More about Hale Kai Hawaii Bed and Breakfast
Great view, not-so-great rooms
by TripAdvisor Member Travelhappy
I agree with most of the review from the last poster from Chicago.
First, the good points:
* Great location on a bluff above a surfing beach just a couple minutes from Hilo town. You fall asleep to the sounds of crashing waves.
* Generally friendly hosts. Ric, especially, was interested in giving out tips to help us plan our daily activities.
* Terrific breakfasts. We were only able to eat at the B&B on two of our three days. Both meals started with fresh tropical fruits. On the first day we had frittata, Portuguese sausage, and fresh-basked scones. Second day was sausage and Macadamia nut waffles with maple, passion fruit, or coconut syrup.
Now, the not-so-good:
* Very outdated rooms. Although they seemed clean, it was hard to tell because of things like the stained linoleum in the bathroom, old rusty fixtures, and well-worn carpet in a color that completely didn't match the rest of the decor.
* Very cramped bathroom. Small shower, and not much room on the sink for toiletry items and limited space to hang wet towels. We had to set our hand towels on the sink to make room to hang two bath towels to dry. Also, note that only a small hotel soap (very drying) was provided. You need to bring your own shampoo, conditioner, and lotions.
* Difficult parking area. Steep entry, tight parking spaces. And, as others have noted, you do have to carry your bags and walk up some steep steps and down a narrow corridor to get to the rooms.
We did not use the pool or hot tub, so we can't comment on those but can point out that the location of the hot tub is right outside one of the rooms, so it is not very private.
We think this property has tremendous potential, but we would not likely stay there again unless the rooms were renovated. With some new carpet, tile, and bathroom fixtures, and perhaps a more comfortable bed and bedding, this could be an awesome place to stay. The shabbiness of the rooms made it hard to relax after our long days spent touring the Hilo side of the Big Island.
Wonderful oceanfront Hilo B&B
by A TripAdvisor Member
We found a great example of the Aloha spirit at this B&B. Our hosts, Ric and Maria, were helpful, gracious and informative during our 3 day stay (Apr 10-13th). Their excellent location overlooking Honolii Beach (best surf spot in Hilo), Maria's delicious, full gourmet breakfasts served on the lanai, and Ric's local knowledge of the area were well worth the $125/nt.
Pluses: Location, location, location! Super comfy king size bed, hot tub outside your room, swimming pool, rooms tidied daily and bath towels changed when needed, beach towels provided, well-maintained property, relaxing atmosphere, falling asleep each night to the sound of the ocean with our door open. We also appreciated Ric's great dinner recommendations (Hilo Bay Cafe was awesome) and help getting our Merrie Monarch T-Shirts.
Minuses: Rooms are clean but could be updated.
Note: We stayed in the Moana room (2nd from the end). Next time we might request the Bamboo room simply because it's at the end and has
different decor.
Hale Kai is not for the pampered, high-maintenance type seeking the resort experience for $125/$135/nite. This is simply a great place to stay if you want to explore the beautiful Hilo/Puna area.
Loved it
by TripAdvisor Member toberdorfer
My husband and I just returned from a stay at the Hale Kai B&B in Hilo. The owners, Marla and Ricardo were gracious, friendly, knowledgeable on sites to see, restaurants, etc. The breakfast was excellent, generous portions and a killer view. We would highly recommend the Hale Kai with out a doubt. Hilo is not the mainland, but if you want a B&B with a view to die for from your room, great food and knowledgeable hosts this is your place.
Wonderful B&B
by A TripAdvisor Member
We spent 2 nights in Hale Kai Hawaii.
The outlook from our spacious and clean room was excellent.
We had the best breakfast of our Hawaii-trip, the table was prepared with love.
The hosts were very friendly.
We would visit Hale Kai Hawaii again if we come to Big Island once more.
Breathtaking
by A TripAdvisor Member
What a B & B. Outstanding view, great weather, terrific breakfast and super hospitality!!! Rick and Maria have a lovely B & B. Our room was perfect with a private patio area just to sit and enjoy the ocean view. Maria's breakfast was outstanding. Loved all the local fruit and coffee. Her homemade baked goods were wonderful. Looking forward to going again!!!!
