Arnotts is a great place to stay in Hilo! Their camping policy of 'set up your tent even after office hours and pay in the morning' definitely helps travelers that need a place to set up in the wee hours of the night. Charging $10 a person, they allow the use of all their facilities; big screen tv, outdoor showers [hot water takes a little bit to get going] and sink with mirror, bathrooms, the washer and dryer, kitchens and the ability to store 1 container in the dorm room fridge. They have tables set up for general use under an awning and have lots of goodies behind their counter for sale. Abraham and Lana were awesome and kept us laughing and even told us about some great local waterfalls that were completely void of all the tourist traffic jams like Rainbow Falls and Akaka Falls. Granted it took a bit of a hike [around 45 minutes] in the rainforest but we were determined to see the huge waterfall Lana suggested to jump off of. Once we saw it we chickened out immediately [it was at least a 30-40 feet fall] but we had the best time just hopping around the COLD tide pools and enjoying the scenery all to ourselves. But! back to the hostel grounds, everything was lovely except the fact that at night it was a bit noisy with cars revving and planes flying overhead. Wasn't a problem for me [I'm a sound sleeper] but for the light sleepers you might find some trouble staying asleep.
more