17 Best Places To Stay In Big Island as a Student | Study Abroad Guide

Imagine studying abroad on the Big Island of Hawaii, surrounded by stunning scenery, diverse cultures, and endless opportunities for adventure.

As a student, you’ll want to find a place to stay that’s affordable, convenient, and comfortable. But with so many great options to choose from, it can be tough to know where to start.

That’s where this guide comes in. We’ve compiled a list of the 17 best places to stay on the Big Island for students, based on factors like price, location, amenities, and overall value.

Whether you’re looking for a beachfront hostel, a cozy vacation rental, or a lively student dormitory, we’ve got you covered.

When choosing a place to stay on the Big Island, it’s important to consider your budget, lifestyle, and academic needs. If you’re on a tight budget, you may want to consider staying in a hostel or guesthouse.

These accommodations are typically very affordable, and they often offer communal kitchens and other amenities that can help you save money.

If you’re looking for something more private, you may want to consider renting a vacation home or apartment.

This is a great option if you’re traveling with friends or family, or if you want to have your own space to cook and relax.

Best Places to Stay on The Big Island as a Student

Now that you know what to look for, let’s take a look at the 17 best places to stay on the Big Island for students:

1. Hilo Hostel

2. The Inn at Volcano

3. University of Hawaii Hostel at Hilo

4. Auberge Resorts Collection Kona

5. Castle Waikoloa Resort

6. Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa

7. Pahoa Village Hostel

8. The Bamboo Lodge

9. Hale Ho’okipa Bed & Breakfast

10. Lava Tree State Park

11. Volcano Village Lodge

12. Mauna Kea Beach Hotel

13. Kona Coast Resort

14. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai

15. Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection

16. Fairmont Orchid

17. Hilton Waikoloa Village

1. Hilo Hostel

Hilo Hostel is one of the best places to stay on the Big Island for students on a budget. It is located in the heart of Hilo, close to the University of Hawaii at Hilo, public transportation, and many shops and restaurants.

The hostel offers a variety of accommodation options, including dorms, private rooms, and suites, all of which are clean and comfortable.

Hilo Hostel offers a variety of amenities that are perfect for students, including a shared kitchen, laundry facilities, and free Wi-Fi. The hostel also has a common area where students can relax and socialize with other guests.

Hilo Hostel has a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. The staff is always happy to help students with anything they need, and the other guests are usually friendly and outgoing.

Overall, Hilo Hostel is a great place for students to stay on the Big Island. It is affordable, conveniently located, and has a variety of amenities that are perfect for students.

2. The Inn at Volcano

The Inn at Volcano is a cozy hotel located in the heart of Volcano National Park. It is a great place to stay for students who want to experience the natural beauty of the Big Island without spending a lot of money.

The hotel offers a variety of room types, including budget-friendly dorm rooms and private rooms with balconies. All rooms come with free WiFi and breakfast.

The Inn at Volcano is also a great place to meet other students from all over the world. The hotel has a communal kitchen and lounge where guests can gather and socialize.

The hotel also offers a variety of activities and tours, such as hikes to the Kilauea Caldera and stargazing tours.

Some of the things that make The Inn at Volcano a great place to stay for students include:

Affordable rates
Variety of room types, including budget-friendly dorm rooms
Free WiFi and breakfast
Communal kitchen and lounge
Activities and tours offered

3. University of Hawaii Hostel at Hilo

The University of Hawaii Hostel at Hilo is one of the best places to stay on the Big Island for students.

It is located within walking distance of the UH Hilo campus, as well as many shops, restaurants, and other amenities. The hostel is also affordable, making it a great option for students on a budget.

The hostel offers a variety of room types, including dorm rooms, private rooms, and family rooms. All rooms are clean and comfortable, and have access to shared bathrooms and kitchens. The hostel also has a common room where guests can relax, socialize, and watch TV.

The hostel is staffed by friendly and knowledgeable staff who are always happy to help guests. The staff can provide information about the local area, as well as help guests book tours and activities.

