Hilo Val-Hala Apartments in Hilo, HI

Pros

• The housing complex is awesome for seniors and families.
• The management crew is awesome.
• Conditions have greatly improved, with exterior and interior renovations.
• Compared to the mainland, these public housing apartments are nearly luxurious.
• The location is unbeatable.
• Living with Aloha is part of the experience there.

Cons

• The illegal activity still exists, though it has greatly improved over the years.

Review

Hilo Val-Hala Apartments is best suited for seniors and families who want affordable, on-site housing in a central, convenient part of Hilo, with a strong sense of community and an active, responsive management team. The property presents as a practical choice for those who value stability, ongoing renovations, and a lived-in atmosphere over pristine, luxury finishes. It is particularly appealing to households that prioritize location, affordability, and the comfort of a building that has seen deliberate upgrades and a reforming reputation in recent years.

The standout positives center on management and conditions. Reviewers consistently highlight an exceptional management crew that appears proactive and resident-focused. The exterior and interior have benefited from renovations, lifting the overall feel from dated to noticeably improved. Compared with similar public housing options elsewhere, the maintenance trajectory at Hilo Val-Hala is positioned as favorable, with residents describing the property as almost luxury by mainland standards. The location also earns praise - accessible, with a sense of "Aloha" in daily life - that many families and seniors find valuable for socializing, errands, and accessibility.

Yet the picture is not without caveats. A historical note of illegal activity at the complex creates a persistent undercurrent of safety concerns for some families, even as the tone acknowledges significant improvement over time. The reviews show a split experience: several residents sing the praises of the building and its management, while a smaller portion expresses doubt or dissatisfaction, including lower ratings. This tension means that while improvements are real, the security dynamic remains a critical factor for prospective residents to assess, especially for households prioritizing a very quiet, low-crime environment.

When weighing the pros and cons, the positives tend to offset the drawbacks for a specific audience. Strong on-site management, regular renovations, and the cultural appeal of living "with aloha" provide daily behavioral and social benefits that can offset concerns about older infrastructure or ongoing crime issues. The affordability and community feel are meaningful advantages for seniors on fixed incomes or families seeking reasonable rents in a market that often pushes price upward. The property's renovations augment comfort and livability, making it a practical, not-ornamental option that serves everyday needs rather than aspirational luxury.

For families or individuals who require higher levels of safety assurance, privacy, or on-site health services, alternatives deserve serious consideration. Those seeking formal assisted-living supports, memory care, or 24/7 healthcare staffing will likely find public housing options at Hilo Val-Hala insufficient. If a pristine, low-crime atmosphere is non-negotiable, or if new construction with modern design standards is a priority, touring private senior living communities or other compliant housing with a stronger security profile may be warranted. In short, this community shines for its core mission of affordable, community-centered living under attentive management, but the choice hinges on whether safety expectations and service levels align with these residents' needs.

Bottom line: for seniors and families who want solid, well-managed, affordable housing with meaningful renovations and a strong neighborhood vibe, Hilo Val-Hala offers compelling value. For those whose criteria include the highest security, privacy, and on-site medical services, alternatives are worth exploring. Prospective residents should visit, talk with current tenants, and probe current crime and safety conditions, all while weighing the tangible everyday benefits against the risk that residual safety concerns still exist. The decision should align with personal comfort around risk, desired level of services, and the importance of location and community connection.

Physicians

• Hawaii Community Mental Health Center (0.2 miles)
• Hawaii Family Health (0.3 miles)
• Island Pediatrics (0.7 miles)
• Aloha Nui Family Practice (0.8 miles)
• Family Medicine Center (0.9 miles)
• Randall Dr - Hirata Randall H Hirata MD (1.1 miles)
• Hra Womens Imaging Cen (1.1 miles)

Parks

• Mo’oheau Park (0.3 miles)
• Isles Beach Park (1.2 miles)
• Lili‘uokalani Park And Gardens (1.3 miles)
• Rainbow Falls Park (1.5 miles)
• Ho'olulu Park (1.5 miles)
• University Heights Park (1.7 miles)
• Wailoa State Park (1.8 miles)

Restaurants

• Jackie Rey's Ohana Grill Hilo (0.3 miles)
• The Temple Bar (0.3 miles)
• Papajac's Cafe (0.3 miles)
• Hilo Town Tavern (0.4 miles)
• Kozmic Cones (0.4 miles)
• McDonald's (0.5 miles)
• Hilo Bay Sugar Shack (0.5 miles)

Cafes

• Nector Cafe (0.4 miles)
• Starbucks (0.8 miles)
• Just Cruisin Coffee (1.2 miles)
• Big Island Pearl Tea (1.8 miles)
• VIBE Cafe & Health Bar (2.2 miles)
• Popover (2.3 miles)
• Starbucks (2.8 miles)

Pharmacies

• Kta Super Stores (0.5 miles)
• Shiigi Drug Co. (0.7 miles)
• Pharmerica (0.9 miles)
• Longs Drugs (0.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.2 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (2.7 miles)
• Kta Super Stores (2.9 miles)

Transportation

• AA Marshall's Taxi (1.1 miles)
• U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer (2.2 miles)
• U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer (2.4 miles)
• Aiona U-Rent Car (2.5 miles)

Places of Worship

• Crossnet Ministries (1.2 miles)
• Southern Baptist Convention (1.9 miles)
• Kaumana Drive Baptist Church (2 miles)

Hospitals

• Hilo Medical Center (1.7 miles)

Theaters

• Regal Prince Kuhio (2.8 miles)