Planning a trip to the Big Island and want to book a place to stay that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg? Find out our top budget-friendly Big Island hotels.
This budget-friendly Big Island hotels post was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
How many of the Hawaiian Islands have you been able to visit?
I have to admit; there are a few we have not really made it to. The Big Island, for example, is on our shortlist of places to go for our next family vacation, and I am SO excited!
I visited once when I was in high school but only for 24 hours. That’s really not enough time for me to really check it off my bucket list.
There are so many things for families to do, and my head is bursting with the possibilities. My friend just went to the Big Island with kids, and now I’m ready to book my ticket!
The thing I always do first, no matter where we are going, is to find a hotel or a place to stay.
Sometimes it’s a well-known hotel chain, sometimes, it’s a condo rental, and sometimes it’s a house I found on Airbnb or VRBO.
I am always on the hunt for a good deal – so we can spend less of our budget on the hotel and more of our budget on making memories!
The nice thing about the Big Island is, well, it’s BIG! There are more hotels to choose from here, and a better chance of finding a deal.
I still always recommend booking as early as possible and calling the hotel to confirm you have the best rate.
Often I call before I book, and they will give me a slightly better rate than I could have gotten online – because they don’t want to have to pay the service fee! Win-win!
If you are planning a trip to the Big Island and feeling stuck on where to stay, take a look at my list of 20 Budget-Friendly Big Island Hotels!
First trip to the Big Island? Read THIS first!
Don’t have time to read a bunch of Hawaii blog posts and reviews? Here are some of our top picks for visiting the Big Island on a budget.
Best Budget-Friendly Big Island Activities
- Glass Bottom Boat (this is cheaper than the submarine ride and still really cool)
- 90-Minute Whale Watching Tour (this is a short and affordable boat tour during winter months)
- Snorkeling with Manta Rays (this is one of the cheapest Manta Ray tours, and you can only do it on the Big Island)
- Shaka Driving App (it’s like going on an island tour at a fraction of the price)
Best Budget-Friendly Big Island Hotels
- Grand Naniloa (this is my favorite place to stay in Hilo, and it has an incredible ocean view)
- Kalani Kai (this is a great, affordable condo option right in Kona town)
- Ali’i Villas (it has a heated pool, making it perfect for winter months)
Want to Rent a Car in Hawaii?
One of the best places to rent a car in Hawaii is Discount Hawaii Car Rental because they get the best rates from top national companies like Alamo, Dollar, Thrifty, Avis, Enterprise, Budget, and Payless.
Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Big Island Itinerary, complete with daily schedules, kid-friendly activities, and travel hacks? Click the button below.
Top 20 Budget-Friendly Big Island Hotels
1. ROYAL KONA RESORT
The Royal Kona Resort is one of the closest hotels to Kona International Airport that could be considered “less expensive.”
At only 9 miles from the airport, you can get to the Royal Kona Resort in 15 to 20 minutes.
They have everything you could ever need – tennis courts, a spa, a restaurant, several pools, a saltwater lagoon, and much more!
Rooms start at about $159 per night for a standard double-bed or king-sized-bed room without an ocean view. Check out the latest prices and more details.
You do need to know that not much comes with the room fee – but it is available for a slight upgrade! Wi-Fi, parking, and breakfast are all extra, but this is still one of the only “affordable” Kailua Kona resorts on this side of the island and this close to the airport.
So go, swim, relax, and enjoy, knowing that you got an awesome deal!
If you need one of the Kona hotels near the airport, this is perfect for you!
2. BEARS’ PLACE GUEST HOUSE
Bears’ Place Guest House is the perfect place to go for quiet relaxation and another cheap Kona accommodation.
Located about seven miles north of the heart of downtown Kailua Kona, this wonderfully quiet and peaceful retreat can be a starting point for adventure or an escape from the world. It is a great location away from other travelers!
Amenities include kitchenettes in some suites and sleeper sofas in most.
Prices start at $84 per night for a week stay, but these room rates do rise and fall depending on the number of nights you plan on staying and the suite you choose. Check out the latest prices and more details.
