Small inn recommendations?

Question

My husband and I visited the Big Island almost 30 years ago and have been visiting Maui yearly for the past several years. In February, we are thinking of going back to the Big Island for about a week (after two weeks in Maui) and would love to find a small inn (or two) similar to the Pineapple Inn in Kihei or like the former Plantation Inn in Lahaina. The amenities in both places are great and we like the smaller, more quiet resort at this point in our lives. No kids allowed is also a plus. Does anyone have any recommendations for what we may be looking for? We are open to splitting our time between both sides of the island. Much appreciated! Mahalo!

Answer

If you’re looking for a small, quiet, adult-friendly inn on the Big Island similar in vibe to Pineapple Inn or the former Plantation Inn, there are several excellent options depending on whether you prefer the Kona side (west) or Hilo/Kohala side (east/north). These places focus on intimacy, personalized service, and relaxing surroundings rather than large resort amenities.

West (Kona / Kohala Coast) Options:

Holualoa Inn – Located just outside Kona in a peaceful coffee farm setting. Offers charming rooms, lush gardens, and quiet surroundings. Great for couples wanting privacy and local coffee culture nearby.
Waikoloa Beach Villas or Waikoloa Colony Villas – Smaller villa complexes near Waikoloa, quieter than the big resorts, often with ocean or garden views, kitchenettes, and privacy for a more self-contained stay.
Bayview Inn – Small, family-run inn in Kailua-Kona. Quiet, very few rooms, and excellent for exploring local Kona shops, beaches, and restaurants.

East / North (Hilo / Hamakua / North Kohala) Options:

Hilo Seaside Hotel – Smaller boutique hotel in Hilo town. Very convenient for exploring waterfalls, Volcanoes National Park, and local eateries. More functional but intimate.
Hale Ohia Cottages – Near Waipi’o Valley, offers secluded cottages and an authentic Big Island experience surrounded by nature. Perfect for couples wanting peace and quiet.
King Kamehameha Inn – In North Kohala, small and quiet, close to historic towns and scenic north coast beaches. Offers a more local experience with fewer tourists.

General Tips:

Book early as small inns have very limited rooms and February is a popular time on the Big Island.
Check each property’s adult-only or kid-friendly policies if that is important for your stay.
Consider splitting your time between west and east sides to enjoy both sunny Kona beaches and lush, green Hamakua/Hilo coast scenery.
Look for amenities like included breakfast, ocean or garden views, and proximity to local coffee farms or beaches for a low-key experience.

These inns are designed for guests who appreciate tranquility, personalized service, and a smaller scale experience, making them ideal for couples returning to the Big Island after years of larger resort stays.