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The 9 Best Boutique Hotels on the Big Island, Hawai’i
The 9 Best Boutique Hotels on the Big Island, Hawai’i-September 2024
Sep 22, 2024 8:28 AM

  A longtime favorite among adventurous and spiritually minded travelers, the Big Island of Hawaii offers visitors everything they could ever hope for in a Hawaiian vacation: incredible beaches, awe-inspiring hikes, lush rainforests, thundering waterfalls, and peaceful vibes all around.

  When it comes to finding the best boutique hotels on the Big Island, theres something for everyone, from beach bums to volcano enthusiasts. These are my top nine:

  Table of Contents

  Toggle 1. Holualoa Inn2. SCP Hilo Hotel3. Volcano Village Lodge4. Volcano Rainforest Retreat Bed Breakfast5. Aloha Boutique Hotel6. The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls7. Ala Kai Bed Breakfast8. Kona Tiki Hotel9. Mahana House Country Inn 1. Holualoa Inn

  This quaint bed-and-breakfast is on 30 acres on the slopes of Mount Hualālai, yet it has just six rooms, giving guests their very own slice of Hawaiian paradise. Better yet, Holualoa Inn is in the heart of the Kona coffee belt, on a working coffee farm. Imagine sipping your morning brew knowing the beans came from the same land youre sitting on — pretty neat!

  The perks dont stop at coffee, though. The inn is just minutes from the beach, and some rooms have an ocean view. Guests adore the generous breakfasts served here and rave about the outstanding hospitality. In case youre not sold yet, there are also massages and yoga classes for guests, offering a truly rejuvenating experience.

  Book it here.

  2. SCP Hilo Hotel

  If youve read up on things to do on the Big Island, chances are that Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is on your bucket list. If visiting this epic location is a top priority, consider staying at SCP Hilo Hotel, which is just minutes from the park. Though its technically larger than most boutique hotels (at 128 guest rooms), it deserves a spot on this list, because guests swear that staying at this family-run hotel has all the perks of a much smaller operation. The hospitality is great, its quiet, and there are tons of quirky touches throughout the hotel to give it a unique feel.

  Some of the perks at SCP Hilo Hotel include a pool and sun terrace, a gym with Peloton bikes, and designated Peaceful Rooms, which allow guests to disconnect from the digital world. Another cool feature is that the hotel works with the Hawaii Wildlife Fund to remove 2.2 pounds (1 kilo) of trash from local beaches for every guest that stays. How cool is that?

  Book it here.

  3. Volcano Village Lodge

  Another fantastic option near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, this lodge is ideal for travelers who want to escape into nature. Nestled in the rainforest and surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Big Island, Volcano Village Lodge offers guests an experience of a lifetime. With just five suites and an uber-professional staff, the quality of hospitality is unmatched compared to big resorts on the island.

  Since this boutique hotel is just two miles from the national park, it offers tours with expert guides and access to trails to see recent lava flows.

  Want a break from hiking to learn more about Hawaiian culture? You can take a hula class or create your own flower (a headband worn during hula dance or for special occasions).

  Guests especially love the delicious breakfasts here (try the macadamia pancakes!) and rate the jungle views a 10 out of 10.

  Book it here.

  4. Volcano Rainforest Retreat Bed Breakfast

  Just in case your heart is set on staying near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, heres another stellar option. Volcano Rainforest Retreat Bed Breakfast stands out from the pack because of its lush garden setting and gorgeous, Japanese-inspired architecture. The property only has five cottages in different sizes, and each one has its own outdoor hot tub. Imagine soaking here after a long day of hiking, surrounded by rainforest epic!

  Though its tucked away in the forest, this bed-and-breakfast is just minutes from Volcano Village, where youll find plenty of restaurants and shops. Its also next to the national park and the Pohoiki black-sand beach, where lava recently flowed in 2018. Guests rave about the location but also swear by the breakfast and superb hospitality.

  Book it here.

  5. Aloha Boutique Hotel

  Vegan and eco-conscious travelers, rejoice! Aloha Boutique Hotel is your Hawaiian dream come true. Located in a plantation mansion built in the late 1800s, this eclectic hotel is alcohol-free, cigarette-free, meat-free, and fast food-free, making it one of the most unique options on the island. It is situated in the small village of Hawi on the far northwestern tip of the Big Island, far from large resorts, something that guests love.

  The immaculate grounds full of fruit trees and other tropical plants are cool and all, but guests were most excited about the complimentary breakfast buffet offered each morning. One even reported in a recent review, The variety of breakfast items and their flavorings took us to a whole new level. Sign me up already!

  Book it here.

  6. The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls

  If youre coming to the Big Island for the waterfalls, this one is for you. The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls was featured on the Netflix show , so you already know its a special place to stay.

  This off-the-grid propety is one of the most sustainable accommodations you can find on the Big Island, but that doesnt mean youll miss out on modern comforts. Though there are some options here with limited electricity, the inn also has premium suites with all the swanky amenities youd expect at a fancy hotel, but in a serene atmosphere, away from the bustle of large resorts. Next time I head to the Big Island, you can bet this one is at the top of my list!

  Book it here.

  7. Ala Kai Bed Breakfast

  You were probably wondering when Id get to the beachside havens, and the time is now! Ala Kai Bed Breakfast gives guests a taste of everything that makes the Big Island great: beautiful sea views, lush rainforest scenery, dramatic volcanoes, and gushing waterfalls. Even more, its located in the charming village of Puna, a hidden gem where youll be able to soak up some authentic Hawaiian culture.

  This small, four-room bed-and-breakfast gets rave reviews because of the owners warm hospitality, making many guests feel at home. The location is also a huge plus for travelers looking to get off the beaten path in Hawaii.

  Book it here.

  8. Kona Tiki Hotel

  Thought the only way to get stellar ocean views is to break the bank at a resort? Think again! Kona Tiki Hotel is perhaps the most affordable oceanfront stay on the island, with 16 rooms that all have a sea view. This gem is one mile south of Kailua-Kona and within walking distance of restaurants and shops, though it feels a world away from the larger hotels.

  Guests love listening to the waves crash at night and leave glowing reviews about the location. Some even rate Kona Tiki Hotel a 10 out of 10 for the value, enough to make any budget travelers ears perk up.

  Book it here.

  9. Mahana House Country Inn

  I might have to pull out the old cliché, saving the best for last, for this one. I cant imagine a better location than Mahana House Country Inn on the Hamakua coast north of Hilo. This cozy four-room, three-cottage inn is on an 11-acre fruit farm with lush gardens and ocean views. Not only that, but its just a few minutes from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and a number of stunning waterfalls. This place truly has it all.

  As one of the best-rated boutique hotels in all of Hawaii, it has earned a 9.6/10 rating on Booking.com, with reviews gushing about the superb amenities, awesome views, and outstanding location. Go ahead and see for yourself!

  Book it here.

  ***

  With so many fabulous options, how could anyone choose where to stay on the Big Island?

  Let us know which one of these boutique hotels youre most excited to check out.

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