We stayed here 16 years ago on our last trip to Hawaii, and we were thrilled to discover that Gay is still going strong hosting! Gay and Koa are excellent hosts. We thoroughly enjoyed our delicious breakfasts - complete with fresh fruits, delicious coffee, and something home baked every day - accompanied by sparkling conversation. Gay and Koa had so many interesting stories to tell about their lives and the island for those interested in the history of Hawaii and its people. Gay also always had great advice to give about our plans for the day, along with food and activity recommendations. It's a bed and breakfast as you remember them before they became corporate and impersonal - beds folded down each day and the room freshened in your absence. Meals were tailored to our family's (admittedly, somewhat picky!) preferences. ||Rooms were impeccable and spacious - we stayed in the Samaurai and Bali Hai suites with our family. I especially loved watching the sunrise over the ocean on my first morning there, and the chatter of birdsong waking me in the morning. The beds were super comfortable and everything about the experience was perfect. Highly recommend the Hilo Honu Inn B&B for your next trip to Hilo!
Our family of 4 just stayed for 3 nights at the Hilo Honu Inn B&B in June 2024. We loved our stay here and highly recommend it. ||We stayed in the Samurai Suite which is on the 2nd floor. There were two rooms - one w/ the King Bed with a sitting area and one with twin beds. The King bed was very comfy, and the room was so unique/interesting having woven straw tatami mats and Shoji screens. We had a view of the ocean from our sitting area windows. We loved hearing the frogs at night and the birds in the morning.||There is no air conditioning in the King Room but there were a lot of windows (and fans) and a nice cross breeze. The Kids room had an air conditioner but they never needed it (just used their fan). ||Gay and Koa were fabulous hosts and everyone enjoyed the banana mac nut pancakes and French toast with the most fabulous syrups (coconut, passion fruit, etc.). There was also fruit, yogurt, and juice each day. We had great conversations with the other guests (a total of 8 people at breakfast each day) as well. ||Gay provided beach towels for us to use during our stay. ||Just a note that they follow the Hawaiian tradition of taking your shoes off at thee door, leaving them outside. Not a concern for us but if it matters for you, bring indoor slippers.
Our family of three adults stayed in the Samurai suite on the top floor for four nights and were very comfortable. Although the weather was very hot, the single AC in the twin bed room did a fine job of cooling off the whole suite, with the help of the fans in the tatami room (bonus: the fans muted the coqui frogs!). The lounge area of the suite was very enjoyable, especially during our rest times in the late afternoon. The shower was effective and easy to use, and the suite was overall roomy. Breakfasts were delicious, with homegrown fruits on the table and lively conversations. Gay and Koa are lovely, knowledgeable and interesting hosts who clearly enjoy having guests and made our stay at HHI far more enjoyable and personal than any hotel would have been. By the time we left after four nights, we felt like we had really experienced Hawaii. We’d recommend HHI for anyone who wants to get off the usual round of resorts and hotels and experience Hawaiian life.
We had a wonderful stay at the Hilo Honu Inn. Our bed and room were super comfortable - and despite jet lag, we slept so well! Gay had wonderful restaurant recommendations. She and Koa had a wealth of information about the area and the Big Island. We really loved Koa's childhood stories! The breakfast was such a nice start to the day. The location was close to downtown Hilo - super convenient. Highly Recommend!
My wife and I spent two days at the Hilo Honu Inn. We stayed in the Bali High suite and it was comfortable with very fine decor. Gay and Koa are excellent innkeepers and very accomodating. The food was better than any restaurant we ate at, they are accomplished chefs. Both love Hawaii and it shows. The Inn is within walking distance from the “downtown”, centrally located in a quiet residential neighborhood. We could not have asked for a better place to stay. Next time we are in Hilo, it will be where we stay.
It was a nice quaint stay in Hilo. Gaye gave great recommendations for the volcanos and the scenic car ride to Kona. The place is driving distance within Volcanos and Rainbow Falls. Breakfast was yummy. They provided the amenities listed on their website such as beach towels. Mahalo Gaye and Koa!
Gay & Koa were so generous with their time, art and stories. So interesting! The experience was pure joy. The Samurai Suite is THE place to stay! It was like sleeping in a tree house yet in luxury. It was a fantastic stay and we will be back for a 3rd time as soon as we can.
Aside from the very comfortable accommodations, and the delicious breakfasts, Gay and Koa were warm and welcoming. They told us stories of Hawaiian beliefs and traditions and shared their beautiful art works with us. They recommended places to see and good local restaurants. It was our second stay with them and it was delightful.
A wonderful experience. We could hear the waterfall (and frogs) from our room. We slept with the windows open, and it was delightful. If youâre looking for a 5-star hotel, this is not it. Itâs an experience. The rooms are clean and well decorated
