Vacation Rentals by Owner
Zen Hideaway - Peaceful Luxury Home Near Downtown Hilo [#213980] | View Property
Hilo
House, 3 Bedrooms + Den, 3 Baths (Sleeps 6)
$1250 to $1350/wk
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Traveler Reviews (15)
Private Zen Hideaway
Guest: Laura P.
(Fremont, California)
Date of Stay: 04/20/12
Review Submitted: 05/03/12
This home exceeded our expectations. Having never rented a vacation property, we were pleasantly pleased with what we found in this peaceful, lovely, immaculate, large home.....truely didn't want to leave. My husband and I were in the upstairs, master suite (our own private tree house) and enjoyed waking up every morning to the beautiful views, either off the lanai of the hills or out the bathroom window of the ocean and sunrise. Our fellow travelers each had a bedroom downstairs and also said that the views from their rooms were difficult to leave. The covered lanai was, without a doubt, everyone's favorite place to chill out, listen to the coqui frogs at night and watch the birds, mongoose and rain pass along. My daughter attended the University of Hawaii Hilo and we were in town to attend her senior softball game, but did have time to enjoy many of our favorite attractions and restaurants. The farmer's market is a must! We found that Ponds is a lovely restaurant with great atmosphere, wonderful service and great food! Richardson's beach is fantastic and beautiful and Coconut Island is also very pretty with it's gorgeous view of Hilo! The owner was available to answer any questions or concerns and we truely felt pampered with fresh bananas every morning. We enjoyed walking in the garden and took a million pictures of the property to show friends and relatives and they are all hoping to one day visit Hilo and stay at the Zen Hideaway themselves. I am just sorry that I didn't try this years ago when my daughter first came to Hilo, it is the only way to stay in Hilo!
Recommended for:
Seems like you're out in the middle of the jungle
Guest: Brian B.
Date of Stay: 03/21/12
Review Submitted: 04/03/12
This house was just like advertised and more. Despite the fact that you are just blocks from downtown, you would swear when sitting out on the private patio that you were stayng in the middle of the tropical jungle. The house was very clean and well stocked with everything you need to enjoy your stay.We vacationed with our two teenage sons and they both had their own rooms. My wife an I slept upstairs in the master bedroom. Their were no window coverings, however it was very private. In fact all you were facing was the jungle, and laying in bed you had the impression you were sleeping in the treetops.( Hint, if you need absolute quiet at bedtime, don't stay up here. The nightime croaking of the frogs, the pitter patter of rain, and the morning serenade from the local songbirds were always present. Both of us rather enjoyed the background noise, although when it rained very hard it could be quite loud). We spend four days in Hilo and it did rain pretty hard one day, but we were prepared for it. It's not all lush and tropical on this side of the island for no reason. To get some sunshine we spent another seven days on the Kona side. Sort of the best of both worlds. Best feature of the house- sitting out on the patio enjoying the sounds and views of the surrounding jungle and walking around the wonderful yard. What could be improved- some available yoga mats would be nice for doing yoga on the patio, and having a solar powered water heater was OK except for the day the sun never came out and we had no warm water.However, it is Hawaii and it's not like it gets cold. Overall a great place to spend a few days and unwind and see this side of Hawaii.
Recommended for:
The house with a Soul
Guest: Idania M.
Date of Stay: 11/05/11
Review Submitted: 12/15/11
I took my time,over 2 years, looking over countless of properties, to chose a special place to enjoy my first time in the Big Island.Was not dissapointed. Opened car door and my welcoming sound was my adored Coqui.I know that is not native to the Islands but to me is music to my ears. Peaceful place,away from it all yet so close to everything you need and want to do. Clean and bright.Many birds to enjoy while they feed and fly about.All the surrounding plants makes the place feel you are in the middle of a forest.My husband loved the house and the location. The builder really knew how to lovingly build a house with a soul.I believe he must be an artist that enjoys building.The use of the different types of wood is awsome. The upstairs room with private bathroom and lanai is a treat..Just sitting at that lanai and you feel you are on top of the trees. The big Lanai in the back is a wonderful place to spend it reading,listening to music,writing or just plainly watching the birds or like I did; enjoy a very rainy day,bundle up and listening to the thunder/lighting and the fabulous rain.I needed to stay at least one day there by myself to feel at home. The owner signed a book for us and my husband enjoyed the reading and told me many things of the Hawaiian History.He really liked it. Now I know why everyone liked that house so much; the house have a beautiful soul. Do I need to say more? LOVED IT.
