for you who plan to spend summer in Hilo.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 16, 2025.
1. Well-located paradise with views of Carlsmith Beach Park (from USD 289)
This property is located at the Mauna Loa Shores Resort, with the best view of Carlsmith Beach Park, right from your window. It accommodates up to 3 people and it’s a perfect place if you want to jump into the sea in the morning for your morning swim. Carlsmith Beach Park is right next door, which is the best area for swimming and snorkelling on the protected reef.
You can see and hear the water from the park, right from your bed. It’s the best way to wake up in the morning.
Hilo, Hawaii, United States
18.77 km (11.7 mi) from Akaka Falls State Park
Top guest reviews
Host:
thanks to terry for great management and owners for offering this lovely place to stayLocation:
great snorkelling and turtle watching close byso beautifully decorated and perfect locationlocated right next to a great ocean front parkthere's also a great fish restaurant right across the streetnot a fancy property but great view and location with beautiful carl smith park steps awayCleanliness:
very clean extremely well stocked and greatthis clean convenient condo was just what we needed for our stay in hilothe unit itself is very clean nicely updated and has a great view of the bay/oceanthe unit and complex is cleanRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
sooo relaxing the condo was stocked with everything we needed with a great kitchen
2. Most affordable abode with a fenced backyard (from 99 USD)
This fully furnished house is situated in an old plantation neighbourhood, which is slightly off the beaten path, yet close to downtown Hilo. The master bedroom has a king-sized waterbed (yes, waterbed), and the other rooms have a queen-sized bed and two twin beds.
The children can run and play safely in the big fenced backyard while watching the wild chickens and roosters run around the neighbourhood. It’s a nice sanctuary to relax in, after a long day of sightseeing.
Budget-Friendly, 3 Bdrm. House With AIR-CON Close To Town & Airport, Low Fees
Price: from 99 USD
Number of Guests: 6
3. Charming home with an enclosed lanai (from 95 USD)
The Arecas is a charming home away from home, located in a beautiful old Hilo neighbourhood, between Rainbow Falls and Boiling Pots. It is 6 miles (9.7 km) from the airport, 3 miles (4.8 km) from downtown Hilo, and approximately 45 minutes to Volcano National Park.
The host has a binder with menus from several local restaurants, so you can easily choose where to eat, based on the recommendations. What an attentive host!
Relax and enjoy your privacy in the enclosed “lanai”, where you can enjoy the quiet mornings, read a book or plan your day. It also has a dining table, where you can have dinner while listening to the night symphony of the wildlife.
"THE ARECAS" a great place in a great Hilo location!
Price: from 95 USD
Number of Guests: 4
4. Airy accommodation with water views (from 63 USD)
Located in Hilo’s Banana Belt, this property overlooks the scenic tidal pools of Lalakea Pond, in Carlsmith Beach Park. You can watch the spinner dolphins and whales from your lanai, or you can just jump and swim with the sea turtles, in the tidal pools.
All rooms overlook great panoramic views of the bay. Watch the moon rise over the ocean while having your dinner. You will sleep and dream with the sound of the waves at night.
ALOHA spirit and a magical oceanfront view, it's ALL here on the Big Island!
Price: from 63 USD
Number of Guests: 4
5. Oceanside sanctuary best for couples
Located in Hilo’s Banana Belt (more sun, less rain), this is the perfect house for a couple’s holiday, surrounded by wonderful beaches. The property offers a 180-degree panoramic ocean view of Richardson’s surf beach and the lanai is a perfect spot to enjoy breakfast, under the morning sun. It is also an excellent spot to enjoy the afternoon or an outdoor dinner.
Within 5 minutes, you will be in downtown Hilo, for more restaurants, museums, etc. Suisan Fresh Fish Market is only 2 miles (3.2 km) away, where you can shop for the catch of the day, pokes (seafood salad) and seafood cocktails, for your delicious meals at home.
There is even a telescope, so you can watch the whales and dolphins, or you can find many brochures to help you plan a whale or dolphin watching tour and other activities.
Hilo, Hawaii, United States
19.05 km (11.9 mi) from Akaka Falls State Park
Top guest reviews
Host:
our host julie is the bestwas i helpful and informative as a host ? very helpfulthey are accommodating and friendly as ever always willing to helpjulie the owner is absolutely wonderful and i was always able to contact her easily via emailowner provides a nice telescope for better viewing as wellLocation:
all equiped great locationyum the location is perfectthis condo is a lovely place to staythis location is the absolute best in all of hiloi would highly recommend this condo to anyone that is looking for a place to re-energize and relaxCleanliness:
the place was very clean and organizedthe room is very clean and nicely decoratedproperty was clean and it is very well maintainedthis place is well equipped clean and very comfortablethe swimming pool is kept immaculately clean therefore i enjoyed it on an every day basisRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
the furniture and bed were very comfortablemore like a studio with a sliding door to shut off bedthe kitchen is perfect there's a washer and dryer and a dishwasheri stayed there for 2 months and felt very safe and comfortable therethe comfortable bed and large lanai was a real plus
6. Hilo's Hale Hibiscus
If you’re looking for quiet accommodation, in an agricultural setting, yet still close to town, look no further to this property. It is located in the family plantation complex and it’s only a 5-minute walk to downtown Hilo.
