Dolphin Bay Hotel

Hotels
Independent
9 (133 reviews)
333 Iliahi Street, Hilo, Hawaii, 96720 , Hilo , US

Facilities

Free WiFi
Garden
Luggage storage
Concierge service
Picnic area
Safe-deposit box at front desk
Front desk (limited hours)
Smoke-free property
Tours/ticket assistance
Free self parking

Review Highlights

Pros:
Great location
Friendly staff
Comfortable rooms
Clean environment
Convenient amenities
Cons:
Limited parking
Mixed opinions on value for money
Some room quality issues
Limited amenities
Variability in food and beverage quality

Categories

Cleanliness
8.4
Guests consistently praised the cleanliness of the hotel, appreciating the well-maintained rooms and public areas.
Service
8.1
The friendly and helpful staff received positive feedback, with guests mentioning their attentiveness and willingness to assist.
Location
8.1
The hotel's location was highlighted as convenient, providing easy access to key areas of interest and amenities.
Room Quality
7.6
Guests found the rooms comfortable and equipped with necessary amenities, though some mentioned minor issues like outdated decor.
Amenities
7.1
The provided amenities were satisfactory overall, with guests enjoying offerings such as breakfast options and communal spaces.
Value for Money
6.9
Opinions on value for money were mixed, with some feeling the price was justified by the experience while others found it slightly high for the amenities provided.
Food and Beverage
7.2
Guests generally appreciated the breakfast offerings and food services, though some suggested room for improvement in terms of variety.
Overall Experience
8.1
Most guests reported a positive overall experience, with a notable number expressing their desire to return or recommend the hotel to others.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2025-08-04 20:59

Property Description

Garden Views and Modern Amenities - Enjoy the garden views while taking advantage of complimentary wireless internet and concierge services. Relax in the picnic area and utilize the barbecue grills for a delightful stay.

Convenient Amenities - Benefit from featured amenities like luggage storage, laundry facilities, and a safe deposit box at the front desk. Rest assured with free self parking available onsite.

Comfortable Guestrooms - Retreat to one of the 18 guestrooms with kitchen facilities, flat-screen TVs, and complimentary wireless internet. Unwind in a homely atmosphere with microwaves, daily housekeeping, and more.

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Hilo at Dolphin Bay Hotel, where convenience meets comfort. Book your stay now and explore the nearby attractions effortlessly.

Important information:

  • Contactless check-out is available.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Airport code: ITO

Property Policies

  • Pets

    Pets not allowed

  • Check-in & Check-out

    Contactless check-out is available

  • Accessibility

    No elevators

  • General

    Professional property host/manager

Location

Guest Reviews

9
Based on 133 reviews
Cleanliness: 8.4
Service: 8.1
Location: 8.1
Room Quality: 7.6
Amenities: 7.1
Value for Money: 6.9
Food and Beverage: 7.2
Overall Experience: 8.1
G
GERVACIO family
10
Pros:

Very ‘old school’ facility that’s been around 50+ years… but, is simple, clean and very nice staff!!!
Close by to downtown Hilo and is in a residential area.
The fresh coffee, papaya & banana bread in the morning was very ono!!!
We’ll definitely stay here again with our ohana on our next weekend trip to Hilo.

2025-06-29 via Nuitee
V
Verified traveler
4
Pros:

Cancelled only small refund despite protection purchased

2025-06-27 via Nuitee
C
Claire partner
8
Pros:

We spent two nights at the Dolphin bay hotel and enjoyed the quiet neighborhood, the proximity with the town center and the warm welcome upon arrival. The rooms are tidy and the small kitchen very useful.

2025-06-13 via Nuitee
M
Mary J
8
Pros:

The grounds were lovely, with an exquisite garden. Staff were friendly and helpful. Location was close to the center of town and I would definitely recommend the hotel.

2025-06-11 via Nuitee
M
Monica partner
10
Pros:

We love staying at the Dolphin Bay Hotel. It is conveniently located near many places we visit, the staff is wonderful, and the rooms are simple but roomy. We also enjoy how peaceful the neighborhood is and a big bonus is getting fresh coffee, banana bread and fruit every morning. Parking is easy, the WiFi is 5G so accessing devices is super quick.

2025-05-27 via Nuitee
E
Elisa
10
Nice, retro hotel
Pros:

Driving through the neighborhood to the hotel I was thinking we made a bad call, but once we walked in the room and I checked for cleanliness (the bud bug check, always), I think it's a nice, albeit retro, place.

The office staff was very friendly and accomodating. There was fresh coffee early every morning, with delicious banana bread and tropical fruit.

The shower was wonderful and the room felt very clean. I'd recommend!

