I've only had one other experience with a B&B and it was a good one, which is what prompted us to try it again. We could not have had a better experience here. The breakfasts were phenominal. Maria is a great cook and eating out on the lanai every morning is a big plus. The property was immaculately kept and the views of the ocean were spectacular. The beds were comfortable and as far as our room went, the room was exactly as advertised on the website. We had a great time meeting the other guests and learning about their experiences. Rick was very knowledgable about the area and had lots of tips to help us enjoy Hilo and the surrounding areas. You really have all the comforts of home (and more) with the spectacular views, wonderfully kept property, watching the whales breaching right off the coast and those delicious breakfasts. In looking at some of the other reviews, I didn't see many that I felt were out of line, but I don't look for perfection in every single area. I am rating our overall experience and it couldn't have been better. The parking is not perfect, the rooms may not be brand spanking new, but overall, those things are very very insignificant to the overall experience. You will not be disappointed to stay here.

Excellent place just outside Hilo, 5 min by car. The room faces the ocean, with a nice lanai where you can relax and look at the ocean. We were there in february so we were lucky enough to see many whales breaching out, just from our room. Totally awesome. The room is clean and Rick and Maria are very nice people with a lot of good advises on what to see in the area. The breakfast is probably the best one we had in all our vacation where we stayed at 5 different B&Bs. Fresh fruit with some very particular fruits that I never heard before (e.g. rambutan) and the macadamia pancakes were out of this world.
I definitely recommend this place and I will go back if I'll visit Hilo again (hopefully)

We've stayed at the Hale Kai Hawaii Bed & Breakfast every other year for eight years now and absolutely love the rooms, food and location. Sitting high on a cliff, breakfast is on a wonderful balcony overlooking the bay and most times you can enjoy dolphins or whales passing by as you dine on Maria's gourmet macadamia nut pancakes and sumptious tropical fruits. Even the coffee tastes richer and more flavorful here. The rooms are nicely decorated in a Hawaiian motif, always very clean and comfortable with the same wonderful bay view. Rick's knowledge of Geology and of the area provide current information about the volcano activity at the park and a host of sight seeing spots not to miss. It's the perfect location in Hilo and a fun place to stay. We would highly recommend this Bed & Breakfast!

Able to watch whales spout from the backyard (Immediately by our room). Breakfasts were excellent. A bit of a shlep from the car to the room with luggage and the room could use some up-dating. Over-all, an excellent location and a very nice experience.