The Heart of Old Hawaii | House in Hilo

ʻO ka hale maikaʻi, he waiwai nō nā poʻe a pau.
A good home is a treasure for all people.
Experience the heart of old Hawaiʻi in this beautifully restored plantation-era home in Wainaku.
Welcome to our vibrant and peaceful 1931 home, tucked away on quiet Kauila Street in the historic plantation village of Wainaku, just minutes from downtown Hilo and Hilo Bay. Enjoy the peek-a-boo ocean views! Once surrounded entirely by sugarcane fields, this neighborhood was central to Hawaiʻi’s booming sugar industry; a legacy still felt in the stories, scenery, and culture all around you.
Today, this charming two-bedroom, one-bath home offers a peaceful and artful escape. It’s part of a larger property that includes a professional office at the front of the building (quiet and open only on weekdays) and an on-site manager to ensure you’re well taken care of.
Inside the home, you’ll find:
• Two serene bedrooms painted in a calming seafoam green and accented with bright, colorful local artwork that makes you feel like you’re sleeping inside a gallery
• One full bathroom, sparkling clean and thoughtfully stocked
• A fully equipped kitchen with everything you need to prepare any meal, from quick breakfasts to full holiday feasts (yes, even Thanksgiving!)
• Gas stove, oven, microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker, toaster, and all the cookware, utensils, pots, pans, and serving dishes you could want
• Air conditioning throughout bedrooms for your comfort.
• A beautiful lanai perfect for sipping your morning coffee or enjoying an evening meal under the stars
The house is painted in soft, welcoming tones and filled with thoughtful touches that reflect the spirit and beauty of the Big Island.
Outside, enjoy:
• A peaceful, landscaped setting
• Off-street parking
• Easy access to downtown Hilo, just 2 minutes away
• The nearby Wainaku Executive Center, once the bustling Hilo Sugar Mill, now a cultural and event venue with sweeping ocean views
Rooted in History, Close to Everything
Wainaku is more than a neighborhood; it’s part of the living history of Hilo. Once home to workers from China, Japan, Portugal, the Philippines, and beyond, the sugar plantations here helped shape Hawaiʻi’s multicultural identity. Today, Wainaku is a quiet, green residential area perched just above the bay, close to everything yet away from the noise.
• 2 minutes to downtown Hilo, Hilo Farmers Market, and waterfront restaurants
• Just minutes to Hilo Bay for ocean views, paddleboarding, or a peaceful stroll along Banyan Drive
• About 10 minutes to Onomea Bay and the world-famous Hawaiʻi Tropical Botanical Gardens
• 10 minutes to nearby beach parks for swimming, picnics, and turtle-watching
• About 20 minutes to ʻAkaka Falls and the scenic Hāmākua Coast
• Just minutes away from the famous, world-renowned Rainbow Falls
• Nearby walking and scenic areas to explore plantation-era remnants and local art
The front of the home operates as a quiet professional office, open only Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The staff are exceptionally respectful; most guests never even notice they’re there.
Whether you’re here to reconnect with nature, explore Hawaiʻi’s cultural roots, or simply relax in a peaceful, art-filled home with all the comforts, 323 Kauila offers a uniquely local experience.
Book your stay in the heart of historic Hilo where sugar once ruled, art now thrives, and aloha still lives in every corner.

The Heart of Old Hawaii is located in Hilo. The Heart of Old Hawaii provides accommodation, featuring Fireplace/Heating, Child Friendly, Internet, among other amenities. This House features Fireplace/Heating, Child Friendly, Internet, to make your stay a comfortable one.

The Heart of Old Hawaii has 2 Bedrooms , 1 Bathroom, and max occupancy of 7 persons. The minimum rental for this property is 1 night, but this can change depending on the season you plan on staying. Previous guests have given good rated it, and VRBO labeled it a top-rated House because of the excellent services rendered by the owner or manager of this House, and has consistently provided great experiences for their guests. Most families or guests that use it recommend it to their friends and some of them are repeat guests. House has a friendly neighborhood, and the Hilo has interesting places to visit. If you want to learn more about the House in Hilo, such as places to visit and things to do nearby, you can check below to learn more.