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Historic Guest Cottage • A/C • Pool • 2BR/2BA

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guest cottage
Front Lanai
Front Lanai
view from lanai
Guest cottage

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 41000 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Outdoor Space

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Historic Guest Cottage • A/C • Pool • 2BR/2BA

Experience the charm of old Hawai‘i in this historic 2BR/2BA cottage (now with AC!) on a former sugar plantation estate. Surrounded by the island jungle and timeless beauty, this serene escape blends heritage charm with modern comfort.

Inside, you’ll find original floors, moldings, trims, and weighted wood sash windows that reflect the craftsmanship of a bygone era.

Enjoy shared pool access, sip coffee on the lanai, or simply relax to the sounds of nature.
We are surrounded by about ten acres of luscious botanical gardens, meadows, orchards, and jungle, preserving its unique plantation ambiance.
It allows you to connect with the charm of a past simpler life, as it used to be a century ago on the Island.

Our estate is rich in island history that dates back beyond the plantation era to ancient Hawaiian legends and fairytales. The land was originally owned by King William Charles Lunalilo. The land was then purchased by the Shipman Family and the main residence was built in 1898 as the home to the Ola'a Sugar Planation Manager.

It was sold by the Shipman Family in the 1980's after the collapse of the Hawai'i sugar industry and has been privately owned since that time. The estate has been featured in books, films, commercials and television shows.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

Add dates for prices

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 18
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17
There are mostly safety concerns
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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
Smoking allowed on lanai

Check-out instructions

The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks, and take out the trash
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Place trash in black can behind main residence
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
No visitors during quiet hours. Remove shoes before entering.
Close all doors and windows when using A/C and turn off A/C when leaving the cottage.
Furniture is not to be rearranged.

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 indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
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
Property Registration Number GE-079-875-0720-01, TA-079-875-0720-01, 160030850000

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
A car is required for transportation to and from this property

About the neighborhood

Keaau

Located in Keaau, this vacation home is in a rural area. Port of Hilo and Hilo Municipal Golf Course are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those in the mood for shopping can visit Prince Kuhio Plaza and Hilo Shopping Center. Hiʻiaka's Healing Hawaiian Herb Garden and Fuku-Bonsai Cultural Center are also worth visiting. Be sure to check out the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
View more Vacation Homes in KeaauOpens in a new window
Map
Keaau, HI

What's nearby

  • Hiʻiaka's Healing Hawaiian Herb Garden - 5 min drive - 6.1 km
  • Fuku-Bonsai Cultural Center - 5 min drive - 6.1 km
  • Kilauea Caverns of Fire - 8 min drive - 9.5 km
  • Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory - 8 min drive - 10.3 km
  • University of Hawaii at Hilo - 12 min drive - 13.6 km

Getting around

  • Hilo Intl. Airport (ITO) - 16 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Kaleo’s Bar & Grill - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬20 min walk
  • ‪The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf - ‬19 min walk
  • ‪Nicky's Mobile Cafe - ‬6 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Historic Guest Cottage • A/C • Pool • 2BR/2BA pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Historic Guest Cottage • A/C • Pool • 2BR/2BA?

As of Mar 25, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Historic Guest Cottage • A/C • Pool • 2BR/2BA on Apr 24, 2026 start from $224, 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?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Historic Guest Cottage • A/C • Pool • 2BR/2BA?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Historic Guest Cottage • A/C • Pool • 2BR/2BA?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Historic Guest Cottage • A/C • Pool • 2BR/2BA located?

Situated in a rural location, this vacation home is within 6 mi (10 km) of Hiʻiaka's Healing Hawaiian Herb Garden, Fuku-Bonsai Cultural Center, and Kilauea Caverns of Fire. Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory and Ha'ena Beach are also within 6 mi (10 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 123 out of 134 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 8 out of 134 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 134 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 134 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 134 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.8/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

8/10 Good

Linda H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
The hosts were very responsive when we needed them!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kathleen S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The cottage was a nice travel back in time with all the conveniences of the present. The place was clean and orderly, and the grounds are AH-mazing! We were able to relax and enjoy the sites and sounds of the surroundings.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Marci H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This historic cottage was a wonderful place to stay while we visited Volcanos Nat’l Park and the surrounding Hilo area. The AC worked well & the grounds were lush and green. Our hosts were easy to keep in touch with if we had questions or needed recommendations. Thanks!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jessica S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful cottage and grounds. Pool was nice along with all the local wildlife. Near a wonderful bakery and deli and nicely situated between Hilo, Pāhoa, and Volcano. Hosts were very kind and friendly.
Stayed 10 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Stephen K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Hosts were friendly and property was very relaxing. Each morning we enjoyed coffee on the front porch while watching the pigs and chickens roam. We even found a few chicken eggs that we cooked up for breakfast :) Property had great hot water, bed were comfy, and AC units did the job to keep us comfortable.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Barry S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
There was a lot of space with a private porch. The cottage was very clean and included many amenities including spices, sauces, and oils. We enjoyed the early morning and night sounds. We had a great time.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Judy A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The cottage was very clean and well appointed, we found everything we needed. Parking was easy and WiFi worked well. Check in was easy. There are some outside maintenance things that could be addressed, and the brick walkway across the property to the cottage was uneven and sometimes slippery. Caution is advised especially at night and with luggage. Host was available for questions and we got a lovely grounds tour. Be ready for rural choruses of coqui frogs and roosters! Part of the ambiance.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Catherine B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our stay at the cottage was magical!! Lisa and Veltry were the sweetest, most amazing hosts. They even brought us a Christmas tree and lights for our little one! They work hard to maintain the property and you can tell! We loved waking up to the roosters and watching the baby pigs run around. We went to the orchard and made some fresh orange juice from oranges we picked on the property. We claimed one of the resident cats as our buddy and gave him love every day! The pool is right outside which makes staying home for a rest day just as fun as going out. The location is amazing and the property makes you never want to leave! Thank you to our amazing hosts! We hope to stay here again one day!
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jeanne H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Well organized and fully equipped with everything from emergency first aid kit to flashlight, sunscreen to coolers, wide array of kitchen tools were great in case needed. We enjoyed the veranda seating and the proximity to the community center where we spent 3 days intensive lauhala weaving. Conveniently located for our needs. Mahalo Nui loa.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kathy S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Hosts replied quickly to all of our messages. Any issues we had were addressed right away. Very lovely people. Enjoyed relaxing on the deck watching the rain fall. Had 2 little geckos on the deck which were fun to watch. Very close to food shopping and an excellent chiropractor, Clear Chiropractic. Nice to have a pool right next to the house. Thoroughly enjoyed our stay. We were there with my sister and her husband so the 2 bedrooms with ensuites were perfect. Laundry pods and dryer sheets were included.
Stayed 11 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sarah