If you are someone who is looking for peace and quiet on vacation – you can find it here! While it is not one of the luxury hotels, it is one of the best places to stay in Kona, Hawaii, that has plenty of great reviews!
3. ALOHA JUNCTION BED AND BREAKFAST
Are you as excited about anything with the name “Bed and Breakfast” in it as I am?
Aloha Junction Bed and Breakfast is just a stone’s throw away from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
This Bed and Breakfast is situated on a 1925 plantation site, and the owners live just a short walk from the main house.
Robert and Susan take pride in their rooms, and it shows! A double room for a family starts at $139 per night, and that includes a wonderful fresh breakfast each day.
If you are interested in hiking, biking, or exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, this little “B and B” would “B” a wonderful fit!
This is one of the top places to stay and hotels near Volcano National Park, the entire family will love! Enjoy a visit to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, just minutes away from your Hawaii island retreat.
4. VOLCANO INN HAWAII
If you choose to stay at the Volcano Inn Hawaii, you will not regret it!
The lush rainforest that surrounds the Inn is visible from all rooms and just as relaxing and refreshing as you might think!
If just looking at the rainforest isn’t good enough for you, try taking a dip in one of the saltwater hot tubs they have situated throughout the grounds in the middle of this dense, serene landscape.
Then you can hop in your car and, within just a few minutes, explore restaurants, national parks, and many other Big-Island attractions.
With rooms starting at $149 per night and multiple-night discounts available, it’s no wonder this haven of relaxation is consistently ranked the “Best Volcano Hotel Value!”
It is definitely one of the unique places to stay on the Big Island! The tropical gardens that surround your hotel rooms are so relaxing, perfect for your Big Island vacation.
5. MA`UKELE LODGE
Located on the southeast side of the island, Ma’ukele Lodge has three room choices, all of which would work for couples.
If you are traveling as a family, the Hawaiian suite would work well for you and starts at $135 per night.
Each additional person costs $40, so plan on a bit more when you bring the kiddos.
This is probably the most interesting part of the island if you like volcanoes due to the lava flow still visible where the Kaimu Bay black sand beach used to be.
Those of you who like traditional Hawaiian hospitality and a wonderful location near volcanoes, this might just be a great fit for you!
The Ma`ukele Lodge is another one of the cheap hotels Big Island Hawaii offers that gives you spacious rooms and incredible views of this Hawaii island.
6. ARNOTT’S FAMOUS LODGE AND HIKING ADVENTURES
If you are looking for a one-stop vacation shop, you have found it!
Arnott’s Famous Lodge and Hiking Adventures not only has suites, apartments, and dormitories, but can also plan excursions and expeditions for you!
Located in Hilo on the eastern side of the island, this would be a wonderful home base for any adventures you might want to go on. It truly is one of the best hotels in Hilo!
Rooms that will fit a family of four start at $160 per night for the two-room suite. Check out the latest prices and more details.
Book a wonderful experience like the “Hilo Local Food Tour” or the “Big Island Eruption Encounter” and consider your vacation planned!
It is another one of the best places to stay on the Big Island that is affordable and perfect for your trip to Hawaii’s Big Island.
7. HILO REEDS BAY HOTEL
Hilo Reeds Bay Hotel is located about 2 miles from the Hilo International Airport on Reeds Bay.
There are three different kinds of rooms, each with its own pricing structure and different rates for different numbers of occupants.
A standard room will start at $88 for two people, which is a STEAL to be this close to Hilo and everything around it! Check out the latest prices and more details.
Besides going into downtown Hilo, you could explore the nearby public beach park or get in a round of golf at the 9-hole course across the street.
The only thing to be aware of before you go is that the rooms don’t have AC. For the most part, you should be fine, but in the middle of summer, you might get a bit warm.
For this price, though, I could compromise!
For being close to the golf courses and Hilo Bay, it is another one of the cheap places to stay in Hawaii Big Island that I would recommend.
8. SCP Hilo HOTEL
If you are looking for a hotel in Hilo that would be a great “Home away from home,” you have just found it!
