Hilo Bay Beauty.....Walking Distance to Downtown Hilo!

• Newly renovated, very beautiful and historic Hawaiian home!

  Newly renovated, very beautiful and historic Hawaiian home!

  • Guest HA2013
  • Date of stay 04/25/13
  • Review Submitted 05/04/13
  Just returned from a wonderful trip to Hawaii and am so happy to have found this historic house site to enjoy my vacation. Overall, the house was very clean, tidy, and exactly as described. It is within a 10 minute drive from the airport and is easy to find. Downtown Hilo is just a 1/2 mile walk away with lots of delicious local eateries, three convenient grocery stores, plus the great farmer's market close by. The house itself has been recently updated and is in the process of renovation, including all of the bathrooms and kitchen supplies. There is a gorgeous front patio overlooking the bay... I think we ate almost every meal out there. It's a beautiful way to start the day with some tea, fresh fruit from the market (mango, pineapple, apple banana) and a Hawaiian sunrise!. The beds were very comfortable and the bedrooms are spaced far enough apart so everyone had their own privacy. I loved all the old furniture in the house, it felt like I was in a museum. And the hand-painted walls of native plants were absolutely gorgeous and added to the uniqueness of the house! I would DEFINITELY stay here again and would recommend this accommodation to anyone looking to stay in a beautiful Hawaiian home. One thing to be noted is be aware of bringing little kids as the house is located on a cliff side and there is a sheer drop-off in front of the house. The owners have put a little fence up which may help, but still be cautious. Overall, It is an older home with great charm and if that is something you want to experience in the old Hawaiian way, then this is the house for you.

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway.

  Owner response: Aloha and thank you for your review. Yes, the sunrise view from the porch overlooking Hilo Bay is amazing. You can often see surfers ,canoe paddlers and a cruise ship passing by. Glad you were able to enjoy the fresh fruit that you bought at the Farmers Market. Come back and stay again on your next visit to the "Big Isalnd"... A hui hou!

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• Amazing Historical Home!

  Amazing Historical Home!

  • Guest Anonymous
  • Date of stay 04/12/13
  • Review Submitted 05/02/13
  We couldn't believe this house is available to rent. Not only does it have beautiful views of Hilo bay, a gorgeous covered lanai, and just a very short walk to all the conveniences of downtown Hilo...it's a HOME filled with the unique history of a long time kama'aina family. The house is cozy and comfortable, and at the same time has decor and artifacts worthy of a museum. You'll get a rare piece of Hawaiian history seeing old documents, paintings and photos, as well as saddles and riding accoutrements. You can feel Old Hawaii in this house...full of Aloha, good times, tough times, and everything in between. We were raised and currently live in Hilo, and rented this space for some visiting friends. We gathered with several other Hilo residents, and everyone was touched by being there. Thank you so much to the owners for allowing us to have this experience. We are so grateful that they are willing to share this precious piece of family history with us. We look forward to renting this home again someday soon!

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, tourists without a car, age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, girls getaway.

  Owner response: Aloha for your gracious review! We are humbled by your compliments. Yes, many years of music, laughter and good cheer have been embraced in this home. As time changes and the past becomes forgotten, it is our hope that in sharing this syle of home our rich history and culture will be forever remembered, cherished and enjoyed. A hui hou from our Ohana to you.

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• Beautiful but inhospitable

  Beautiful but inhospitable

  • Guest BetsySF
  • Date of stay 03/07/13
  • Review Submitted 04/10/13
  We *really* wanted to like this place more. Pros are: it's right on the water in Hilo with a gorgeous backyard and view, a 15 minute walk to downtown, and the house itself is a beautiful old gem that could be restored to its former glory with some care. Cons: much of the furniture is 60's-70's era hodge-podge and not very nice, there's no bathtub, no internet, the kitchen needs better knives/pots and has dull fluorescent lighting... Overall the place just didn't feel too comfortable to us. We love a shabby chic place without modern amenities if it's done well, but this house didn't quite have the charm to pull that off.

  Owner response: Aloha, and Mahalo for your review. Yes, the home is currently in the renovation stages. Hale Alani was built in the early 1900's. Much of the the furniture in the home can be veiwed on the web site and has historic value. The Koa bench in the sitting area was inspired by a design created by Hawaiian furniture maker Henry Weeks, Jr., over 100 years ago. The Koa buffet in the dinning area also was made in the 1800's. Koa wood siding decorates the walls in the ' sitting area'. The couch is original ( 1950's) and is part of the charm of the home. The hand painted murals on the walls were painted by a local artist named John Stansfield. He spent several years on this project of painting the indigenous plants of Hawai'i. The old tub was taken out to accommodate those with handicapped needs and replaced with a walk in shower. The back shower room with the twin beds has just been re tiled. The porcelain sinks in the master bath and twin bed room are from 1949 with the original facet handles. In the kitchen, updated knives and pots have since been replaced. Happy that you were able to enjoy the beautiful view from the front porch overlooking Hilo Bay. We appreciate your review, and perhaps one day you will come back and stay again. With Aloha

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Additional information about rental rates

Rental rates are $265 for up to 4 adults. Additional $15 extra per person per night.

Holiday rates: November 1 2013 - January 15 2014

$310 - $375 per night

Merrie Monarch: 2014

$500 per night * sleeps up to 8 max

Fees:

• Property Damage Protection: $49
• Tax Rate 13.42%

Cancellation policy:

$50 dollar fee for all canellations.

100% refund if canceled at least 30 days before arrival date.