Spacious house surrounded by anthuriums, lush " old growth" Ohia trees and other exotic ferns, palms and rare plants. 15 minutes from Rainbow Falls and the hospital. 20 minutes to downtown. 30 minutes to the airport and beaches. 40 minutes to the Volcano. Lots of private parking. Quiet, secure with locked outside gate, fresh forest air, pure Hawaiian (County) water. Be serenaded by the calls of the Coqui frogs at night and chirping of birds in the morning. Fast internet. Great for families, remote work groups and retreats.

Steve’s comments:

When we retired we could have moved anywhere in Hawaii. People ask why we chose to live in Hilo and not sunny Kona. For many reasons. The air in Hilo is fresh and humid. Our skin stays moist and rash free. We look and feel younger. The water is pure and tasty, filtered by the lava and delivered by the County. The temperatures are moderate all year round, averaging 75 degrees F. Yes, there is more rain in Hilo, but that creates the lush tropical forest with its abundance of rich oxygen. The anthuriums surrounding the house once planted require no care. The combination of rain, sun and shade make these and many other plants maintenance free. We feel close to nature.

We moved to Hilo for its ideal environment, but we discovered much more. King Kamehameha, who conquered and united the Hawaiian Islands, could have chosen any island on which to live, but preferred the Big Island as his home and headquarters. The Big Island is dotted with cultural sites of temples, villages, and history of those early days. The Big Island is where Captain Cook, the missionaries and sugar plantation immigrants first landed. That history is embedded in the culture of the Big Island.

Then there is the constantly fuming Kilauea volcano in Volcano National Park with it’s many wonderful trails. Mauna Kea is considered the highest mountain in the world, if measured from its base in the deep ocean. It is sometimes covered in snow in winter. Because its clear skies, the mountain is home to some of the greatest telescopes in the world.

Hilo has a small town flavor with its laid back life style and friendly people. Life goes on at a slow pace and makes for a relaxed and stress free experience. After centuries of mixing, there is no dominate race, but a mixture of many racial backgrounds; Hawaiian, Japanese, Chinese,Filipino, Korean, Portuguese, and many more. Their common language is also a mixture called pidgin English.

There are sights and sounds that are unique. You will wake to the cheerful rustle of bird song and sleep to the serenade of the mating coqui frogs. Wild chickens and pigs abound.

We have tried to capture these experiences at the Anthurium House and hope you enjoy them, as much as we have over the years.

Your hosts, Steve and Noko.

Aloha!