Recommended for:
As advertised
Guest: Kent
(newbury park)
Date of Stay: 09/27/11
Review Submitted: 10/17/11
Excellent property, very well maintained and beautiful. Easy walk to downtown and the farmers market. All the rooms are nicely furnished with great Hawaiian atmosphere. Books on Hawaii including the owner's book. The lanai room was the favorite, very peaceful and relaxing. Bird feeder and bananas a nice touch. Loved the master bedroom.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Hilo Haven
Guest: Rosalie
(Sequim Washington)
Date of Stay: 03/08/11
Review Submitted: 03/16/11
The Zen Hideaway is all that it is touted to be and more. The home is well maintained and has quality furnishings and appointments throughout. The location is ideal as you can easily walk to Hilo's downtown area for pretty much everything you might need and yet you are far enough away for privacy and peace with the feeling of tropical Hawaii in a country setting. The owners Diane and Phil are easily accessible by phone and Diane is available by appointment for in-house massage. I would recommend this house to anyone visiting Hilo.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing.
Aspectacular home in every aspect
Guest: Linda
(Newbury Pk., CA, USA)
Date of Stay: 02/06/11
Review Submitted: 02/26/11
We just spent a week in Diane and Phil's gracious vacation home. It is located on a quiet cul-de-sac with the utmost privacy, but still just a few blocks from the charming town of Hilo. When we first arrived, we were amazed at the spacious gardens surrounding the house. It felt like an acre of lush, tropical growth. The home is fairly new, and extremely roomy and comfortable. The fully equipped kitchen was a delight. The central living area was surrounded by windows and sliding doors, so we felt as if we were out doors. My son and his fiancee had complete privacy in the upstairs master bedroom and bath, which looked out on the tree tops. Our favorite room was the covered deck. We simple lived out there. It was especially thrilling to sit there with a light rain falling, and we're as cozy and dry. If I were able to design my own home, I'd use this special house as a model. We'd return in a heart- beat.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway.
Zen Hideaway
Guest: Charles
(Austin, TX)
Date of Stay: 08/10/10
Review Submitted: 08/21/10
We were utterly delighted with this rental. We found the house to be completely up to the advertised representation. Upon our arrival, we found it very welcoming, with freshly cut tropical flowers, and a hanging bunch of bananas. Maintenance is quite high for both the house and the lawn. One can pick bananas, mangoes, limes, and fresh flowers in the yard. Every convenience is provided. The house is quite convenient and close to town, and the property is quiet and private.
Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Lovely home, lovely setting, close to town
Guest: sandy
(Sonoma, CA)
Date of Stay: 08/03/10
Review Submitted: 08/12/10
Zen Hideaway is a spacious beautifully designed home set in the midst of the rainforest which encloses the property on three sides. It is within walking distance of the charming old town section of Hilo with shops, restaurants and museums as well as access to the beach and bay. The owners, Diane and Phil, are readily available to offer ideas for things to do, places to eat and shop and Phil has written a concise history of the Islands, very informative and easy to read. The house is thoroughly equipped - everything is just where you expect to find it. A gem.
Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Even Better than Imagined
Guest: Raquelita
(Fairfax, CA)
Date of Stay: 04/18/10
Review Submitted: 05/26/10
This home is just spectacular - even better than the photos let on! Every bedroom is beautiful and the attention to detail is evident throughout the house. Screens surround the house creating a very open-air feeling. We had ripe bananas and papayas straight off of the tree every morning! Plus, Hilo's fantastic farmer's market is within walking distance and the whole town, including great restaurants, bakeries, and markets are similarly at your finger (shoe?) tips. The town, the house, everything just charmed us. Plus you are in driving distance to Honomu's "Ed's Bakery", which is a wonderland of hawaiian breads, adzuki bean pastries, and some of the most creative jams you will ever taste! I would recommend this Executive Home to anybody, it's a fabulous value!!!
