Entire home

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, Loved by Guests
Top 10% of guest reviews in this area

Highlights

  • On the beach
    A rare beachfront property in the area - enjoy direct access to the sand and sea.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
  • Discover nearby landmarks
    Walk to Lyman Museum
7 bedrooms6+ bathroomsSleeps 14

Popular amenities

  • On beach
  • Garage parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Barbecue
  • Balcony

Explore the area

View map
Hilo, HI
  • Place, Kalakaua Park
    ‪15 min walk‬
  • Place, Lyman Museum
    ‪15 min walk‬
  • Place, Hilo Farmers Market
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Airport, Hilo, HI (ITO-Hilo Intl.)
    ‪9 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

7 bedrooms (sleeps 14)

Bedroom 6

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 7

1 Double Bed

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

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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

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Important information

You need to know

Property Registration Number GE-167-057-4080-01, TA-167-057-4080-01
Property # 479849vb
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 no carbon monoxide detector on the property, but there are gas appliances; 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

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. Jet skiing and kayaking offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with ecotours and horse riding nearby.
Map
Hilo, HI

What's nearby

  • Kalakaua Park - 15 min walk - 1.3 km
  • Lyman Museum - 15 min walk - 1.3 km
  • Palace Theater - 19 min walk - 1.6 km
  • Hilo Farmers Market - 2 min drive - 1.6 km
  • Panaewa Rainforest Zoo - 3 min drive - 1.9 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪Kozmic Cones - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪L & L Drive-Inn - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪Pineapples Island Fresh Cuisine - ‬18 min walk
  • ‪The Temple Bar - ‬14 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Grand Historic Hilo House pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Grand Historic Hilo House?

As of 15 June 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Grand Historic Hilo House on 7 September 2026 start from NZ$1,614, 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 Grand Historic Hilo House?

On-site parking is available at the 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. 187 out of 197 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 197 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 197 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 197 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 197 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.8/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Charles A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great property, loved all the porches.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

John M.

Liked: Location
The house truly is grand and beautifully maintained. The view from the back deck is unbelievably stunning - alone it’s worth the price of admission. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kahaiaalaiwilani N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house we stayed at was very well kept and beautiful. Charlotte is a great host. Communicating and coordinating with her was very easy and professional. Definitely recommended. Mahalooooo
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 10 June 2026
Aloha Kahai, Thank you for your kind review. You were wonderful guests at my house, so respectful, so good in communication with me on details. I hope you will return in the near future. Mahaloooo! Charlotte
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Greg J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Such a wonderful property. We had a small research team and needed a collective space for convening. It a was a genuine delight to think together in such a calm and well-appointed space.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 16 May 2026
I am so pleased that my house served your research group well! It is a magical place for creativity and relaxation! You took very good care of our property! What a pleasure to host you! Mahalo Charlotte
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sally U.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Charlotte’s home is an impressive, historic residence. A Well maintained beautiful home and located in a beautiful setting with a view of a waterfall. The kitchen was well stocked with everything needed to cook and feed a large family of 15 and The boogie boards were a bonus for our grandchildren. Our time there will always be a favorite memory for all of us. The owner was very responsive to any questions we had. We can’t say enough about our time there.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 5 June 2026
Thank you Sally for your kind and wonderful review. We enjoyed having you here, particularly on your last day, the Volcano Fountaining started the 48th Episode, so big and not every guest party had the good fortunate to see this natural wonder! Thank you for being gracious and responsive guests! Aloha & Mahalo! Charlotte
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Teresa M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful, quiet, clean, comfortable, & a lot of space to spread out. A real oasis. The kitchen is well stocked to prepare meals at home. The time we spent at the house we gravitated to the covered lanai to look and listen to the river and to stay dry from the daily rain. The home is very close to town. The host provided easy check in and check out instructions.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 2 May 2026
Thank you Teresa for your kind review. So glad you enjoyed my house, the garden and the river at the back. Please come back in the future! You are wonderful guests! Mahalo Charlotte
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Terri D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful place and the host was helpful and accessible.
Stayed 8 nights in Jan 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 19 January 2026
Thank you Steve for being gracious guests! Aloha Charlotte
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jenny M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a lovely but too short stay at your beautiful historic home. The location was perfect and the views and seating areas overlooking the ravine and waterfall are unparalleled. There were a few uninvited creepy crawlers in the lower level that spooked some of our group and caused us to use only the upper level bedrooms but nothing unexpected in a historic home in this climate. Mahalo!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Bettina W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our stay in Hilo was amazing! Charlotte was a gracious host. The home is a beautiful gem. We had our adult children with us, and we were able to spread out and spend time together without being on top of each other.
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 28 February 2026
Thank you Bettina for your kind review. I am so happy your families had a good time at our home! You are a wonderful guest! Please come back soon! Aloha Charlotte
Verified

