Place, University of Hawaii at Hilo Botanical Gardens
4 min drive
Hilo, HI (ITO-Hilo Intl.)
Airport, Hilo, HI (ITO-Hilo Intl.)
10 min drive
Rooms & beds
1 bedroom (sleeps 2)
Bedroom 1
1 Queen Bed and 1 Double Futon
Bathroom 1
Toilet · Shower only
Spaces
Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchenette
Balcony
Garden
Dining area
About this property
HAWAII Hilo Town~Private GATED Botanical GARDEN COTTAGE w Koi Pond
The Paradise Cottage at Anthurium Hale located in Hilo Town is an upscale, very private, free-standing cottage, "tiny house" with mountain and garden views, exclusive gated garden entry overlooking your own koi pond.
Enjoy an intimate floral enhanced setting that features original Hawaii paintings with personal touches; your bed made up with 100% Egyptian cotton sheets, spa robes and slippers, crystal glassware in a well-appointed kitchenette that offers a champagne bucket should you desire. Enjoy a package of Kauai Coffee, Punaluu Mac Nut Cookies and give our a bottle of coconut water a taste. Experience a stroll under towering Hawaiian Hapu’u Ferns, relaxing on the balcony overlooking your koi pond as well as a floral landscape that is in bloom year-round.
Your complimentary reserved parking awaits you, as well as high speed internet, cable TV and a collection of non-video games from far and away.
The PARADISE COTTAGE at Anthurium Hale is a licensed vacation rental, operated by the owner who lives on site but is not a part of your private garden and cottage domain. We are available should you need assistance locating the address as well as parking and cottage plus questions or additional needs during your visit.
We understand your needs and have a little online Language Translator that can be of immediate assistance if we are not communicating adequately.
For guests that will be "working from home," we can additionally provide a standard height folding table and an additional chair on request, both portable. Experience either an indoor work environment or perform you tasks on the lanai or in the garden under a canopy of giant tree ferns with the sounds of a waterfall in the background.
Live free and enjoy.
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The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Remove personal items
Turn off the lights
Please close the windows in case of rain, double check for any of your overlooked personal items and leave the key on the kitchen counter. No need to lock up as someone will be in to clean shortly.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Alcohol in moderation please. No drugs.
No use of strong perfumes or herbal substances that could linger.
We are located in a mature residential area. We observe quiet time between 10 pm and 7 am
Important information
You need to know
Property Registration Number GE-067-211-0592-01, TA-067-211-0592-01
Property # 1186710vb
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
About the area
Hilo
Hilo is home to this cottage. Naha Stone and Lyman Museum are local landmarks, and travellers looking to shop may want to visit Prince Kuhio Plaza and Hilo Shopping Center. Joint Astronomy Centre and Imiloa Astronomy Center are also worth visiting. Kayaking and scuba diving offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking and cycling nearby.
University of Hawaii at Hilo - 3 min drive - 2.7 km
Joint Astronomy Centre - 3 min drive - 3.5 km
Imiloa Astronomy Center - 3 min drive - 3.5 km
University of Hawaii at Hilo Botanical Gardens - 4 min drive - 4.2 km
Hilo Municipal Golf Course - 5 min drive - 4.6 km
Getting around
Hilo, HI (ITO-Hilo Intl.) - 14 min drive
Restaurants
McDonald's - 6 min drive
Zippy's Hilo - 7 min drive
Taco Bell - 6 min drive
Jack in the Box - 6 min drive
UH Hilo Sodexo Campus Dining Room - 6 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is HAWAII Hilo Town~Private GATED Botanical GARDEN COTTAGE w Koi Pond pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at HAWAII Hilo Town~Private GATED Botanical GARDEN COTTAGE w Koi Pond?
