26 Nov 2024

Arnott’s Lodge Thanksgiving Celebration in 2024

Travelbig island, budget, hawaii, Hilo, hostel, Mauna Kea, tours, travel, Volcano

Aloha, this is Doug Arnott updating our Blog and apologizing for such a big gap since Christmas 2023. So much has happened that time flew and here we are with word that a major East and Gulf coast Dock Strike was avoided but that workers will get $62 an hour. On the other side of the world we await anxiously to see Israel's response to Iran's attack and how that situation and Ukraine play out and what impact it may have on Tourism. These things matter to travelers as airports can descend into Chaos when a destination is impacted by…

17 Dec 2023

By Doug Arnott

Arnott’s Lodge Christmas 2023

Travel

Here we are at Christmas time 2023. Today we had our staff Christmas party, which was marked by two things. One was the amazing cake and chocolate strawberries provided by Mauna Kea Guide Andras and his wife. The other was a very clever game facilitated by Lauren involving a tightly wound ball of Saran Wrap that was hundreds of layers deep and shed all kinds of goodies as it was unwound on the roll of a dice. As we approach the winter season for Mauna Kea we have yet to have a full sub-zero night, as the same conditions that have…

21 Nov 2023

By Doug Arnott

Happy Thanksgiving from Arnott’s Lodge

Arnott's Updateshawaii, Hilo, Mauna Kea, Vacation

Aloha to all prospective and past guests. As we approach Thanksgiving 2023 we are truly blessed to be here in Hilo Hawaii in such a beautiful area and having had enough recent rain to keep all the vegetation green while most of the State is experiencing drought. This past year has seen ongoing changes and evolution in furnishings in our open areas as well as major changes in Landscaping and beautification of neighboring areas under our care. New guests will experience the beauty of our area and proximity of nearby Beach Parks while our many repeat guests and Educational Groups will…

06 Oct 2023

By Sarah Garcia

Throwback to ’95

Adventure, Hawaii, Travel, Volcanobudget, hawaii, Hilo, Mauna Kea, mountain, tours

This past week we were given a gift in the form of several photos of Arnott's Lodge and our Mauna Kea tour all the way back from 1995! We want to say a special thank you to Geerten Kalter of Delft, Holland, for sending us his pictures. We have been in operation since 1990 and are so grateful to all the people we've met along the way. Things sure have changed! One of our original tour vehicles. You have to love the old suburban. Traveling to the summit of Mauna Kea. A view of the shadow cast by Mauna Kea…

10 Sep 2023

By Doug Arnott

Traveler’s Blog

Travel

Aloha all travellers who have booked at Arnotts Lodge... As we are also avid travellers we have some tips for you in todays world of mass cancellations and disruptions to travel plans. While Hawaii has generally been lucky, we have guests coming in late due to cancellations elsewhere, especially flights into Kona which then means guests simply cannot get to us in time for their first night. Our No.1 Travel tip is BUY TRAVEL INSURANCE. It is relatively inexpensive compared to your overall trip cost and gives you peace of mind if you are caught up in a serial delay. Many…

03 Feb 2023

By Doug Arnott

Blog on Late Check-ins

Budget, Hawaii, Hilo, Travel

You have probably found Arnott's as you are looking for a good price, and we are often the lowest of the well-rated Hotels in Hilo. There is a reason for this, as we are a small operation two miles from the nearest "Big Hotel" in an uncrowded coastal area and residential neighborhood, away from the center of town, and we do not charge "Resort Fees" nor do we charge for parking, so right there you are saving money. Another important saving that we pass on to you is that, like the rest of America, it is hard to find staff,…

15 Jan 2023

By Doug Arnott

2023 starts with a new Kilauea eruption

Adventure, Hawaii, Hilo, Volcanobudget, Hilo, mountain, tours, Volcano

Aloha to Arnott's Guests and future guests!This is an update to the current status of the Kilauea volcano and its eruption. As of January 10th, 2023, there is a spectacular lake of molten lava with one fountain that varies from a few to 30 feet or more in height (10m +.)The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park staff have have prepared great viewing areas that are very close to the crater and allow spectacular photography. Be aware, however, that the full show does not begin until the sun sets (currently around 6:00 p.m.) and that large crowds and long waits for parking…

