Enjoy a spacious layout that gives everyone more room to relax.
At the centre of it all
Stay in a top rated central location, steps from the best attractions, dining, and entertainment.
Discover nearby landmarks
Close to Hilo Farmers Market
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 7
Popular amenities
Onsite parking available
Kitchen
Air-conditioning
Free Wi-Fi
Refrigerator
Microwave
Explore the area
Hilo, HI
Kalakaua Park
Place, Kalakaua Park
12 min walk
East Hawaii Cultural Center
Place, East Hawaii Cultural Center
12 min walk
Hilo Farmers Market
Place, Hilo Farmers Market
17 min walk
Hilo, HI (ITO-Hilo Intl.)
Airport, Hilo, HI (ITO-Hilo Intl.)
8 min drive
Rooms & beds
2 bedrooms (sleeps 7)
Bedroom 1
2 Queen Beds and 1 Double Bed
Bedroom 2
1 Queen Bed
1 bathroom
Bathroom 1
Spaces
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Dining area
About this property
The Heart of Old Hawaii
ʻO ka hale maikaʻi, he waiwai nō nā poʻe a pau. A good home is a treasure for all people. Experience the heart of old Hawaiʻi in this beautifully restored plantation-era home in Wainaku.
Welcome to our vibrant and peaceful 1931 home, tucked away on quiet Kauila Street in the historic plantation village of Wainaku, just minutes from downtown Hilo and Hilo Bay. Enjoy the peek-a-boo ocean views! Once surrounded entirely by sugarcane fields, this neighborhood was central to Hawaiʻi’s booming sugar industry; a legacy still felt in the stories, scenery, and culture all around you.
Today, this charming two-bedroom, one-bath home offers a peaceful and artful escape. It’s part of a larger property that includes a professional office at the front of the building (quiet and open only on weekdays) and an on-site manager to ensure you’re well taken care of.
Inside the home, you’ll find:
• Two serene bedrooms painted in a calming seafoam green and accented with bright, colorful local artwork that makes you feel like you’re sleeping inside a gallery
• One full bathroom, sparkling clean and thoughtfully stocked
• A fully equipped kitchen with everything you need to prepare any meal, from quick breakfasts to full holiday feasts (yes, even Thanksgiving!)
• Gas stove, oven, microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker, toaster, and all the cookware, utensils, pots, pans, and serving dishes you could want
• Air conditioning throughout bedrooms for your comfort.
• A beautiful lanai perfect for sipping your morning coffee or enjoying an evening meal under the stars
The house is painted in soft, welcoming tones and filled with thoughtful touches that reflect the spirit and beauty of the Big Island.
Outside, enjoy:
• A peaceful, landscaped setting
• Off-street parking
• Easy access to downtown Hilo, just 2 minutes away
• The nearby Wainaku Executive Center, once the bustling Hilo Sugar Mill, now a cultural and event venue with sweeping ocean views
Rooted in History, Close to Everything
Wainaku is more than a neighborhood; it’s part of the living history of Hilo. Once home to workers from China, Japan, Portugal, the Philippines, and beyond, the sugar plantations here helped shape Hawaiʻi’s multicultural identity. Today, Wainaku is a quiet, green residential area perched just above the bay, close to everything yet away from the noise.
• 2 minutes to downtown Hilo, Hilo Farmers Market, and waterfront restaurants
• Just minutes to Hilo Bay for ocean views, paddleboarding, or a peaceful stroll along Banyan Drive
• About 10 minutes to Onomea Bay and the world-famous Hawaiʻi Tropical Botanical Gardens
• 10 minutes to nearby beach parks for swimming, picnics, and turtle-watching
• About 20 minutes to ʻAkaka Falls and the scenic Hāmākua Coast
• Just minutes away from the famous, world-renowned Rainbow Falls
• Nearby walking and scenic areas to explore plantation-era remnants and local art
The front of the home operates as a quiet professional office, open only Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The staff are exceptionally respectful; most guests never even notice they’re there.
Whether you’re here to reconnect with nature, explore Hawaiʻi’s cultural roots, or simply relax in a peaceful, art-filled home with all the comforts, 323 Kauila offers a uniquely local experience.
Book your stay in the heart of historic Hilo where sugar once ruled, art now thrives, and aloha still lives in every corner.
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The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Please turn off all lights and AC units upon check out
Please turn off all AC Units when you leave the house for the day
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Important information
You need to know
Property Registration Number 260040200000, TA-082-133-4528-01, GE-082-133-4528-01
Property # 4750862vb
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 indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
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 holiday home. Mokupapapa Discovery Center and Pacific Tsunami Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include East Hawaii Cultural Center and Panaewa Rainforest Zoo. Gilbert Carvalho Park and Wailoa Center are also worth visiting.
East Hawaii Cultural Center - 12 min walk - 1.0 km
Hilo Farmers Market - 17 min walk - 1.5 km
Wailoa River State Recreation Area - 19 min walk - 1.6 km
Panaewa Rainforest Zoo - 2 min drive - 1.9 km
Getting around
Hilo, HI (ITO-Hilo Intl.) - 16 min drive
Restaurants
McDonald's - 15 min walk
Cafe Pesto Hilo Bay - 15 min walk
Kozmic Cones - 13 min walk
The Temple Bar - 9 min walk
Puka Puka Kitchen - 14 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Is The Heart of Old Hawaii pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at The Heart of Old Hawaii?
As of 24 June 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Heart of Old Hawaii on 12 September 2026 start from NZ$588, 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 The Heart of Old Hawaii?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at The Heart of Old Hawaii?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at The Heart of Old Hawaii?
Checkout is at 10:30 AM.
Where is The Heart of Old Hawaii located?
Situated in Hilo, this holiday home is within a 10-minute walk of Kalakaua Park and Mokupapapa Discovery Center. East Hawaii Cultural Center and Pacific Tsunami Museum are also within 15 minutes.
Reviews
9.0
Wonderful
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
This rental is the top floor and about 1/4 of the ground floor of an old plantation-era house. The kitchen and dining room is downstairs. But the sitting area/TV room is up stairs. The two bedrooms are also upstairs. I like these old houses. You need to be the kind of person that appreciates built in cabinetry, and the creaky hardwood floors. The check-in was easy and there was no face to face interaction to check in. The location is super convenient. My family from O’ahu enjoyed staying here. But you have to understand that this rental is in a functioning neighborhood with all that comes with it—barking dogs, coqui frogs, neighbors that come home late at night… But it’s a great way to get away from the formal hotel experience. Mahalo for your hospitality!