Entire home

Grand Historic Hilo House

Photo gallery for Grand Historic Hilo House

Exterior
5 bedrooms, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi
Interior
Interior
Terrace/patio

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

5 bedrooms7 bathroomsSleeps 14557 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Hot tub
  • Fireplace
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
Hilo, HI
  • Rainbow Falls
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • University of Hawaii at Hilo
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Port of Hilo
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Hilo, HI (ITO-Hilo Intl.)
    ‪12 min drive‬

Room options

Similar properties

About the area

Hilo

With a stay at this vacation home, you'll be centrally located in Hilo, within a 15-minute drive of Port of Hilo and Hamakua Heritage Corridor. .This beach vacation home is 0.6 mi (0.9 km) from Naha Stone and 0.6 mi (1 km) from St. Joseph Catholic Church.

What's nearby

  • Hilo Farmers Market - 3 min drive - 1.8 km
  • Rainbow Falls - 4 min drive - 2.8 km
  • Hilo Shopping Center - 5 min drive - 3.4 km
  • University of Hawaii at Hilo - 5 min drive - 3.4 km
  • Port of Hilo - 11 min drive - 6.4 km

Getting around

  • Hilo Intl. Airport (ITO) - 12 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪Kozmic Cones - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪L & L Drive Inn - ‬18 min walk
  • ‪Puka Puka Kitchen - ‬19 min walk
  • ‪Antics Pizza - ‬3 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

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
Make yourself comfortable in this vacation home, which features a fireplace and a Smart TV. There's a private balcony. A kitchen is outfitted with a refrigerator, an oven, and a stovetop. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and a DVD player is provided for your entertainment.
Enjoy recreation amenities such as a hot tub or take in the view from a garden. Additional features at this vacation home include an arcade/game room and barbecue grills.
Guests will find features like internet access and onsite parking.

Property manager

Charlotte Dewar

Languages

Chinese (Mandarin), English

Property amenities

Beach

  • On the beach
  • Beach towels

Pool/Spa

  • Hot tub

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Car recommended
  • Onsite parking options include a garage

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Hob
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 5 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathroom

  • 6.5 bathrooms
  • Bathtub
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room
  • Separate dining area

Entertainment

  • Books
  • DVD player
  • Games
  • Smart TV with cable/satellite channels
  • Stereo

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair
  • Office

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone

Location highlights

  • In the city centre
  • In the mountains
  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near a zoo
  • Near an outlet shopping centre
  • Near the sea
  • Next to a golf course
  • On a river
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Optional golf privileges
  • Basketball nearby
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Mountain climbing nearby
  • Rock climbing nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Snorkelling nearby
  • Spelunking nearby
  • Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Whale watching nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby
  • Windsurfing nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher

General

  • Garden
  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Unit size: 6,000 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

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
Onsite 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 there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Property Registration Number GE-167-057-4080-01, TA-167-057-4080-01

We should mention

A car is recommended for transportation to and from this property

Property is also known as

Hilo House Exclusive Reeds Island Grand Historic Home
House Exclusive Reeds Island Grand Historic Home
Hilo Exclusive Reeds Island Grand Historic Home
Exclusive Reeds Island Grand Historic Home
Hilo House Exclusive Reeds Island Grand Historic Home
House Exclusive Reeds Island Grand Historic Home
Hilo Exclusive Reeds Island Grand Historic Home
Exclusive Reeds Island Grand Historic Home
House Exclusive Reeds Historic
The Hilo House An Exclusive Reeds Island Grand Historic Home

Grand Historic Hilo House Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 163 out of 171 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 171 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 171 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 171 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 171 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer B., San Diego

Liked: Cleanliness

It was an honor to stay in a Hawaiian house on the National Register of Historic Places; fabulous!

When we first got there, we just had to look at all the amazing rooms and views and artwork; I felt it was the best place that I’ve ever stayed in Hilo. Better than any other rental and better than the Naniloa, even its highest rooms with the most ocean visibility because this place is so peaceful and no stress. It is completely private, plus it is beautiful with a view of the Wailuku River and the sound is heavenly. The living room is stunning, but the large outside balcony is where we hung out most of the time. It seemed every bedroom had a bathroom (perhaps not in the downstairs kid area; we did not have children with us, but my husband did watch TV down there). It is a 16 minute walk to Temple Bar, which has great food and drinks. Because it is so close to downtown Hilo, the location is very walkable and the walk is beautiful. I cannot recommend this house enough for people who love art and style. It also felt very comfortable. The kitchen is huge. There are so many fascinating things like the ancient sink and the servant stairway, which is right next to the main stairway. The original servant’s quarters is a beautiful day room with many-paned windows. There is only one room with a king bed, notably, the shadiest room in the house and therefore the coolest: upper north west. Upper southwest has a Jacuzzi tub that we did not use but looked inviting. This room had a better closet and a nice sitting area. It was just a joy to be in the house and on the grounds.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Janalee W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer C.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

Doug S.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

Ruth K., Wausau, WI USA

Liked: Cleanliness

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

Valerie S.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

Christy C.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

Mary Y.

