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Grand Historic Hilo House

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Grand Victorian/Colonial House
Grand Living room overlooking the river and uninhabited forest areas across.
This rare eight foot window opens to a spectacular view with an amazing river!
Wailuku river / falls running behind the Hilo House.  Just below Rainbow falls!
Large dining area opens to front lanai provides for a grand dining experience

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
5 bedrooms6+ bathroomsSleeps 14557.4 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

View map
Hilo, HI
  • Hilo Farmers Market
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Rainbow Falls
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Port of Hilo
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Hilo, HI (ITO-Hilo Intl.)
    ‪9 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

5 bedrooms (sleeps 14)

Garden suite

1 Queen Bed

Orchird suite

1 Queen Bed and 1 Double Futon

Reeds Island suite

1 Queen Bed and 1 Double Futon

River King suite

1 King Bed

River Queen suite

1 Queen Bed

6 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Activity and TV rooms

Toilet · Shower only

Half Bath -- Main Level

Toilet

Room 1: King Suite

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Room 2: Queen Suite

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Room 3: Orchid Room

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Room 4: Ocean Room

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Room 5: ensuit studio

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Office
Balcony
Separate dining area
Garden

About this property

Grand Historic Hilo House

This grand Victorian is located on prestigious Reeds Island -- a hidden jewel of Hawaii's Big Island! Situated on the Wailuku River, Reed's Island was once home to royal Hawaiian families and is only minutes from Hilo's historic downtown, Bay Front and the popular Famers Market.

Built in 1916 by the British banker Thomas Guard, the property is grand and elegant, and on the National Registry of Historic Places. The gracious living room has large sliding picture windows framing the magnificent canopy of nature across the river. A spacious dining room and family room are perfect for family gatherings. The enclosed veranda has large French windows and doors with a desk area and dining table, perfect for creative work and relaxing. The house has 4 spacious bedrooms, one office with day bed, one activity room with large screen TV, game table and day bed, and one children's room with two day beds. We have an open balcony on the second floor overlooking Hilo Bay. The kitchen is large and updated. Two washers and two dryers are in the roomy basement level.

The refined landscape garden ground has been meticulously cared for by our gardeners. Every direction offers lush green and tropical colors.

With the Wailuku River flowing in the backyard and the tropical rain forest setting covering the grounds, the Hilo House is a beautiful place for relaxation and tranquility! Enjoy the view from our newly added cabana and deck area right over the roaring river and water falls.

We are 3 minutes to historic downtown with fine dining and famous Hilo Farmers’ Market; 8 minutes to the Coconut Island and Japanese Zen Garden with ancient Hawaiian fish ponds; 12 minutes to Carlsmith and Richardson Beach with tons of fish and giant turtles for swimming and snorkeling ; 15 minutes to Hilo Airport; 20 minutes to the Akaka Falls; 4 minutes to the Rainbow Falls and Boiling Pots; 40 minutes to National Volcano Park; walking distance to Waianuenue Avenue where local museums, churches, shops and a library reside.

3 surveillance cameras are installed around the exterior of the house. One camera is located over the front entrance, one over the sun-room door and the 3rd one over the driveway.

For additional guests over 2 people there is a $40 additional charge per person per night. Undeclared additional guest fee is $100 per guest per night. Merrie Monarch rates are higher.

Cleaning fee is $400
Tax totaling 17.962%
Event booking $500
Security deposit $2000

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Outdoor space
Parking available

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

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
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Property Registration Number GE-167-057-4080-01, TA-167-057-4080-01

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Hilo

Located in Hilo, this holiday home is in the city centre and on the beach. Naha Stone and Lyman Museum are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Naniloa Country Club and Edith Kanakaole Tennis Stadium. Mokupapapa Discovery Center and Pacific Tsunami Museum are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Hilo, HI

What's nearby

  • Hilo Farmers Market - 3 min drive - 1.6 km
  • Rainbow Falls - 3 min drive - 1.9 km
  • University of Hawaii at Hilo - 4 min drive - 3.8 km
  • Coconut Island Park - 6 min drive - 3.8 km
  • Port of Hilo - 8 min drive - 5.7 km

Getting around

  • Hilo, HI (ITO-Hilo Intl.) - 12 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪Kozmic Cones - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪The Temple Bar - ‬14 min walk
  • ‪Pineapples Island Fresh Cuisine - ‬18 min walk
  • ‪Jackie Rey's Ohana Grill Hilo - ‬14 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Grand Historic Hilo House pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Grand Historic Hilo House?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Grand Historic Hilo House?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Grand Historic Hilo House located?

