Hale Kawehi

Hilo


Rent this 2000-sq-ft, one-bedroom guesthouse and make believe you live in Hilo. With inviting lounging areas and chef-worthy full kitchen, this place is a steal. Decorated with Hawaiian artifacts, antique clocks and handmade stained glass, it feels warm and whimsical. The owner, Kawehi, is the Hawaiian aunty you wish you had. Book well in advance.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Hilo attractions

1. Lyman Museum & Mission House

0.72 MILES

Although small in scale, this museum is a good primer on Hawaii's natural and cultural history. Downstairs, geologic exhibits include fascinating examples…

2. ʻImiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaiʻi

0.79 MILES

ʻImiloa, which means 'exploring new knowledge,' is a $28 million museum and planetarium complex with a twist: it juxtaposes modern astronomy on Mauna Kea…

3. Naha & Pinao Stones

0.88 MILES

How strong was Kamehameha the Great? According to legend, anyone with enough strength to budge the 3.5-ton Naha Store would also have the strength to…

4. East Hawai‘i Cultural Center/HMOCA

0.91 MILES

Curious about Hilo's art scene? Go to this downtown center, which displays well-curated works by both professionals and amateurs. Exhibits change monthly,…

5. Kalakaua Park

0.93 MILES

Centrally located, this mini park should be Hilo's 'town square,' but it is mostly green space bypassed by cars and pedestrians. It does come to life on…

6. Federal Building

0.98 MILES

Designed by architect Henry Whitfield, this stately building (1919) is typical of Hilo’s early 20th-century government buildings. The former courthouse…

7. Maui's Canoe

1.01 MILES

See the current swirling around a large rock in the upstream Wailuku River? Legend has it that the demigod Maui paddled his canoe with such speed across…

8. Pacific Tsunami Museum

1.03 MILES

You cannot understand Hilo without knowing its history as a two-time tsunami survivor (1946 and 1960). This museum encompasses only a few rooms, but they…