Entire home

Grand Historic Hilo House

Beachfront holiday home with kitchen and balcony

Photo gallery for Grand Historic Hilo House

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
Exceptional
5 bedrooms6+ bathroomsSleeps 146000 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

View in a map
Hilo, HI
  • Place, Hilo Farmers Market
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Place, Rainbow Falls
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, Port of Hilo
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Airport, Hilo, HI (ITO-Hilo Intl.)
    ‪8 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

5 bedrooms (sleeps 14)

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

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Outdoor space
Parking available

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Similar properties

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 10:00 AM
default

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
default

Events

No events allowed
default

Pets

No pets allowed
default

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

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 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 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
Property Registration Number GE-167-057-4080-01, TA-167-057-4080-01

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Hilo

Located in Hilo, this holiday home is in the city centre and on the beach. Naniloa Country Club and Edith Kanakaole Tennis Stadium are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Mokupapapa Discovery Center and Pacific Tsunami Museum. Gilbert Carvalho Park and Panaewa Rainforest Zoo are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Hilo, HI

What's nearby

  • Hilo Farmers Market - 2 min drive - 1.6 km
  • Rainbow Falls - 3 min drive - 1.9 km
  • University of Hawaii at Hilo - 4 min drive - 3.8 km
  • Coconut Island Park - 5 min drive - 3.8 km
  • Port of Hilo - 7 min drive - 6.1 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪Kozmic Cones - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪The Temple Bar - ‬14 min walk
  • ‪Hilo Town Tavern - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪Cronies Bar & Grill - ‬18 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Grand Historic Hilo House pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this 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. 173 out of 182 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 182 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 182 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 182 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 182 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

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

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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Ronnie T L.

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Karen C.

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

Week long family stay

15 adults and teens stayed in the house. We had a great time.
Stayed 8 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jane W.

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

Beautiful home, location and lovely host

We had a wonderful family vacation here. The property is beautiful inside and out. So many homey and artistic touches at this historic location. The host is very helpful and communicative.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jenny H.

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

Magical

I can't say enough about Charlotte and her magical house. Charlotte was a lovely host. She was very quick to respond to questions. We were two families of 4. Every single member of our group adults and teenagers alike fell instantly in love with this beautiful home. The house was amazing and the waterfall on the property provided the most amazing background and natural sleeping sounds that can ever be imagined. Every room, including kitchen and bathrooms were impeccably clean. Even with a party of 8, we were all able to find our personal space and do work, relax, sleep or just get in touch with ourselves. We would all stay here again...In fact, my husband has already been talking about another family trip. And extra extra bonus...we were close enough to Volcanoes National Park to make the several trips it took to witness an eruption of Kilauea!!! Thank you again Charlotte!!!
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tony D., Makakilo, Hawaii

Great Home

We loved this historic house above the river. So much character and so much space. A wonderful getaway!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2018

10/10 Excellent

karen p.

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

Hilo stay

Perfect location. Home was beautiful grounds were beautiful. We had everything that we needed. Enjoyed all the information that was provided.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Crystal C.

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

Nabors

Great house and location
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Edwin F.

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

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

Karin W.

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

Wonderful time in Hilo

We came to Hilo to spend time with our family that lives on the Big Island. This house was perfect for 10 people. It’s very roomy and offers privacy when needed and plenty of space for gathering together. We’d like to stay again next summer.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2019
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

leslee ann k., usa

This home is undeniably beautiful. It has an old Hawaiian feel through out! Loved it so much!

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in your beautiful home. It was perfect for the occasion and we had tons of room. I truly felt at home! Thank you so much!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2017

10/10 Excellent

Marian S.

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

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

Esther L.

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

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

Marisa J., Philadelphia, PA

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

Lovely stay at this beautiful home

This house was absolutely gorgeous, and the setting could not have been more beautiful. The location is perfect - a quick drive or 15-20 minute walk to town. The waterfall and river in the backyard were picturesque. And the house itself is exactly like in the photos -- huge and stunning. My only regret is that we were only there for 2 nights! I would highly recommend this property to people staying in Hilo.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2020

10/10 Excellent

Thomas V.

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

One of a Kind

Older property that takes you back in time. Yet, everything functions, lots lots of amenities, clean, and give you the old fancy vibe.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Leila M.

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

So beautiful

This is the most beautiful property! The lawns and foliage around the property are stunning! You can’t get a better view of Wailuku river with waterfalls and they lull you to sleep at night. The house itself is enormous with en suite for everyone. Kitchen well stocked for whatever you need. Thank you! We hope to return!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Lisa S.

