Hilo Hawaii – Best Authentic (Logo Free) B&B
Palms Cliff House is a gracious B&B located north of Hilo on the Big Island.
Hilo…If you’ve been following this blog for a while, you know I’m not a fan of highrise hotels covered in corporate logos. This is particularly true in places like the Big Island where the local laid-back lifestyle includes surfing, hula, and celebrating the culture of Old Hawaii.
On my most recent trip to the Big Island, I vowed to stay only in authentic places – places imbued with the true spirit of aloha. I wanted real hosts, lowrise lodging, and connections to the local culture. I also wanted space, beauty, peace, quiet and – yes – quality bed and bath linens.
On the Kona side of the Big Island, I found authentic lodging at Holuloa Inn and the Lava Lava Beach Club, but the Hilo side was a bit more challenging. A number of places offered the luxury of authentic cultural connections, but lacked the luxury of high-end amenities – so they didn’t meet my definition of authentic luxury travel.
Finally, I found The Palms Cliff House Inn.
The view from breakfast at The Palms Cliff House.
Authentic luxury near Hilo
Honomu (pop. 541) is a wide spot in the road 13 miles north of Hilo. Most travelers only slow down here if they’re turning onto the road that leads to Akaka Falls. However, clued-up travelers know that Honomu is also home to The Palms Cliff House Inn – the best B&B on the Big Island.
“Mahalo nui loa” (thank you very much) “for choosing to stay at The Palms Cliff House Inn” said the confirmation email I received after making our reservation.
When hosts Michele and John Gamble bought the oceanfront property in 2000, the only building was a stately white plantation manager’s house. They added eight spacious rooms in a guest wing – each with a view of the water and surrounding gardens. They also started collecting memorabilia from the area’s sugar cane history and learning everything possible about the culture of Old Hawaii.
At Palms Cliff House, a grass lawn runs right to the edge of a cliff before it drops down to Pohakumanu Bay. If you stay here between February and April, you’re likely to see whales from the veranda. They come here every year and give birth in the bay. Spinner dolphins – up to several hundred in a pod – are also frequent visitors.
We were out of season for marine life, but I was absolutely blown away by the magnificent grounds (3 ½ acres, including 750 feet of waterfront) and clumps of tall palms and tree ferns.
Hosts John and Michele Gamble, originally from Denver, have embraced Old Hawaii.
Authentic cultural connections near Hilo
Michele is studying hula, and both hosts are very connected to the local community. They can arrange hula or lei making experiences in local homes with women who have been practicing these arts all their lives. They also collect Hawaiian antiques and artefacts, restore them, and make them for sale in a shop on the premises.
All eight spacious rooms at Palms Cliff House come with ocean and garden views, a delicious breakfast, and the warmest aloha hospitality on the island.
Old Hawaii: Mr. Ed’s Bakery in Honomu sells traditional baked goods including Hawaiian wedding cakes.
Things to do near Hilo
Waterfalls, rainforests, and tropical gardens abound in the area around The Palms Cliff House Inn. I was glad John and Michele suggested we stop at Mr. Ed’s Bakery in Honomu, where I bought some positively divine peanut butter cookies.
Torch ginger, Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden.
I will also be forever indebted to our hosts for recommending Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, located 7 miles north of Hilo. It’s easily the most stunning collection of orchids, bromeliads, anthurium, heliconia, ferns, and palms I have ever seen. In addition to the native plant life, the extensive grounds include multiple waterfalls and a rocky coastline where waves splash against the shore.
Waterfalls, not water slides. Sounds like authentic travel to me.
Mahalo nui loa, Michele and John, for your great tip and gracious hospitality.
Enjoy authentic Hawaii,
Category: Hawaii
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Whenever your write about a place, even if it is my own magical Peru, it makes me want to get on the next flight. This B & B sounds like heaven.
Thank you, Elizabeth,
We love Hawaii and this place sounds perfect! And, I checked out the prices. It is extremely reasonable for Hawaii. I just got back from Cambodia. Before I left, I checked out your website to see what you recommended. Now that I’ve been to Siem Reap, I understand why you didn’t have any recommendations. Not much luxury (except at International Hotels), but it is an absolutely amazing place. I’ve never been so touched by the kindness, sincerity, and hard work of a people. When we left our little “four-Star” hotel, the entire staff came out to say goodbye. It was like exiting Downton Abby.