Grand Historic Hilo House

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.

Nine adults stayed nine nights in this gorgeous historic and updated home. A true oasis surrounded by lush vegetation. The large property is in a very quiet area. Outstanding features were the numerous comfortable areas inside the home and the versatile covered front lanai. The internet is fast and reliable for multiple devices using a mesh wifi system providing full coverage. The house is fully stocked in every way. The owner has thought of every detail to making the stay enjoyable for everyone. The house is beautifully furnished in a relaxed, tasteful and fully functional manner. There is plenty of parking. Walking to town is possible, though driving is recommended. Contrary to what you may read, parking is not difficult in the city. The owner’s communication was always excellent. She provided information on the area and quickly answered all inquiries. I’d encourage anyone going to read and watch the plethora of information on the Hilo area. It is slower paced, less crowded and offers a different experience than the resort areas on the island. You can launch your island adventures and explorations from here and return to this tranquil and beautiful oasis of vegetation, birds and geckos scurrying around the property. You may think from the photos and description it is “too good to be true.” It truly is just that nice, inviting and an excellent relaxed home for a larger group.

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.

We loved our stay here. The home is very well stocked with extra towels and beach gear as well as plenty of dishes for cooking and a great gas grill under an outdoor gazebo. It is well located to all of downtown Hilo. It was a great homebase for trips to volcanoes national Park, Mayna kea, and several of the nearby waterfalls. It was built in 1916 and has no air conditioning, so be prepared for lots of open windows and outdoor noise plus early sunrise! We loved the change of pace!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

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.

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.

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!!

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.

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!!!

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.

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!

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.

Amazing property. Over 100 years old but very well maintained. Excellent kitchen equipment and beach supplies, if needed. Quiet neighborhood close to Hilotown and beaches.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Nine adults stayed nine nights in this gorgeous historic and updated home. A true oasis surrounded by lush vegetation. The large property is in a very quiet area. Outstanding features were the numerous comfortable areas inside the home and the versatile covered front lanai. The internet is fast and reliable for multiple devices using a mesh wifi system providing full coverage. The house is fully stocked in every way. The owner has thought of every detail to making the stay enjoyable for everyone. The house is beautifully furnished in a relaxed, tasteful and fully functional manner. There is plenty of parking. Walking to town is possible, though driving is recommended. Contrary to what you may read, parking is not difficult in the city. The owner’s communication was always excellent. She provided information on the area and quickly answered all inquiries. I’d encourage anyone going to read and watch the plethora of information on the Hilo area. It is slower paced, less crowded and offers a different experience than the resort areas on the island. You can launch your island adventures and explorations from here and return to this tranquil and beautiful oasis of vegetation, birds and geckos scurrying around the property. You may think from the photos and description it is “too good to be true.” It truly is just that nice, inviting and an excellent relaxed home for a larger group.

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.

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.

Everyone in our family was awed by our stay in this wonderful house. The location is quiet & the grounds are beautiful. The views from the back of the house are over a river gorge & the sound of the water can be heard in the background along with the songs of the birds. The rooms are spacious & very comfortably furnished. This stay was the highlight of our trip to the big island.

Beautiful historic house in Hilo--out of the way of the bustle and next to a river, this home was really relaxing. Be aware that you experience the whole of Hilo weather as the house is not air conditioned. The owner provided lots of fans and the ceiling fans and windows provided lovely breezes.

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.

This house is very special. Our group of 11 adults sat and talked to each other in every downstairs room, and on the amazing front porch - who does that anymore? I'm glad there was no TV and the internet was a bit spotty - we bonded as a group and loved it. Sleeping with the windows open and the river cascading through the valley behind was unexpectedly wonderful - I haven't slept so soundly on any vacation. It seemed a little stuffy when we arrived mid-afternoon, but the nights were cool and the temperature inside was perfect. Air conditioning was not missed. We felt very safe in the neighborhood - only a single lane entrance over a bridge, surrounded by the river which flows around all sides - an island within the island of Hawaii. Some minor issues were experienced - the icemaker was out, the gas stove a little tricky to operate, and the single door key was a challenge with 11 people coming and going in 2 vehicles . But the house was comfortable and secluded and we had a good time. Charlotte is a great host. Definitely recommend.

