Arnott’s Lodge
(808) 969-7097
98 Apapane Rd.
6 private rooms, 15 semi-private rooms, 24 dorm beds, campsites, coin-op laundry, free Wi-Fi or you can use their computer, a/c in deluxe rooms only, pay phone. Located just off Kalanianaole Avenue in east Hilo past the industrial area, this place is popular with backpackers. They offer several tours in their vans, since, as they put it, “Most of our guests don’t have cars.” A room with 55-inch tv and tons of movies to choose from and a large outdoor patio. The lodge/hostel is a scattering of buildings. Dorms are small and dark and can get hot. On this visit we detected a moldy smell in the rooms, especially in carpeted areas, which was noted by our reader comments as well, but they have done some upgrades and say they clean carpets more often. Deluxe Private rooms (private bath and shared kitchen) for $75, semi-private (private bedroom, shared bath and kitchen) for $65, dorms for $25 up to $50 (for a lockable room per couple), or you can pitch your tent for $11/per person. They also offer some suites with kitchens from 1–3 bedrooms for $99–$180. This is our last choice of hostel offerings in Hilo.