8/10 Good

Tim G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice big house for my family of 10. Lots of comfort both inside and outside. Close to downtown Hilo.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Andrea D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful home and well maintained. Lovely environs and quick trip into downtown Hilo
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 10 October 2025
Thank you Andrea! So good to have you return to my house with your families! So glad to know you had a good time again! Aloha Charlotte
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Karen L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This house was the dream home for our family of 8 vacation! Beautifully maintained, everything we needed for family dinners, and gorgeous spots to just relax and talk. It was a joy sleeping to the sound of the river and chirping frogs. We loved gathering on the wide veranda for coffee every morning before heading out to explore Hilo!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 9 November 2025
It was wonderful hosting your families. You are grateful you respect and love our home. Mahalo for being such great guests! Charlotte
Verified

10/10 Excellent

James H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We would have given all 5s except that when we arrived we were not met by a host. We were able to let ourselves in using the lock box key. We discovered the beds not made, trash in the rooms and on the floors, linen in piles and in the washing machine. After checking to make sure we had the correct day and time, we called Charlotte and got an immediate response. She apologized for a missed communication, and arranged for 3 housekeepers to make the beds and provide clean towels. The next day the housekeeper returned to finish cleaning. In spite of our initial dismay and confusion, it was clearly evident to us that even in its dishelved state, this property was/is unique, loved (well maintained), and worth waiting for. So we did, and we are glad that we did!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 8 March 2026
Thank you Jim for your understanding! Everyone felt bad we made a mistake in the cleaning schedule. You have been so gracious and kind accepting our apologies. We certainly learnt from this! I am so glad you had a good time at my house after all! Aloha and Mahalo Luo Loa! Charlotte
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Response from VrboOwner on 2 August 2025
You are wonderful guests Donna! I enjoyed hosting you! Thank you for being such gracious guests! Aloha! Charlotte
Verified

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
Response from VrboOwner on 27 May 2025
Thank you Holly for being a gracious guest!
Verified

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
Verified

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
Response from VrboOwner on 28 July 2025
Mahalo Allen for your beautiful review! What an honor to host you as a returned guest! Your love and respect for the house is greatly appreciated! Please do come back in the near future! Gratefully! Charlotte
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Patrizia F.

We had a wonderful visit in this beautiful historic home!

This was the perfect location for our family of 8 to spend Christmas! Beautiful home in a beautiful setting. We really enjoyed our stay!
Stayed 10 nights in Dec 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 6 March 2020
Thank you Pat to spend your family holiday at our beautiful home. I am so pleased you had a wonderful time. You are also a gracious guest! Have a happy and healthy new year! Charlotte
Verified

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
Response from VrboOwner on 9 September 2024
Thank you so much Jim! We loved hosting you and your families! Aloha! Charlotte
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

James W.

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

Wonderful house and location. Easy to deal with property manager. Would stay here again.

Could not have been better.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022
Verified

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
Response from VrboOwner on 30 April 2025
It was so wonderful hosting you and your party! You left the house in beautiful condition! Mahalo nui loa! Charlotte

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

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