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

Amazing House

If you are looking to feel like royalty, be transformed into living like Gatsby, then you must stay in this magnificent home that magically feels like it transforms you into the times. The home is amazing architecturally and is on the historic register. It is in the perfect location to town and for nearby activities. The home has the most beautiful views of lush plantation, a river and waterfalls that I have ever seen from a private residence. The owner is very attentive. This isn’t your typical vacation home, but an experience to be appreciated. Definitely recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2020

8/10 Good

Renee L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This house had a lot of details that made it pretty amazing. The view was fantastic. It was like living at a botanical garden with private waterfalls. I loved falling asleep to frogs and waking to birds that would sweep across the canyon throughout your stay. The house had lovely art and most rooms had their own bathroom which is pretty rare. The art in the house was really nice and you did feel like you were staying in your own mansion. We had most everything we needed and the outdoor spaces were great.For us though there were some things that kept us from fully feeling at home. You are in an older house in a tropical enviroment. The house was clean, but we were greeted by some significant bugs that come with the package. We had a group of cockroaches in the kitchen and one toilet that would come out at night and would freak out my kids. Also lots of ants. We visited in August and no AC made it hot and humid except at night and am. We spent a good portion of the day managing the heat by opening and closing windows and sometimes felt the need to leave the house to escape the heat. Also the house had more rules then typical ( like a 500 dollar fine for moving the furniture) that I am sure had reasons for them but did not have a super welcoming spirit. Of note, two of the bedrooms were in the basement which was a bit dark and musty and might not be ideal for some. Overall the place was fantastic for most... but more tropical than our family preferred.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

adriane t., Honolulu, HI

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

Gracious home for a relaxing stay

The Hilo House was just perfect in every way for our stay (a week-long reunion of old friends). The house itself is lovely and historic, immaculately maintained, and spacious enough for everyone to have some privacy and also to accommodate small or large gatherings in the common spaces. The kitchen is very well furnished with everything we needed to prepare a celebratory dinner for the group. The wide front lanai was ideal for a leisurely morning coffee together. The grounds are lush and manicured, in a verdant and quiet neighborhood with the only noises at night the rushing river and chirping frogs. Charlotte is a very responsive and friendly hostess who helped us make the stay a relaxing and fun success. Mahalo nui!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Terry D., Mukilteo, Washington

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

So very peaceful!

All 10 of us were thrilled with this beautiful home! Even the little 7-year-old was overwhelmed with the grandeur of walking in the front door and seeing the size and beauty of the rooms. Every room was furnished with carefully chosen furniture and decor. The kitchen had every implement available, and we had a great time cooking on that fabulous stove! The beds were comfy and had great quality bedding and towels in the bath and for beach-going. The massive front porch was our favorite space, and we ate every breakfast there, although the dining room was also conducive to the whole family's gathering together. Games in the evening were extra fun but still enough room for those who wanted to have a quiet spot for reading. We ranged in age from 7 to 77, and every one of us said this was our favorite place in Hawaii!! We would love to return. Thank you, Charlotte, for making our stay so enjoyable.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Lori B.

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

Postcard worthy view!

We've had family in Hilo for years and make numerous trips over. On this 5 night trip, we had 6 adults/2 children (2yrs and 1yrs). Property is perfect for families and large groups. The rooms are large and perfectly furnished. The grounds are beautiful and well maintained. Loved the huge, well furnished front lanai. The view out the back picture window is postcard worthy. Charlotte responded quickly to all queries before and during our stay. Some observations future guests might find helpful. The property is on a ravine. There is a low rock wall across part of it but any child old enough to walk could climb over it. Not a complaint from our group, just a consideration if you have young children. Basement BRs probably best for teens/adults. Cleaning supplies are on open shelves and there is no way to close the utility area; wouldn't plan on having small children staying in those rooms. Best covered parking was taken up by the owner's two vehicles. Not a major issue but would liked to have taken advantage of the covered parking. One of the upstairs bathroom doors locked/jammed and required a maintenance call to get opened, safety issue if one of the kids had been in there. Suggestion to the owner - add screens to the few upstairs windows that didn't have them. Overall, a fantastic property. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and would definitely book again.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Amy C., Burbank, CA

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

Incredible house

We were blown away when we walked into this place. The pictures don't remotely do it justice. The living spaces and the upstairs/middle floor bedrooms are quite large, and there's a stunning picture window in the main living room overlooking the river. The peaceful sounds from the river at night were quite soothing (on the second floor with windows open, it's enough to drown out the coqui frogs). :) The furniture in the listing photos isn't what's in the house- in reality it's much nicer! Lots of gorgeous wood pieces: rocking chairs everywhere, massive crafted coffee tables, etc. The dining room table seats 10 and probably you could squeeze in a couple more. We appreciated the laundry being available and that the kitchen was extremely well-stocked with every utensil (we even found a garlic press) and dish/pan you could want. Everything was beautifully clean- their housekeepers do a good job. It's tough to keep things clean in Hawaii! The only thing I would note is that the bedrooms in the basement aren't really useable, unless you have kids or enjoy a spartan/camping type atmosphere. It smells like a basement (to be expected), and the door to the one shower down there actually opens up to the main basement hallway, so there's no privacy. The 5 other bedrooms (including the one on the main floor) are all gorgeous and each has an attached bathroom. Beds are on the firm side, but comfortable. Overall, we would definitely stay here again. This historic home is a unique gem in the Hilo area.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2021

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

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests