The Hilo Bay Hostel is my favorite hostel on the Big Island.  I like their location and attention to detail concerning their cleanliness.  The hostel is the newest of the hostels on the Big Island, opened in the Spring of '03, so you won't find it in guide books.  It is located on the second floor of a building, right in the busy town of Hilo, within walking distance to the beach, stores, and many restaurants.  They are just a short 30 minute drive to Volcano National Park, which is a must see if you are in town.

   The hostel in general is well taken care of, and very clean.  They have hardwood floors throughout. The dorm I stayed in is very nice.  They have double beds, which is the only hostel other than one other that I have ever stayed in, that has such large beds.  The dorm has hard wood floors, and is very clean. They have nice big windows that open up, and lets a great breeze in, which I really enjoy.  The rooms have ceiling fans.  The hostel is located on the corner of a couple streets, so you will hear an occasional car go by.

   The common areas are really nice.  They have a very large social area with tables, chairs, and TV. They have a large clean kitchen with all the kitchen amenities.  I was mostly impressed with their bathrooms.  They are the cleanest of any hostel on The Big Island.  They seem to be brand new with nice tile throughout.  They have really nice big walk-in showers.  I give them a bathroom rank of 9.

   If you are going to be on the Big Island, you really do need to rent a car to get around. The Big Island has no bus system, and rental cars are pretty reasonable from the airport. I rented a brand new compact from the airport for under $150 for the week. There is plenty of parking in the parking lot directly across from the hostel which is lighted and safe.

   I really felt secure in their hostel as their is a manager on duty 24 hours a day, and they securely lock the front door at night.  Some amenities they have are 2 new high speed internet computers, free lockers to use with your own lock and free airport pickup from Hilo airport.  I thought I received a great value for my $20/night.  I would recommend this to be your first choice in hostels on The Big Island if you are going to be in Hilo, or will be visiting Volcano or Mauna Kea.