If you are a student looking for a place to stay on the Big Island, the University of Hawaii Hostel at Hilo is a great option. It is affordable, convenient, and offers a friendly and supportive community.

4. Auberge Resorts Collection Kona

Auberge Resorts Collection Kona is one of the best places to stay on the Big Island of Hawaii for students.

It is a luxury resort located on the Kohala Coast, with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. The resort offers a variety of amenities and activities that are perfect for students.

In addition to its amenities and activities, Auberge Resorts Collection Kona is also a great place to stay for students because of its location. The resort is located near the town of Waimea, which has a variety of shops and restaurants.

The resort is also a short drive from the Mauna Kea Observatories, where students can learn about astronomy and stargaze.

Overall, Auberge Resorts Collection Kona is a great place to stay for students on the Big Island of Hawaii. It offers a variety of amenities and activities, as well as a convenient location. With a little planning, students can stay at the resort on a budget.

5. Castle Waikoloa Resort

Castle Waikoloa Resort is one of the best places to stay on the Big Island for students for several reasons.

First, it is located in the Waikoloa Beach Resort, which is a popular tourist destination with a variety of activities and attractions. This means that there is always something to do, even if you are on a budget.

Second, Castle Waikoloa Resort offers a variety of accommodation options, including hotel rooms, condos, and villas. This means that you can find something that fits your needs and budget.

For example, if you are traveling with a group of friends, you can rent a condo or villa, which will save you money on food and activities.

Finally, Castle Waikoloa Resort has a variety of amenities that students will appreciate, such as a fitness center, swimming pools, and a hot tub.

There is also a free shuttle bus that can take you to different parts of the resort, as well as to nearby shopping and dining options.

6. Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa

The Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa is one of the best places to stay on the Big Island for students, offering a variety of amenities and activities to keep them entertained and comfortable during their stay.

The resort is located on the Kohala Coast, which is known for its beautiful beaches, sunny weather, and world-class golf courses.

It is also close to many other popular attractions on the Big Island, such as Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Mauna Kea Observatories, and Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park.

The resort offers a wide range of amenities, including:

A private beach with calm waters and white sand
Three pools, including a waterslide and an infinity pool
A spa with a variety of treatments
A fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment
Several restaurants and bars
A shopping center with a variety of stores
A luau night with traditional Hawaiian food and entertainment

Overall, the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa is a great place for students to stay on the Big Island. It offers a variety of amenities and activities to keep them entertained and comfortable, all at an affordable price.

7. Pahoa Village Hostel

Pahoa Village Hostel is one of the best places to stay on the Big Island for students. It is affordable, centrally located, and has a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

One of the biggest challenges for students on vacation is finding affordable accommodations. Pahoa Village Hostel offers a variety of dorm room options, all of which are very reasonably priced. This makes it a great option for students on a budget.

Pahoa Village Hostel is located in the heart of Pahoa, a small town on the east side of the Big Island.

This is a great location for students because it is close to many of the island’s top attractions, such as Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Puna Coast Black Sand Beaches, and Hilo Town.

Pahoa is also a short drive from the University of Hawaii at Hilo, making it a convenient place to stay for students attending that school.

In addition to the above, Pahoa Village Hostel also offers a number of other amenities that are appealing to students, such as:

Free Wi-Fi
A shared kitchen where guests can cook their own meals
A common room where guests can relax and socialize
A laundry room
Free Parking

8. The Bamboo Lodge

The Bamboo Lodge is one of the best places to stay on the Big Island for students. It is a budget-friendly, eco-friendly hostel located in the heart of Volcano Village, just a short drive from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

The lodge offers a variety of accommodations, including dorm beds, private rooms, and cabins. All of the rooms are clean and comfortable, and many of them have stunning views of the surrounding mountains and rainforests.

The Bamboo Lodge is a great place to stay for students because it is affordable, social, and close to many popular attractions.