Located in Hilo, this beachfront holiday home is in the city centre and within a 15-minute walk of Hamakua Heritage Corridor, Kalakaua Park and Naha Stone. St. Joseph Catholic Church and Lyman Museum are also within 15 minutes.

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 172 out of 181 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 181 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 181 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 181 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 181 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Donna R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fantastic old Hawaii charm! A beautiful home with room for the whole family to spread out and relax. A great yard, a view of the river and waterfall, a sprawling lanai for meals and playing games. We love this house for our family trips to Hilo. Close to everything but in a quiet neighborhood. Mahalo piha Charlotte
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sandra J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The Grand Historic Hili House was absolutely beautiful. The waterfalls in the backyard were stunning. I would love to stat there again someday.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Karen S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It is a beautiful and stunning home. Property is immaculate. View of the river is awesome. So many places to sit with family members, inside (huge dining table, living room, sun room) and outside (front porch, deck, bbq area). Bedrooms and bathrooms are huge and very comfortable.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

allen h.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This is a spectacular historic house complete with historic furnishings. The host was very easy to work with, excellent communication. I would ask all guests to please respect this very special home and take extra care when you stay, you will not be disappointed. Mahalo!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Holly C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Graduation Gathering

The property was simply amazing. Plenty of room and plenty of everything else we could possibly want or need.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christina

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Everything about this property is wonderful, but the view is beyond spectacular!!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cynthia S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Historic Hilo House

Our group of 8 had a fantastic stay at this beautiful house. We were in Hilo for Merrie Monarch for the 3 days. Had a great time!!Charlotte’s home is unbelievably beautiful and very well maintained. I have nothing but great things to say about it.Mahalo Nui!!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Valerie S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Spacious Beautiful Heritage House

Beautiful house on gorgeous grounds. Lots of space for our family holiday and super well equipped. We loved it!
Stayed 8 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ruth K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Absolutely wonderful

This Historic home is very spacious, well kept and well supplied with everything you may neeI highly recommend staying d. Plenty of dishes, utensils and even 2 washers and dryers.The view of the waterfall in back was amazing.I highly recommend staying at the Historic Hilo House.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Doug S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Hilo Family Trip

The historic home and setting is absolutely beautiful. We especially appreciated the well equipped kitchen as well as the 4 large bedrooms upstairs each with their own private bathroom and shower. The home is immaculate and the grounds well maintained. An added bonus is the view into the Wailuku Gorge and upstream to one of several waterfalls.
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jenny H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Magical

I can't say enough about Charlotte and her magical house. Charlotte was a lovely host. She was very quick to respond to questions. We were two families of 4. Every single member of our group adults and teenagers alike fell instantly in love with this beautiful home. The house was amazing and the waterfall on the property provided the most amazing background and natural sleeping sounds that can ever be imagined. Every room, including kitchen and bathrooms were impeccably clean. Even with a party of 8, we were all able to find our personal space and do work, relax, sleep or just get in touch with ourselves. We would all stay here again...In fact, my husband has already been talking about another family trip. And extra extra bonus...we were close enough to Volcanoes National Park to make the several trips it took to witness an eruption of Kilauea!!! Thank you again Charlotte!!!
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Spring Break

The Thomas Guard house is a gem in Hilo. The location is perfect - not in the middle of the city but close enough to walk to local restaurants. The beautiful grounds, the waterfall, the river running through the backyard, they all added to the charm. The house is beautifully decorated and immaculately clean. Charlotte has thought of all the details to make this a wonderful place to stay. It was a perfect way to unwind from an otherwise busy life.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Timothy W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Convention

enjoyed the property very much. the location and historical value much appreciated
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

James Q.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A relaxing family vacation.

