Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo – a DoubleTree by Hilton

Formerly the Grand Naniloa Hotel, the property underwent a 35-million-dollar renovation and reopened in 2017 as the Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo – a DoubleTree by Hilton property. The 388-room property emerged with a contemporary, if a bit uninspired, look. Travelers arrive to a large open-air lobby with multiple seating areas, a central and hopping bar, and a reception where the chain’s famous fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies are doled out. Neutral-tone seating, floors, and white walls are enlivened by Hawaii-inspired decorations such as artwork and throw pillows with photographs of hula dancers, wood slab coffee tables, and display cases of historical artifacts. The open-air space has ample seating and stunning views of Hilo Bay and the ocean beyond. The property also offers beautiful sunrise and Mauna Kea vistas.

Steps from here lead down to a large lawn with a wedding gazebo, rocky coastline, and dual shave ice, water-sports kiosk. Off to one side is a small kidney-shaped outdoor pool surrounded by loungers and next to the Hula Hulas restaurant that has a lively bar attracting locals and guests. Although there’s no real beach here, travelers can snorkel or go kayaking. This property is removed from Downtown Hilo, making it a better choice for travelers who are either arriving or soon departing from Hilo International Airport.

Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo is situated directly along Hilo Bay on the eastern coast of the Island of Hawaii (also known as the Big Island). It’s a quick six-minute drive from Hilo International Airport, one of two main airports on the island; the other is Kona International Airport, situated along the island’s western coast and a 90-minute drive from the Grand Naniloa Resort. The hotel sits next to the nine-hole Naniloa Golf Course, and access is included in the resort fee. There are several restaurants, shops, a supermarket, and gas station within a walk or quick drive, but downtown Hilo’s cluster of eateries and bars requires a 30-minute walk or seven-minute drive.

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is a 40-minute drive south of the hotel, while Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano known for its hiking and sunrise/sunset views, is a 75-minute drive away. The beautiful Japanese Liliuokalani Gardens are just a few minutes’ walk down Banyan Drive.

The 388 rooms and 19 suites at Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo – a DoubleTree by Hilton were completely renovated in 2017. They’re all done in the same contemporary, if a bit generic, style consisting of streamlined wood furniture in different finishes, striped carpeting, white walls and bed linens, and black metal roller desk chairs. The only real character comes from hula dancer-motif artwork on the walls. There are two buildings housing rooms, with the better views in the main building holding the restaurant. Also, be aware that not all rooms have balconies, though many do have furnished lanais with gorgeous views of the ocean and Mauna Kea.

Standard guest rooms measure 298 square feet, while suites come in at either 550 square feet or 742 square feet. Standard amenities consist of flat-screen TVs, desks, microwaves, mini-fridges, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and electronic safes. Ironing equipment is not provided. Marble bathrooms are the same across the board, featuring shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and free toiletries. Corner Suites have two walls of windows and seating areas, while large Oceanfront Suites have living spaces (not separate rooms) and wet bars.

Note that some past guests have complained of noise issues due to thin walls.

There are several restaurant and bars in the immediate area, plus quality dining and drinking options on-site. The one restaurant here is Hula Hulas, a large locally inspired and locally sourced eatery with a spacious dining area and fun bar section that’s often packed with locals and guests alike for the daily afternoon happy hour. Doors open to the pool deck for outdoor seating as well. Breakfast buffets and a la carte dishes are available, as is a la carte fare for lunch and dinner. Dishes range from tuna poke nachos and fish tacos to pizza and hamburgers.

The Hula Lounge Lobby Bar opens in the late afternoon and closes late. There’s ample seating at the bar and at surrounding couches overlooking the ocean. Live evening music is provided here. The water-sports kiosk also sells shave ice – a popular treat in Hawaii.

Room service is not available.

The Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo lacks a true sandy beach, but it still offers ways for guests to take a dip and sunbathe. The small kidney-shaped outdoor pool sits next to the water in a sunny deck, and it’s lined by plenty of loungers, though no umbrellas. Pool towels are available at the front desk. The adjacent water-sports kiosk is available for kayaks and snorkel gear, the latter of which is included in the daily resort fee. The daily resort fee also covers parking, Wi-Fi, and rounds of golf at the adjacent nine-hole course.

A spacious, bright fitness center is equipped with a limited number of cardio and strength-training machines, as well as free weights and exercise balls.

The property offers 20,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting and event space, including a 4,500-square-foot ballroom for up to 400 guests. A charming gazebo for wedding ceremonies is located by the ocean.