The hostel has a communal kitchen where guests can prepare their own meals, and there is also a common room with a TV, games, and books. The lodge staff are friendly and knowledgeable, and they can help guests plan their activities and transportation.

The Bamboo Lodge is located in the heart of Volcano Village, just a short drive from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

The hostel is also close to other popular attractions such as Mauna Kea Observatories, Akaka Falls State Park, and Punalu’u Black Sand Beach.

The Bamboo Lodge is committed to sustainability and environmental protection. The hostel uses solar power, rainwater harvesting, and composting to reduce its impact on the environment.

9. Hale Ho’okipa Bed & Breakfast

Hale Ho’okipa Bed & Breakfast is one of the best places to stay on the Big Island as a student for several reasons.

First, it is very affordable, especially compared to other hotels and resorts on the island.

Second, it is located in a central location, making it easy to get to all of the major attractions, such as Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Mauna Kea Observatories, and the Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park.

Third, the inn offers a variety of amenities that are perfect for students, such as free Wi-Fi, a shared kitchen, and a laundry room.

In addition, Hale Ho’okipa Bed & Breakfast has a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The innkeepers are friendly and knowledgeable about the island, and they are always happy to help guests with their travel plans.

The inn also has a strong sense of community, and guests often have the opportunity to interact with each other and learn about their shared experiences.

10. Lava Tree State Park

Lava Tree State Park is one of the best places to stay on the Big Island, especially for students. It is free to camp, and there are plenty of activities to keep you busy without spending a lot of money.

Lava Tree State Park is located in the Puna district of the Big Island, which is home to a variety of other attractions, including Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hilo, and Pahoa.

There are plenty of free activities to enjoy. Lava Tree State Park has a variety of hiking trails, including a trail that leads to a lava tube. There is also a picnic area and a pavilion where you can relax and enjoy the scenery.

Overall, Lava Tree State Park is a great place to stay on the Big Island, especially for students. It is free to camp, and there are plenty of activities to keep you busy without spending a lot of money.

11. Volcano Village Lodge

Volcano Village Lodge is one of the best places to stay on the Big Island as a student.

First, it is located in Volcano Village, which is a small town just outside of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. This makes it a convenient place to stay for students who want to explore the park and learn about its unique geology and ecology.

Volcano Village is also a great place to experience the natural beauty of the Big Island, with its lush rainforests, volcanic landscapes, and starry night skies.

Second, Volcano Village Lodge offers a variety of affordable accommodations, including private cottages, rooms, and dormitories.

This makes it a good option for students who are on a budget. The lodge also offers a number of amenities that are appealing to students, such as a shared kitchen, a game room, and a library.

Third, Volcano Village Lodge is a great place to meet other students and travelers from all over the world. The lodge has a welcoming and friendly atmosphere, and the staff is always happy to help guests connect with each other.

Volcano Village is also home to a number of student-friendly restaurants and shops, making it a great place to socialize and have fun.

12. Mauna Kea Beach Hotel

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is one of the best places to stay in Big Island as a student.

The hotel is located on the Kohala Coast, which is known for its beautiful beaches, sunny weather, and proximity to a variety of attractions.

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is also located near the University of Hawaii at Hilo, making it a convenient place to stay for students.

While Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is a luxury resort, it offers a number of discounts for students. The hotel also has a variety of room types to choose from, so students can find an option that fits their budget.

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel has a wide range of amenities that students can enjoy, including a private beach, swimming pool, fitness center, tennis courts, and spa.

Overall, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is a great place for students to stay on the Big Island. It offers a variety of amenities, activities, and cultural experiences that students can enjoy. The hotel is also located in a convenient location and offers discounts for students.

13. Kona Coast Resort

Kona Coast Resort is one of the best places to stay on the Big Island of Hawaii for students, offering a variety of amenities and activities that are both affordable and appealing to this demographic.

It offers a variety of room types, including studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom villas, all of which are equipped with kitchens and private lanais.

