Grand Historic Hilo House | House in Hilo

9.8 (175 Reviews) |   5 Bedrooms  6 Bathrooms  14 Guests
Hilo House | Grand Historic Hilo House

Experience Elegance at the Grand Historic Hilo House

Welcome to the Grand Historic Hilo House, a stunning Victorian property situated on the exclusive Reeds Island—a treasure on Hawaii's Big Island. Nestled along the banks of the Wailuku River, this exquisite residence once served as the home for royal Hawaiian families and is just a short distance from Hilo's vibrant downtown, Bay Front, and the bustling Farmers Market.

Constructed in 1916 by British banker Thomas Guard, this grand estate is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, boasting elegance and charm throughout. The expansive living room features large sliding picture windows that frame breathtaking views of the lush nature surrounding the river. Ideal for family gatherings, both the spacious dining room and family room invite you to create lasting memories.

Step into the enclosed veranda adorned with large French windows and doors, where you'll find a perfect blend of work and leisure with a desk area and dining table. The house comprises four generous bedrooms, an office equipped with a day bed, an activity room with a large-screen TV and game table, and a children's room featuring two day beds for extra comfort. An open balcony on the second floor offers spectacular vistas overlooking Hilo Bay. The kitchen is modern and ample, while two washers and dryers located in the roomy basement enhance convenience.

The meticulously landscaped grounds are a feast for the eyes, with tropical colors and greenery flourishing in every direction. Embrace relaxation and tranquility with the soothing sounds of the Wailuku River flowing through your backyard, complemented by the tropical rainforest ambiance enveloping the property. Take advantage of the newly added cabana and deck area, perched right above the rushing river and waterfall.

You will be mere minutes from the historic downtown scene, featuring fine dining options and the famous Hilo Farmers’ Market; just eight minutes from Coconut Island and the serene Japanese Zen Garden complete with ancient fish ponds; twelve minutes from exceptional swimming and snorkeling spots at Carlsmith and Richardson Beach; and only fifteen minutes from Hilo Airport. Explore the beauty of Akaka Falls just twenty minutes away, or take a quick four-minute trip to the enchanting Rainbow Falls and Boiling Pots. The National Volcano Park is a scenic forty-minute drive, while local museums, churches, shops, and a library are all within walking distance along Waianuenue Avenue.

Your peace of mind is ensured with the installation of three surveillance cameras around the exterior, including one above the front entrance, one near the sun-room door, and a third over the driveway.

Please note that for guests exceeding two individuals, there is an additional charge of $40 per person per night. For any undeclared additional guests, the fee is $100 per guest per night. Rates vary during the Merrie Monarch Festival. A cleaning fee of $400 applies, alongside a tax rate totaling 17.962%. Event bookings incur a fee of $500, and a security deposit of $2000 is required upon reservation.

Where to Stay in Hilo: Discovering the Charm of Hilo, Hawaii

When considering where to stay in Hilo, you'll discover a captivating destination that blends rich history with stunning natural beauty. Nestled on the eastern coast of the Big Island, Hilo is renowned for its lush rainforests, vibrant culture, and warm Aloha spirit. Unique elements like the historic Grand Historic Hilo House, located on prestigious Reeds Island, provide an exquisite backdrop for your Hawaiian getaway. This grand Victorian, built in 1916, is a National Historic Place and offers spacious accommodations surrounded by tranquil gardens and the serene flow of the Wailuku River, making it a perfect oasis for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Once you're settled at the Grand Historic Hilo House, you’re just minutes away from various attractions to enrich your stay. Explore Hilo’s historic downtown filled with charming shops and dining options, or visit the famous Hilo Farmers’ Market for local produce and handmade crafts. Nature lovers will appreciate the easy access to Rainbow Falls and the picturesque Boiling Pots—both within four minutes. For a day trip, head to the breathtaking Akaka Falls or take a scenic drive to the Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park just 40 minutes away. With such proximity to these attractions, your stay at the Grand Historic Hilo House promises endless opportunities for adventure and exploration.

