The Christmas Holidays have bought major occupancy back to Hilo hotels, along with the reopening of the Mauna Kea Summit road after a lengthy closure due to cultural differences over construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope. As we have provided free transport to the summit of Mauna Kea to cultural practitioners for the past 27 years, we understand their passion over this issue, which is not finished but on hiatus for the winter.

Winter weather in Hawaii usually means night temperatures can drop to the mid 60s F or 17 C with daytime temps still ranging from the mid 70s to 80s F or 23-28 C. This relatively minor change in yearly temperature averages is one of the golden reasons why Hawaii remains such an excellent year-round destination. Our modernized air-conditioning system and peaceful surroundings will keep you comfortable at all times.

Arnott’s guests, with directions from our Front Desk, have lately been enjoying sea turtles swimming at both Carlsmith and Richardson’s Beach Parks nearby. Some guests have spotted the big old turtle with the GPS antenna and reconstructed fiberglass shell (after he was attacked by a shark some years ago.) Some lucky guests may be able to see whales passing by as well! Humpback whales usually visit Hawaiian waters between November and May, with peak viewing opportunities about to begin in January. Our near neighbor with his collection of ducks, geese, and a parrot, and migratory visitors such as ducks and Golden Plovers from Alaska provide endless enjoyment for kids especially.

We’d like to wish all of you a wonderful holiday season and Arnott’s best wishes for the new year to come.

Author: Doug Arnott