This makes it easy for students to save money on food by cooking their own meals, and to enjoy the beautiful Hawaiian outdoors from the comfort of their own room.

The Resort has a variety of on-site amenities that students can enjoy, including two swimming pools, three Jacuzzis, a sauna, a playground, tennis courts, a volleyball, a fitness center, and on-site activities like hula lessons and dive instruction.

This means that students can have plenty of fun and stay active without having to leave the resort.

In addition to all of these factors, Kona Coast Resort is also known for its friendly and welcoming staff. Students will feel at home at this resort, and they can be sure that they will have a memorable stay.

14. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai

The Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is one of the best places to stay on the Big Island of Hawaii, for students and everyone else.

It’s a luxury resort, but it’s also a great place to relax and unwind, and there are plenty of activities to keep you busy, even if you’re on a budget.

The resort offers a wide range of activities for guests of all ages, including golf, tennis, water sports, and cultural programs. There’s also a kids’ club for younger guests.

While the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is a luxury resort, there are ways to save money on your stay.

For example, you can book a room in the off-season or take advantage of special packages. You can also eat at the resort’s more affordable restaurants or cook your own meals in your room or suite.

Overall, the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is a great place to stay on the Big Island of Hawaii, for students and everyone else. It’s a beautiful resort with plenty of activities to enjoy, and there are ways to save money on your stay.

15. Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection

Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection is one of the best places to stay on the Big Island of Hawaii, especially for students.

It is a luxury resort with a wide range of amenities and activities, but it is also relatively affordable, especially if you book during the off-season.

Mauna Lani is located on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island, which is known for its beautiful beaches, sunny weather, and world-class golf courses.

The resort is also close to many popular attractions, such as Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, Hapuna Beach State Park, and Mauna Kea Observatories.

It offers a variety of accommodations, including hotel rooms, suites, and villas. The rooms are all spacious and well-appointed, with amenities such as private balconies, flat-screen TVs, and mini-fridges.

The suites and villas offer even more space and luxury, with features such as separate living and dining areas, kitchens, and private pools.

16. Fairmont Orchid

The Fairmont Orchid is one of the best places to stay on the Big Island of Hawaii for students, offering a luxurious and affordable experience with plenty of activities to keep you entertained.

It offers a special student rate, which can save you a significant amount of money on your stay.

The Fairmont Orchid is located on the Kohala Coast, which is centrally located on the Big Island. This makes it easy to get to all of the island’s top attractions, such as Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Mauna Kea Observatories, and Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park.

It offers a variety of activities for students, including swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. There is also a fitness center, tennis courts, and a golf course on site.

17. Hilton Waikoloa Village

The Hilton Waikoloa Village is one of the best places to stay on the Big Island for students. It is a large resort with a variety of amenities, including a lagoon, pools, water slides, restaurants, bars, shops, and a spa.

The resort is also located in a convenient location, close to many of the Big Island’s attractions, such as Mauna Kea, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park.

It is located in Waikoloa Village, which is a central location on the Big Island. This makes it easy for students to get to and from popular attractions, such as Mauna Kea, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park.

The Hilton Waikoloa Village also offers a variety of discounts to students, such as discounts on room rates, food and beverage, and activities. Students should be sure to ask about discounts when booking their stay.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the average costs of accommodation on the Big Island?

The average cost of accommodation on the Big Island varies depending on the type of accommodation and the location. Hostels typically range from $20-$50 per night, guesthouses from $50-$100 per night, and hotels from $100-$300 per night.

What are the best ways to get around the Big Island on a budget?

The best ways to get around the Big Island on a budget are by taking the bus or renting a car. The bus system is relatively inexpensive, but it can be time-consuming to get around. Renting a car is more expensive, but it gives you more flexibility.

What are the best ways to meet other students and make friends on the Big Island?

There are a few ways to meet other students and make friends on the Big Island. One option is to join a student club or organization. You can also meet other students in your classes or at your dorm.