Hale Hibiscus has 3 sister units nearby, that share the wonderful, quaint and quiet atmosphere. It is surrounded by the family agricultural land and there are various fruit trees that are free for you to eat.
15.32 km (9.6 mi) from Akaka Falls State ParkTop guest reviews
Host:
much thanks to sandy who was caretaker during the owner's absenceyou can't beat the shower with massage the owner was great and accessibleLocation:
really an ideal location for thatthis is a perfect locationclose to everything in hilo but enough out of the bustle of downtown to be peaceful and quietvery nice place to stay and so close to downtownthe property has everything you need in a great locationCleanliness:
so clean and organizedthe unit was nice and cleanthe house was perfect for us extremely clean had all the required elements and diane was a great hostthe duplexes 4 in total are clean comfortable and well furnished and provisionedRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
place is immaculate with a nice full kitchen
7. Romantic retreat with panoramic views
Selected as one of the top picks of holiday homes by prestigious travel media, The Falls at Reed’s Island deserves its accolades, with every single inch of its place. Located just a mile (1.6 km) from downtown Hilo and Hilo Bay, you will be granted with a rainforest view and the sound of water from the Wailuku River.
The property has complete facilities, so you can be independent during your holiday. And you can arrange all your activities, from hiking an active volcano to hiking, biking, snorkelling, and diving, from the property.
The panoramic view of the waterfalls, the falling rain, the calls of birds, the black rocks and the greenery, will soothe you, from dawn to dusk. It’s a little piece of heaven on earth.
Hilo, Hawaii, United States
15.73 km (9.8 mi) from Akaka Falls State Park
Top guest reviews
Host:
owner jack is very accessible and helpfulowner was very responsive and all in all we had a very pleasant time herethe property was beautiful the owner was very helpful and we had a fantastic time while staying herethese hosts know how to induce and ensure lasting relaxationwe are so lucky that the owner has decided to share it with the worldRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
the kitchen and dining room were our gathering place with wonderful waterfall viewsif you love spectacular views beautifully designed indoor/outdoor living and comfortable accommodation then this is the perfect place
8. Oceanfront home near downtown Hilo (from 319 USD)
If you want to wake up to the sound of the waves crashing and beautiful Hilo bay scenery, look no further than this property. Hilo Hale is an oceanfront house, which accommodates 6 people, with complete media technology and a well-equipped kitchen, for all your needs.
Within a 5 to 10 minute walk, you will easily reach downtown Hilo, where you can find many restaurants and go shopping at the famous Hilo Farmers Market.
New Listing! Oceanfront 3 BD 2 BA House walking distance to Downtown Hilo!
Price: from 319 USD
Number of Guests: 6
9. Craftsman bungalow with a sauna and hot tub (from 225 USD)
This is your home away from home. This Craftsman garden bungalow home is located 2.5 miles (4 km) from historic, downtown Hilo and Hilo Bay. It’s a perfect place to relax in style or to start your adventure on the Big Island.
The property accommodates up to 4 people and comes with complete, stylish home appliances and a well-equipped kitchen. The garden is designed with a Japanese-inspired natural landscape and a fishpond, with delicate water lilies. If you come with children, please be aware of safety concern around the fishpond.
Experience your own infrared sauna, in its own secluded, outdoor garden spa, equipped with jetted hot tub and UV light water purification and outdoor shower. It will be the highlight of your holiday.
Craftsman Garden Bungalow Home, Asian-Inspired Tropical Gardens/ Spa
Price: from 225 USD
Number of Guests: 4
10. Peaceful haven with a yard (from 165 USD)
Spend your holiday in the lush Hawaiian jungle and experience the Old Hawaii experience at Hilo House. Hilo House accommodates up to 8 people and has everything you need for your holiday. There are many fruit trees in the yard, where you can pick your own fresh fruit to eat.
Downtown Hilo is just two miles (3.2 km) away and it’s two miles (3.2 km) to the ocean. The house is set in the heart of the East Hawaii Rainforest, where you can easily walk to beautiful scenic spots, such as the secret “Narnia” and Rainbow Falls, the famous Pe'pe Waterfalls, or Boiling Pots State Park.
New! 3BR Hilo House - Walk to Waterfalls!
Price: from 165 USD
Number of Guests: 8
Where the Aloha spirit lives
Hilo is where the Hawaiians keep their aloha spirit alive. Your accommodation will enhance your Old Hawaii experience, with its beautiful surrounding ocean, mountains, and rainforest jungle.
History
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