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Beautiful & Relaxing Setting
Guest: JenineS
(Michigan)
Date of Stay: 02/27/10
Review Submitted: 03/11/10
This was our first house rental experience, and Diane made it completely painless. The house was even more beautiful than the photos. Everything was so lush and green, even though Hilo was "in a drought." The farmer's market and grocery were just short distances from the house. We had fresh fruit and veggies daily, not to mention the papaya, bananas and herbs from the property itself. The kitchen is simply beautiful and well-stocked too. The farmer's market also has a nice selection of Hawaiian-made jewelry, clothing, woodwork, instruments, floral arrangements, etc. The town also has a nice selection of shops and eateries. Hilo maintains a small-town, quiet feel to it, which was exactly what we were looking for (a quiet, relaxing place to get away). If you get a chance, take the time to see Hawai‘iana Live! on Wednesdays at the Palace Theater. It's 45 minute cultural tourism program that includes hula, music, storytelling, etc., and is only $5. This place the perfect home base for our travels & we managed to travel around the entire island - volcano hikes, open-door helicopter tour (feel the heat!), lots of snorkeling (lovely fish, coral & sea turtles), waterfall hikes, a luau at King Kameamea Hotel in Kona, horseback riding in Waipo Valley (Valley of the Kings), riding zip lines, visiting historic sites, etc. The beds are all quite comfortable. They have a wonderful entertainment system, including stereo, DVD and cable with on-demand movies. They also have a small library of books, and wonderful resources to help you decide what to see and do on the island. The book that Phil wrote on Hawaii's history is also included in the library for your reading pleasure. If you choose to stay at the Zen Hideaway, you will not be disappointed!
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
A "hideaway" to maximize your Hawaii experience.
Guest: BJ & DM
(Olympia, Washington, Northwest, USA)
Date of Stay: 02/03/10
Review Submitted: 02/17/10
My wife and I could not have found a better place to get away from a typical Seattle February winter and relax in beautiful Hawaii. The home is exactly as presented in the 12 photos...even better than the photos. We spent a wonderful week at the "hideaway", with my son and his wife (along with two college boys) spending 3 of the 7 nights there with us. We had plenty of room for sleeping, relaxing, meals, and watching some HD TV in the evening. My wife and I particularly enjoyed the upstairs bedroom that was very private and had everything we needed. All the kitchen, bath, and laundry facilities worked perfectly. The location of the hideaway was also perfect...just a few short blocks to the main street and the open market. We live in a large home with security systems and we felt very comfortable with the privacy of the hideaway...even to the point of leaving the large sliding windows and sliding glass doors open most of the time. We look forward to returning to the Big Island next year, and definitely would like to call the hideaway our home away from home. Diane and Phil made us feel welcome from the get-go, and their written instruction sheet was very good and not in the least restrictive in nature.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
The Ideal Hawaiian Dream Vacation
Guest: Luz n Vic
(Bakersfield, California)
Date of Stay: 06/06/09
Review Submitted: 06/15/09
This home and its location are what you would visualize if you were on a quiet vacation in paradise. From the moment you turn onto the property - your breath is taken away by the home and its setting. The photos on the website do not do it justice - so we were VERY pleasantly surprised. The grounds are gorgeous! Palm, Banana & Papaya trees all around and in the distance you can see sugar cane fields up towards the mountain, and through the tropical plants and trees you can see ocean on the other side. The patios on both main floors are great for relaxing on in the evenings or at any time. The whole top floor is the Master Bedroom, which is amazing with its stunning panoramic view. The layout of the home is perfect for the whole family or for couples sharing the home, as each bedroom is isolated for privacy and there is plenty of sitting area. There is even a big comfortable futon area off the dining room area, which we used for sitting, laying & reading. Our two sons, each had their own beautifully decorated bedroom with fantastic views. The entertainment system is state of the art, which Dad and the boys appreciated during the late evenings. The house is spotless and very well taken care of with handsome wooden floors & unique