The owner, Richard Kimi, started the SCP Hotel (formerly the Hilo Seaside Hotel) in 1956 in an effort to showcase the Hawaiian hospitality he experienced as a child on the islands.
Now, his Big Island hotel is known for its clean, relaxing rooms, pool, and proximity to all that Hilo has to offer.
A “Superior” room that has a pair of double beds starts at $129 per night. Wi-fi is free, and there is NO resort fee – which is almost unheard of anywhere on the Hawaiian Islands! Check out the latest prices and more details.
If you are looking for a great place to stay while enjoying the sights, smells, and tastes of Hilo, you found it!
It feels like one of the Hilo resorts with all its amenities and how it relaxes you as you walk in. I think it is another one of the best hotels on the Big Island.
9. KOHALA VILLAGE INN AND HUB
When I am booking a vacation, I love to put myself in the middle of whatever culture we are visiting.
The Kohala Village Inn and HUB is not only an Inn but a community center as well.
Located in the middle of Hawi, Kohala Village HUB is a place to interact, learn and experience historic Hawaii in all its glory!
There are rooms available with two queen beds perfect for families of four, starting at $161 per night. Check out the latest prices and more details.
Located on the Kohala Coast, you can explore with Big Island Eco Adventures 2 close by! With its prices and amenities, it also makes the top list of one of the best hotels Big Island Hawaii has to offer.
10. GRAND NANILOA HOTEL HILO
Another one of the Big Island Hawaii hotels is the Grand Naniloa Hotel. Located in Hilo, you will be able to enjoy all the Hilo attractions with your family!
The Grand Naniloa is right next to Hilo Bay, and each room offers either an ocean, garden, or harbor view. The Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo offers hotel rooms starting at $178 per night.
Enjoy a free round of golf, an outdoor swimming pool, the Hula Hula Restaurant, and fitness center during your stay. Check out the latest prices and more details.
With being walking distance from the city center, you will love staying here at one of the popular hotels in Hilo!
11. HOLUA RESORT
The Holua Resort at Mauna Loa Village is another one ofht cheap Hawaii island resorts with easy access to a wide range of activities.
Nearby activities include, hiking, kayaking, scuba diving, and so much more. It has 73 suites that are around $180 per night on select dates. Check out the latest prices and more details.
As one of the cheap Big Island Hawaii resorts, guests will love the 10 tennis courts and 6 swimming pools. It is the perfect place to stay for the entire family!
12. CASTLE WAIMEA COUNTRY LODGE
The Castle Waimea Country Lodge is one of the cheap Waikoloa Hotels you will love. It is close to Hapuna Beach where you can enjoy relaxing at the beach.
This place to stay is at the base of the Mauna Kea Volcano too!
It is around $175 per night for two travelers and one room. Check latest prices and more details.
With free wifi and free parking, it is a great cheaper option. However, there are no swimming pools or breakfast options available, so it might not be the best for families.
13. HAMAKUA GUESTHOUSE
At the Hamakua Guesthouse, you will be super close to Akaka Falls State Park. Breakfast is included along with a patio, BBQ, private kitchen, and much more.
Prices range like all hotels and resorts, but start at around $102. Check out the latest prices and more details.
This is the top place for couples to stay as you have a shared bathroom, which would be hard for smaller kids.
14. OCEAN BREEZE INN
Located in Keaau, the Ocean Breeze Inn is another great option if you need an affordable place to stay on the Big Island.
Guets can enjoy deluxe double rooms that start at $109 per night. Check out the latest prices and more details.
With many things to do nearby, you can enjoy a place to sleep for the night and get a head start on your activities in the morning.
15. DRAGONFLY RANCH
The Dragonfly Ranch is another one of the notels near Kona perfect for families. It is located in Captain Cook where you will find lots of fun things to do.
With free breakfast, a rooftop terrace, spa, and garden, it makes for a luxury hotel feel while staying quite affordable.
There are a wide variety of rooms, which tend to start around $162 per night. From family rooms to single rooms, guests will love this hotel! Check out the latest prices and more details.
