Vacation rentals in Hilo

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Popular amenities for Hilo vacation rentals

Stay near Hilo's top sights

Rainbow Falls161 locals recommend
Carlsmith Beach Park109 locals recommend
Pacific Tsunami Museum13 locals recommend

Pet-friendly vacation rentals in Hilo

Guest favorite
Apartment in Puna
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 308 reviews

Old School Hospitality

LeonieRating, 5 stars5 days ago
the apartment is a very great and special place. Surrounded by the nature you live in a big cozy apartment. You can listen to the animal sounds around you in the night. Jim was very friendly, he gave us helpful information about the area. Check-in was flexibel.
Guest favorite
Guesthouse in Puna
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 309 reviews

Windspirit Cottage TA tax #137089228801

VincentRating, 5 stars2 months ago
Cozy spot with a beautiful yard. Loved sitting on the porch and playing with the dog. Too comfortable beds. Very welcoming and friendly hosts. Highly recommended.
Guest favorite
Guesthouse in Puna
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 222 reviews

Modern Jungle Cottage

JohnnyRating, 5 stars3 days ago
My partner and I stayed in the jungle cottage for 4 nights everything about it was accurate jungle type scenery it is very noisy at night due to coqui frogs but we didn’t mind it no ac but there is two fans that help out we had a great experience and stay here definitely a place I’d come back too
Superhost
Guest suite in Puna
4.82 out of 5 average rating, 234 reviews

Airy apartment at Coconut cottage

ShaylaRating, 5 stars1 month ago
Loved this Airbnb! Highly recommend.
Guest favorite
Earthen home in Puna
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 160 reviews

Inn a Volcano

JulieRating, 5 stars1 week ago
This was such a magical stay!!! I cannot say enough how much my daughter and I loved this whimsical and wonderful volcano inn! All of the little touches that matched the volcano room were delightful and Cassandra went above and beyond with little amenities and treats waiting for us on arrival. Definitely worth your while to stay in this volcano while visiting Hawaii Volcano National Park 🌋
Guest favorite
Tiny home in Puna
4.89 out of 5 average rating, 807 reviews

The Phoenix House - Epic GEM on Volcanic LavaField

MelanieRating, 5 stars2 weeks ago
A very special and cozy place to stay! Away from the hustle and bustle, we enjoyed views of the lava field and the stars at night, and above all, the quiet! The tiny house is comfortably furnished, and it's clear that Jade has put a lot of effort into making it a welcoming space. She is very responsive and provides a bunch of helpful information and recommendations!
Guest favorite
Home in Puna
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 114 reviews

A Hale Away From Home

MikeRating, 5 stars3 days ago
Really fun place to stay. My kids caught lizards and frogs outside. The decor inside was very retro and pleasant. We ate out on the balcony every day. Thank you!
Guest favorite
Guest suite in Puna
4.84 out of 5 average rating, 251 reviews

“Patti's Aloha Paradise”

AlyssaRating, 5 stars5 days ago
This place was perfect. It had everything you need, clean, and the host Patty was amazing. Communication was great, it really felt like a friendly neighbour. The area was safe and quiet. If I was coming back to Hilo I’d definitely book this place again!

Other great vacation rentals in Hilo

Top guest favorite
Bungalow in Pepeekeo
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 368 reviews

Heavenly Hakalau: Oceanfront Cliff House with A/C

BethanyRating, 5 stars2 weeks ago
While we only stayed a short period of time, the LOCATION is perfect. A nice little curved drive leads you to this relaxing oasis! Place was extremely clean and had a lot of great little details like binoculars for the winter whale watching (we hope to experience). We were celebrating a big 10 year anniversary and they had a super sweet bottle of champagne in the fridge waiting for us. We will certainly be back!
Top guest favorite
Cottage in Puna
5 out of 5 average rating, 426 reviews

Bananarama Cottage, Black Sand Beaches, A/C

ElisaRating, 5 stars1 week ago
The Bananarama Cottage is the coziest place we've stayed at so far. Rob and Bob welcomed us with a delicious loaf of bread and a piece of cake from their own bakery. They are incredibly kind and welcoming hosts. The cottage is beautifully furnished, and we didn’t miss a thing. After three months of traveling, this was the perfect place to slow down and recharge. The proximity to Volcanoes National Park is great, and the whole area offers plenty of opportunities for activities. We would come back anytime and can highly recommend it to everyone.
Guest favorite
Farm stay in Hakalau
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 389 reviews

