Following a much - needed $ 4.1 modernization and renovation completed in fall 2013, the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel (71 Banyan Dr., Hilo, 808-935-9361) is really living up to its promise - it's long been popular for its spectacular setting in historic Hilo, right on the lovely bay, and overlooking Coconut Island Park, and even following the renovation, it's still much more
affordable then most of the resorts on the Big Island's dryer west side - it's a great deal as
oceanfront accommodations go.