Description: Arnott's Lodge is a budget travelers' hostel, with dorm rooms with bunks and communal kitchen at $17/night. They also have semi-private rooms (shared bath and kitchen) for $37-47 and private "deluxe" rooms for $57. Modest, but comfortable and clean. 98 Apapane Road, Hilo. (808)969-7097.
The lodge is located half a block from the water, and about 2 miles from Richardson's Beach, a local snorkeling beach with life guards.
The advantage of staying at Arnott's is their adventures, which are offered at a reduced rate for guests. They have their own shuttles and guides to the lava flow/hike, the Mauna Kea observatories, and the north coast waterfalls. They will also lend clunker bikes for runs to the store or the beach. For more information on Arnott's Lodge, visit their website at Arnottslodge.com. Be aware that hotel rooms are at a premium during Merrie Monarch week. Hotels and rental cars are sold out months in advance. I found to my dismay that Arnott's Lodge had doubled the rate on my reserved room, although their Aloha spirit came through when I appealed to them, and I got it for the regular price.
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