It is another one of the top cheap hotels in Kailua Kona Hawaii to enjoy.
16. ASTON KONA BY THE SEA
The Aston Kona by the Sea is another one of the resorts in Kona Hawaii that is a bit cheaper. While it is not the cheapest place on the list, it is one of the cheaper resorts to enjoy.
On select dates, you can usually find prices around $285 per night for a single room for two guests. Check out the latest prices and more details.
Located in Kailua Kona, at this resort, you will find full kitchens, washer/dryers, a spa, pool, 2 bathrooms, and many other amenities.
Kids stay for free and they even offer babysitting! It is one of the top Kona places to stay that is family-friendly.
17. AEOLIAN RANCH
The Aeolian Ranch is another one of the cheap places to stay in Kona Hawaii! The ranch owners are so nice and friendly that make your stay much better.
At this ranch, you will find rooms starting at around $159 per night. Check out the latest prices and more details.
While you have a shared bathroom, you do get a private kitchen, and a view of the sea!
If you have two or less guests, the Aeolian Ranch is an affordable option to enjoy.
18. KONA ISLANDER INN
One of the best hotels in Kona is the Kona Islander Inn. With a private balcony, bathroom, free wifi, and AC, you will have access to everything you need for a great stay.
You can get a studio with a garden view for around $179 per night. Check out the latest prices and more details.
Magic Sands Beach is right by this inn which is such a fun beach for enjoying the water during the summer and surfing in the winter.
The Kona Islander Inn Condos is one of the top cheap hotels Kona offers that you will love!
19. KONA BALI KAI
The Kona Bali Kai is another one of the cheap hotels in Kailua Kona. Enjoy a pool hot tub, kitchens, washer/dryer, free wifi, and much more.
You can find rooms starting at $179 per night. Check out the latest prices and more details.
The Mauna Kea Summit is closeby as well as Magic Sands Beach, Gecko Girlz Shave Ice, and Sadie Seymour Botanical Garden.
Kona Bali Kai is another one of the best hotels in Kona Hawaii with affordable prices and tons of amenities.
20. KONA COAST RESORT
The Kona Coast Resort is another one of the more affordable Big Island resorts you will love to stay at.
Enjoy a nice spa, free wifi, AC, basketball, volleyball, and so much more. There is a terrace, garden, and golf course as well.
The Kona Coast Resort has condos starting at $245 per night. Check out the latest prices and more details.
The Kona Resort is one of the top Kona Hawaii hotels to stay at to enjoy some amenities while staying on a budget.
Cheap Big Island Hotels FAQs
You’ll have the most accommodation options on the Kona side. Waikoloa is a nice area to get away from tourists. Hilo is another great option to find cheap Big Island vacation rentals.
There are lots of free things to do on the Big Island, like exploring Rainbow Falls, going hiking, seeing a hula show, snorkeling, and so much more.
If you’re deciding between a Maui or Kona vacation, it comes down to what you want to do. Maui has the Road to Hana, Haleakala Crater, and Molokini Crater. The Big Island has Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Mauna Kea, and black sand beaches.
Most people will stay at the Kailua Kona hotels, mainly because there are so many places to stay in Kona, Hawaii. There are many places to stay in Hilo, Hawaii as well.
I usually suggest at least 7 days if you can for your vacation on this Hawaii island. That way, you can visit each of the top Big Island’s attractions while having plenty of time to relax at a full-service spa or at the beach.
If you are visiting Hawaii Big Island on a budget, there are several cheap hotels on the Big Island of Hawaii that you can enjoy. Some are cheap hotels in Hilo, Hawaii, while you will also find Kona lodging that is very budget-friendly as well.
Big Island Hotels Wrap Up
These are just some of the top cheap places to stay on the Big Island! From the best hotel deals in Kona, Hawaii, to Hilo places to stay, you can enjoy visiting the Big Island on a budget.
Stay along the Kohala Coast or closer to the city center, Kailua Bay, Captain Cook, or along the beach. Any of these 20 hotels and resorts will provide you with comfort and great prices!