Beautiful, roomy, well appointed, historical home. What a great dining room table to eat and talk with family.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

stephanie k.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great spacious house

Stayed with extended family for multiple days/nights. Plenty of bedrooms, bathrooms, and gathering places. Beautiful setting. Kitchen was stocked well with all the pots, pans, and cooking utensils that we needed. Thanks for providing such a lovely location to stay!
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rebekah K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The Thomas Guard house is a very special place! The setting is spectacular, with waterfall and jungle views from multiple lanais. There was plenty of space for our group of seven to spread out (including three kids and two grandmas) - everyone had their own bedroom and bathroom, which was ideal for our family. The house is beautifully and lovingly restored and well-maintained. There is no air conditioning, but each bedroom has a ceiling fan and a floor fan, so we all slept in relative comfort. It does get hot so be prepared if you have folks sensitive to heat, but the trade winds do help cool everything down. For guests with young kids, adult supervision is a must if they are outside. The beautiful river setting comes with a steep drop-off along the banks.We arrived the day of a tsunami warning. Charlotte was very kind and was very quick to answer our questions about safety and our ability to check in, which we very much appreciated.Lastly - if you are a light sleeper (or sensitive to noise) - bring ear plugs or white noise. There are lots of lovely jungle critters that are active at night. One in particular (a frog?) made a repetitive sound that kept only one of our party up (me!). Thank you to Charlotte for sharing her one-of-kind home with our family for a special Hilo vacation.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Crystal C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nabors

Great house and location
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ray G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Hilo Estate

Such a magical place, beautiful property
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Deborah L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely home

A wonderful place for a large family gathering. You will find everything you need plus a very helpful host! We would return if in Hilo again!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

tom D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Historic Hilo Vacation Home

Great location, very spacious historic home; excellent accommodations with a complete kitchen and more; well maintained; very quiet except for those noisy and interesting frogs at night; and certainly a home a family would enjoy especially being close to Hilo for shopping, etc.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Christy C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing House

I cannot overstate how beautiful this property is. The house is a historical home chock full of nooks and crannies to explore and it is set on the most beautiful piece of land. Sitting in the great room with a cup of coffee looking out into the trees was like a dream. Our host, Charlotte was so kind, easy to communicate with, and very gracious. We appreciated her hospitality. Thanks Charlotte!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ipo T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Historical Experience

We loved everything about this place. thankyou for sharing your house with us
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Karen C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Week long family stay

15 adults and teens stayed in the house. We had a great time.
Stayed 8 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ronnie T L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Hilo Getaway

We had a great time celebrating my mother’s 60th at this gorgeous property. It is within walking distance of downtown Hilo itself and an easy drive to the islands best sites. We would definitely stay again if we ever find ourself in Hilo!
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Julie R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful and beautiful family getaway

This home is a beautiful and elegant place to spend time with family! Lots of space and many areas to congregate. The location by the river is truly special. Charlotte was a very communicative host and I would highly reccommend staying here.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

About the host

Hosted by Charlotte Dewar

Host profile image
Graduated from Peking University with a degree in English Literature, I became an English teacher at the university. I have been living in California and Hawaii for 35 years. This exquisite property surrounded by natural wonders is our sanctuary. Tranquility, beauty and pure air calm the body and mind and uplift the soul...

Why they chose this property

This is one of the most beautiful homes on the Big Island. If you love beauty, elegance and tranquility, this is the place!

Please note we do refund 40% of the deposit if you have to cancel the booking 60 prior to arrival.

What makes this property unique

Reeds Island where the house locates is an exclusive community between two volcano rivers. Beautiful homes line the small road with kind and loving neighbors. Tropical rain forests and wildlife lie in every direction. A walk on the island is a step into natural beauty. We are ten minutes walk to historic Hilo downtown where boutique shops, galleries, restaurants and Farmers Market line the streets. Beeches, parks and Japanese garden are minutes away.

Languages:

English, Chinese (Mandarin)

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests