This holiday home places you in the centre of Hilo, within just a 5-minute stroll of Hamakua Heritage Corridor and within 15 minutes of Naha Stone. Highlights at this beachfront holiday home include a kitchen, a washing machine and free WiFi. .You can enjoy Smart televisions with a DVD player, and home features 6.5 bathrooms, a fireplace and a balcony. In-room dining is easy with a kitchen that comes equipped with a fridge, a microwave and a stovetop. A sofa bed, a living room and a dining area are also available. Housekeeping is available on request. .This beach holiday home offers a games room, a garden and barbecues. Added amenities include laundry facilities. .Near this Hilo holiday home, you'll find Port of Hilo.
University of Hawaii at Hilo - 4 min drive - 3.8 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
L & L Drive-Inn - 17 min walk
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
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.
Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
General
Garden
Housekeeping (on request)
Unit size: 6,000 square feet
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Check-out
Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out
Special check-in instructions
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
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.
Pets
No pets allowed
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome.
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
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
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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business.
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. On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector and a first aid kit in all accommodation.
Property Registration Number GE-167-057-4080-01, TA-167-057-4080-01
Property is also known as
Hilo House Exclusive Reeds Island Grand Historic Home
House Exclusive Reeds Island Grand Historic Home
Hilo Exclusive Reeds Island Grand Historic Home
Exclusive Reeds Island Grand Historic Home
Hilo House Exclusive Reeds Island Grand Historic Home
House Exclusive Reeds Island Grand Historic Home
Hilo Exclusive Reeds Island Grand Historic Home
Exclusive Reeds Island Grand Historic Home
House Exclusive Reeds Historic
The Hilo House An Exclusive Reeds Island Grand Historic Home
Frequently asked questions
Are there any beaches close to Grand Historic Hilo House?
The closest beach to Grand Historic Hilo House is Onekahakaha Beach Park (6.4 km).
How much does it cost to stay at Grand Historic Hilo House?
As of 30 Dec 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Grand Historic Hilo House on 16 Jan 2026 start from NZ$2,509.32, 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.
Does Grand Historic Hilo House have a pool?
No, this holiday home doesn't have a pool.
Is Grand Historic Hilo House family-friendly?
You bet! With amenities such as an arcade, laundry facilities and children's books, it's no surprise that Grand Historic Hilo House is a winner with our family travellers.
Is there a free airport shuttle available at Grand Historic Hilo House?
No, Grand Historic Hilo House does not offer an airport shuttle service.
What time are check-in & check-out at Grand Historic Hilo House?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM. Check-out time is 10:00 AM.
Are pets allowed at Grand Historic Hilo House?
No, pets are not allowed.
Is there a golf course on site at Grand Historic Hilo House?
There is a golf course next to Grand Historic Hilo House.
Grand Historic Hilo House Reviews
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 174 out of 184 reviews
10 - Excellent
174
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 184 reviews
8 - Good
6
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 184 reviews
6 - Okay
1
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 184 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 184 reviews
2 - Terrible
3
9.8/10
Cleanliness
10/10
Amenities
10/10
Property conditions & facilities
10/10
Eco-friendliness
Reviews
8/10 Good
Tim G.
16 Dec 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Nice big house for my family of 10. Lots of comfort both inside and outside. Close to downtown Hilo.
Tim G.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2025
10/10 Excellent
Karen L.
8 Nov 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
This house was the dream home for our family of 8 vacation! Beautifully maintained, everything we needed for family dinners, and gorgeous spots to just relax and talk. It was a joy sleeping to the sound of the river and chirping frogs. We loved gathering on the wide veranda for coffee every morning before heading out to explore Hilo!
Karen L.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025
10/10 Excellent
Andrea D., orland park, Illinois, USA
9 Oct 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful home and well maintained. Lovely environs and quick trip into downtown Hilo
Andrea D.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2025
10/10 Excellent
Rebekah K., Sacramento, CA
18 Aug 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
The Thomas Guard house is a very special place! The setting is spectacular, with waterfall and jungle views from multiple lanais. There was plenty of space for our group of seven to spread out (including three kids and two grandmas) - everyone had their own bedroom and bathroom, which was ideal for our family. The house is beautifully and lovingly restored and well-maintained. There is no air conditioning, but each bedroom has a ceiling fan and a floor fan, so we all slept in relative comfort. It does get hot so be prepared if you have folks sensitive to heat, but the trade winds do help cool everything down. For guests with young kids, adult supervision is a must if they are outside. The beautiful river setting comes with a steep drop-off along the banks.We arrived the day of a tsunami warning. Charlotte was very kind and was very quick to answer our questions about safety and our ability to check in, which we very much appreciated.Lastly - if you are a light sleeper (or sensitive to noise) - bring ear plugs or white noise. There are lots of lovely jungle critters that are active at night. One in particular (a frog?) made a repetitive sound that kept only one of our party up (me!). Thank you to Charlotte for sharing her one-of-kind home with our family for a special Hilo vacation.
Rebekah K.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025
8/10 Good
Renee L.
14 Aug 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
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.
Renee L.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
10/10 Excellent
Donna R.
2 Aug 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic old Hawaii charm! A beautiful home with room for the whole family to spread out and relax. A great yard, a view of the river and waterfall, a sprawling lanai for meals and playing games. We love this house for our family trips to Hilo. Close to everything but in a quiet neighborhood. Mahalo piha Charlotte
Donna R.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
10/10 Excellent
allen h.