moldings throughout the home. The furniture is - Tommy Bahama if we're not mistaken, and not the typical uncomfortable rattan furniture you find in most Hawaiian vacation rentals. We hiked, walked, relaxed and took advantage of the great location for seeing the waterfalls (some right next door to the property), the Botanical Gardens, Museums, Volcano lava flow and Mauna Kea star gazing (much easier to appreciate rather than driving in from Kona for a couple of hours for everything). We also want to mention that Phil is the author of a great book on the history of the Hawaiian Islands, a copy of which you will find as part of the library in the home. You will want to buy a copy of your own. Phil and Diane kept in contact with us up until the time we arrived and then it was like it was ours for the whole 7 days, with them available with one phone call if we needed them, which we didn't, but it was nice to have that reassurance. Mahalo Diane & Phil! Lucy & Victor - June 2009
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Beautiful and Well Maintained
Guest: Oahu Family
(Kailua, Hawaii, USA)
Date of Stay: 03/27/09
Review Submitted: 04/05/09
Thanks Diane and Phil for providing for a pleasant 9 day stay in the Zen Hideaway. The unit was clean, well furnished and very comfy. A 5 minute walk put you in the heart of Hilo, yet the house feels like it it miles from any noise in a rainforest setting. We felt secure in the fact that there was very little traffic on the road fronting the unit. Phil and Diane have gone out of their way to make this unit eco friendly also. We will be staying again and will recomend to others . . . . A family visiting from Oahu
Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Hideaway within blocks of town.
Guest: Jay J
(Kaneohe/Chicago)
Date of Stay: 03/21/09
Review Submitted: 03/27/09
We had a great stay. Gorgeous home, incredible peaceful location just blocks from restaurants and shops. Very convenient location for the Marathon. I would definitely stay here again and highly recommend it to anyone staying on the Hilo side of the island.
Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Zen Hideaway - Country and old town pleasures
Guest: michaelmichele&linsey
(Kanohe)
Date of Stay: 12/19/08
Review Submitted: 01/22/09
We first had the pleasure of staying at Phil and Diane’s Zen Light cabana at their Kahena Beach home. So when desiring to enjoy rustic Hilo as our vacation site, choosing their Zen Hideaway was a nanosecond decision, resulting in a lifetime desire to return again. Hideaway is an appropriate name because while you are a mere stroll away from town, the environmental reality is that you are well surrounded by country. It provides that old Hawaiian style country feeling with spacious open living and restful sleeping areas filled with country views from every room and lanai vantage points. Although not oceanfront, it does have ocean views. We did not stay long enough to sleep in every room, but that is our excuse for more repeat visits. Restful nights with peaceful reading and for me, albeit vacation, great multiple locations for my admittedly short lapses for some computer "work" time. Zen Hideaway is discreetly tucked around the corner from the edge of Hilo by a series of waterfalls. A hard choice for us was do we fully enjoy the Zen Hideaway countryside or go into Hilo “town?” We quickly discovered that doing and enjoying both was the absolute best correct answer. When restfully strolling into town you cross a well aged old style bridge that requires you to stop in the middle and view some of the falls. The falls appear small and quaint but listening closer, you hear their strength and come quickly to appreciate their ongoing magnitude. Later we learned that they provide enough annual hydro-power to actually generate electricity. And when entering the Hilo waterfront district, it is a step back in time. The building architecture takes you back to a feeling of being in the 1940’s. With the waterfall sounds in background and a view of the serene ocean bayfront, you step outside the country and into “town.” Hilo waterfront is filled with great eateries, assorted curio shops, and open markets. It became a vacation experience where we were not sure which we enjoyed more, country living at the Zen Hideaway or time warping Hilo experiences. What we are most sure of is, it was the most relaxing vacation we have had in years and it would have never happened without Zen Hideaway being just that, a most excellent hideaway filled with zen experiences. Repeats to Zen Hideaway are now multiple line items on our “Bucket List." Super mahalo Diane and Phil, look forward to visiting again and hopefully SOON!
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.