Would not hesitate to go again
by TripAdvisor Member mudward
We spent 4 days total in Hale Kai Hawai'i Pele Suite and loved every minute of it. Rick and Maria are by far the most gracious hosts we could have hoped for. Maria's breakfasts were always outstanding and Rick's directions were extremely helpful. The view of Hilo's harbor from the lanai was stunning and their proximity to Hilo proper, the botanical gardens and Kilauea made this B&B the perfect pick. I wouldn't hesitate to stay here again.
a home away from home
by TripAdvisor Member pixieschick
We stayed at Hale Kai Hawaii for 4 nights in May 2005. Maria & Rick are the hosts of this wonderful B&B. They took over this property apprx 3 years ago, seriously revamping what I understand to be very outdated lodgings.
We stayed in the Pele suite. It was very roomy & decorated beautifully; the color scheme was bright & cheery. The bathroom was a little bit on the small side (something that is already on their list of improvements to be made), but pleasant with bright multi-colored towels & lots of storage room. Some of Rick’s photography hangs in the room & was stunning to say the least. The gardens on the property are a great representation of the lush plant life that you will see on the east side of the island, and beautifully maintained.
As for Maria's artwork, the breakfasts, breathtaking is an understatement. Every night we went to bed guessing what we would have the next morning. Each morning began with great coffee, amazing fresh tropical juices, and tons of fresh island fruit. Then the breakfasts would come, and the jaws would drop. Portuguese sausage & taro pancakes with your choice of coconut, passion fruit, or maple syrup. My other favorite was feta cheese frittata with fresh tomatoes, chicken apple sausage, & freshly baked mango scones with guava jam. And if the gourmet food isn't enough stimulation, the view is an inspirational way to start the day.
It is quite obvious that Rick & Maria love what they are doing at Hale Kai Hawaii. They are enthusiastic about sharing the beauty of Hawaii with their guest. They gave the best restaurant suggestions (we had the best Thai food ever). And every morning Rick offers up his expertise in sights to be seen, or sights not to waste your time on. He really listens to his guests & tailors his suggestions to what will best suit their interests. And sure enough, he was dead on each day.
We will suggest this B&B to everyone who travels to the Big Island. We will definitely return to Hale Kai Hawaii.
Wonderful Hawaiian experience
by TripAdvisor Member jt22ml31
We recently stayed at the Hale Kai Hawaii B&B in Hilo on the Big Island (June 24-27, 2005). Maria served a wonderful gourmet breakfast each morning on the upper lanai overlooking the ocean that included Kona coffee and fresh local fruits. We tried several island fruits and juices that were new to us and loved them. We particularly liked her coconut macadamia nut pancakes and mango-apricot scones. Ric and Maria were readily accessible, accommodating, and helpful, but not intrusive. The room was quiet, spacious and clean. It was right on the water and we slept to the sound of waves. We had a private lanai but were too busy to enjoy it! It was a wonderful experience.
Paradise!
by A TripAdvisor Member
My husband and I were very lucky to find this charming, beautiful B&B just 5 minutes outside of Hilo. The rooms are immaculate, and all have spectacular ocean views. Watching the moonrise as well as the sunrise from our terrace is something we will always remember. Breakfast was wonderful with fresh fruit, macadamia nut pancakes and waffles, egg dishes and scones. The hosts are very friendly and helpful. We can't wait to return.
romantic, intimate b&b with best hosts
by A TripAdvisor Member
this is a great great spot on the hilo bay. the hosts are wonderful and very knowledgeable. the best part is the delicious breakfasts while watching whales in the bay.....i need to go back.
Photos
Rainbow from the helicopter
Queen Liliuokalani Park by Hilo Bay
Windmill farm
Crater and tropic bird
Forum Posts
Helicopter over live volcano
by fluroyellow
Hi
Im looking to reserve sonthing online for a helicopter tour over on eof the live volcanoes while in hilo. Any reccomnedations.
we will be coming via cruise so may have to be an afternoon one. looking at a cheaper one. any websites or suggestions would be greatlyu appreciated
RE: Helicopter over live volcano
by BlueCollar
Try Tropical Helicopters (www.tropicalhelicopters.com).
Go on their "Feel the Heat" tour. They fly without the doors on the chopper. It's awesome! I've done it and loved it!
They fly out of Hilo so it should be an easy fit into your cruise intinerary.
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