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.

We were a group of six close friends staying here for four days. This home easily entertains up to ten or more. The bedrooms were spacious and the attached bathrooms lend added privacy. The common areas were large with plenty of seating for our group. The kitchen provided all of the necessary tools for meal preparation. But the spectacular lanai was our favorite spot in the house for morning coffee and breakfast. The sound of the waterfall, river and nesting birds were wonderful. The house got a bit warm during the day but cooled off nicely in the evening with the windows open and the ceiling fans on. Sleeping was comfortable. Communication with Charlotte was prompt and easy and her recommendations for dining were spot on! Don’t hesitate staying at The Thomas Guard House. This was one of the most spectacular VRBO rentals we have stayed at in our travels through the U.S. and Western Europe.

This home is a beautiful and elegant place to spend time with family! Lots of space and many areas to congregate. The location by the river is truly special. Charlotte was a very communicative host and I would highly reccommend staying here.

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!!!

Let me be upfront by saying this host recorded my family inside of this house without our knowledge, in violation of VRBO policy. The lack of respect for our privacy was shocking and upsetting. Cannot recommend this property or host, and I am reconsidering VRBO. This is an interesting historical house in a verdant location that you probably would not be able to stay at otherwise. However, the listing is loaded with fees that makes the listed price a total fantasy (we paid 3 times the advertised avg/night cost). The house also came with a ton of rules and chores that are not communicated up front. Some of these seemed normal (be quiet after 9pm) and some just nagging (don't wash your face/hands/feet with towels) , but the end result is that it was very hard to feel welcome in this house. We weren't told about chores regarding the beds and laundry until the night before checkout! A steep ravine in the back of the house that is separated from the narrow backyard by a VERY low wall (below knee height). At the bottom of the ravine is the beautiful and dangerous Wailuku River. “Wailuku” translates as “water of destruction” and the river is known for drowning those who fall in or are daring enough to swim. Don’t let kids play unsupervised outdoors and keep a hand on any little ones tempted to have a look.

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!

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.

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!

Fabulous house. Correct that; it was a mansion. Gorgeous grounds and setting by the river. Spacious! We all had a wonderful time. Charlotte was a fantastic hostess. Mahalo nui loa.

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!

A wonderful place for a large family gathering. You will find everything you need plus a very helpful host! We would return if in Hilo again!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

Let me be upfront by saying this host recorded my family inside of this house without our knowledge, in violation of VRBO policy. The lack of respect for our privacy was shocking and upsetting. Cannot recommend this property or host, and I am reconsidering VRBO. This is an interesting historical house in a verdant location that you probably would not be able to stay at otherwise. However, the listing is loaded with fees that makes the listed price a total fantasy (we paid 3 times the advertised avg/night cost). The house also came with a ton of rules and chores that are not communicated up front. Some of these seemed normal (be quiet after 9pm) and some just nagging (don't wash your face/hands/feet with towels) , but the end result is that it was very hard to feel welcome in this house. We weren't told about chores regarding the beds and laundry until the night before checkout! A steep ravine in the back of the house that is separated from the narrow backyard by a VERY low wall (below knee height). At the bottom of the ravine is the beautiful and dangerous Wailuku River. “Wailuku” translates as “water of destruction” and the river is known for drowning those who fall in or are daring enough to swim. Don’t let kids play unsupervised outdoors and keep a hand on any little ones tempted to have a look.

Great location, very spacious historic home; excellent accommodations with a complete kitchen and more; well maintained; very quiet except for those noisy and interesting frogs at night; and certainly a home a family would enjoy especially being close to Hilo for shopping, etc.

The house is fabulous and the location is perfect. Our group of eight enjoyed our week so much. The front porch was our favorite gathering place and the grounds are so peaceful and tranquil. We walked to the farmers market, restaurant and the grocery store not because we didn’t have a car but because the location was so lovely. Thank you for sharing your grand home with us.

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!

Beautiful home and well maintained. Lovely environs and quick trip into downtown Hilo