As of 10 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at HAWAII Hilo Town~Private GATED Botanical GARDEN COTTAGE w Koi Pond on 22 May 2026 start from NZ$358, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at HAWAII Hilo Town~Private GATED Botanical GARDEN COTTAGE w Koi Pond?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at HAWAII Hilo Town~Private GATED Botanical GARDEN COTTAGE w Koi Pond?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at HAWAII Hilo Town~Private GATED Botanical GARDEN COTTAGE w Koi Pond?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is HAWAII Hilo Town~Private GATED Botanical GARDEN COTTAGE w Koi Pond located?
Situated in Hilo, this cottage is within 3 miles (5 km) of University of Hawaii at Hilo, Joint Astronomy Centre and Hilo Municipal Golf Course. Imiloa Astronomy Center and University of Hawaii at Hilo Botanical Gardens are also within 3 miles (5 km).
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Jean was excellent. The little added amenities were awesome. Look forward to another stay :) Mahalo nui The Yaps.
VALORY Y.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 13 February 2026
Mahalo Valory for your kind review. Of course, we appreciate all of our visitors, but it is always a special pleasure to welcome our own Hawaii people. Aloha, Jean
The host was very friendly and helpful. You are greeted with local chocolates and treats. Best sleep I've had while in Hilo. I will definitely be back! Thank you
Perfect little cottage to act as our “home base” while we explored the big island. Location was great for everything on the east side of the island an Hilo. Jean was a great host of knowledge and suggestions and made the check-in/out process easy. Will stay again if we ever make it back!
This was the perfect home away from home for us while visiting our daughters. Tucked away in a beautiful private garden, the suite was lovely & had everything we needed, a comfortable bed, equipped kitchen, great shower in the bathroom & nice sitting area. Fans & several well located windows & a sliding door provided fresh cooling breezes. The outside hanging chair along with a bistro table & 2 chairs was especially nice for meals. Birds, frogs & the water spilling into the koi pond were sensory treats along with the gorgeous flowers. Jean very kindly left tasty treats & cold water as well…very thoughtful. All in all, a great stay in the perfect place. Mahalo, Jean
Glenda M.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 30 January 2026
Mahalo Glenda for your kind illustrative review. It's always so nice to hear when our guests have enjoyed their stay. Aloha, Jean
We had an awesome stay at this location! Everything about it from the little touches to the first edition books, and the quaint touches were top-notch. We would recommend this to anyone!
It’s perfect, everything you need or want is there and so well organized and presented. Handy to anywhere on the Hilo side of the island, but private, we LOVED our stay
We loved the cottage. It felt like we were alone in a rain forest. The host thought of everything that we could possibly need. It is beautifully decorated. We enjoyed our stay.
The lodging was spotless and comfortable. Welcoming touches of aloha awaited us; such as a refrigerated pitcher of water and water bottles, coconut water, coffee, cookies, and chocolates, ItfehomethoughtfutououThposs
.A lovely, well appointed home — comfortable, clean, and clearly lovingly maintained. Only slight hiccup was miscommunication about check in flexibility ( so i would ask specifically about whether there are any constraints to be aware of). Otherwise excellent stay
Aunty Souza is a true gem. She has unlimited knowledge of the flora and fauna of Hawaii and a deep respect and keen interest in the history and future of where she calls “home”. The garden is stunning and is located in a quiet and accessible location. We will be back again with smiles
David T.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 21 April 2025
Mahalo for your kind feedback. Always wonderful to hear good things. Most of all, I happy to have contributed positively to your Big Island experience. Aloha, Jean
We had a great experience using this as a base for visiting family in the area. I would highly recommend this VRBO when looking to stay in the Hilo area. It is a very comfortable and quiet place .
We will surely use these accommodations again if available.
We loved this little hidden cottage! It’s up away from Hilo town but close enough for shopping and restaurants. The cottage is set back from the main house so it’s very private. The garden is beautiful, serene & tropical. The decor is like a hotel cottage and the owner added touches to create an inviting stay. We’d stay again!
We wanted someplace quiet and private, and this beautifully appointed cottage was absolutely perfect. It's tiny but had everything we could want, including its own lush garden with birdsong every morning and frog song every evening. The owner was very welcoming and made sure we had everything we needed. If we come back to Hilo, we will definitely stay here again!