Forest Hale Cabin @ Permaculture Farm, Waterfall

JanieRating, 5 stars2 weeks ago
That sky, the waterfall, those coqui songs…ahhh, paradise! This place more than met our expectations: the hosts were lovely, the digs comfortable, and the possibilities (probably!) endless (yep, lots of different fruit trees to add to one’s vocabulary)… and it’d be swell to stay more than the two nights we did. But at least we were lucky enough to snag those two before a visit to the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden and the Waipio Lookout. Next time? A longer stay to soak up those good vibes!
Top guest favorite
Guesthouse in Puna
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 419 reviews

Bamboo Bungalow

LisaRating, 5 stars4 days ago
What an adorable find!! It’s small but mighty! Designed for two, but handled three of us just fine. The outdoor shower was a special treat. It has absolutely everything you’d need for a fabulous stay. Our breakfast was delicious! The place was extremely easy to get to yet we felt like we were out in the country. 10/10!!
Guest favorite
Cottage in Puna
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 357 reviews

Volcano Singing Forest Cottage

FengluRating, 5 stars1 week ago
Kimberly’s place is nice and tidy. She also gave a lot of traveling tips. The house has a fireplace so it doesn’t feel cold at night. The only thing I want to say is, some glass doors and windows don’t have curtains, and it makes me feel a bit insecure.
Top guest favorite
Home in Puna
4.91 out of 5 average rating, 502 reviews

Puna Rainforest Retreat Hotspring Rainbow Cottage

SerenaRating, 5 stars2 weeks ago
Lovely, clean cottage on a beautiful property. We loved the cold plunge pool and starry night view from the patio. 10/10 would stay again!
Top guest favorite
Guesthouse in Puna
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 131 reviews

Adventure to Shipman Beach Trail - Modern Bungalow

GeosefRating, 5 stars4 days ago
This was a wonderful place to stay. Super charming and very comfortable. Madeleine was great and very responsive. I would definitely stay there again if i was on that side of the island again!
Guest favorite
Guest suite in Hilo
4.89 out of 5 average rating, 129 reviews

Butterfly Suite

LeticiaRating, 5 stars1 week ago
I had a wonderful stay at this Airbnb! The place was nice, clean, and cozy—exactly what I was hoping for. It felt comfortable and welcoming from the moment I arrived. Everything was spotless and thoughtfully arranged, making it easy to relax and enjoy my time there. The host was very polite, communicative, and kind. They were quick to respond to any questions and made sure I had everything I needed throughout my stay. You can tell they truly care about their guests’ experience. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for a peaceful and pleasant stay, and I’d love to come back in the future!

Quick stats about vacation rentals in Hilo

  • Total rentals

    480 properties

  • Nightly prices starting at

    $30 before taxes and fees

  • Total number of reviews

    34K reviews

  • Family-friendly rentals

    200 properties are a good fit for families

  • Pet-friendly rentals

    50 properties allow pets

  • Rentals with a pool

    90 properties have a pool

Your guide to Hilo

Welcome to Hilo

The town of Hilo meets the definition of an idyllic Hawaiian destination. Its black sand beaches are lined with swaying palm trees arching over aquamarine waters, dramatic waterfalls plunge from shelves blotted by tropical rainforests, and some of the planet’s most active volcanoes are only a short drive away. Yet Hilo sees a fraction of the crowds drawn to its sunnier sister town of Kona. Hilo’s lush beauty and relaxed vibe can be attributed to its status as the rainiest city in the United States. Many visitors drop into Hilo for a quick visit before jumping off to explore the nearby Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. But hikers, snorkelers, waterfall chasers, and science enthusiasts will find a wide range of activities to choose from in Hilo, accompanied by a collegiate town spirit, thanks to the nearby University of Hawaii at Hilo.


