Dolphin Bay
333 Iliahi St, Hilo, Island of Hawaii, HI 96720-2399
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About
#1 of 7 hotels in Hilo
Location
4.3
Cleanliness
4.5
Service
4.7
Value
4.4
Travelers' Choice
Seasoned guidance for a wide range of Big Island adventures. Walking distance to downtown Hilo. Clean quiet & reasonable. All rooms with kitchens. Free WiFi Internet available. Rated nicest small hotel in Hilo.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Wifi
Free breakfast
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor furniture
Room features
Private balcony
Seating area
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Kitchenette
Microwave
Refrigerator
Flatscreen TV
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
HOTEL STYLE
Green
Family
Location
Full view
77Somewhat walkable
Grade: 77 out of 100
79Restaurantswithin 0.75 miles
53Attractionswithin 0.75 miles
Contact
333 Iliahi St, Hilo, Island of Hawaii, HI 96720-2399
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We had driven over from Kona to Waimea and didn't properly figure the time so we found ourselves needing a place to stay in Hilo at the last minute. We took a risk staying at Dolphin Bay since we didn't know much about it, but found it to be delightful, clean, and the woman in the office gave us a very nice upgrade to a two bedroom Room which was much more space than we paid for. Beds were comfortable, linens bright and crisp and there is a beautiful garden adjacent. Very impressed. Kind of a throwback to mid-century Hawaii!
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Date of stay: June 2022Trip type: Traveled with family
Helpful
This place fits in nicely with the general mood of Hilo: informal and a little quirky (in a good way). Our room was spacious with a small kitchen area a little patio to sit and eat breakfast on. Easy walking distance into town. It is not necessarily a quiet place but the sounds are all nature (birds, insects, probably rain). We very much enjoyed our stay.
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Date of stay: April 2022
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Helpful
If you want to sleep to the sounds of Hawaiian paradise (tree frogs that sound like birds) and be surrounded by lush greenery in an old but quaint room that exudes Hawaiian spirit, this is the place for you! I appreciated the home baked banana bread and coffee in the morning as well as the papayas. Kelly was super friendly and provided walking maps. The place is walkable from the shops and beach although after the first time I found a less sketchy path than what Google suggested (avoiding the unpaved path that hugs the coast).
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Date of stay: May 2022
Helpful
+1
We stayed at Dolphin Bay for three nights in May 2022. It was even better than I had hoped for. Yes, the hotel is "dated" and not fancy at all, but scrupulously clean, comfortable, affordable and very convenient for exploring downtown Hilo, the Hamauka coast and Volcano National park. The bed was comfy, the light breakfast of fresh papaya and banana bread was much appreciated, and the sweet obese cat was friendly and made us feel right at home. John gives exceptional local advice, and has everything you could possibly need from umbrellas to maps to...? The gardens at the hotel are really lovely too. It rained our entire stay but we felt at peace and were able to really relax. We'd return in a flash!
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Date of stay: May 2022
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: Second floor rooms are great.
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1 Helpful vote
Helpful
What more can one ask for in a vacation stop? Lovely, efficient, well run, convenient. I wish all hotels were like this one. Highly recommend. Just wish I had stayed longer. Easy parking, lovely am coffee and snacks. Good bed & tv too.
