Hale Kai Suites - Pele Suite

This was a nice two-day stopover in Hilo for us on a longer Big Island tour. There are not a lot of great choices in Hilo, and the Pele Suites at least had a GREAT view. We enjoyed watching a cruise ship come in, but, alas, no whales.

The parking is very difficult. We had the advantage of two or three units vacant, and even so, the parking situation is very challenging. We had a Nissan Murano, and it could barely function.

The bed was comfortable. Without A/C, I would not want to be there in a warmer month that December.

The kitchen very very limited. The little fridge in the room was nice, but we had enough stuff along that we also used the big fridge in the common room, which is a nice feature.

We never found the light switch for the kitchen light.

The stairs will be difficult for anyone who is mobility impaired.

Pele Suite was definitely the nicer of the 4 suites in the Hilo Kai Suites complex and was well worth paying the extra few dollars to rent. It had a nice corner view of Hilo Bay and right above the pool, which was not real clean. The hot tub had been removed which was a disappointment. The unit was bit hot but did have a fan. We did need washcloths and towels which were provided after a phone call. Ants seemed to enjoy the kitchen as much as us. The parking was very hard to maneuver as it was in a very tight space with 3 other spaces on a steep hillside

Views are out of this world! The frogs serenade you all night.
Easy access to town! Would definitely stay here again

Manager's Response

I must say, the view at the rental is fabulous. But we had a few issues. It would have been nice to have someone on site to check us in. When we first arrived, there was no soap in the bathroom. I texted the management company they said they would have housekeeping bring some over. That arrived the next day. The bathroom is extremely small. The breakfast was subpar. The fruit plate was poor as most of the fruit was unripe and hard. There was a jug of milk in the refrigerator and I think it was to add to some granola but there was no granola available. Finally, there were many workers around the property doing construction. The parking was very difficult. This is a nice place but it needs better hospitality.

Manager's Response

Excellent! Great place to stay. Wonderful view from the Lanai.

Manager's Response

The Pele suite is very nice - great bed, a sitting room w a nice outdoor covered patio near the pool, a small kitchenette and a small but nice bathroom. The neighborhood is very quiet. The breakfast tray they provide each day is great. A good way to start your day and a good place to finish your day there.

Manager's Response

The Pele unit was chosen by us because it had direct access to a small lanai overlooking Hilo Bay. However, after checking in, we found the sliding door access wasn’t working properly and we were unable to open without forcing it. Since I had an injury, going down and up the stone steps was not an option. I texted the issue to Saltwater Vacations and they said a maintenance person would be out next day (Sunday). No one showed up and finally on Monday I received a text saying that the door was a known issue and someday they were going to replace the whole door. We finally forced the door open and left it open.
However, the decor was nice and fresh, and housekeeping was great. The daily breakfast was lovely fruit, yoplait yogurt and extremely sweet muffins. The views were extraordinary.

Manager's Response

Very good rental experience, really enjoyed the view, looking off at the surfers, as well as a few passing whales. The fresh fruit each day that was available to us was so good, so nice to get the fresh papaya. And the room was very clean and tidy. The only issue we had was with the sliding glass door, which was so hard to open.

I would certainly stay there again! There is so much to do on that side of the island!

Manager's Response

Perfect location to whale watch. Deck overlooks the pool,with panoramic view of the bay, town, and surfers! Small kitchenette has everything you need to cook a meal, store things in the fridge, etc. Quick 5 min drive to-from Hilo. Staff come daily with continental breakfast supplies (incl milk, fruit, muffins, ground coffee and filters) , and will replace towels,etc if requested.
Maintenance via text was very responsive. One issue - hot tub was no longer functional - stopped working completely while we were there with no hope of restoring service. :(

Manager's Response

Great suite with nice porch and fresh fruit breakfest.

Manager's Response

Love the views! Would highly recommend this unit/property. Loved to watch the surfers/sunrises. Lovely breakfasts!

Manager's Response

Our stay at Hale Kai couldn’t have been any better. The apartment was lovely. The location is fantastic and that VIEW! Wow! We will definitely be back!

Manager's Response

Perched above Honolii Bay one can hear the surf pounding on the cliff. Look over the balcony and watch them scrambling for set waves. The friendly geckos are busy keeping the bug population at a minimum.
What a fantastic place to stay when visiting Hilo!

Manager's Response

The space was just enough for us. We loved the breakfast provided each morning while watching the sunrise. Great location to access Hilo. Parking was a bit tight but manageable. We would stay again!

Manager's Response

The space was just enough for us. We loved the breakfast provided each morning while watching the sunrise. Great location to access Hilo. Parking was a bit tight but manageable. We would stay again!

I was given the wrong address of the vacation home but luckily when I arrived at the listed address the owner of the vacation rental was there. He was nice enough to take us to the correct property. The ceiling lights in the kitchen were out and the battery for the remote was dead so we were unable to watch the annual Merrie Monarch hula competition on TV--somewhat disappointed.
Other then that this is a beautiful property and enjoyed the ocean view from my room.