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Hilo, 96720, United States

Amenities

Parking
TV
View
Ocean View
Balcony/Terrace
Oceanfront
Security/Safety
Sports/Activities
Bedding/Linens
Wellness Facilities
Fireplace/Heating
Guest Services
Entertainment
Barbecue/Outdoor Cooking
Child Friendly
Internet
Kitchen
Laundry

Facility Overview

Bathrooms
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided
  • Shower
  • 6+ bathrooms
  • Shampoo
  • Hair dryer
Bedroom
  • 5 bedrooms
  • Sofa bed
  • Bed sheets provided
  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room
  • Dining room
Kitchen
  • Toaster
  • Oven
  • Electric kettle
  • Blender
  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Dishwasher
  • Microwave
  • Spices
Laundry
  • Near laundromat
  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine and dryer
Ocean view
  • Beach towels
  • On the beach
Parking
  • Onsite parking
  • Onsite parking options include a garage
  • Car recommended
Pet Friendly
  • No pets allowed
Accessibility
  • Smoke-free property
Activities
  • Fishing nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Cave exploring nearby
  • Golf privileges
  • Hiking nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Whale watching nearby
  • Rock climbing nearby
  • Birdwatching nearby
Entertainment
  • Smart TV with cable/satellite service
  • Arcade/game room
  • Games
  • Books
  • Stereo
  • DVD player
General
  • Unit size: 6000 sq ft (557 sq m)
  • Chinese (Mandarin)
  • English
  • Next to a golf course
  • In the mountains
  • On the river
  • On the waterfront
  • Near the sea
  • Near a hospital
  • Near a health or beauty spa
  • In the city center
  • Office
  • Desk chair
  • Desk
Guest Services
  • Children's books
  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone
Internet
  • Free WiFi
Outdoors
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Balcony
Security/Safety
  • First aid kit
  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Smoke detector installed (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)

Policies

Check-in
Check-in time starts at 4:00 pm contactless check-in available
Check-out
Check-out before 10:00 am contactless check-out available
Child Policy
Children are welcome.
Event Policy
No events allowed
Pet Policy
Pets not allowed
Smoking Policy
Smoking is not permitted
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 host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited property registration number ge-167-057-4080-01, ta-167-057-4080-01 safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed this property is managed through our partner, vrbo. you will receive an email from vrbo with a link to a vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
License number: GE-167-057-4080-01, TA-167-057-4080-01

Reviews

Jennifer C.
Mar 13, 2025 07:00:40 AM
Review Score:   10
Summary: The Thomas Guard house is a gem in Hilo. The location is perfect - not in the middle of the city but close enough to walk to local restaurants. The beautiful grounds, the waterfall, the river running through the backyard, they all added to the charm. The house is beautifully decorated and immaculately clean. Charlotte has thought of all the details to make this a wonderful place to stay. It was a perfect way to unwind from an otherwise busy life.
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FAQ's

Is this Grand Historic Hilo House pet-friendly for guests?

No, pets are not allowed at this property. Check the guest reviews to learn what guests had to share.

Does the Grand Historic Hilo House have a swimming pool?

No, this Grand Historic Hilo House does not have a swimming pool. Check the Facility Overview section for details about the pool and other available facilities.

How much does it cost per night to stay in Grand Historic Hilo House?

Best-rates for the Grand Historic Hilo House starts from $696 per night with includes Balcony/Terrace, Oceanfront, Security/Safety, Wellness Facilities, Guest Services, Laundry, Parking, TV, Sports/Activities, Bedding/Linens, Entertainment, Internet, Ocean View, Child Friendly, Kitchen, View, Fireplace/Heating, Barbecue/Outdoor Cooking with all amenities included. HawaiiVillas pairs each traveler with their ideal accommodation, whether traveling with a group, family, friends, or pets.

Is Grand Historic Hilo House a family-friendly place to stay?

Based on the information we have received from the owner or our partner, this is considered to be a family-friendly property. Families have rated this house Good or guests have recommended them suitable for families. As reported by the owner or manager, the house has specified that children are welcome. Please see details about suitability for your family or inquire with the property to learn more.

Is the Grand Historic Hilo House wheelchair accessible or offer services for disabled guests?

Based on the information received from our partner, the Grand Historic Hilo House has not specified they are wheelchair accessible. Likewise, there is not an elevator specified as being available at the property. Specific accessibility details may be addressed in the property details section of this page.

What is the minimum night stay policy for the Grand Historic Hilo House?

Based on the information reported by the owner or manager, the Grand Historic Hilo House indicates 1 day stay policy at this house. Guests are cautioned that the minimum stay policy may differ based on seasonality or availability and may be at the discretion of the owner or manager.

What cancellation policy is in place for Grand Historic Hilo House?

Based on the information reported by the owner or manager, details for the cancellation policy for the Grand Historic Hilo House are as follows: Cancellation policy Guests are cautioned that the cancellation policy may differ based on seasonality, availability, or current travel restrictions. Guests should also be aware that this policy may be subject to change and should be confirmed prior to booking. More details may be available on this page in the property description. However, early check-in or late check-out can sometimes be negotiated between the guest and the owner or the manager of this property.

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