Liked: Cleanliness

Hilo

This historic house is set in a lush tropical paradise. The grounds are meticulously maintained and next to a beautiful river. The location is a short walk into Hilo. The house is spacious and we enjoyed sitting on the front porch and near the river. The house was clean and beautifully decorated. Charolette was a welcoming host who communicated before and during our stay. The Hilo location allowed us to see the sites on this side of the island (including two trips to see the volcano erupting at the national park) without spending all day in the car. We are lucky to have found this gem for our three night stay in Hilo!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

stephanie k.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

Marian S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Gracious large and spacious house

The Thomas Guard house made it a memorable stay in Hilo, where we came for a special family celebration. There are four large upstairs bedrooms, plus one off the dining room and two on the lower floor where the children in our group slept. The large, open living room with its picture window was a magnet for everyone to be together. The entire house is welcoming and gracious, the kitchen is well outfitted, and the dining room is large and comfortable. Everyone was happy to be together in this very special place.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

James Q.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

Jean P., Pennington, NJ, USA

Liked: Cleanliness

Spectacular Histric Home

One cannot say enough about the beauty of this home and its setting. There was plenty of room for our family of 7 adults and 6 children. The enormous, well appointed kitchen had everything we needed to make meals, and the dining room was large enough to accommodate us all.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Esther L.

Liked: Cleanliness

Peaceful and Charming

This house is beautiful and Charlotte is a great host. The only thing we were confused by was the Jacuzzi amenity listed. Unless we missed something, it’s a Jacuzzi tub in one of the bedrooms. Each bedroom is beautifully set up and has its own bathroom. The outdoor deck is dreamy and the sound of the water is heavenly. I would highly recommend staying in this peaceful historic home in Hilo.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Timothy W.

Liked: Cleanliness

Convention

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

10/10 Excellent

Donna R.

Liked: Cleanliness

Idyllic classic Hilo home

We enjoyed every minute in this lovely, historic Hilo home in a quiet neighborhood close to town. The house is a step back in time. The rooms are spacious. The home is very well-outfitted with everything you might need from dishes to boogie boards. There is enough space for a three generation family to spread out and relax. Mahalo to Charlotte for the opportunity to stay in this treasure of a home.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth H.

Liked: Cleanliness

Lovely Hilo Getaway

Beautiful historic house in Hilo--out of the way of the bustle and next to a river, this home was really relaxing. Be aware that you experience the whole of Hilo weather as the house is not air conditioned. The owner provided lots of fans and the ceiling fans and windows provided lovely breezes.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Deborah L.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

Julie R.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

10/10 Excellent

Eric S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Beautiful historic home

We loved our stay here. The home is very well stocked with extra towels and beach gear as well as plenty of dishes for cooking and a great gas grill under an outdoor gazebo. It is well located to all of downtown Hilo. It was a great homebase for trips to volcanoes national Park, Mayna kea, and several of the nearby waterfalls. It was built in 1916 and has no air conditioning, so be prepared for lots of open windows and outdoor noise plus early sunrise! We loved the change of pace!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Billie B.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great Vacation

This property is amazing, the most beautiful home we have ever stayed in. We loved the antique and historical decor of the home. Everyone in my group of 9 couldn't stop commenting on how beautiful and serene this home is. It is convenient to many attractions and the sheer beauty is so peaceful and relaxing. We spent every morning just sitting outside and enjoying the scenery. The host is also very friendly and made sure we had everything we needed. We will definitely come back again! We all had our own room and bath, wonderful stay on the island.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Daniel K.

Liked: Cleanliness

Amazing history and yet so peaceful.

In Hawaii we speak of Mana, to outsiders that can be felt in something that raises the hair on the back of your neck. You feel it in the air, something mysterious but not so silly as ghosts. No, this house is filled with a spirit of its own where you can feel the life of all those that have passed through these doors. If the walls could speak it would tell you the stories of some great writer who sat where you are now staring out to the stream below. If there was one word to describe this house and our stay it would be "magical" but really that wouldn't do it justice. We started our trip with a week in `Oahu with the rush and go. So, ending with just a few days here for some much-needed down time was the right decision. Mahalo Charlotte for opening your hale to us, for bringing such peace and joy. Looking forward to another stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Edwin F.

Liked: Cleanliness

Thomas Guard House in Hilo

We enjoyed the historic 1916 National Register Thomas Guard House, which has a breathtaking views of the Wailuku River and large tree canopy. The neighborhood is beautful and calm and a short, pleasant walk into the town center of Hilo.
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Linda R.

Liked: Cleanliness

Hilo History

Everyone in our family was awed by our stay in this wonderful house. The location is quiet & the grounds are beautiful. The views from the back of the house are over a river gorge & the sound of the water can be heard in the background along with the songs of the birds. The rooms are spacious & very comfortably furnished. This stay was the highlight of our trip to the big island.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sheila M., Springfield, MO

Liked: Cleanliness

Hilo’s Finest

The house is fabulous and the location is perfect. Our group of eight enjoyed our week so much. The front porch was our favorite gathering place and the grounds are so peaceful and tranquil. We walked to the farmers market, restaurant and the grocery store not because we didn’t have a car but because the location was so lovely. Thank you for sharing your grand home with us.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ronnie T L.

Liked: Cleanliness

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