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Beautiful, magical place!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Colleen A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything was as expected.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Laura N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
What a beautiful, tranquil place! This property is like a step back in time. We stayed in the lovely Victorian cottage that has been fully restored, and furnished to match. I loved how open, airy and elegant yet understated it was, yet had a well equipped kitchen and came with all the pool/fun accessories you would need for your vacay. Everything on the property was lovingly tended to by our wonderful hosts. You can tell this huge property is someone's labor of love.Will definitely stay here again!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Donna B.

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

Keaau fun

Came to visit friends on the Island, had a great time in the pool every afternoon.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

6/10 Okay

Terrie M.

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

Guest Cottage

Except for the unexpected pig hunt in front of us, it was not bad.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Robin

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Although I was unable to stay, my daughter stayed there and said it was quiet and private and the place felt loaded with history. She said when she first pulled up, she thought she was moving into a mansion. I wasn’t there, so I’m not sure until you book it and see it for yourself, Mahalo!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Dianne B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The cottage is lovely with an 18th century feel - hardwood floors, high ceilings and furnishings appropriate for the time. And, the wildlife on the property is entertaining from roosters, chickens and wild pigs to lots and lots of frogs (which are very noisy at night). The host was pleasant & accommodated all our needs, including walking back to the property at night to help us navigate the television/cable system.The brick path leading to the property can be difficult to navigate with broken bricks and animal feces. And, the property is difficult to find at night.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Randy W.

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

Historic Hawaii

Charming two bedroom cottage with the feel of rural Hawaii.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

John C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had such a lovely stay. It was the small details we appreciated: coffee filters, brand new kitchen sponge, beach towels, bug spray, first aid kit, charcoal, lighter fluid, laundry detergent, dryer sheets, etc etc. We didn’t have to worry about anything. AND THERE WAS A/C!! Effective, cold A/C. It was heaven. The roosters and chickens were a delight. The cats were adorable. Grace is the sweetest dog. We even saw one of the wild pigs that live on the property!We had privacy, it was quiet and in a great location. This house is a hidden gem. We can’t wait to return!The cottage is the perfect size for two people. The layout is comfortable. The wooden floors are beautiful! Highly recommend staying here. Thanks, Lisa! A hui hou!
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tammy

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Very pretty and unique property, loved the feeling of being away from it all and the sounds of nature on the farm but with the convenience of driving right out to stores etc
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

David B.

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

Beautiful Property

This is our second time staying here. We highly recommend it. The house and the property are absolutely gorgeous. We are comfortable here and the hosts are very sweet and accommodating.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Monica W.

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

Wet Side getaway

We enjoyed this historic property, beautiful old cottage. Two days here exploring the botanical garden and Volcano NP
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Laila M.

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

great stay

We had a lovely peaceful stay here. We really enjoyed sitting on the porch in the mornings with our coffee watching the wild pigs and piglets. We wished we had booked it for longer. The cottage is decorated impeccably with everything you need.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michelle C.

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

Amazing Experience

We had such a great experience staying in the guest cottage. It was so private, clean, cozy, and the views were breathtaking. The host was so good to work with. The microwave went out during our stay and they were there to fix it immediately. Also, they were so good to give recommendations and help with all our needs including last minute snorkeling gear. Staying here added so much to our experience here in Hawaii and I would stay here again, definitely recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christiane Y.

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

Wonderful Stay in Kea'au

This historic cottage is an absolute gem! Surrounded by lush gardens on a quiet estate, it is about as peaceful and relaxing as you can get. The cottage is beautifully furnished and spacious. The location is convenient to Volcanoes National Park as well as Hilo and the Hamakua Coast. I look forward to coming back in the future!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024

About the host

Hosted by Lisa Potter

Host profile image

What makes this property unique

One of the unique and special aspects of this property is its location. It provides an oasis of peace and quiet in the middle of modern day conveniences.
We are very central to everything, yet very private and secluded, surrounded by acres of garden and jungle areas.

Languages:

English

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