Manager's Response

We couldn’t have picked a better place to stay for a long weekend away. The location was beautiful and secluded with an ocean view surrounded by beautiful plant life, but only a 5 minute drive from hilo town. The breakfast was perfect with different fruits and pastries every day. The hot tub and pool were clean and worked well. Checking in and out was so easy and the staff was so consistent and helpful even though we didn’t have to speak with anyone! The place itself could use some updating but it did not take away from our great our stay was. We will definitely be staying here again for more weekends away:)

Manager's Response

Stayed at the Pele Suite and had an excellent experience. The location is right off the Pacific Ocean and near many attractions. I highly recommend this property.

Manager's Response

It was the rainy season, so the pool was full of leaves, etc. (from the wind), which was not the fault of anyone except the weather. Watching the surfers in the morning was a highlight and the breakfast made mornings easy!

Manager's Response

The wife really enjoyed the room and still talks about it. Will stay again

Manager's Response

We stayed at the HILO Hale Kai Suites for 1 week and were more than satisfied. We stayed in the Pele suite and loved every minute of our stay. The view from our room was great, we saw whales every day and surfers catching the big ones. The breakfasts with the fresh fruit and muffins every morning was really a treat. If we return to Hilo we would definitely stay there again.

Manager's Response

We had a very relaxing enjoyable stay in this apartment. It has a beautiful view and it’s just far enough out of town to be quiet and peaceful but close enough to easily go back and forth into Hilo.

Manager's Response

This unit is very convenient to the Hilo airport and the local attractions on the eastern side of the island. The host is very kind and considerate. Our plan was to be out all day, and to only use the unit for bed and breakfast, so this was a perfect choice for us.

Manager's Response

Beautiful views, thoughtful breakfasts and comfortable beds. We highly recommend this property! I have traveled to Hilo twice a year for work. One of the best air bnb’s!!

Manager's Response

We spent 5 nights in the Pele Suite and it was wonderful. The space was a perfect size for us - living area, small kitchen, very small bathroom and nice size bedroom. This suite also had an awesome balcony with table and chairs which allowed us to have our morning coffee and meals looking at the ocean and sky. The daily breakfast was an additional delight - way to much food most days but awesome. My only two call outs - there isn't an air-conditioner and it gets warm. They do have a couple of ceiling fans with a portable fan which helps but just be aware. Also, the people in the house above us could be a bit loud before 8 AM. We can understand noise during the day - but early in the morning is a bit bothersome. Even considering these two issues - we would stay there again.

Manager's Response

The unit was very nice. Great view and beautiful surroundings on the property. Not really walking distance to town but just a short 5 minute drive. The bed was quite comfortable. Our interaction with the property management team was very good...very responsive. Jen, the young lady we dealt with on a daily basis was spectacular. She was always asking if there was anything else she could do for us.

A couple of constructive suggestions. 1) please provide dish towels, we’re not sure how many people like trying even a few dishes with paper towels. 2) Give a heads up about the evening serenade from the coqui frogs. 3) Consider providing a couple of additional plastic glasses for use around the swimming pool.

Wonderful unit!

Manager's Response

We enjoy our stay at your place. It was really fun to thak our breafast in front of the ocean !!

Manager's Response

We were pleasantly surprised with this accommodation. Having booked it last minute I was concerned however my concerns were quickly dissipated by the professional interactions with Shawna. Our room was spacious, well equipped and the perfect hideaway for our sightseeing home base as we explored the volcanoes from land and air. I would definitely keep this property in mind when we return to the Big Island!

Manager's Response

This was a great place to stay and visit the many natural wonders on the Hilo side of the island. The view from the unit was spectacular. Breakfast was good. We did not use the pool or hot tub because they were not clean. We did not see anyone clean them while we were there (although we were gone during the day). There are not laundry service available, which did not match what we read in the listing. We did enjoy our stay overall.

Manager's Response

We loved our stay in the Pele Suite, we happily could have stayed much longer, it is a clean, bright, quiet, well-supplied unit. There is no AC but there are plenty of windows that can let in the ocean breeze while maintaining privacy, so peaceful to fall asleep to the waves. Another plus, the king bed is quite comfy! Our fridge was stocked each day with fresh and delicious breakfast items, we enjoyed them on the deck while soaking in the sun and watching the surfers. There is a designated parking space for the unit and it's a 5-minute drive to Hilo, 10-15 minute drive to other local attractions, very convenient. I highly recommend the Pele Suite!

Manager's Response

We enjoyed the comfortable, spacious suite with balcony overlooking the ocean, and the pool, and the breakfasts.

Manager's Response

View was fantastic. Setting was fantastic. Location was fantastic. Breakfast provided was just right for us. The only disappointment was the hot tub not working and the pool was uninviting (not very clean) so we did not use. And we are pool and hot tub owners ourselves and the pool surface needs a facelift.

Manager's Response

We had a great visit-loved the breakfast tray. We had everything we needed. This is the second time I’ve reviewed this

Manager's Response

Pele suite was quite comfortable. Lanai with fantastic views, perfect for the continental breakfast. Close to Hilo. Quiet location woth the sound of gently breaking waves.