The best time to stay in a vacation rental in Hilo

The lush eastern side of the island of Hawaii is temperate but characteristically wet, soaking in an annual average of 140 inches of rainfall. This wet climate means it’s advisable to layer or bring a light jacket in preparation for intermittent showers; if you plan to venture up to the higher elevations inland, especially near summits and volcanoes, come prepared for legitimately cold temperatures. Spring and fall generally offer visitors the best overlap of warm and dry days in Hilo, the latter months thinning out crowds as the tourist season comes to a close. Hurricane season spans June through November; while violent tropical storms are always a possibility, historically they’ve rarely made landfall across the Big Island.


Top things to do in Hilo

Punalu‘u Beach

Punalu‘u Beach is the most famous and accessible black sand beach on the island. Hawksbill and Hawaiian green turtles are known to amble up the volcanic-rock-tinted shoreline to sunbathe here. Just be sure to give these aquatic natives a wide berth onshore and in the water, as they’re protected under the Endangered Species Act.

Hamakua Coast Scenic Drive

While Rainbow Falls State Park unequivocally warrants a visit to take in its grand cascade of water, a more adventurous option awaits along this scenic serpentine 40-mile route tracing the North Shore of the island toward Waipi’o Valley. The road is dotted by a multitude of waterfalls and old sugar cane fields along the way.

Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Garden

While flora grows in abundance across Hilo, this botanical garden and nature preserve hosts a riot of tropical plants of unmatched color and beauty. There are more than 2,000 species collected and cultivated from across the globe, easily accessible to visitors by winding wooden pathways.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How is the weather in Hilo?

    Hilo has a tropical rainforest climate, with warm temperatures year-round. The average temperature is around 70-85°F (21-29°C). It's known as one of the wettest cities in the U.S., with the heaviest rainfall from November to March, but showers can occur at any time.

  • What are some of the best things to do in Hilo?

    In Hilo, immerse yourself in nature at the Rainbow Falls or the Liliuokalani Park and Gardens, explore the Pacific Tsunami Museum for a dose of history, or visit the Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens to see the local wildlife. The local Farmer's Market is also a favourite among visitors.

  • What is the best time of year to visit Hilo?

    The most popular time to visit Hilo is during the summer, from June to September. During this period, visitors often attend the Hilo Orchid Society Annual Show and the Merrie Monarch Festival, a week-long celebration of traditional Hawaiian culture and hula dancing.

  • What are the best places to stay in Hilo?

    Popular areas to stay in Hilo include Downtown Hilo for its close proximity to shops and restaurants, Keaukaha for its beachfront properties, and the Banyan Drive area, known for its lush, park-like ambiance and stunning views of Hilo Bay.

  • What are the best places to visit in Hilo?

    Popular places to visit in Hilo include the Rainbow Falls, 'Akaka Falls State Park, Liliuokalani Park and Gardens, and the Pacific Tsunami Museum. The Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Garden is also a firm favourite, offering the chance to explore a lush tropical rainforest.

  • What are some hiking trails in Hilo?

    Hilo is home to several beautiful hiking trails. Consider exploring the Onomea Bay trail, a 4-mile (6.4 km) round trip through a lush botanical garden, or the Kaumana Caves trail, which leads through a fascinating lava tube. For a more challenging day out hike, the 4 mile (6.4 km) Kulaniapia Falls trail offers rewarding views.

  • What are some family activities to do in Hilo?

    Families in Hilo can enjoy a day at the Hilo Bay Beachfront Park, explore the interactive exhibits at the 'Imiloa Astronomy Center, take a tour of the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corporation, or visit the Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo to see a variety of animals and a beautiful botanical garden.

  • What are some of the best day trip ideas in Hilo?

    From Hilo, you can embark on a day trip to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, about 30 miles (48 km) away, to witness active volcanoes. Another option is the scenic drive along the Hamakua Coast, with stops at Akaka Falls and Waipio Valley.

  • What types of vacation rentals are available in Hilo?

    Uncover the perfect home-away-from-home with our diverse selection of vacation rentals in Hilo. From over 180 house rentals to over 50 condo rentals, we've got you covered. For even more variety, explore our Airbnb Categories to find the ideal space for your getaway.

  • Are there vacation rentals with a dedicated workspace in Hilo?

    Yes! Work meets play with ease at over 230 vacation rentals in Hilo featuring dedicated workspaces. Stay connected and productive in your home away from home.

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