Both the cottage and Jean were great. Her garden is amazing and it was wonderful to sit outside enjoying coffee in the mornings. We stayed at three different places on our vacation and this by far was my favorite. The cottage had a homey feel with a lot thoughtful touches, including reference books with lots of information. There were cookies, chocolates, and cold water ready in the fridge. Flowers from her garden were tucked in here and there with great care. I was worried about not having air conditioning, but the cross breeze with the windows open and ceiling fans made it not an issue at all. Mahalo Jean, for setting up such an inviting place to stay!
Cathy N.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 26 September 2025
Mahalo Cathy for noticing all the little things. We are always pleased to hear when our guests have enjoyed themselves. It was a\our pleasure to make your acquaintance. Aloha oe, Jean
Very attractive property on a quiet street. The grounds are beautifully cultivated. Host Jean has provided everything you need.The room is somewhat small but it is sufficient for 2 people. Close to town, about 35-40 minutes to Volcano National Park
Very cozy living space with all the amenities you could need. Jean was great with communication and check in/out instructions were very precise and easy to follow. Beautiful garden and lots of reccomendations for things to do on the island. Highly reccomend.
Steven C.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Julianne
31 August 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
This is a small cottage next to a private residence in a residential neighborhood. Very cute, with a private entrance. Jean was there to meet us when we arrived and explained to us where everything was. The cottage is thoughtfully equipped and perfect for our needs. It’s a quick drive to shopping and restaurants as well as downtown Hilo. Very convenient if you have a car.
Brilliant amenities, super clean and friendly host
The cottage is in a quiet neighborhood. You need a car to get there but its not far from downtown.
The garden in front of the cottage is an impeccable oasis of tropical plants and birds, frogs and a koi pond. The inside matches the images from website and surpassed my expectations. The host is kind and gracious. You have your own parking spot and if you are returning at night there are lights on the path to the cottage. I can not wait to come back and stay there.
Beautiful gardens felt like paradise. Loved that her personal Netflix was available for watching. She had a hot plate available to cook with along with microwave and toaster oven. We used them all. I would have liked a sweeper or broom available for fast clean up. Even though our shoes were supposed to be removed, it did not always happen. We had a very nice experience. Even though her home was near the cottage, it was still very private.
Dorothy W.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2025
About the host
Hosted by Jean Souza
Hawaii became my home in the 1960s and I have lived in on the Big Island since 2000. Hilo is home to the MERRIE MONARCH FESTIVAL, a huge international Hula competition that is held every April.
In my early years I frequently crewed on a charter fishing boat out of Kewalo Basin on Oahu which gave me the opportunity to travel by sea throughout the islands. I have visited them all, with the exception of Kahoolawe and Molokini and have crossed the channels more times than I can count.
I have two children, grown and on their own. I am the owner and operator of the online antiquarian entity, MANDARIN BOOKS HAWAII that deals exclusively in rare and vintage Pacific Isle books and art. (This interest, fueled by a bit of passion for the sea has further culminated in my "sailing" on a cruise ship from the mainland to Hawaii in the 70s and more recently, crewing from Hawaii to French Polynesia on a 38 foot sailboat. I also spent several months living aboard and sailing on a 43 foot s/v in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand followed by a passage from NZ to Tonga, American Samoa and back home. I have had the privilege of traveling on the mainland, Canada, Italy, Portugal, Japan, France and the Czech Rep.. I love them all, but there's no place like home.
Why they chose this property
After living in a Honolulu condo for many years we decided to get away from the city by moving to Hilo. It provided a wonderful small town environment along with the University of Hawaii from which my son graduated in 2005.
The property has changed much since our acquisition. We value both convenience and privacy, something that is not easily come by when one is only 3 miles from the mall and modern conveniences..
What makes this property unique
I am a lover of exotic birds and flowers, the sounds of nature and flowing water, i.e. our two koi ponds. We felt this property had potential to become our special in town paradise.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests