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.
I’ve stayed at a lot of Big Island hotels over the years, and I’m going to be honest with you.
Finding a truly budget-friendly place to stay here can feel impossible sometimes.
But here’s the thing. After 40+ trips to Hawaii and staying everywhere from oceanfront resorts to cozy bed and breakfasts, I’ve figured out where you can actually get good value without sacrificing the things that matter.
Free parking? Non-negotiable. Reliable wifi? Absolutely essential.
A place that won’t make you feel like you’re compromising your entire vacation just to save a few bucks? That’s what we’re after.
These days, anything under $300 a night on the Big Island counts as budget. I know that sounds wild, but it’s where we’re at in 2026.
The good news? There are still some really solid options if you know where to look.
Where Should You Stay on the Big Island?
Before we get into specific hotels, let’s talk strategy.
Kona is your best bet if you want guaranteed sunshine and easy beach access.
My family always picks the Kona side when we want to relax by the water and not worry about rain. The sunsets alone are worth it.
Hilo is where I send budget travelers who care more about hiking, waterfalls, and accessing Hawaii Volcanoes National Park than sitting on the beach. It’s greener, rainier, and usually cheaper than Kona.
The Volcano area is perfect if you’re planning to spend multiple days exploring the park.
Waking up in the rainforest and driving five minutes to see active lava flows? Pretty incredible.
And the Kohala Coast? Stunning. But honestly, most of the places up there are going to blow past our budget.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed trying to figure out which area makes sense for your family, I offer personalized Hawaii travel consultations where we can map out exactly where you should base yourself.
My Top 4 Budget Big Island Hotels
Before I give you the full list, let me tell you about the places I’d actually book again.
Royal Kona Resort
I stayed here a few years ago with my youngest, and we had such a good time.
The property sits right on the water in Kailua-Kona, and there’s this little saltwater lagoon in front where the kids loved swimming.
What really sold me was the on-site luau. We didn’t have to drive anywhere after dinner, which was huge when you’ve got tired kids. The show was actually really well done too.
The resort just finished a $15 million renovation of all the rooms and the pool deck.
Rooms start around $212 per night, which isn’t the absolute cheapest on this list, but the location puts you walking distance to everything in Kona town.
Fair warning: they charge for parking ($25/day) and there’s a resort fee ($29.49/day), so factor that in. But wifi is included.
Book Royal Kona Resort on Expedia
Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo
This DoubleTree property is my go-to recommendation for Hilo.
I stayed here with my youngest too, and the view from our room was so pretty. We could see straight out over Hilo Bay with Mauna Kea in the background.
It’s only two miles from Hilo airport, which is fabulous when you’re exhausted from traveling.
They’ve got a 9-hole golf course on property (free for guests), a pool, and the rooms include microwaves and fridges.
Rooms typically run around $178-250 per night depending on the view. Not the absolute cheapest option, but the location and amenities make it worth considering.
The hotel sits on 32 acres right on Banyan Drive, so you’ve got tons of space to walk around. And being in Hilo puts you close to Rainbow Falls, the farmers market, and all the east side attractions.
SCP Hilo Hotel
This place used to be called Hilo Seaside Hotel, and the family who ran it for decades just sold it a few years ago. The new owners have done a complete refresh with a sustainability focus.
What I love about SCP is that they don’t nickel and dime you.
Wifi is free. Parking is free. They give you complimentary use of bikes and paddleboards. There’s even free ukulele lessons in the lobby some days.
Rooms start around $152 per night, and the hotel has this really chill, local vibe. It’s not fancy, but it’s clean and comfortable with nice touches like essential oil diffusers and sound machines in the rooms.
The pool area is really pretty too, with koi ponds throughout the property.
Kona Coast Resort
If you need more space for your family, this condo-style resort is a solid pick. Every unit has a full kitchen, washer/dryer, and either one or two bedrooms.
They’ve got two pools, three hot tubs, tennis courts, and a playground. The units are spacious, and having a kitchen saves you a fortune on meals.
Prices range from about $135-245 per night depending on the unit. Just know that some units charge extra for AC (usually $15/day), which feels a little annoying but is pretty common at condo properties here.
The resort doesn’t have direct beach access, but Kahaluu Beach Park is a three-minute drive and has some of the best snorkeling on the island.
Book Kona Coast Resort on Expedia
Want all my detailed recommendations for where to stay, what to do, and where to eat on the Big Island? Grab my Big Island Travel Guide for Families. It’ll save you hours of research.
More Affordable Big Island Hotels
These are the other properties I’d consider based on what you’re looking for.
Near Kona
Bears’ Place Guest House – About seven miles north of downtown Kailua-Kona, this quiet guesthouse is perfect if you want to get away from the tourist crowds. Some suites have kitchenettes. Rates start around $84 per night for longer stays.
Book Bears’ Place on Booking.com
Dragonfly Ranch – This one is near Captain Cook and has a really unique vibe with tropical gardens, a spa, and a rooftop terrace. Free breakfast included. Rooms start around $162 per night.
Book Dragonfly Ranch on Expedia
Holua Resort at Mauna Loa Village – More of a resort feel with 73 suites, 10 tennis courts, and 6 pools. Easy access to hiking, kayaking, and other activities. Around $180 per night.
Aston Kona by the Sea – This one’s a bit pricier (around $285/night) but you get full kitchens, washer/dryers, two bathrooms, a pool, and spa access. Kids stay free and they offer babysitting.
Kona Islander Inn – Studio condos with private balconies, kitchenettes, and AC. Right by Magic Sands Beach. Around $179 per night.
Kona Bali Kai – Another condo option with full kitchens, pool, hot tub, and laundry. Close to Mauna Kea Summit and Magic Sands Beach. Starts around $179 per night.