08 Jun 2021

By Doug Arnott

Doug Arnott Discusses our SUNSET and stargazing Mauna Kea tour

Adventure, Hawaii, Hilo, Travelhawaii, Hilo, laser pointer, Mauna Kea, mountain, stargazing, starshow, summit, sunset, telescopes, tour, tours, weather

Aloha guests and future guests. My Blog today is about our Mauna Kea Summit tour and why some companies advertise the use of expensive telescopes while we use a Laser Pointer, and also why our emphasis is on SUNSET and not so much on stargazing. Most people who go up Mauna Kea, have never experienced anything like this amazing adventure, nor have they experienced the clarity of our atmosphere that has you gasping in wonder with your eyes; not even with binoculars.Many realize for the first time that we are part of a highly visible VAST galaxy that looks like…

10 Mar 2025

By Stella Toth

0 Comments

Punaluʻu Bake Shop: Big Island’s Best Malasadas

Hawaii, AdventureBest malasadas in Hawaii, Big Island bakery, Hawaii malasadas, Punaluʻu Bake Shop

Punaluʻu Bake Shop (Naʻalehu) – A Hidden Culinary Gem on the Big Island A Sweet Discovery on the Road Less TraveledThe road through Kaʻū is the kind that makes you forget to check your phone. As the miles stretch ahead, you pass through sleepy plantation towns, where time moves a little slower, and the salty Pacific breeze carries whispers of history. It’s the kind of journey where every bend in the road reveals something unexpected—perhaps a sweeping coastline view, an old lava flow, or, if you’re lucky, the scent of freshly fried malasadas floating through the air.That’s how most travelers…

08 Mar 2025

By Stella Toth

0 Comments

Mauna Kea, Big Island of Hawaii – The Island’s Tallest Peak

Adventure, Hawaii, Travel, Volcano

Table of Contents Standing on the Summit of the Sky A breathtaking first impression Why this mountain is more than just a tourist destination What travelers can expect from this guide Background on The White Mountain of the Pacific Meaning and significance Its status as the world’s tallest mountain (measured from base) The mountain’s unique climate zones Topographic Prominence: The Tallest Mountain You’ve Never Heard Of Why Mauna Kea is taller than Everest How its prominence affects climate and visibility Traveler’s tips for adjusting to high-altitude conditions Geological History: A Million Years in the Making Formation as a shield volcano…

04 Mar 2025

By Stella Toth

0 Comments

Arnott’s Lodge Hilo Hawaiian Hotel

Budget, Hawaii, Hilo, TravelBest places to stay in Hilo, Big Island adventure lodging, Hilo Budget Accommodation, Hilo hotels

Arnott's Lodge is Where Adventure Meets Comfort Imagine waking up to the sound of palm trees swaying in the breeze, the scent of tropical flowers filling the air, and the distant rumble of waves crashing against the rugged Hilo coastline. This is the experience of staying at Arnott’s Lodge, a true Hilo Hawaiian Hotel and a haven for travelers who seek adventure, comfort, and affordability.Unlike luxury resorts that separate you from the heart of the island, Arnott’s Lodge offers an authentic Hawaiian experience, connecting you to Hilo’s natural wonders, cultural gems, and unforgettable adventure tours. Whether you’re a solo backpacker,…

02 Mar 2025

By Stella Toth

0 Comments

Waimanu Valley: Hawaii’s Last True Wilderness

Adventure, Hawaii, NatureBest hikes on the Big Island, Muliwai Trail guide, Waimanu Valley hike, Waipi‘o Valley to Waimanu hike

The Call of the Wild in Waimanu Valley The first time I laid eyes on Waimanu Valley, it felt like stepping into a world forgotten by time. The sun hung low, casting golden light over the emerald cliffs, while the distant roar of waterfalls echoed through the misty air. This wasn’t just another scenic spot on the Big Island—this was raw, untouched Hawaii, where nature still ruled and only the truly determined could reach its sacred shores.Tucked away on the rugged northern coast, Waimanu Valley is one of Hawaii’s last true wildernesses—a place so remote that the only way in…

01 Mar 2025

By Stella Toth

0 Comments

Waipi‘o Valley’s Back Roads and Waterfalls

Hawaii, Adventure, Nature4WD Waipi‘o Valley road, Best waterfalls on Big Island, Hiking Waipi‘o Valley, Waipi‘o Valley back roads, Waipi‘o Valley waterfalls

