Yards from one of Big Island's most popular black sand beaches, Onekahakaha Beach Park, Hilo Tropical Gardens is conveniently located at 1477 Kalanianaole Avenue. The front gate of our hostel looks pretty ordinary, but behind it lies beautiful gardens, rainforest, lava tubes, and great patios. While our accommodations are secluded, the parking lot is well lit in the evenings for our guests' security. We also have a bus stop on the free regional bus line, and are the closest hostel in Hilo area to secluded, magnificent beaches.
Are you considering our hostel in Hawaii? Whether it is a Hilo Hostel, a hostel in Maui, a hostel in Oahu, or a hostel in Kauai ... understand the following ... the whole beautiful idea was started to develop a great way to travel utilizing inexpensive lodging, backpacking, bicycling, and other types of adventure travel!
Forgot ice? Ran out of sodas? Craving some scrumptious tropical ice cream? We have what you need...For you convenience, Hilo Tropical Mart and Hilo Homemade Ice Cream are on site. Immediate gratification is literally steps away!
Oh, and don't forget to say "Hi" to Roy, our resident cat!
Our Mission is to be the Best Hawaiian Hostel
And now, there are hostels on each of the main Hawaiiian Islands. The hostel, whether in Hawaii or Europe or elsewhere, is a mainstay of budget travel for most of the world. However, many Americans don't even know a hostel exists on the Big Island of Hawaii. Worldwide, the movement is a recognized way to travel cheaply and meet new friends - and turns out to be a fantastic and exciting way to travel inexpensively.
Hostelling got its start in 1907 when a former teacher in Germany opened up the first hostel with work/trade agreements for free accommodations for students and backpackers. This is why many times yo
u see "backpackers' hostel", "student Hostel", or "youth hostel" - yet today you see hostelers of all ages and types. Typically there are more twentysomethings than other groups, but it really has now crossed into all age groups.
The teacher's idea took off, and soon schools -- and custom-built hostels -- were adapting the idea as a way to enable young people to see the country without spending alot. Not long after, a European-wide organization was promoting these hostels ... all eventually leading to our continued efforts for a fine hostel in Hilo known as Hilo Tropical Gardens! Aloha.
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Recent Guestbook Entries: [Back to Home Page]
The Guest Comments shown below are all from late 2009 and early 2010. We have many more, that you are welcome to view (and hopefully add to!) at our Front Desk/Check-in Counter.
"Especially beautiful place with enchanting, friendly people around - definitely worth the stay!"
Tibor & Fransi Germany
"Real Nice Place. People here are just great!!
Mariam
"Dear Margaret and Trish and Everyone. Alex and I really enjoyed our relaxing and safe stay...We cannot thank you enough for your awesome and sensitive hospitality."
Crystal Canada
"Thanks for giving us a wonderful room! The garden is great!! I wanted to stay much longer. I'll see you someday!! Thank you. <3 "
Gulcilco & Yurilco Japan
"Thanks for bringing a little tropical paradise into our lives! It is a gem, and leaves us yearning for more."
Tom and Barb U.S.
"Most beautiful hostel ever ..."
Johanna France
"I feel so sad leaving this place. Thanks to everybody ... you really made me feel at home ..."
Stella Austria
"Love the gardens, the friendly folks, and the frogs!" I'll definitely recommend you!"
Eda Canada
"This place is so cool! Yes, a very nice place to stay ... and so clean."
"The Germans" Germany
"Thank you for the wonderful stay: one night stay turned out to three nights - it's really magical and feels like ohana."
Chris & Osandra Canada/Poland
"Totally awesome place!!! I could stay for weeks."
Molly U.S.
"Thank you & Mahalo, Margaret. Great place to stay, wish it was for more than one night."
Susan and Clois Canada
"Came all the way from Australia to find this wonderful treasure."
Andy Australia
"It was great to have been here again."
Rob Englimha Germany
"The people here were the best part of our stay. We thank you for your hospitality ... and the grounds are very beautiful."
Donna & Peter U.S.
"This is a fantastic place - we just spent an hour wandering through the jungle! What a great place to camp - the sounds of the waves and birds in the morning ...magical! We'll definitely be back! Mahalo to Margaret and Trish!"
Pat Smith U.S.
"Hello Margaret. Thank you very much for this nice night. You are so friendly and I think this jungle place is your love. The name says it all, in this case ... we can pass our time in paradise gardens..."
Heinz Germany
"Great hospitality, thanks for the restful visit. Enjoyed conversing with guests. Mahalo"
Bruce and Gail U.S.
"This place is awesome."
Jessica Canada
"We only stayed for the one night that we were in Hilo, but we're glad we chose The Tropical gardens! Thanks for looking after us and for a great stay."
Graham & Duncan England
"Many thanks to the wonderful people that work here. This is a very warm place to stay, very trustworthy people and polite. At one point or another we will stay here again. Mahalo."
Kelly and Joel U.S.
"This is a beautiful place to stay. It's very warm and friendly. Big thanks to Margaret & Trish for making me feel at home ... Good energy all around here....Take care and I wish you all the best!"
Seth The Hopi Nation
"This is a lovely, well managed hostel. It is darling with a gorgeous setting. Mahalo!"
Gail
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