I really enjoyed my stay at this b&b, because you could hear the sound of the sea just outside as you were falling to sleep. The views are wonderful, as others have said, and the hosts were really helpful and informative. What I hadn't realised beforehand was that this was a bit of a way out of Hilo. Only a few minutes in the car, but it's a busy road and you wouldn't walk it. I agree that privacy is a bit of an issue because you're dependent on your fellow guests being quiet and considerate. All the guests I met were exactly that, so this wasn't a problem at all. Overall, a nice place to stay if you're in the area and don't mind being out of the town.

If you book here, the bamboo room is the only way to go. All other rooms are not very private as you have to walk past them to get to your room. Also there is no AC so your windows are open which is great to hear the surf but also means no privacy.

Location and view were amazing. Even saw some whale spouts from the balcony. The owner was just not very friendly. It's like it is a pain that you are staying in their house. They make you go to your room outside and down around past everyone's rooms carrying heavy luggage down many steps as opposed to just going in the front door and down some stairs. Even check in made it seem like they weren't around even though they were and seemed angry that I took the wrong set of stairs out back.

The wifi only worked the first day and there was no ice available in the common room and no way to really ask for any other than calling the owner up as you aren't allowed in the main part of the house until breakfast is served.

Breakfast was great and the balcony which it is served on was awesome.

The short of it is that I would stay here again because there is limited lodging in Hilo, but just wish the host had a little hospitality.

My wife and I recently made a spontaneous decision to spend 1 night in Hilo; we were spending a week at another vacation rental approximately 80 miles away and wanted to see Volacanoes National Park at night. Our search for a quick B&B lasted around 2 hours when I found myself engaged in conversation with Ric at Hale Kai. We booked a room for that night and met Ric & Maria later that day upon check-in......and very nice people are they.

First of all, we lucked-out that a "room with a view" was even available. Hale Kai is perched on a cliff overlooking Hilo Bay, which turned-out to be a fantastic setting for a bottle of wine before dinner. Cruise ships come and go and the sight of whales is not uncommon.
Secondly, we asked Maria for a restaurant recommendation or 2......her advice was spot-on. We had dinner at the Hilo Bay Cafe, a small restaurant in a stripmall next to a Walmart.......this is how Maria described the setting ahead of time. She then explained how good the food was and she was right. What a great meal...and it was the most reasonably priced meal that we ate during our entire Hawaii vacation. Great advice. We felt like we were told about the place where "the locals would go", which is what we really want.
Lastly, when you have interest in hiking and our National Parks, as my wife and I do, you could use a geologist on-hand for advice on Volcanoes National Park. Well, Ric is a geologist and his insight could not have come at a better time. We saw Volcanoes at night and then again the next day. Again, great advice....twice.

Our experience beat all expectations....Ric & Maria could not have been more helpful, forthright, or accurate. We will go back to Hale Kai when the opportunity arises without bothering to search for another B&B. We only spent one night at Hale Kai......I'm sure there are more restaurants, hikes, and experiences that we could learn about from Ric & Maria if/when we spend a full week. Someday........

We love our experience so much we keep going back to stay with Maria and Rick. The Pele Suite has exceed our expectations each time and the culinary experience is devine. The hospitality offered by the owners is another reason we love to return. The views of the sunrise off the deck are breath-taking. We have scheduled another return to the best Hawaiian B&B.