2025-05-20 via Nuitee
M
Michael
10
Pros:

Nice clean room

2025-05-05 via Nuitee
J
Juli partner
10
Pros:

This little hotel was tucked away in an older, residential neighborhood. At first glance, we were wondering what we got ourselves into.
The owner was so very friendly and had our rooms all open with ocean air flowing through. He made a list of his favorite restaurants for us and made us feel as though we were visiting a long lost cousin. The hotel is definitely dated but it was so clean and in great shape. We went to dinner at a Jackie Rays Ohana grill. It was delicious. It was Friday so they had a farmers market across the street with a unique band that played oldies music. I loved the music. When we returned to the hotel, it sounded like tons of birds in the trees and I thought we would never get to sleep. When my husband opened our door, there was a frog standing on our threshold and he hopped right into the house until my husband grabbed it and put it outside. Later the owner told me that the noise we heard was the frogs that had been been brought to the island many years ago. I soon got used to the sound and it was soothing. We slept well in the comfortable bed and nice pillows. Next morning they had fresh banana bread, coffee and fresh papaya for us. I would definitely stay again. I’m

2025-05-04 via Nuitee
Y
Yeole family
10
Pros:

Exactly what I needed and as described; in Hilo town, off the beaten path, in a quiet neighborhood, cozy, with added personal touches. I loved everything about the hotel. It was also a Blessing that I was able to book it at the last minute. It had a wonderfully quaint, 60s’ nostalgia feel to it. From the ceiling fans, to the furnishings. Love everything about the hotel. From the freshly picked papayas, to the homemade banana bread, freshly brewed coffee, to the beautiful sound of birds chirping when I awoke everything morning. To the beautiful surrounding foliage and garden. Kelli and the hotel, I felt,was full of Love and Aloha. If the above is what you seek I highly recommend the hotel. Would love to stay there again. Mahalo Kelli and the Dolphin Bay family. I definitely felt as if I was at home with Ohana.

2025-04-30 via Nuitee
V
Verified traveler
8
Pros:

Convenient location to Hilo, walkable. No AC which didn’t bother us because it wasn’t hot. Mattress was not good for my chronic back problem. Shower was great. Plenty of off street parking.

2025-04-29 via Nuitee
P
pamela
10
Great little hotel
Pros:

Older hotel tucked away in a neighborhood, but we had a very comfortable stay. We hit Walmart for some groceries since the rooms have full kitchens, and we loved the banana bread and papaya in the lobby for breakfast. The office cat was a bonus too. They also have books and games to borrow. Convenient to downtown, UH-Hilo, and not far from the beaches.

2025-04-28 via Nuitee
M
Muru
10
Pros:

The staff AMAZING! Great location for Merrie Monarch and free parking on the street.

Will return.

2025-04-25 via Nuitee
V
Verified traveler
6
Okay stay
Pros:

Staff was friendly. Room layout could have been better and kitchen was pretty small for hosting 5 or 6 people. Needs some upgrades. One complaint was bed linens. They did not smell clean as if they had not been changed from previous guests.

2025-04-22 via Nuitee
S
Sunny partner
10
Pros:

The place itself was great. Incredibly relaxing! Breakfast in the porch was so nice! Stay went totally smooth.
I wouldn't consider it walkable due to lack of sidewalks. But for those people who are looking to relax and sightsee, I actually think the location is better than in the heart of downtown. It's both close to everything and also "out of the way".

2025-04-07 via Nuitee
D
Deborah
10
Pros:

Dolphin Bay Hotel is a sweet, laid-back, vintage hotel. It has loads of character and beautiful gardens. I love staying at the Dolphin Bay Hotel because it is unique and well-maintained and always clean. The hosts are very friendly and accommodating, and they offer fresh coffee, homemade banana bread and sweet, ripe papayas in the morning.

2025-04-06 via Nuitee
Y
Yoshinari
8
Pros:

I like there

2025-03-24 via Nuitee
B
Brittney family
10
Pros:

The hotel is super cute and retro but clean, with a great surrounding garden. Staff was amazing!

2025-03-21 via Nuitee
M
Moises family
10
Pros:

Had a wonderful stay and restful night. Thank you.

2025-03-12 via Nuitee
A
Abhilash
10
Pros:

Very nice property just outside the Hilo downtown. Lots of walkable restaurants, bars and shops, and very friendly staff willing to help you out with just about anything you need during your stay.

2025-03-11 via Nuitee
K
Kate partner
8
Pros:

Neighborhood is a little questionable. Some possible homelessness. Staff are kind and attentive. The building has maintained a sense of culture. Coffee banana bread and a whole papaya for breakfast was appreciated. Appliances are old but functional. Noise carries but it's ok because it's part of the experience.

2025-03-09 via Nuitee