HOWZIT HOSTELS HAWAII, Hilo

The hostel sits in the heart of downtown Hilo, directly on the beachfront with sea views from many rooms. The bus station is just a couple of blocks away, making car-free exploration straightforward. The Pacific Tsunami Museum is a 2-minute walk, Lyman Museum 700 metres away, and Bayfront Beach Park 2 km. Rainbow Falls is 3 km from the property, and Hilo International Airport is 4 km away. Several cafes, restaurants, and shops are within a 0.5 km radius. Free street parking is available nearby. The walkable location allows easy access to local amenities without needing a car.

Accommodation options include private family rooms and dormitory-style rooms, all with shared bathrooms. Each bed features a privacy curtain, side light, charging port, and a storage box that fits a suitcase or backpack. Lockers are built into the bed frame and require your own lock. Rooms are spacious with high ceilings and large windows that open to let in the breeze, though no air conditioning is available - standing or ceiling fans are provided. Parquet flooring and sea views, where applicable, add to the bright feel. Some private rooms are spartan with limited surfaces, but the modern bathrooms and showers are clean, with rain-style shower heads and free soap, shampoo, and conditioner.

A complimentary breakfast of pancakes and coffee is provided daily, laid out in the common area or reception. The well-stocked shared kitchen includes a microwave, toaster, kettle, and all necessary cookware and utensils, so you can prepare meals and store perishables. There is no restaurant on site, but numerous dining options - including Conscious Culture Cafe, Puna Chocolate Company, New Chiang Mai Thai Cuisine, and Hilo Shark's Coffee Shop - are all within a 0.5 km walk. The kitchen is popular and generally well-equipped, though guests are expected to clean up after use.

The hostel's immediate beachfront setting provides direct access to the shoreline, with the swimming beach a 15-20 minute walk away. The communal lounge is spacious, with sofas, side tables for eating or working, and board games. The property organizes a range of free activities including hikes, pub crawls, snorkelling trips, and evening events like jazz nights. Sign-up sheets are posted, allowing you to join tours to Volcanoes National Park, waterfall hikes, and cultural evenings at no extra cost. No spa, pool, or fitness centre is available. The hostel has a WhatsApp group that coordinates additional trips and social activities around the island.

Free high-speed Wi-Fi is available in all rooms. The 24-hour front desk provides towel rental ($2), lock purchase, and sightseeing recommendations. Daily housekeeping keeps shared bathrooms and common areas very clean. Luggage storage is available for a fee of $5 per day per large bag, with a couple of hours free if your flight is soon after check-out. A shared kitchen, a large TV/lounge area, and secure lockers are on site. The property uses combination codes for entry and has 24-hour security, CCTV in common areas, and smoke alarms. Accessible parking is available nearby, and the hostel has a strict no-pets, no-smoking policy.