Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham

The Hilo Hawaiian Hotel sits on Banyan Drive, a street lined with giant banyan trees planted by celebrities decades ago. The hotel faces Hilo Bay and Coconut Island, with ocean views from many rooms and a short drive to downtown and the farmers market. For visitors exploring the east side, it is a convenient, mid-priced base with a classic Hilo character.

Rooms are comfortable and many have balconies overlooking the bay. The property includes a pool, a restaurant and meeting spaces. The surrounding area has parks for walking, including Liliuokalani Gardens, a Japanese-style garden by the water, and Coconut Island, accessible by footbridge. Mornings often bring soft light on the bay and sometimes views of Mauna Kea.

Hilo is the best base for Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, about 45 minutes away, and for Akaka Falls, Rainbow Falls and the Hamakua coast. Rain is frequent, which keeps the landscape green but calls for flexible plans. The town's restaurants, bakeries and markets offer local flavors.

Take an evening walk along the bayfront to Coconut Island and Liliuokalani Gardens, where stone lanterns and arched bridges frame the water. On Wednesday and Saturday mornings, the farmers market in town is the best stop for breakfast, fruit and flowers. If the weather is wet, as it often is, plan indoor stops such as the Lyman Museum or Imiloa, and leave outdoor viewpoints for clear windows.

The hotel's airport proximity helps with early flights. Build a little slack into the schedule for weather, because Hilo rain is usually passing and the sun returns quickly, and the best waterfalls are fullest just after a shower.