28 Jul 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
This is a spectacular historic house complete with historic furnishings. The host was very easy to work with, excellent communication. I would ask all guests to please respect this very special home and take extra care when you stay, you will not be disappointed. Mahalo!
allen h.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
10/10 Excellent
Karen S.
17 Jul 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
It is a beautiful and stunning home. Property is immaculate. View of the river is awesome. So many places to sit with family members, inside (huge dining table, living room, sun room) and outside (front porch, deck, bbq area). Bedrooms and bathrooms are huge and very comfortable.
Karen S.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025
10/10 Excellent
Jenny H.
8 Jul 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
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!!!
Jenny H.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2025
10/10 Excellent
Sandra J.
17 Jun 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
The Grand Historic Hili House was absolutely beautiful. The waterfalls in the backyard were stunning. I would love to stat there again someday.
Sandra J.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
10/10 Excellent
Holly C.
22 May 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Graduation Gathering
The property was simply amazing. Plenty of room and plenty of everything else we could possibly want or need.
Everything about this property is wonderful, but the view is beyond spectacular!!
Christina
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025
10/10 Excellent
Cynthia S.
30 Apr 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
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!!
Cynthia S.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
10/10 Excellent
Jennifer B., San Diego
15 Apr 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
It was an honor to stay in a Hawaiian house on the National Register of Historic Places; fabulous!
When we first got there, we just had to look at all the amazing rooms and views and artwork; I felt it was the best place that I’ve ever stayed in Hilo. Better than any other rental and better than the Naniloa, even its highest rooms with the most ocean visibility because this place is so peaceful and no stress. It is completely private, plus it is beautiful with a view of the Wailuku River and the sound is heavenly. The living room is stunning, but the large outside balcony is where we hung out most of the time. It seemed every bedroom had a bathroom (perhaps not in the downstairs kid area; we did not have children with us, but my husband did watch TV down there). It is a 16 minute walk to Temple Bar, which has great food and drinks. Because it is so close to downtown Hilo, the location is very walkable and the walk is beautiful. I cannot recommend this house enough for people who love art and style. It also felt very comfortable. The kitchen is huge. There are so many fascinating things like the ancient sink and the servant stairway, which is right next to the main stairway. The original servant’s quarters is a beautiful day room with many-paned windows. There is only one room with a king bed, notably, the shadiest room in the house and therefore the coolest: upper north west. Upper southwest has a Jacuzzi tub that we did not use but looked inviting. This room had a better closet and a nice sitting area. It was just a joy to be in the house and on the grounds.
Jennifer B.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025
10/10 Excellent
Janalee W.
10 Apr 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Janalee W.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2025
10/10 Excellent
Jennifer C.
13 Mar 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Spring Break
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.
Jennifer C.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025
10/10 Excellent
Doug S.
9 Mar 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Hilo Family Trip
The historic home and setting is absolutely beautiful. We especially appreciated the well equipped kitchen as well as the 4 large bedrooms upstairs each with their own private bathroom and shower. The home is immaculate and the grounds well maintained. An added bonus is the view into the Wailuku Gorge and upstream to one of several waterfalls.
Doug S.
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2025
10/10 Excellent
Ruth K., Wausau, WI USA
31 Jan 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Absolutely wonderful
This Historic home is very spacious, well kept and well supplied with everything you may neeI highly recommend staying d. Plenty of dishes, utensils and even 2 washers and dryers.The view of the waterfall in back was amazing.I highly recommend staying at the Historic Hilo House.
Ruth K.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2025
10/10 Excellent
Valerie S.
18 Jan 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Spacious Beautiful Heritage House
Beautiful house on gorgeous grounds. Lots of space for our family holiday and super well equipped. We loved it!
Valerie S.
Stayed 8 nights in Jan 2025
10/10 Excellent
Christy C.
5 Jan 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing House
I cannot overstate how beautiful this property is. The house is a historical home chock full of nooks and crannies to explore and it is set on the most beautiful piece of land. Sitting in the great room with a cup of coffee looking out into the trees was like a dream. Our host, Charlotte was so kind, easy to communicate with, and very gracious. We appreciated her hospitality. Thanks Charlotte!
Christy C.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025
10/10 Excellent
Mary Y.
3 Jan 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Hilo
This historic house is set in a lush tropical paradise. The grounds are meticulously maintained and next to a beautiful river. The location is a short walk into Hilo. The house is spacious and we enjoyed sitting on the front porch and near the river. The house was clean and beautifully decorated. Charolette was a welcoming host who communicated before and during our stay. The Hilo location allowed us to see the sites on this side of the island (including two trips to see the volcano erupting at the national park) without spending all day in the car. We are lucky to have found this gem for our three night stay in Hilo!
Mary Y.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024
10/10 Excellent
stephanie k.
27 Dec 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Great spacious house
Stayed with extended family for multiple days/nights. Plenty of bedrooms, bathrooms, and gathering places. Beautiful setting. Kitchen was stocked well with all the pots, pans, and cooking utensils that we needed. Thanks for providing such a lovely location to stay!
stephanie k.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2024
10/10 Excellent
Marian S.
28 Oct 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
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.
Marian S.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024
10/10 Excellent
James Q.
9 Sept 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
A relaxing family vacation.
Beautiful, roomy, well appointed, historical home. What a great dining room table to eat and talk with family.
James Q.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
Jean P., Pennington, NJ, USA
25 Aug 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Spectacular Histric Home
One cannot say enough about the beauty of this home and its setting. There was plenty of room for our family of 7 adults and 6 children. The enormous, well appointed kitchen had everything we needed to make meals, and the dining room was large enough to accommodate us all.