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Date of stay: February 2022
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
2 Helpful votes
Helpful
We have been coming to the Dolphin Bay Hotel for many years. The family who own and run this hotel keeps people returning year after year. John, the owner, knows as much about this island as anyone we have met. He will recommend areas to visit, and things to do. Beach towels, chairs, ice chests are also available for your use. The staff are very friendly and helpful. Each room at this hotel comes complete with full size kitchens and offers balconies and patios for relaxing and sitting outdoors. This hotel is not your ordinary resort - located in a quiet residential area, but close to Hilo town, easy walking distance to shops, restaurants and the Hilo Farmer's Market which is held every Wednesday and Saturday. A bonus is the banana bread and coffee served up each morning for the guests. We guarantee you will not be disappointed, and hope you will consider the Dolphin Bay Hotel on your next visit to the Hilo side of the big island.…
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Date of stay: February 2022
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Room #3 with a queen on the ground floor (driveway and garden view). My first visit in 40 years back to Hawaii. Nice big rooms, good beds and linens, full kitchen, TV and wifi that works, plentiful parking. Friendly staff. I did not miss having A/C, ceiling fans worked fine. Coffee comes out at 6:30 am. For some reason I thought it would be earlier? There is a Mr Coffee in the kitchen but you need to supply your own filters and grounds in that case. Papayas were available pretty much all day. The cat also came into my room. Kept an eye on her so no damage would be done, but she was eyeing the corner of the bed as a scratching post, and possibly worse!! I liked the Puerto Rican coqui frogs at night. There are some earplugs in the medicine cabinet. While it would be more convenient to have a car if staying here, one day I did walked into town. Re the Puueo Street bridge and unsavory characters around that end of downtown Hilo (there are a few) you can also walk along the main highway and connect at Kanoa Street, half a block north of Iliahi. The hotel has proper Hilo umbrellas if you need a loaner. It was an easy walk to eat at the Poke N Sides stand at the Hilo Farmers Market on Sunday (a lot of downtown restaurants seem to be closed on Sundays). I was grateful to add two nights to my reservation at the last minute. (Going direct to the hotel website you can see what is really availabler). Note there is a 10 day cancel policy.…
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Date of stay: December 2021
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Over the past 8 years we’ve returned to this friendly, comfortable, charming, hotel. It is not a sterile, modern hotel. It is funky and real. Great beds and linens. We love falling asleep to the music of the frogs, often accompanied by rain splashing off the lovely tropical foliage that surrounds the buildings and the exquisite back garden. Sipping morning coffee, accompanied by banana bread and delicious papaya. We have never missed a pool or a beachfront view. It is a step back in time and a real value. We will return!
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Date of stay: December 2021Trip type: Traveled as a couple
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
My wife and I spent three nights at Dolphin Bay and we loved it! Every morning there is baked banana bread and fresh picked tangerines and good coffee (grab and go). Our room was on the second floor with two bedrooms, and it was like staying in an apartment! The building is not super modernized but everything is nice and clean. Location is perfect to see like Wipea Valley overlook (stunning). Volcano N Park, Akaka Falls, Rainbow Falls, Boiling Pots, erc. The staff are all super friendly and helpful and accommodating. The night sounds around the hotel are wonderful! I highly recommend this place and hope to be back soon! sincerely, J & K
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Date of stay: November 2021Trip type: Traveled as a couple
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Staying at the Dolphin Bay was like a throwback to the 60s or 70s and I say that with affection. There's nothing flashy about this place and that's what made it lovely experience. Our room was simply furnished but comfortable. a FULL kitchen - stove, fridge, microwave would be perfect for anyone planning an extended stay. Housekeeping was excellent, as was the hotel staff - and especially Opie the cat who is sort of staff. I opened the door to our room one morning to see her sitting outside, and she came right in and made herself at home. The hotel is walking distance to plenty of restaurants and shops. And as for the sound of the coqui frogs - I loved it! We hear frogs in the spring, crickets in the summer at home in NJ, it was no different than that noise, at least for me. Should we return to the Big Island, I absolutely would stay here again.…
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Date of stay: October 2021
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
Helpful
PRICE RANGE
$176 - $188 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
dolphin bay hilo, dolphin bay hotel hilo
LOCATION
United StatesHawaiiIsland of HawaiiHilo
NUMBER OF ROOMS
18
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Claim Your Listing Frequently Asked Questions about Dolphin Bay
Which popular attractions are close to Dolphin Bay?
Nearby attractions include Lyman Museum (0.5 miles), Pacific Tsunami Museum (0.3 miles), and Hilo Farmers Market (0.5 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Dolphin Bay?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and free parking.
Which room amenities are available at Dolphin Bay?
Top room amenities include a kitchenette, a flat screen TV, and a refrigerator.
What food & drink options are available at Dolphin Bay?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast during their stay.
What are some restaurants close to Dolphin Bay?
Conveniently located restaurants include Paul's Place, Two Ladies Kitchen, and Moon and Turtle.
Are there any historical sites close to Dolphin Bay?
Many travelers enjoy visiting Kaipalaoa Landing (0.3 miles).