Manager's Response

Lovely oceanfront rental with stellar views! We loved to have our coffee on the lanai in the mornings and watch the sunrise. There was a group of surfers who would ride the surfs every morning close by and was fun to watch. We also saw a couple of whales in the far distance as they came up & blew their blowholes! The place itself was clean and comfortable. It does not have AC so some afternoons might get a little warm-that’s when you open up all the doors & windows to let the air circulate-it was not an issue with us. The king bed was comfortable. The kitchen is very small and comprised of a dorm size refrigerator & freezer, small sink and some dishes, cups, glasses etc., along with a small 4 or 5 cup coffee maker and coffee. The breakfasts consisted of mostly fruit with either 2-4 hard boiled eggs or store bought slices of Bundt cake and milk. The breakfasts could be improved but it was fine for us. The hot tub was broken and unusable but I think you could swim in the pool if you wanted but we did not. This gem is located in a real neighborhood and felt very safe. Also, since we were celebrating a birthday, they were kind enough to arrange to have flowers on the table & bubbly chilled upon our arrival. We will definitely stay here again if we ever come back to Hilo (which we also loved)!

Manager's Response

The views were great and in a quiet neighborhood. Also in a very convenient location close to all that Hilo has to offer. We were able to catch the sunrise from our patio/pool area while listening to the waves crashing without any disturbance. Unfortunately the hot tub was down, but the pool was open. We were provided a small breakfast of fresh tropical fruits, a couple hard boiled eggs, milk, yogurt, and some granola and oatmeal. Wish we would have stayed longer!

Manager's Response

Best view! Loved the breakfast every morning!

Manager's Response

Best view! Loved the breakfast every morning!

Manager's Response

Great little B&B type property!!! Great view, recommend the Pele suite. Was great stay in Hilo close to town. As long as you ok with being a low key B&B.

Manager's Response

Fabulous views from the Pele Suite. Large suite, comfortable bed, attentive staff. Great stay

Manager's Response

Very nice location, nice accommodations, great views, very nice hot tub, surprisingly pool was too cold to use. Reported fluorescent light bulb of closet missing first night so impossible to use as extremely dark and it was never replaced the three nights we were there, bed very nice and , Upstairs full time residents had very loud sex at 6am, not a good alarm to get up see a beautiful sunrise!

Manager's Response

What an amazing room and view! We were very pleased. The hot tub was a nice perk after traveling.

Manager's Response

We stayed in the Pele Suite for 4 nights while on the east side of the island. The kitchen was stocked daily with coffee, fruits, local bread and jams, and oatmeal each day for breakfast, which we enjoyed on the lanai overlooking the bay and the surfers. We loved relaxing in the hot tub and pool, but would have appreciated somewhere comfortable to lounge and read when it was raining. The living room furniture in the Pele Suite left something to be desired, especially considering the space available in the room. Overall we were very pleased with the cleanliness, location, and accommodation. The view certainly made this property worth the stay!

Manager's Response

Great stay. Very quite and peaceful. Great ocean view and enjoyed the pool and nearby Hilo ocean parks. Would definitely stay again.

Manager's Response

This place was beautiful! We stayed in smallest suite, it was the only one available when I booked, but it was perfect in size and comfort. Unfortunately we power vacation and were never there to actually relax. The view is the BEST. just amazing. We always got back after dark, but the mornings were awesome! The surfers were out every morning, I just loved it. The breakfast availability was delightful. I don't think I have ever tried papaya, I love it now! Unfortunately, every fruit DOES taste better in Hawaii. So make sure to eat your fill! First night we got there, it was already dark of course, but the sounds of the frogs and the crashing ocean waves was the stuff of dreams! I wish I could share the video I took just to remember how they sounded. We never did find the shared space in the house. I felt uncomfortable walking past other rooms in the search. But there is one. The only downside was the parking. Could be tricky for most people. Thankfully my husband is an expert car handler! Lol. Just make sure you have a small car!
I would DEFINITELY come back to this place. I will be in Hilo again soon, but only for one night, so won't be able to stay here because there is a two night minimum I think. But I absolutely will stay here again the next time!!! Mahalo!!

Manager's Response

Salt Water vacation is a great place to stay. We enjoyed the beautiful views, the pool and the hot tub. In the morning we ate breakfast that was provided by our host outside on our porch overlooking the ocean. Our room was very comfortable and immaculately clean. I would absolutely recommend this spot for a vacation getaway.

Manager's Response

Beautiful and clean with gorgeous views. Quiet location close to Hilo town. Service was excellent. The only drawback for me was no air conditioning. The evenings and early mornings were comfortable but afternoons would get a little warm. Other than that it was perfect and thoroughly enjoyed.

Manager's Response

Wonderful 2 night stay.Beautiful views. Friendly staff. While an older building, it has been kept up beautifully and was very clean.

Manager's Response

Wonderful 2 night stay.Beautiful views. Friendly staff. While an older building, it has been kept up beautifully and was very clean.

Manager's Response