Aeolian Ranch – Budget pick for couples with rooms around $159 per night. You get a private kitchen but shared bathroom, so not ideal for families with kids.
Near Hilo
Arnott’s Lodge – This hostel-style property has private rooms and suites starting at $160 per night for families. They also book tours and activities, which is convenient. Not fancy, but functional and clean.
Book Arnott’s Lodge on Expedia
Hilo Reeds Bay Hotel – Only two miles from Hilo airport. Standard rooms start at $88 for two people, which is a steal. No AC though, so it can get warm in summer. There’s a 9-hole golf course across the street.
Book Hilo Reeds Bay Hotel on Expedia
Hamakua Guesthouse – Close to Akaka Falls State Park with breakfast included. Around $102 per night but has shared bathrooms, so better for couples than families.
Ocean Breeze Inn – In Keaau with deluxe double rooms around $109 per night. Basic accommodations but gets you close to Hilo attractions.
Near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Volcano Inn – This is my top pick near the park. You’re literally tucked in the rainforest with a hot tub, free breakfast, and rooms starting around $119-159 per night. Only five minutes from the park entrance.
Aloha Junction Bed and Breakfast – Set on a 1925 plantation site with fresh breakfast included. Double rooms start around $139 per night. Perfect for serious hikers and volcano enthusiasts.
Book Aloha Junction B&B on Expedia
Kohala Coast & Waimea
Kohala Village Inn and HUB – This one’s unique because it’s also a community center. You’re in the heart of Hawi with rooms starting around $161 per night. Great if you want to experience historic Hawaii away from the resort areas.
Book Kohala Village Inn on Expedia
Castle Waimea Country Lodge – At the base of Mauna Kea volcano, close to Hapuna Beach. Around $175 per night. No pool or breakfast, but free wifi and parking. Better for couples than families.
Book Castle Waimea Country Lodge
Southeast Big Island
Ma’ukele Lodge – Near Pahoa on the southeast side. The Hawaiian suite works for families and starts at $135 per night plus $40 per additional person. You’re close to where lava flows created new black sand beaches.
Book Ma’ukele Lodge on Expedia
How to Save Even More Money on Your Big Island Trip
Look, hotels are expensive. But your whole trip doesn’t have to break the bank.
I put together a free 5-day email course on saving money in Hawaii that walks you through exactly where to cut costs without cutting the fun.
Things like which grocery stores have the best prices, how to find cheap car rentals, and where locals actually eat.
If you’re specifically planning a Big Island trip, I’ve also got a free 7-day Big Island planning course that covers everything from which side of the island to stay on to creating a realistic itinerary.
And honestly? If you’re trying to figure out how to rent a car without paying resort prices, use Discount Hawaii Car Rental. I’ve been using them for years and they consistently have better rates than booking directly.
What About Activities?
Once you’ve got your hotel sorted, you’ll want to book some tours.
The Big Island has the best snorkeling, volcano tours, and stargazing I’ve experienced anywhere in Hawaii. But activities add up fast.
I always check Viator and Get Your Guide for deals. They both offer discounts and you can read real reviews before booking.
If you want family photos while you’re here (which I highly recommend), check out Flytographer.
You can save $20 using my link, and having professional photos from your trip is worth every penny.
On the Hawaii Travel Made Easy podcast, I did an episode specifically about must-do Big Island activities that’s worth a listen while you’re planning.
FAQs About Budget Big Island Hotels
What’s the cheapest area to stay on the Big Island?
Hilo is generally more affordable than Kona. You’ll find more budget hotels and fewer resort fees. The tradeoff is more rain and being farther from the famous Kona beaches.
Is $200 a night cheap for Big Island?
In 2025? Yes. Most hotels on the Big Island run $250-600+ per night. Anything under $200 is a genuinely good deal, especially if it includes parking and wifi.
Do I need a rental car on the Big Island?
Yes. The island is huge and there’s no good public transportation. Budget at least $50-80 per day for a car rental. Book early because prices spike during peak season.
How many nights should I stay on the Big Island?
I recommend at least 5-7 nights if you can swing it. This gives you time to see both the Kona and Hilo sides without feeling rushed. You could easily spend two weeks here and not run out of things to do.
What’s the best time to visit for deals?
April to mid-June and September to mid-December (avoiding holidays) typically have lower hotel rates. Summer and winter holidays are the most expensive times.
Are resort fees common on the Big Island?
Unfortunately, yes. Many hotels charge $25-35 per day in resort fees. Always check the total cost, not just the nightly rate. Some of the smaller properties and B&Bs don’t charge resort fees, which is one reason they can be better values.
Final Thoughts on Finding Budget Hotels
Here’s what I’ve learned after years of traveling to the Big Island as a professional tourist and Hawaii travel expert.
The “cheapest” hotel isn’t always the best value.
If you’re paying $150 per night but then getting hit with $25 parking, $30 resort fees, and $15 for wifi, you’re actually spending $220.
Meanwhile, a place that charges $180 with everything included is the better deal.
Location matters more than you think. Saving $50 a night doesn’t mean much if you’re spending two hours a day driving to get anywhere.
And honestly? Sometimes it’s worth paying a little more for a place that doesn’t make you feel like you’re roughing it on vacation.
If you’re still feeling stuck on where to stay or how to plan your Big Island trip, that’s literally what my Hawaii travel consultations are for.
We’ll get on a call, I’ll ask about your family’s priorities, and I’ll tell you exactly where to stay and what to do.
The Big Island is my favorite Hawaiian island for families. There’s nowhere else you can see active volcanoes, swim with manta rays, visit black sand beaches, and stargaze on top of a mountain all in one trip.
You just need to find the right home base. And hopefully this list helps you do exactly that.
