The location of this hostel is really good-right in town Hilo, walking distance to market, restaurants, etc.... Hostel was clean for the most part-showers could have used a little attention. Too many long term people for me. It's understandable in a place that has a short tourist season, but there did not seem to be a lacking in tourists. I should have kicked in the extra for a private room. Didn't sleep well with 7 others in the dorm.

We spent 1 night, family of 4, in the private room with ensuite. The room appeared to be recently redone, nicely decorated, beautiful bathroom with shower. Friendly owner who checked us in. The street out front is busy, however being a Sunday evening it wasn't too noisy. Great location, free parking in a lot just diagonal to the hostel. Definitely would recommend this hostel for an economical stay in Hilo.

No idea what to expect so everything was new. Loved the building - it was once the Burns Hotel and still has lots of the original features like polished wooden floors, post boxes, etc. Dorm room right above the intersection and it was fine (earplugs). Lots of windows. Free WiFi for those of us with laptops which was brilliant. Beds were comfy, shower was hot. Good kitchen.

Stayed for 2 nights in late November -wanted the ensuite but they didn't have it available for the first night, so I stayed in the other private room and then switched the second night.

From the moment I came in, the staff made me feel like at home. Had no problems checking in way early. The room was fine -no problems with the bed. Towels provided. Having a fridge inside the room was a really nice and unexpected touch. It would have been even better if it actually worked properly!

The fridge in the ensuite, however, worked flawlessly. The transition, by the way, was handled seamlessly. The staffer even remembered that I'd asked for a second pillow the night before, and gave me another pillowcase without me asking.

All the basics of a good hostel were covered -clean, friendly, inexpensive (relatively -this is Hawaii), social, use of the kitchen. And no lockout.

The only minor issues were:
1. Steep price for internet
2. The early closing of the kitchen
See, in Hilo everything closes down by 9PM. But what if you're out late -forget about nightlife here, but say you're viewing lava at night, or doing the stargazing program on Mauna Kea? No problem, I thought. I can use the kitchen at the hostel and cook a late dinner. Um... no. The kitchen is closed and locked at 9:45. Kind of defeats the purpose.

Still, overall a very nice stay.