I had a great stay! in retrospect I'm a little baffled by a few of the reviews I read before booking... I've lived in the area for 3+ years and worked at a hotel in Hilo that is known as a great value, at $179 + tax nightly. And it is! the majority of "international standard" hotels in this area are in the $250 range. I've stayed in many area Airbnbs locally as well, and generally you'll be sharing a house or condo if you're shelling out less than $100... and they can be a"mixed bag" in terms of personalities, amenities, etc.
I don't know what a $40-$50 stay looks like these days in Petaluma, Peoria, or Philly, but ten years ago I stayed at a place in that price range in Stockton... and if I were asked to do it again I'd pay extra to be able to book somewhere else.
If you're open to a local experience that is I guess "rustic" (which is for many here the lifestyle - outdoor showers and facilities are common, and lodgings here have since the dawn of time been integrated with their surroundings and nature (so yes, you may hear goats and geese nearby, and you SHALL hear the chirping coqui frogs all night, every night, on this side of this particular island (the only tropical rainforest in the US). It is a rustic and eclectic place, a pre-made camp, essentially (with a decent bed, safe surroundings, and gracious hosts a few dozen yards away who are farmers and merchants of everything from local coffee to bacon and eggs (if they have on hand), to poetry books. good vibes music is played at the open-air store daytime. There is also a cool path out back (it seems to go way back) that will give visitors some idea of what the inland wilderness, the jungle you are in, looks like in its more natural state.
For those ok with Spartan, simple, camping that is not "glamping", great option. Bring a towel, maybe some bug spray, and *reef-safe* sunscreen, all of which you'll probably need anyway to enjoy the area... can't beat it if you're looking for value and local vibes.
Thanks Rufus and Khalil, if my novel here is too much for you all just lmk, can edit/take down. Aloha!