Waipi'o Walley's Back Roads and Warwefalls The Kings of Waipi'o Walley Waipi‘o Valley isn’t just a place—it’s a feeling. A whisper of the past, carried on the mist that rolls down its emerald cliffs. It’s the kind of place that makes you pause, take a deep breath, and wonder if you’ve stepped into another world.For many visitors, Waipi‘o Valley is a postcard-perfect view from the scenic overlook. And while that panoramic vista is breathtaking, it’s just the beginning of what this legendary valley has to offer. Beyond the cliffs and through the dense jungle lie back roads that weave through…

25 Feb 2025

By Stella Toth

0 Comments

Kaumana Caves – Hilo’s Hidden Lava Tube

Adventure, Nature, VolcanoKaumana Caves, lava tube adventure, lava tubes Hilo

Kaumana Caves: Hilo’s Hidden Lava Tube Adventure Kaumana Caves: Hilo’s Hidden Lava Tube Adventure A hidden lava tube just outside Hilo, filled with natural skylights and caverns. Bring a flashlight and explore this geological wonder.The first time I stepped into Kaumana Caves, I felt like an explorer discovering an uncharted world—untouched, raw, and pulsing with the spirit of Hawai‘i’s volcanic past. Sunlight streamed through a collapsed skylight, illuminating the jagged, black walls with an eerie glow. The air was cool, carrying the damp scent of ancient rock, and the only sound was the rhythmic drip of water echoing through the…

17 Feb 2025

By Stella Toth

0 Comments

Kaimu Black Sand Beach

Adventure, Hawaii, NatureHawaii Black Sand Beach, Kaimu Black Sand Beach

Kaimu Black Sand Beach – A Hidden Gem on the Big Island Kaimu Black Sand Beach – A Hidden Gem on the Big Island Welcome to one of Hawaii's youngest and most breathtaking landscapes... There’s something magical about standing at the edge of creation itself. Imagine walking across an untouched, jet-black shoreline, the soft crunch of volcanic sand beneath your feet, waves crashing against the rugged coast. The air is thick with the salty breath of the Pacific, while young coconut trees sway in defiance, their roots gripping onto land that didn’t exist just a few decades ago.Welcome to Kaimu…

02 Feb 2025

By Stella Toth

Papakōlea Green Sand Beach

Adventure, Hawaii, Ocean, Outdoors

Papakōlea Green Sand Beach – Where Adventure Meets a Geological Wonder Imagine standing at the edge of the world, where emerald green sand spills gently into the sea, and waves crash against black volcanic cliffs as if nature itself is whispering ancient secrets. Papakōlea Green Sand Beach isn’t just a destination; it’s an experience that invites you to leave the paved roads behind and embrace the raw, rugged beauty of the Big Island.As a professional guide, I’ve watched countless travelers arrive here with wide eyes and open hearts, many of them budget-conscious adventurers seeking hidden gems that money can’t buy.…

02 Feb 2025

By Stella Toth

Pu’u Loa Petroglyphs

Adventure, HawaiiBig Island hidden gems, budget travel Hawaii, Pu’u Loa Petroglyphs

Pu’u Loa Petroglyphs: Discovering One of the Big Island’s Hidden Gems Step Back in Time on the Lava Fields of Hawaii Imagine the heat of the sun dancing off the blackened lava fields, the crunch of volcanic rock beneath your hiking boots, and the vast silence interrupted only by the whispers of the wind. This is Pu’u Loa—a hidden gem nestled within Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, a place where ancient stories are carved into the land itself. As you approach, the mystery of these symbols unfolds, like reading an ancient book written by those who walked these lands centuries before.For…

02 Feb 2025

By Stella Toth

Ka’awaloa Bay

Adventure

Ka’awaloa Bay - Captain Cook Monument: A Bucket List Adventure Ka’awaloa Bay - Captain Cook Monument: As I paddled across the gentle ripples of Kealakekua Bay, the world seemed to fall away behind me—no traffic noise, no bustling crowds, just the rhythmic splash of my paddle cutting through glassy waters. Above me, the cliffs of Ka’awaloa Bay stood like ancient guardians, protecting one of the most serene and historically rich spots on the Big Island. In that moment, I realized something profound: Ka’awaloa Bay isn’t just a destination—it’s a portal to both adventure and the past.If you’re an adventurous traveler,…