Independent, Hamakua Coast hotels

"If you like Sailor Jerry, Donovan's Reef, and vintage tiki aesthetic, you'll enjoy Wild Ginger. Yes it really takes 20 minutes for hot water and there's no a/c, but the rates are reasonable, rooms are clean and breezy, staff are nice, and parking and continental breakfast free. The hotel was built in 1911 (16 years before the Royal Hawaiian) and the new owners are working hard to keep it nice. Enjoy the ceiling fans, coqui frogs, and 5 minute walk to downtown because you won't find another place like it in Hawaii."

"Small boutique hotel, only about 8 (nice) rooms. Ocean sunrise views. Nice dinner included 3 nights per week. Infinity pool. Accommodating staff. About 15 minutes from Hilo but otherwise nothing much in the immediate area. No swimming beach but you can walk down to the coast to watch the waves. Very quiet, but we were the only guests the week we visited."

"Very friendly front desk staff, valet was busy but they all provided great service. Mahalo!"

"Good staff "

"Staff were courteous and professional, and knowledgeable about the area as well. The back garden was a great place to retreat at the end of a busy day, and the cat, Boots, was absolutely adorable!"

"Just absolutely awesome "

"We were there during a tsunami threat and the amount of support was amazing. "

"The best hotel in Hilo "

"Absolutely superb. Randy thought of everything to make this a quiet, friendly, comfortable place to stay. A quiet retreat. It put a dent in our tourist activities, though, because we didn’t want to leave! It’s good to do some grocery shopping before you get there, as there are minimal food options in the immediate area."